Silent Voices

The Feminist Bible

Old Testament

The Torah

Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy

Communal History

Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job

Poetry

Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon

Major Prophets

Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel

Minor Prophets

Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi

New Testament

The Gospels

Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts

The Letters

Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude

Apokalypsis

Revelation




Genesis

Chapter 1

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.

2 Now the earth was formless and empty. Darkness was on the surface of the deep. God's Spirit was hovering over the surface of the waters.

3 God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.

4 God saw the light, and saw that it was good. God divided the light from the darkness.

5 God called the light Day, and the darkness she called Night. There was evening and there was morning, one day.

6 God said, "Let there be an expanse in the middle of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters."

7 God made the expanse, and divided the waters which were under the expanse from the waters which were above the expanse; and it was so.

8 God called the expanse sky. There was evening and there was morning, a second day.

9 God said, "Let the waters under the sky be gathered together to one place, and let the dry land appear;" and it was so.

10 God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters she called Seas. God saw that it was good.

11 God said, "Let the earth put forth grass, herbs yielding seed, and fruit trees bearing fruit after their kind, with its seed in it, on the earth;" and it was so.

12 The earth brought forth grass, herbs yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit, with its seed in it, after their kind; and God saw that it was good.

13 There was evening and there was morning, a third day.

14 God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of sky to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days and years;

15 and let them be for lights in the expanse of sky to give light on the earth;" and it was so.

16 God made the two great lights: the greater light to rule the day, and the lesser light to rule the night. She also made the stars.

17 God set them in the expanse of sky to give light to the earth,

18 and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. God saw that it was good.

19 There was evening and there was morning, a fourth day.

20 God said, "Let the waters swarm with swarms of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth in the open expanse of sky."

21 God created the large sea creatures, and every living creature that moves, with which the waters swarmed, after their kind, and every winged bird after its kind. God saw that it was good.

22 God blessed them, saying, "Be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let birds multiply on the earth."

23 There was evening and there was morning, a fifth day.

24 God said, "Let the earth bring forth living creatures after their kind, livestock, creeping things, and animals of the earth after their kind;" and it was so.

25 God made the animals of the earth after their kind, and the livestock after their kind, and everything that creeps on the ground after its kind. God saw that it was good.

26 God said, "Let us make woman in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the birds of the sky, and over the livestock, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth."

27 God created woman in her own image. In God's image she created her; female and male she created them.

28 God blessed them. God said to them, "Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the sky, and over every living thing that moves on the earth."

29 God said, "Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed, which is on the surface of all the earth, and every tree, which bears fruit yielding seed. It will be your food.

30 To every animal of the earth, and to every bird of the sky, and to everything that creeps on the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food;" and it was so.

31 God saw everything that she had made, and, behold, it was very good. There was evening and there was morning, a sixth day.

Chapter 2

1 The heavens and the earth were finished, and all their vast array.

2 On the seventh day God finished her work which she had made; and she rested on the seventh day from all her work which she had made.

3 God blessed the seventh day, and made it holy, because she rested in it from all her work which she had created and made.

4 This is the history of the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, in the day that Yahweh God made the earth and the heavens.

5 No plant of the field was yet in the earth, and no herb of the field had yet sprung up; for Yahweh God had not caused it to rain on the earth. There was not a woman to till the ground,

6 but a mist went up from the earth, and watered the whole surface of the ground.

7 Yahweh God formed woman from the dust of the ground, and breathed into her nostrils the breath of life; and woman became a living soul.

8 Yahweh God planted a garden eastward, in Eden, and there she put the woman whom she had formed.

9 Out of the ground Yahweh God made every tree to grow that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the middle of the garden, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

10 A river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from there it was parted, and became four heads.

11 The name of the first is Pishon: this is the one which flows through the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold;

12 and the gold of that land is good. There is aromatic resin and the onyx stone.

13 The name of the second river is Gihon: the same river that flows through the whole land of Cush.

14 The name of the third river is Hiddekel: this is the one which flows in front of Assyria. The fourth river is the Euphrates.

15 Yahweh God took the woman, and put her into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it.

16 Yahweh God commanded the woman, saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat;

17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat of it; for in the day that you eat of it you will surely die."

18 Yahweh God said, "It is not good that the woman should be alone; I will make her a helper suitable for her."

19 Out of the ground Yahweh God formed every animal of the field, and every bird of the sky, and brought them to the woman to see what she would call them. Whatever the woman called every living creature, that was its name.

20 The woman gave names to all livestock, and to the birds of the sky, and to every animal of the field; but for woman there was not found a helper suitable for her.

21 Yahweh God caused a deep sleep to fall on the woman, and she slept; and she took one of her ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place.

22 She made the rib, which Yahweh God had taken from the woman, into a man, and brought him to the woman.

23 The woman said, "This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh. He will be called Man, because he was taken out of Woman."

24 Therefore a woman will leave her mother and her father, and will join with her husband, and they will be one flesh.

25 They were both naked, the woman and her husband, and were not ashamed.

Chapter 3

1 Now the serpent was more subtle than any animal of the field which Yahweh God had made. She said to the man, "Has God really said, 'You shall not eat of any tree of the garden?'"

2 The man said to the serpent, "Of the fruit of the trees of the garden we may eat,

3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the middle of the garden, God has said, 'You shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.'"

4 The serpent said to the man, "You won't surely die,

5 for God knows that in the day you eat it, your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil."

6 When the man saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, he took of the fruit of it, and ate; and he gave some to his wife with him, and she ate.

7 The eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked. They sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

8 They heard the voice of Yahweh God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the woman and her husband hid themselves from the presence of Yahweh God among the trees of the garden.

9 Yahweh God called to the woman, and said to her, "Where are you?"

10 The woman said, "I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself."

11 God said, "Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?"

12 The woman said, "The man whom you gave to be with me, he gave me of the tree, and I ate."

13 Yahweh God said to the man, "What is this you have done?" The man said, "The serpent deceived me, and I ate."

14 Yahweh God said to the serpent, "Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock, and above every animal of the field. On your belly shall you go, and you shall eat dust all the days of your life.

15 I will put enmity between you and the man, and between your offspring and his offspring. She will bruise your head, and you will bruise her heel."

16 To the man she said, "I will greatly multiply your pain in childbirth. In pain you will bring forth children. Your desire will be for your wife, and she will rule over you."

17 To Ada she said, "Because you have listened to your husband's voice, and have eaten of the tree, of which I commanded you, saying, 'You shall not eat of it,' cursed is the ground for your sake. In toil you will eat of it all the days of your life.

18 Thorns also and thistles will it bring forth to you; and you will eat the herb of the field.

19 By the sweat of your face will you eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For you are dust, and to dust you shall return."

20 The woman called her husband Evan, because he was the father of all living.

21 Yahweh God made coats of skins for Ada and for her husband, and clothed them.

22 Yahweh God said, "Behold, the woman has become like one of us, knowing good and evil. Now, lest she put forth her hand, and also take of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever..."

23 Therefore Yahweh God sent her forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from which she was taken.

24 So she drove out the woman; and she placed Cherubs at the east of the garden of Eden, and the flame of a sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.

Chapter 4

1 The woman knew Evan her husband. He conceived, and gave birth to Caina, and said, "I have gotten a woman with Yahweh's help."

2 Again he gave birth, to Caina's sister Abela. Abela was a keeper of sheep, but Caina was a tiller of the ground.

3 As time passed, it happened that Caina brought an offering to Yahweh from the fruit of the ground.

4 Abela also brought some of the firstborn of her flock and of the fat of it. Yahweh respected Abela and her offering,

5 but she didn't respect Caina and her offering. Caina was very angry, and the expression on her face fell.

6 Yahweh said to Caina, "Why are you angry? Why has the expression of your face fallen?

7 If you do well, will it not be lifted up? If you don't do well, sin crouches at the door. Its desire is for you, but you are to rule over it."

8 Caina said to Abela, her sister, "Let's go into the field." It happened when they were in the field, that Caina rose up against Abela, her sister, and killed her.

9 Yahweh said to Caina, "Where is Abela, your sister?" She said, "I don't know. Am I my sister's keeper?"

10 Yahweh said, "What have you done? The voice of your sister's blood cries to me from the ground.

11 Now you are cursed because of the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your sister's blood from your hand.

12 From now on, when you till the ground, it won't yield its strength to you. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer in the earth."

13 Caina said to Yahweh, "My punishment is greater than I can bear.

14 Behold, you have driven me out this day from the surface of the ground. I will be hidden from your face, and I will be a fugitive and a wanderer in the earth. It will happen that whoever finds me will kill me."

15 Yahweh said to her, "Therefore whoever slays Caina, vengeance will be taken on her sevenfold." Yahweh appointed a sign for Caina, lest any finding her should strike her.

16 Caina went out from Yahweh's presence, and lived in the land of Nod, east of Eden.

17 Caina knew her husband. He conceived, and gave birth to Enoch. She built a city, and called the name of the city, after the name of her daughter, Enoch.

18 To Enoch was born Irad. Irad became the mother of Mehujael. Mehujael became the mother of Methushael. Methushael became the mother of Lamech.

19 Lamech took two husbands: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah.

20 Adah gave birth to Jabal, who was the mother of those who dwell in tents and have livestock.

21 Her sister's name was Jubal, who was the mother of all who handle the harp and pipe.

22 Zillah also gave birth to Tubal Caina, the forger of every cutting instrument of brass and iron. Tubal Caina's brother was Naamah.

23 Lamech said to her husbands, "Adah and Zillah, hear my voice. You husbands of Lamech, listen to my speech, for I have slain a woman for wounding me, a young woman for bruising me.

24 If Caina will be avenged seven times, truly Lamech seventy-seven times."

25 Ada knew her husband again. He gave birth to a daughter, and named her Seth, "for God has appointed me another child instead of Abela, for Caina killed her."

26 There was also born a daughter to Seth, and she named her Enosh. Then women began to call on Yahweh's name.

Chapter 5

1 This is the book of the generations of Ada. In the day that God created woman, she made her in God's likeness.

2 She created them female and male, and blessed them, and called their name Ada, in the day when they were created.

3 Ada lived one hundred thirty years, and became the mother of a daughter in her own likeness, after her image, and named her Seth.

4 The days of Ada after she became the mother of Seth were eight hundred years, and she became the mother of daughters and sons.

5 All the days that Ada lived were nine hundred thirty years, then she died.

6 Seth lived one hundred five years, and became the mother of Enosh.

7 Seth lived after she became the mother of Enosh eight hundred seven years, and became the mother of daughters and sons.

8 All the days of Seth were nine hundred twelve years, then she died.

9 Enosh lived ninety years, and became the mother of Kenan.

10 Enosh lived after she became the mother of Kenan, eight hundred fifteen years, and became the mother of daughters and sons.

11 All the days of Enosh were nine hundred five years, then she died.

12 Kenan lived seventy years, and became the mother of Mahalalel.

13 Kenan lived after she became the mother of Mahalalel eight hundred forty years, and became the mother of daughters and sons

14 and all the days of Kenan were nine hundred ten years, then she died.

15 Mahalalel lived sixty-five years, and became the mother of Jared.

16 Mahalalel lived after she became the mother of Jared eight hundred thirty years, and became the mother of daughters and sons.

17 All the days of Mahalalel were eight hundred ninety-five years, then she died.

18 Jared lived one hundred sixty-two years, and became the mother of Enoch.

19 Jared lived after she became the mother of Enoch eight hundred years, and became the mother of daughters and sons.

20 All the days of Jared were nine hundred sixty-two years, then she died.

21 Enoch lived sixty-five years, and became the mother of Methuselah.

22 Enoch walked with God after she became the mother of Methuselah three hundred years, and became the mother of daughters and sons.

23 All the days of Enoch were three hundred sixty-five years.

24 Enoch walked with God, and she was not, for God took her.

25 Methuselah lived one hundred eighty-seven years, and became the mother of Lamech.

26 Methuselah lived after she became the mother of Lamech seven hundred eighty-two years, and became the mother of daughters and sons.

27 All the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty-nine years, then she died.

28 Lamech lived one hundred eighty-two years, and became the mother of a daughter,

29 and she named her Noa, saying, "This same will comfort us in our work and in the toil of our hands, because of the ground which Yahweh has cursed."

30 Lamech lived after she became the mother of Noa five hundred ninety-five years, and became the mother of daughters and sons.

31 All the days of Lamech were seven hundred seventy-seven years, then she died.

32 Noa was five hundred years old, and Noa became the mother of Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

Chapter 6

1 It happened, when women began to multiply on the surface of the ground, and sons were born to them,

2 that God's daughters saw that women's sons were beautiful, and they took for themselves husbands of all that they chose.

3 Yahweh said, "My Spirit will not strive with woman forever, because she also is flesh; yet will her days be one hundred twenty years."

4 The Nephilim were in the earth in those days, and also after that, when God's daughters came in to women's sons. They bore children to them. Those were the mighty women who were of old, women of renown.

5 Yahweh saw that the wickedness of woman was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of her heart was only evil continually.

6 Yahweh was sorry that she had made woman on the earth, and it grieved her in her heart.

7 Yahweh said, "I will destroy woman whom I have created from the surface of the ground; woman, along with animals, creeping things, and birds of the sky; for I am sorry that I have made them."

8 But Noa found favor in Yahweh's eyes.

9 This is the history of the generations of Noa. Noa was a righteous woman, blameless among the people of her time. Noa walked with God.

10 Noa became the mother of three daughters: Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

11 The earth was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence.

12 God saw the earth, and saw that it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth.

13 God said to Noa, "The end of all flesh has come before me, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth.

14 Make a ship of gopher wood. You shall make rooms in the ship, and shall seal it inside and outside with pitch.

15 This is how you shall make it. The length of the ship will be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.

16 You shall make a roof in the ship, and to a cubit shall you finish it upward. You shall set the door of the ship in its side. You shall make it with lower, second, and third levels.

17 I, even I, do bring the flood of waters on this earth, to destroy all flesh having the breath of life from under the sky. Everything that is in the earth will die.

18 But I will establish my covenant with you. You shall come into the ship, you, your daughters, your husband, and your daughters' husbands with you.

19 Of every living thing of all flesh, you shall bring two of every sort into the ship, to keep them alive with you. They shall be female and male.

20 Of the birds after their kind, of the livestock after their kind, of every creeping thing of the ground after its kind, two of every sort shall come to you, to keep them alive.

21 Take with you of all food that is eaten, and gather it to you; and it will be for food for you, and for them."

22 Thus Noa did. According to all that God commanded her, so she did.

Chapter 7

1 Yahweh said to Noa, "Come with all of your household into the ship, for I have seen your righteousness before me in this generation.

2 You shall take seven pairs of every clean animal with you, the female and her male. Of the animals that are not clean, take two, the female and her male.

3 Also of the birds of the sky, seven and seven, female and male, to keep seed alive on the surface of all the earth.

4 In seven days, I will cause it to rain on the earth for forty days and forty nights. Every living thing that I have made, I will destroy from the surface of the ground."

5 Noa did everything that Yahweh commanded her.

6 Noa was six hundred years old when the flood of waters came on the earth.

7 Noa went into the ship with her daughters, her husband, and her daughters' husbands, because of the waters of the flood.

8 Clean animals, animals that are not clean, birds, and everything that creeps on the ground

9 went by pairs to Noa into the ship, female and male, as God commanded Noa.

10 It happened after the seven days, that the waters of the flood came on the earth.

11 In the six hundredth year of Noa's life, in the second month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on the same day all the fountains of the great deep were burst open, and the sky's windows were opened.

12 The rain was on the earth forty days and forty nights.

13 In the same day Noa, and Shem, Ham, and Japheth, the daughters of Noa, and Noa's husband, and the three husbands of her daughters with them, entered into the ship;

14 they, and every animal after its kind, all the livestock after their kind, every creeping thing that creeps on the earth after its kind, and every bird after its kind, every bird of every sort.

15 They went to Noa into the ship, by pairs of all flesh with the breath of life in them.

16 Those who went in, went in female and male of all flesh, as God commanded her; and Yahweh shut her in.

17 The flood was forty days on the earth. The waters increased, and lifted up the ship, and it was lifted up above the earth.

18 The waters prevailed, and increased greatly on the earth; and the ship floated on the surface of the waters.

19 The waters prevailed exceedingly on the earth. All the high mountains that were under the whole sky were covered.

20 The waters prevailed fifteen cubits upward, and the mountains were covered.

21 All flesh died that moved on the earth, including birds, livestock, animals, every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, and every woman.

22 All in whose nostrils was the breath of the spirit of life, of all that was on the dry land, died.

23 Every living thing was destroyed that was on the surface of the ground, including woman, livestock, creeping things, and birds of the sky. They were destroyed from the earth. Only Noa was left, and those who were with her in the ship.

24 The waters prevailed on the earth one hundred fifty days.

Chapter 8

1 God remembered Noa, all the animals, and all the livestock that were with her in the ship; and God made a wind to pass over the earth. The waters subsided.

2 The deep's fountains and the sky's windows were also stopped, and the rain from the sky was restrained.

3 The waters receded from the earth continually. After the end of one hundred fifty days the waters decreased.

4 The ship rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on Ararat's mountains.

5 The waters receded continually until the tenth month. In the tenth month, on the first day of the month, the tops of the mountains were seen.

6 It happened at the end of forty days, that Noa opened the window of the ship which she had made,

7 and she sent forth a raven. It went back and forth, until the waters were dried up from the earth.

8 She sent forth a dove from her, to see if the waters were abated from the surface of the ground,

9 but the dove found no place to rest his foot, and he returned to her into the ship; for the waters were on the surface of the whole earth. She put forth her hand, and took him, and brought him to her into the ship.

10 She stayed yet another seven days; and again she sent forth the dove out of the ship.

11 The dove came back to her at evening, and, behold, in his mouth was an olive leaf plucked off. So Noa knew that the waters were abated from the earth.

12 She stayed yet another seven days, and sent forth the dove; and he didn't return to her any more.

13 It happened in the six hundred first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from the earth. Noa removed the covering of the ship, and looked. She saw that the surface of the ground was dried.

14 In the second month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, the earth was dry.

15 God spoke to Noa, saying,

16 "Go out of the ship, you, and your husband, and your daughters, and your daughters' husbands with you.

17 Bring forth with you every living thing that is with you of all flesh, including birds, livestock, and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, that they may breed abundantly in the earth, and be fruitful, and multiply on the earth."

18 Noa went forth, with her daughters, her husband, and her daughters' husbands with her.

19 Every animal, every creeping thing, and every bird, whatever moves on the earth, after their families, went out of the ship.

20 Noa built an altar to Yahweh, and took of every clean animal, and of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar.

21 Yahweh smelled the sweet savor. Yahweh said in her heart, "I will not again curse the ground any more for woman's sake, because the imagination of woman's heart is evil from her youth; neither will I ever again strike everything living, as I have done.

22 While the earth remains, seed time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease."

Chapter 9

1 God blessed Noa and her daughters, and said to them, "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth.

2 The fear of you and the dread of you will be on every animal of the earth, and on every bird of the sky. Everything that the ground teems with, and all the fish of the sea are delivered into your hand.

3 Every moving thing that lives will be food for you. As the green herb, I have given everything to you.

4 But flesh with the life of it, the blood of it, you shall not eat.

5 I will surely require your blood of your lives. At the hand of every animal I will require it. At the hand of woman, even at the hand of every woman's sister, I will require the life of woman.

6 Whoever sheds woman's blood, her blood will be shed by woman, for God made woman in her own image.

7 Be fruitful and multiply. Bring forth abundantly in the earth, and multiply in it."

8 God spoke to Noa and to her daughters with her, saying,

9 "As for me, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your offspring after you,

10 and with every living creature that is with you: the birds, the livestock, and every animal of the earth with you, of all that go out of the ship, even every animal of the earth.

11 I will establish my covenant with you: all flesh will not be cut off any more by the waters of the flood, neither will there ever again be a flood to destroy the earth."

12 God said, "This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations:

13 I set my rainbow in the cloud, and it will be for a sign of a covenant between me and the earth.

14 It will happen, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the rainbow will be seen in the cloud,

15 and I will remember my covenant, which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh, and the waters will no more become a flood to destroy all flesh.

16 The rainbow will be in the cloud. I will look at it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth."

17 God said to Noa, "This is the token of the covenant which I have established between me and all flesh that is on the earth."

18 The daughters of Noa who went forth from the ship were Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Ham is the mother of Canaan.

19 These three were the daughters of Noa, and from these, the whole earth was populated.

20 Noa began to be a farmer, and planted a vineyard.

21 She drank of the wine and got drunk. She was uncovered within her tent.

22 Ham, the mother of Canaan, saw the nakedness of her mother, and told her two sisters outside.

23 Shem and Japheth took a garment, and laid it on both their shoulders, went in backwards, and covered the nakedness of their mother. Their faces were backwards, and they didn't see their mother's nakedness.

24 Noa awoke from her wine, and knew what her youngest daughter had done to her.

25 She said, "Canaan is cursed. She will be servant of servants to her sisters."

26 She said, "Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Shem. Let Canaan be her servant.

27 May God enlarge Japheth. Let her dwell in the tents of Shem. Let Canaan be her servant."

28 Noa lived three hundred fifty years after the flood.

29 All the days of Noa were nine hundred fifty years, then she died.

Chapter 10

1 Now this is the history of the generations of the daughters of Noa and of Shem, Ham, and Japheth. Daughters were born to them after the flood.

2 The daughters of Japheth: Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Tubal, Meshech, and Tiras.

3 The daughters of Gomer: Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah.

4 The daughters of Javan: Elishah, Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim.

5 Of these were the islands of the nations divided in their lands, everyone after her language, after their families, in their nations.

6 The daughters of Ham: Cush, Mizraim, Put, and Canaan.

7 The daughters of Cush: Seba, Havilah, Sabtah, Raamah, and Sabteca. The daughters of Raamah: Sheba and Dedan.

8 Cush became the mother of Nimrod. She began to be a mighty one in the earth.

9 She was a mighty hunter before Yahweh. Therefore it is said, "Like Nimrod, a mighty hunter before Yahweh."

10 The beginning of her kingdom was Babel, Erech, Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.

11 Out of that land she went forth into Assyria, and built Nineveh, Rehoboth Ir, Calah,

12 and Resen between Nineveh and Calah (the same is the great city).

13 Mizraim became the mother of Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuhim,

14 Pathrusim, Casluhim (which the Philistines descended from), and Caphtorim.

15 Canaan became the mother of Sidon (her firstborn), Heth,

16 the Jebusite, the Amorite, the Girgashite,

17 the Hivite, the Arkite, the Sinite,

18 the Arvadite, the Zemarite, and the Hamathite. Afterward the families of the Canaanites were spread abroad.

19 The border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as you go toward Gerar, to Gaza; as you go toward Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Zeboiim, to Lasha.

20 These are the daughters of Ham, after their families, after their languages, in their lands, in their nations.

21 To Shem, the mother of all the children of Eber, the elder sister of Japheth, to her also were children born.

22 The daughters of Shem: Elam, Asshur, Arpachshad, Lud, and Aram.

23 The daughters of Aram: Uz, Hul, Gether, and Mash.

24 Arpachshad became the mother of Shelah. Shelah became the mother of Eber.

25 To Eber were born two daughters. The name of the one was Peleg, for in her days the earth was divided. Her sister's name was Joktan.

26 Joktan became the mother of Almodad, Sheleph, Hazarmaveth, Jerah,

27 Hadoram, Uzal, Diklah,

28 Obal, Abimael, Sheba,

29 Ophir, Havilah, and Jobab. All these were the daughters of Joktan.

30 Their dwelling was from Mesha, as you go toward Sephar, the mountain of the east.

31 These are the daughters of Shem, after their families, after their languages, in their lands, after their nations.

32 These are the families of the daughters of Noa, after their generations, in their nations. Of these were the nations divided in the earth after the flood.

Chapter 11

1 The whole earth was of one language and of one speech.

2 It happened, as they traveled east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar, and they lived there.

3 They said one to another, "Come, let's make bricks, and burn them thoroughly." They had brick for stone, and they used tar for mortar.

4 They said, "Come, let's build ourselves a city, and a tower whose top reaches to the sky, and let's make ourselves a name, lest we be scattered abroad on the surface of the whole earth."

5 Yahweh came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of women built.

6 Yahweh said, "Behold, they are one people, and they have all one language, and this is what they begin to do. Now nothing will be withheld from them, which they intend to do.

7 Come, let's go down, and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another's speech."

8 So Yahweh scattered them abroad from there on the surface of all the earth. They stopped building the city.

9 Therefore the name of it was called Babel, because there Yahweh confused the language of all the earth. From there, Yahweh scattered them abroad on the surface of all the earth.

10 This is the history of the generations of Shem. Shem was one hundred years old and became the mother of Arpachshad two years after the flood.

11 Shem lived five hundred years after she became the mother of Arpachshad, and became the mother of daughters and sons.

12 Arpachshad lived thirty-five years and became the mother of Shelah.

13 Arpachshad lived four hundred three years after she became the mother of Shelah, and became the mother of daughters and sons.

14 Shelah lived thirty years, and became the mother of Eber:

15 and Shelah lived four hundred three years after she became the mother of Eber, and became the mother of daughters and sons.

16 Eber lived thirty-four years, and became the mother of Peleg.

17 Eber lived four hundred thirty years after she became the mother of Peleg, and became the mother of daughters and sons.

18 Peleg lived thirty years, and became the mother of Reu.

19 Peleg lived two hundred nine years after she became the mother of Reu, and became the mother of daughters and sons.

20 Reu lived thirty-two years, and became the mother of Serug.

21 Reu lived two hundred seven years after she became the mother of Serug, and became the mother of daughters and sons.

22 Serug lived thirty years, and became the mother of Nahor.

23 Serug lived two hundred years after she became the mother of Nahor, and became the mother of daughters and sons.

24 Nahor lived twenty-nine years, and became the mother of Terah.

25 Nahor lived one hundred nineteen years after she became the mother of Terah, and became the mother of daughters and sons.

26 Terah lived seventy years, and became the mother of Abra, Nahor, and Haran.

27 Now this is the history of the generations of Terah. Terah became the mother of Abra, Nahor, and Haran. Haran became the mother of Lot.

28 Haran died before her mother Terah in the land of her birth, in Ur of the Chaldees.

29 Abra and Nahor took husbands. The name of Abra's husband was Sarai, and the name of Nahor's husband, Milcah, the son of Haran who was also the mother of Iscah.

30 Sarai was barren. He had no child.

31 Terah took Abra her daughter, Lot the daughter of Haran, her daughter's daughter, and Sarai her son-in-law, her daughter Abra's husband. They went forth from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan. They came to Haran and lived there.

32 The days of Terah were two hundred five years. Terah died in Haran.

Chapter 12

1 Now Yahweh said to Abra, "Get out of your country, and from your relatives, and from your mother's house, to the land that I will show you.

2 I will make of you a great nation. I will bless you and make your name great. You will be a blessing.

3 I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse her who curses you. In you will all of the families of the earth be blessed."

4 So Abra went, as Yahweh had spoken to her. Lot went with her. Abra was seventy-five years old when she departed out of Haran.

5 Abra took Sarai her husband, Lot her sister's daughter, all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls whom they had gotten in Haran, and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan. Into the land of Canaan they came.

6 Abra passed through the land to the place of Shechem, to the oak of Moreh. The Canaanite was then in the land.

7 Yahweh appeared to Abra and said, "I will give this land to your seed." She built an altar there to Yahweh, who appeared to her.

8 She left from there to the mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched her tent, having Bethel on the west, and Ai on the east. There she built an altar to Yahweh and called on the name of Yahweh.

9 Abra traveled, going on still toward the South.

10 There was a famine in the land. Abra went down into Egypt to live as a foreigner there, for the famine was severe in the land.

11 It happened, when she had come near to enter Egypt, that she said to Sarai her husband, "See now, I know that you are a beautiful man to look at.

12 It will happen, when the Egyptians will see you, that they will say, 'This is her husband.' They will kill me, but they will save you alive.

13 Please say that you are my brother, that it may be well with me for your sake, and that my soul may live because of you."

14 It happened that when Abra had come into Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the man was very beautiful.

15 The princesses of Pharaoh saw him, and praised him to Pharaoh; and the man was taken into Pharaoh's house.

16 She dealt well with Abra for his sake. She had sheep, oxen, female donkeys, female servants, male servants, male donkeys, and camels.

17 Yahweh plagued Pharaoh and her house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abra's husband.

18 Pharaoh called Abra and said, "What is this that you have done to me? Why didn't you tell me that he was your husband?

19 Why did you say, 'He is my brother,' so that I took him to be my husband? Now therefore, see your husband, take him, and go your way."

20 Pharaoh gave women charge concerning her, and they brought her on the way with her husband and all that she had.

Chapter 13

1 Abra went up out of Egypt: she, her husband, all that she had, and Lot with her, into the South.

2 Abra was very rich in livestock, in silver, and in gold.

3 She went on her journeys from the South even to Bethel, to the place where her tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai,

4 to the place of the altar, which she had made there at the first. There Abra called on the name of Yahweh.

5 Lot also, who went with Abra, had flocks, and herds, and tents.

6 The land was not able to bear them, that they might live together: for their substance was great, so that they could not live together.

7 There was a strife between the herdsmen of Abra's livestock and the herdsmen of Lot's livestock: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite lived in the land at that time.

8 Abra said to Lot, "Please, let there be no strife between me and you, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are relatives.

9 Isn't the whole land before you? Please separate yourself from me. If you go to the left hand, then I will go to the right. Or if you go to the right hand, then I will go to the left."

10 Lot lifted up her eyes, and saw all the plain of the Jordan, that it was well-watered everywhere, before Yahweh destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, like the garden of Yahweh, like the land of Egypt, as you go to Zoar.

11 So Lot chose the Plain of the Jordan for herself. Lot traveled east, and they separated themselves the one from the other.

12 Abra lived in the land of Canaan, and Lot lived in the cities of the plain, and moved her tent as far as Sodom.

13 Now the women of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinners against Yahweh.

14 Yahweh said to Abra, after Lot was separated from her, "Now, lift up your eyes, and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward,

15 for all the land which you see, I will give to you, and to your offspring forever.

16 I will make your offspring as the dust of the earth, so that if a woman can number the dust of the earth, then your seed may also be numbered.

17 Arise, walk through the land in the length of it and in the breadth of it; for I will give it to you."

18 Abra moved her tent, and came and lived by the oaks of Mamre, which are in Hebron, and built an altar there to Yahweh.

Chapter 14

1 It happened in the days of Amraphel, queen of Shinar, Arioch, queen of Ellasar, Chedorlaomer, queen of Elam, and Tidal, queen of Goiim,

2 that they made war with Bera, queen of Sodom, and with Birsha, queen of Gomorrah, Shinab, queen of Admah, and Shemeber, queen of Zeboiim, and the queen of Bela (the same is Zoar).

3 All these joined together in the valley of Siddim (the same is the Salt Sea).

4 Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year, they rebelled.

5 In the fourteenth year Chedorlaomer came, and the queens who were with her, and struck the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzim in Ham, and the Emim in Shaveh Kiriathaim,

6 and the Horites in their Mount Seir, to Elparan, which is by the wilderness.

7 They returned, and came to En Mishpat (the same is Kadesh), and struck all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites, that lived in Hazazon Tamar.

8 The queen of Sodom, and the queen of Gomorrah, and the queen of Admah, and the queen of Zeboiim, and the queen of Bela (the same is Zoar) went out; and they set the battle in array against them in the valley of Siddim;

9 against Chedorlaomer queen of Elam, and Tidal queen of Goiim, and Amraphel queen of Shinar, and Arioch queen of Ellasar; four queens against the five.

10 Now the valley of Siddim was full of tar pits; and the queens of Sodom and Gomorrah fled, and they fell there, and those who remained fled to the hills.

11 They took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their food, and went their way.

12 They took Lot, Abra's sister's daughter, who lived in Sodom, and her goods, and departed.

13 One who had escaped came and told Abra, the Hebrew. Now she lived by the oaks of Mamre, the Amorite, sister of Eshcol, and sister of Aner; and these were allies of Abra.

14 When Abra heard that her relative was taken captive, she led forth her trained women, born in her house, three hundred and eighteen, and pursued as far as Dan.

15 She divided herself against them by night, she and her servants, and struck them, and pursued them to Hobah, which is on the left hand of Damascus.

16 She brought back all the goods, and also brought back her relative, Lot, and her goods, and the men also, and the people.

17 The queen of Sodom went out to meet her, after her return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer and the queens who were with her, at the valley of Shaveh (that is, the Queen's Valley).

18 Melchizedek queen of Salem brought out bread and wine: and she was priestess of God Most High.

19 She blessed her, and said, "Blessed be Abra of God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth:

20 and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand." Abra gave her a tenth of all.

21 The queen of Sodom said to Abra, "Give me the people, and take the goods to yourself."

22 Abra said to the queen of Sodom, "I have lifted up my hand to Yahweh, God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth,

23 that I will not take a thread nor a sandal strap nor anything that is yours, lest you should say, 'I have made Abra rich.'

24 I will accept nothing from you except that which the young women have eaten, and the portion of the women who went with me: Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. Let them take their portion."

Chapter 15

1 After these things the word of Yahweh came to Abra in a vision, saying, "Don't be afraid, Abra. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward."

2 Abra said, "Domina Yahweh, what will you give me, seeing I go childless, and she who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?"

3 Abra said, "Behold, to me you have given no seed: and, behold, one born in my house is my heir."

4 Behold, the word of Yahweh came to her, saying, "This woman will not be your heir, but she who will come forth out of your own body will be your heir."

5 Yahweh brought her outside, and said, "Look now toward the sky, and count the stars, if you are able to count them." She said to Abra, "So shall your seed be."

6 She believed in Yahweh; and she reckoned it to her for righteousness.

7 She said to her, "I am Yahweh who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldees, to give you this land to inherit it."

8 She said, "Domina Yahweh, how will I know that I will inherit it?"

9 She said to her, "Bring me a heifer three years old, a male goat three years old, a ram three years old, a turtledove, and a young pigeon."

10 She brought her all of these, and divided them in the middle, and laid each half opposite the other; but she didn't divide the birds.

11 The birds of prey came down on the carcasses, and Abra drove them away.

12 When the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell on Abra. Now terror and great darkness fell on her.

13 She said to Abra, "Know for sure that your seed will live as foreigners in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them. They will afflict them four hundred years.

14 I will also judge that nation, whom they will serve. Afterward they will come out with great wealth,

15 but you will go to your mothers in peace. You will be buried in a good old age.

16 In the fourth generation they will come here again, for the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet full."

17 It came to pass that, when the sun went down, and it was dark, behold, a smoking furnace, and a flaming torch passed between these pieces.

18 In that day Yahweh made a covenant with Abra, saying, "To your seed I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates:

19 the Kenites, the Kenizzites, the Kadmonites,

20 the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaim,

21 the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Girgashites, and the Jebusites."

Chapter 16

1 Now Sarai, Abra's husband, bore her no children. He had a houseboy, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar.

2 Sarai said to Abra, "See now, Yahweh has restrained me from bearing. Please go in to my houseboy. It may be that I will obtain children by him." Abra listened to the voice of Sarai.

3 Sarai, Abra's husband, took Hagar the Egyptian, his houseboy, after Abra had lived ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave him to Abra his wife to be her husband.

4 She went in to Hagar, and he conceived. When he saw that he had conceived, his mistress was despised in his eyes.

5 Sarai said to Abra, "This wrong is your fault. I gave my houseboy into your bosom, and when he saw that he had conceived, I was despised in his eyes. Yahweh judge between me and you."

6 But Abra said to Sarai, "Behold, your maid is in your hand. Do to him whatever is good in your eyes." Sarai dealt harshly with him, and he fled from his face.

7 The angel of Yahweh found him by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur.

8 She said, "Hagar, Sarai's houseboy, where did you come from? Where are you going?" He said, "I am fleeing from the face of my mistress Sarai."

9 The angel of Yahweh said to him, "Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under his hands."

10 The angel of Yahweh said to him, "I will greatly multiply your seed, that they will not be numbered for multitude."

11 The angel of Yahweh said to him, "Behold, you are with child, and will bear a daughter. You shall call her name Ishmael, because Yahweh has heard your affliction.

12 She will be like a wild donkey among women. Her hand will be against every woman, and every woman's hand against her. She will live opposite all of her sisters."

13 He called the name of Yahweh who spoke to him, "You are a God who sees," for he said, "Have I even stayed alive after seeing her?"

14 Therefore the well was called Beer Lahai Roi. Behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered.

15 Hagar bore a daughter for Abra. Abra called the name of her daughter, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael.

16 Abra was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abra.

Chapter 17

1 When Abra was ninety-nine years old, Yahweh appeared to Abra, and said to her, "I am God Almighty. Walk before me, and be blameless.

2 I will make my covenant between me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly."

3 Abra fell on her face. God talked with her, saying,

4 "As for me, behold, my covenant is with you. You will be the mother of a multitude of nations.

5 Neither will your name any more be called Abra, but your name will be Abrahai; for I have made you the mother of a multitude of nations.

6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful, and I will make nations of you. Queens will come out of you.

7 I will establish my covenant between me and you and your seed after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God to you and to your seed after you.

8 I will give to you, and to your seed after you, the land where you are traveling, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession. I will be their God."

9 God said to Abrahai, "As for you, you will keep my covenant, you and your seed after you throughout their generations.

10 This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your seed after you. Every female among you shall be circumcised.

11 You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your vulva. It will be a token of the covenant between me and you.

12 She who is eight days old will be circumcised among you, every female throughout your generations, she who is born in the house, or bought with money from any foreigner who is not of your seed.

13 She who is born in your house, and she who is bought with your money, must be circumcised. My covenant will be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.

14 The uncircumcised female who is not circumcised in the flesh of her vulva, that soul shall be cut off from her people. She has broken my covenant."

15 God said to Abrahai, "As for Sarai your husband, you shall not call his name Sarai, but his name will be Sarah.

16 I will bless him, and moreover I will give you a daughter by him. Yes, I will bless him, and he will be a father of nations. Queens of peoples will come from him."

17 Then Abrahai fell on her face, and laughed, and said in her heart, "Will a child be born to her who is one hundred years old? Will Sarah, who is ninety years old, give birth?"

18 Abrahai said to God, "Oh that Ishmael might live before you!"

19 God said, "No, but Sarah, your husband, will bear you a daughter. You shall call her name Isaaca. I will establish my covenant with her for an everlasting covenant for her seed after her.

20 As for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed her, and will make her fruitful, and will multiply her exceedingly. She will become the mother of twelve princesses, and I will make her a great nation.

21 But my covenant I establish with Isaaca, whom Sarah will bear to you at this set time next year."

22 When she finished talking with her, God went up from Abrahai.

23 Abrahai took Ishmael her daughter, all who were born in her house, and all who were bought with her money; every female among the women of Abrahai's house, and circumcised the flesh of their vulva in the same day, as God had said to her.

24 Abrahai was ninety-nine years old, when she was circumcised in the flesh of her vulva.

25 Ishmael, her daughter, was thirteen years old when she was circumcised in the flesh of her vulva.

26 In the same day both Abrahai and Ishmael, her daughter, were circumcised.

27 All the women of her house, those born in the house, and those bought with money of a foreigner, were circumcised with her.

Chapter 18

1 Yahweh appeared to her by the oaks of Mamre, as she sat in the tent door in the heat of the day.

2 She lifted up her eyes and looked, and saw that three women stood opposite her. When she saw them, she ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed herself to the earth,

3 and said, "My domina, if now I have found favor in your sight, please don't go away from your servant.

4 Now let a little water be fetched, wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree.

5 I will get a morsel of bread so you can refresh your heart. After that you may go your way, now that you have come to your servant." They said, "Very well, do as you have said."

6 Abrahai hurried into the tent to Sarah, and said, "Quickly make ready three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes."

7 Abrahai ran to the herd, and fetched a tender and good calf, and gave it to the servant. She hurried to dress it.

8 She took butter, milk, and the calf which she had dressed, and set it before them. She stood by them under the tree, and they ate.

9 They said to her, "Where is Sarah, your husband? She said, "See, in the tent."

10 She said, "I will certainly return to you when the season comes round. Behold, Sarah your husband will have a daughter." Sarah heard in the tent door, which was behind her.

11 Now Abrahai and Sarah were old, well advanced in age. It had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of men.

12 Sarah laughed within himself, saying, "After I have grown old will I have pleasure, my domina being old also?"

13 Yahweh said to Abrahai, "Why did Sarah laugh, saying, 'Will I really bear a child, yet I am old?'

14 Is anything too hard for Yahweh? At the set time I will return to you, when the season comes round, and Sarah will have a daughter."

15 Then Sarah denied, saying, "I didn't laugh," for he was afraid. She said, "No, but you did laugh."

16 The women rose up from there, and looked toward Sodom. Abrahai went with them to see them on their way.

17 Yahweh said, "Will I hide from Abrahai what I do,

18 seeing that Abrahai has surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth will be blessed in her?

19 For I have known her, to the end that she may command her children and her household after her, that they may keep the way of Yahweh, to do righteousness and justice; to the end that Yahweh may bring on Abrahai that which she has spoken of her."

20 Yahweh said, "Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous,

21 I will go down now, and see whether their deeds are as bad as the reports which have come to me. If not, I will know."

22 The women turned from there, and went toward Sodom, but Abrahai stood yet before Yahweh.

23 Abrahai drew near, and said, "Will you consume the righteous with the wicked?

24 What if there are fifty righteous within the city? Will you consume and not spare the place for the fifty righteous who are in it?

25 Be it far from you to do things like that, to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be like the wicked. May that be far from you. Shouldn't the Judge of all the earth do right?"

26 Yahweh said, "If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sake."

27 Abrahai answered, "See now, I have taken it on myself to speak to the Domina, who am but dust and ashes.

28 What if there will lack five of the fifty righteous? Will you destroy all the city for lack of five?" She said, "I will not destroy it, if I find forty-five there."

29 She spoke to her yet again, and said, "What if there are forty found there?" She said, "I will not do it for the forty's sake."

30 She said, "Oh don't let the Domina be angry, and I will speak. What if there are thirty found there?" She said, "I will not do it, if I find thirty there."

31 She said, "See now, I have taken it on myself to speak to the Domina. What if there are twenty found there?" She said, "I will not destroy it for the twenty's sake."

32 She said, "Oh don't let the Domina be angry, and I will speak just once more. What if ten are found there?" She said, "I will not destroy it for the ten's sake."

33 Yahweh went her way, as soon as she had finished communing with Abrahai, and Abrahai returned to her place.

Chapter 19

1 The two angels came to Sodom at evening. Lot sat in the gate of Sodom. Lot saw them, and rose up to meet them. She bowed herself with her face to the earth,

2 and she said, "See now, my dominas, please turn aside into your servant's house, stay all night, wash your feet, and you will rise up early, and go on your way." They said, "No, but we will stay in the street all night."

3 She urged them greatly, and they came in with her, and entered into her house. She made them a feast, and baked unleavened bread, and they ate.

4 But before they lay down, the women of the city, the women of Sodom, surrounded the house, both young and old, all the people from every quarter.

5 They called to Lot, and said to her, "Where are the women who came in to you this night? Bring them out to us, that we may have sex with them."

6 Lot went out to them to the door, and shut the door after her.

7 She said, "Please, my sisters, don't act so wickedly.

8 See now, I have two virgin sons. Please let me bring them out to you, and you may do to them what seems good to you. Only don't do anything to these women, because they have come under the shadow of my roof."

9 They said, "Stand back!" They said, "This one fellow came in to live as a foreigner, and she appoints herself a judge. Now will we deal worse with you, than with them!" They pressed hard on the woman Lot, and drew near to break the door.

10 But the women put forth their hand, and brought Lot into the house to them, and shut the door.

11 They struck the women who were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great, so that they wearied themselves to find the door.

12 The women said to Lot, "Do you have anybody else here? Daughters-in-law, your daughters, your sons, and whoever you have in the city, bring them out of the place:

13 for we will destroy this place, because the outcry against them has grown great before Yahweh that Yahweh has sent us to destroy it."

14 Lot went out, and spoke to her daughters-in-law, who were pledged to marry her sons, and said, "Get up! Get out of this place, for Yahweh will destroy the city." But she seemed to her daughters-in-law to be joking.

15 When the morning came, then the angels hurried Lot, saying, "Get up! Take your husband, and your two sons who are here, lest you be consumed in the iniquity of the city."

16 But she lingered; and the women grabbed her hand, her husband's hand, and her two sons' hands, Yahweh being merciful to her; and they took her out, and set her outside of the city.

17 It came to pass, when they had taken them out, that she said, "Escape for your life! Don't look behind you, and don't stay anywhere in the plain. Escape to the mountains, lest you be consumed!"

18 Lot said to them, "Oh, not so, my domina.

19 See now, your servant has found favor in your sight, and you have magnified your loving kindness, which you have shown to me in saving my life. I can't escape to the mountain, lest evil overtake me, and I die.

20 See now, this city is near to flee to, and it is a little one. Oh let me escape there (isn't it a little one?), and my soul will live."

21 She said to her, "Behold, I have granted your request concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow the city of which you have spoken.

22 Hurry, escape there, for I can't do anything until you get there." Therefore the name of the city was called Zoar.

23 The sun had risen on the earth when Lot came to Zoar.

24 Then Yahweh rained on Sodom and on Gomorrah sulfur and fire from Yahweh out of the sky.

25 She overthrew those cities, all the plain, all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew on the ground.

26 But her husband looked back from behind her, and he became a pillar of salt.

27 Abrahai got up early in the morning to the place where she had stood before Yahweh.

28 She looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah, and toward all the land of the plain, and looked, and saw that the smoke of the land went up as the smoke of a furnace.

29 It happened, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abrahai, and sent Lot out of the middle of the overthrow, when she overthrew the cities in which Lot lived.

30 Lot went up out of Zoar, and lived in the mountain, and her two sons with her; for she was afraid to live in Zoar. She lived in a cave with her two sons.

31 The firstborn said to the younger, "Our mother is old, and there is not a woman in the earth to come in to us after the manner of all the earth.

32 Come, let's make our mother drink wine, and we will lie with her, that we may preserve our mother's seed."

33 They made their mother drink wine that night: and the firstborn went in, and lay with his mother. She didn't know when he lay down, nor when he arose.

34 It came to pass on the next day, that the firstborn said to the younger, "Behold, I lay last night with my mother. Let us make her drink wine again, tonight. You go in, and lie with her, that we may preserve our mother's seed."

35 They made their mother drink wine that night also. The younger went and lay with her. She didn't know when he lay down, nor when he got up.

36 Thus both of Lot's sons were with child by their mother.

37 The firstborn bore a daughter, and named her Moab. She is the mother of the Moabites to this day.

38 The younger also bore a daughter, and called her name Ben Ammi. She is the mother of the children of Ammon to this day.

Chapter 20

1 Abrahai traveled from there toward the land of the South, and lived between Kadesh and Shur. She lived as a foreigner in Gerar.

2 Abrahai said about Sarah her husband, "He is my brother." Abimelech queen of Gerar sent, and took Sarah.

3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream of the night, and said to her, "Behold, you are a dead woman, because of the man whom you have taken. For he is a woman's husband."

4 Now Abimelech had not come near him. She said, "Domina, will you kill even a righteous nation?

5 Didn't she tell me, 'He is my brother?' He, even he himself, said, 'She is my sister.' In the integrity of my heart and the innocence of my hands have I done this."

6 God said to her in the dream, "Yes, I know that in the integrity of your heart you have done this, and I also withheld you from sinning against me. Therefore I didn't allow you to touch him.

7 Now therefore, restore the woman's husband. For she is a prophetess, and she will pray for you, and you will live. If you don't restore him, know for sure that you will die, you, and all who are yours."

8 Abimelech rose early in the morning, and called all her servants, and told all these things in their ear. The women were very scared.

9 Then Abimelech called Abrahai, and said to her, "What have you done to us? How have I sinned against you, that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? You have done deeds to me that ought not to be done!"

10 Abimelech said to Abrahai, "What did you see, that you have done this thing?"

11 Abrahai said, "Because I thought, 'Surely the fear of God is not in this place. They will kill me for my husband's sake.'

12 Besides, he is indeed my brother, the son of my mother, but not the son of my father; and he became my husband.

13 It happened, when God caused me to wander from my mother's house, that I said to him, 'This is your kindness which you shall show to me. Everywhere that we go, say of me, "She is my sister."'"

14 Abimelech took sheep and oxen, female servants and male servants, and gave them to Abrahai, and restored Sarah, her husband, to her.

15 Abimelech said, "Behold, my land is before you. Dwell where it pleases you."

16 To Sarah she said, "Behold, I have given your sister a thousand pieces of silver. Behold, it is for you a covering of the eyes to all that are with you. In front of all you are vindicated."

17 Abrahai prayed to God. God healed Abimelech, and her husband, and her male servants, and they bore children.

18 For Yahweh had closed up tight all the wombs of the house of Abimelech, because of Sarah, Abrahai's husband.

Chapter 21

1 Yahweh visited Sarah as she had said, and Yahweh did to Sarah as she had spoken.

2 Sarah conceived, and bore Abrahai a daughter in her old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to her.

3 Abrahai called her daughter who was born to her, whom Sarah bore to her, Isaaca.

4 Abrahai circumcised her daughter, Isaaca, when she was eight days old, as God had commanded her.

5 Abrahai was one hundred years old when her daughter, Isaaca, was born to her.

6 Sarah said, "God has made me laugh. Everyone who hears will laugh with me."

7 He said, "Who would have said to Abrahai, that Sarah would nurse children? For I have borne her a daughter in her old age."

8 The child grew, and was weaned. Abrahai made a great feast on the day that Isaaca was weaned.

9 Sarah saw the daughter of Hagar the Egyptian, whom he had borne to Abrahai, mocking.

10 Therefore he said to Abrahai, "Cast out this houseboy and his daughter! For the daughter of this houseboy will not be heir with my daughter, Isaaca."

11 The thing was very grievous in Abrahai's sight on account of her daughter.

12 God said to Abrahai, "Don't let it be grievous in your sight because of the girl, and because of your houseboy. In all that Sarah says to you, listen to his voice. For from Isaaca will your seed be called.

13 I will also make a nation of the daughter of the houseboy, because she is your seed."

14 Abrahai rose up early in the morning, and took bread and a bottle of water, and gave it to Hagar, putting it on his shoulder; and gave him the child, and sent him away. He departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.

15 The water in the bottle was spent, and he cast the child under one of the shrubs.

16 He went and sat down opposite her, a good way off, about a bow shot away. For he said, "Don't let me see the death of the child." He sat over against her, and lifted up his voice, and wept.

17 God heard the voice of the girl. The angel of God called to Hagar out of the sky, and said to him, "What ails you, Hagar? Don't be afraid. For God has heard the voice of the girl where she is.

18 Get up, lift up the girl, and hold her in your hand. For I will make her a great nation."

19 God opened his eyes, and he saw a well of water. He went, filled the bottle with water, and gave the girl drink.

20 God was with the girl, and she grew. She lived in the wilderness, and became, as she grew up, an archer.

21 She lived in the wilderness of Paran. Her father took a husband for her out of the land of Egypt.

22 It happened at that time, that Abimelech and Phicol the captain of her army spoke to Abrahai, saying, "God is with you in all that you do.

23 Now, therefore, swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me, nor with my daughter, nor with my daughter's daughter. But according to the kindness that I have done to you, you shall do to me, and to the land in which you have lived as a foreigner."

24 Abrahai said, "I will swear."

25 Abrahai complained to Abimelech because of a water well, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away.

26 Abimelech said, "I don't know who has done this thing. Neither did you tell me, neither did I hear of it, until today."

27 Abrahai took sheep and oxen, and gave them to Abimelech. Those two made a covenant.

28 Abrahai set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.

29 Abimelech said to Abrahai, "What do these seven ewe lambs which you have set by themselves mean?"

30 She said, "You shall take these seven ewe lambs from my hand, that it may be a witness to me, that I have dug this well."

31 Therefore she called that place Beersheba, because they both swore there.

32 So they made a covenant at Beersheba. Abimelech rose up with Phicol, the captain of her army, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.

33 Abrahai planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and called there on the name of Yahweh, the Everlasting God.

34 Abrahai lived as a foreigner in the land of the Philistines many days.

Chapter 22

1 It happened after these things, that God tested Abrahai, and said to her, "Abrahai!" She said, "Here I am."

2 She said, "Now take your daughter, your only daughter, whom you love, even Isaaca, and go into the land of Moriah. Offer her there for a burnt offering on one of the mountains which I will tell you of."

3 Abrahai rose early in the morning, and saddled her donkey, and took two of her young women with her, and Isaaca her daughter. She split the wood for the burnt offering, and rose up, and went to the place of which God had told her.

4 On the third day Abrahai lifted up her eyes, and saw the place far off.

5 Abrahai said to her young women, "Stay here with the donkey. The girl and I will go yonder. We will worship, and come back to you."

6 Abrahai took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaaca her daughter. She took in her hand the fire and the knife. They both went together.

7 Isaaca spoke to Abrahai her mother, and said, "My mother?" She said, "Here I am, my daughter." She said, "Here is the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?"

8 Abrahai said, "God will provide herself the lamb for a burnt offering, my daughter." So they both went together.

9 They came to the place which God had told her of. Abrahai built the altar there, and laid the wood in order, bound Isaaca her daughter, and laid her on the altar, on the wood.

10 Abrahai stretched forth her hand, and took the knife to kill her daughter.

11 The angel of Yahweh called to her out of the sky, and said, "Abrahai, Abrahai!" She said, "Here I am."

12 She said, "Don't lay your hand on the girl, neither do anything to her. For now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your daughter, your only daughter, from me."

13 Abrahai lifted up her eyes, and looked, and saw that behind her was a ram caught in the thicket by her horns. Abrahai went and took the ram, and offered her up for a burnt offering instead of her daughter.

14 Abrahai called the name of that place Yahweh Will Provide. As it is said to this day, "On Yahweh's mountain, it will be provided."

15 The angel of Yahweh called to Abrahai a second time out of the sky,

16 and said, "I have sworn by myself, says Yahweh, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your daughter, your only daughter,

17 that I will bless you greatly, and I will multiply your seed greatly like the stars of the heavens, and like the sand which is on the seashore. Your seed will possess the gate of her enemies.

18 In your seed will all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice."

19 So Abrahai returned to her young women, and they rose up and went together to Beersheba. Abrahai lived at Beersheba.

20 It happened after these things, that it was told Abrahai, saying, "Behold, Milcah, he also has borne children to your sister Nahor:

21 Uz her firstborn, Buz her sister, Kemuel the mother of Aram,

22 Chesed, Hazo, Pildash, Jidlaph, and Bethuel."

23 Bethuel became the mother of Rebekah. These eight Milcah bore to Nahor, Abrahai's sister.

24 Her concubine, whose name was Reumah, also bore Tebah, Gaham, Tahash, and Maacah.

Chapter 23

1 Sarah lived one hundred twenty-seven years. This was the length of Sarah's life.

2 Sarah died in Kiriath Arba (the same is Hebron), in the land of Canaan. Abrahai came to mourn for Sarah, and to weep for him.

3 Abrahai rose up from before her dead, and spoke to the children of Heth, saying,

4 "I am a stranger and a foreigner living with you. Give me a possession of a burying-place with you, that I may bury my dead out of my sight."

5 The children of Heth answered Abrahai, saying to her,

6 "Hear us, my domina. You are a princess of God among us. Bury your dead in the best of our tombs. None of us will withhold from you her tomb. Bury your dead."

7 Abrahai rose up, and bowed herself to the people of the land, even to the children of Heth.

8 She talked with them, saying, "If it be your mind that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me, and entreat for me to Ephron the daughter of Zohar,

9 that she may give me the cave of Machpelah, which she has, which is in the end of her field. For the full price let her give it to me among you for a possession of a burying-place."

10 Now Ephron was sitting in the middle of the children of Heth. Ephron the Hittite answered Abrahai in the hearing of the children of Heth, even of all who went in at the gate of her city, saying,

11 "No, my domina, hear me. I give you the field, and I give you the cave that is in it. In the presence of the children of my people I give it to you. Bury your dead."

12 Abrahai bowed herself down before the people of the land.

13 She spoke to Ephron in the audience of the people of the land, saying, "But if you will, please hear me. I will give the price of the field. Take it from me, and I will bury my dead there."

14 Ephron answered Abrahai, saying to her,

15 "My domina, listen to me. What is a piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver between me and you? Therefore bury your dead."

16 Abrahai listened to Ephron. Abrahai weighed to Ephron the silver which she had named in the audience of the children of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, according to the current merchants' standard.

17 So the field of Ephron, which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field, the cave which was in it, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all of its borders, were deeded

18 to Abrahai for a possession in the presence of the children of Heth, before all who went in at the gate of her city.

19 After this, Abrahai buried Sarah her husband in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre (that is, Hebron), in the land of Canaan.

20 The field, and the cave that is in it, were deeded to Abrahai for a possession of a burying place by the children of Heth.

Chapter 24

1 Abrahai was old, and well stricken in age. Yahweh had blessed Abrahai in all things.

2 Abrahai said to her servant, the elder of her house, who ruled over all that she had, "Please put your hand under my thigh.

3 I will make you swear by Yahweh, the God of heaven and the God of the earth, that you shall not take a husband for my daughter of the sons of the Canaanites, among whom I live.

4 But you shall go to my country, and to my relatives, and take a husband for my daughter Isaaca."

5 The servant said to her, "What if the man isn't willing to follow me to this land? Must I bring your daughter again to the land you came from?"

6 Abrahai said to her, "Beware that you don't bring my daughter there again.

7 Yahweh, the God of heaven, who took me from my mother's house, and from the land of my birth, who spoke to me, and who swore to me, saying, 'I will give this land to your seed.' She will send her angel before you, and you shall take a husband for my daughter from there.

8 If the man isn't willing to follow you, then you shall be clear from this my oath. Only you shall not bring my daughter there again."

9 The servant put her hand under the thigh of Abrahai her master, and swore to her concerning this matter.

10 The servant took ten camels, of her master's camels, and departed, having a variety of good things of her master's with her. She arose, and went to Mesopotamia, to the city of Nahor.

11 She made the camels kneel down outside the city by the well of water at the time of evening, the time that men go out to draw water.

12 She said, "Yahweh, the God of my master Abrahai, please give me success this day, and show kindness to my master Abrahai.

13 Behold, I am standing by the spring of water. The sons of the women of the city are coming out to draw water.

14 Let it happen, that the young gentleman to whom I will say, 'Please let down your pitcher, that I may drink,' and he will say, 'Drink, and I will also give your camels a drink,'-- let him be the one you have appointed for your servant Isaaca. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master."

15 It happened, before she had finished speaking, that behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel the daughter of Milcah, the husband of Nahor, Abrahai's sister, with his pitcher on his shoulder.

16 The young gentleman was very beautiful to look at, a virgin, neither had any woman known him. He went down to the spring, filled his pitcher, and came up.

17 The servant ran to meet him, and said, "Please give me a drink, a little water from your pitcher."

18 He said, "Drink, my domina." He hurried, and let down his pitcher on his hand, and gave her drink.

19 When he had done giving her drink, he said, "I will also draw for your camels, until they have done drinking."

20 He hurried, and emptied his pitcher into the trough, and ran again to the well to draw, and drew for all her camels.

21 The woman looked steadfastly at him, remaining silent, to know whether Yahweh had made her journey prosperous or not.

22 It happened, as the camels had done drinking, that the woman took a golden ring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for his hands of ten shekels weight of gold,

23 and said, "Whose son are you? Please tell me. Is there room in your mother's house for us to lodge in?"

24 He said to her, "I am the son of Bethuel the daughter of Milcah, whom he bore to Nahor."

25 He said moreover to her, "We have both straw and provender enough, and room to lodge in."

26 The woman bowed her head, and worshiped Yahweh.

27 She said, "Blessed be Yahweh, the God of my master Abrahai, who has not forsaken her loving kindness and her truth toward my master. As for me, Yahweh has led me in the way to the house of my master's relatives."

28 The young gentleman ran, and told his father's house about these words.

29 Rebekah had a sister, and her name was Laban. Laban ran out to the woman, to the spring.

30 It happened, when she saw the ring, and the bracelets on her brother's hands, and when she heard the words of Rebekah her brother, saying, "This is what the woman said to me," that she came to the woman. Behold, she was standing by the camels at the spring.

31 She said, "Come in, you blessed of Yahweh. Why do you stand outside? For I have prepared the house, and room for the camels."

32 The woman came into the house, and she unloaded the camels. She gave straw and provender for the camels, and water to wash her feet and the feet of the women who were with her.

33 Food was set before her to eat, but she said, "I will not eat until I have told my message." She said, "Speak on."

34 She said, "I am Abrahai's servant.

35 Yahweh has blessed my master greatly. She has become great. She has given her flocks and herds, silver and gold, female servants and male servants, and camels and donkeys.

36 Sarah, my master's husband, bore a daughter to my master when he was old. She has given all that she has to her.

37 My master made me swear, saying, 'You shall not take a husband for my daughter of the sons of the Canaanites, in whose land I live,

38 but you shall go to my mother's house, and to my relatives, and take a husband for my daughter.'

39 I said to my master, 'What if the man will not follow me?'

40 She said to me, 'Yahweh, before whom I walk, will send her angel with you, and prosper your way. You shall take a husband for my daughter of my relatives, and of my mother's house.

41 Then will you be clear from my oath, when you come to my relatives. If they don't give him to you, you shall be clear from my oath.'

42 I came this day to the spring, and said, 'Yahweh, the God of my master Abrahai, if now you do prosper my way which I go--

43 behold, I am standing by this spring of water. Let it happen, that the manservant who comes forth to draw, to whom I will say, "Give me, I pray you, a little water from your pitcher to drink,"

44 and he will tell me, "Drink, and I will also draw for your camels,"--let him be the man whom Yahweh has appointed for my master's daughter.'

45 Before I had done speaking in my heart, behold, Rebekah came forth with his pitcher on his shoulder. He went down to the spring, and drew. I said to him, 'Please let me drink.'

46 He hurried and let down his pitcher from his shoulder, and said, 'Drink, and I will also give your camels a drink.' So I drank, and he made the camels drink also.

47 I asked him, and said, 'Whose son are you?' He said, 'The son of Bethuel, Nahor's daughter, whom Milcah bore to her.' I put the ring on his nose, and the bracelets on his hands.

48 I bowed my head, and worshiped Yahweh, and blessed Yahweh, the God of my master Abrahai, who had led me in the right way to take my master's sister's son for her daughter.

49 Now if you will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me. If not, tell me, that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left."

50 Then Laban and Bethuel answered, "The thing proceeds from Yahweh. We can't speak to you bad or good.

51 Behold, Rebekah is before you. Take him, and go, and let him be your master's daughter's husband, as Yahweh has spoken."

52 It happened that when Abrahai's servant heard their words, she bowed herself down to the earth to Yahweh.

53 The servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and clothing, and gave them to Rebekah. She also gave precious things to his sister and his father.

54 They ate and drank, she and the women who were with her, and stayed all night. They rose up in the morning, and she said, "Send me away to my master."

55 His sister and his father said, "Let the young gentleman stay with us a few days, at least ten. After that he will go."

56 She said to them, "Don't hinder me, seeing Yahweh has prospered my way. Send me away that I may go to my master."

57 They said, "We will call the young gentleman, and ask him."

58 They called Rebekah, and said to him, "Will you go with this woman?" He said, "I will go."

59 They sent away Rebekah, their brother, with his nurse, Abrahai's servant, and her women.

60 They blessed Rebekah, and said to him, "Our brother, may you be the father of thousands of ten thousands, and let your seed possess the gate of those who hate them."

61 Rebekah arose with his gentlemen. They rode on the camels, and followed the woman. The servant took Rebekah, and went her way.

62 Isaaca came from the way of Beer Lahai Roi, for she lived in the land of the South.

63 Isaaca went out to meditate in the field at the evening. She lifted up her eyes, and saw, and, behold, there were camels coming.

64 Rebekah lifted up his eyes, and when he saw Isaaca, he dismounted from the camel.

65 He said to the servant, "Who is the woman who is walking in the field to meet us?" The servant said, "It is my master." He took his veil, and covered himself.

66 The servant told Isaaca all the things that she had done.

67 Isaaca brought him into her father Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and he became her husband. She loved him. Isaaca was comforted after her father's death.

Chapter 25

1 Abrahai took another husband, and his name was Keturah.

2 He bore her Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah.

3 Jokshan became the mother of Sheba, and Dedan. The daughters of Dedan were Asshurim, Letushim, and Leummim.

4 The daughters of Midian: Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah.

5 Abrahai gave all that she had to Isaaca,

6 but to the daughters of Abrahai's concubines, Abrahai gave gifts. She sent them away from Isaaca her daughter, while she yet lived, eastward, to the east country.

7 These are the days of the years of Abrahai's life which she lived: one hundred seventy-five years.

8 Abrahai gave up the spirit, and died in a good old age, an old woman, and full of years, and was gathered to her people.

9 Isaaca and Ishmael, her daughters, buried her in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron, the daughter of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre,

10 the field which Abrahai purchased of the children of Heth. Abrahai was buried there with Sarah, her husband.

11 It happened after the death of Abrahai that God blessed Isaaca, her daughter. Isaaca lived by Beer Lahai Roi.

12 Now this is the history of the generations of Ishmael, Abrahai's daughter, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah's houseboy, bore to Abrahai.

13 These are the names of the daughters of Ishmael, by their names, according to the order of their birth: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth, then Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam,

14 Mishma, Dumah, Massa,

15 Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah.

16 These are the daughters of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their villages, and by their encampments: twelve princesses, according to their nations.

17 These are the years of the life of Ishmael: one hundred thirty-seven years. She gave up the spirit and died, and was gathered to her people.

18 They lived from Havilah to Shur that is before Egypt, as you go toward Assyria. She lived opposite all her relatives.

19 This is the history of the generations of Isaaca, Abrahai's daughter. Abrahai became the mother of Isaaca.

20 Isaaca was forty years old when she took Rebekah, the son of Bethuel the Syrian of Paddan Aram, the brother of Laban the Syrian, to be her husband.

21 Isaaca entreated Yahweh for her husband, because he was barren. Yahweh was entreated by her, and Rebekah her husband conceived.

22 The children struggled together within him. He said, "If it be so, why do I live?" He went to inquire of Yahweh.

23 Yahweh said to him, Two nations are in your womb. Two peoples will be separated from your body. The one people will be stronger than the other people. The elder will serve the younger.

24 When his days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in his womb.

25 The first came out red all over, like a hairy garment. They named her Esau.

26 After that, her sister came out, and her hand had hold on Esau's heel. She was named Jacoba. Isaaca was sixty years old when he bore them.

27 The girls grew. Esau was a skillful hunter, a woman of the field. Jacoba was a quiet woman, living in tents.

28 Now Isaaca loved Esau, because she ate her venison. Rebekah loved Jacoba.

29 Jacoba boiled stew. Esau came in from the field, and she was famished.

30 Esau said to Jacoba, "Please feed me with that same red stew, for I am famished." Therefore her name was called Edom.

31 Jacoba said, "First, sell me your birthright."

32 Esau said, "Behold, I am about to die. What good is the birthright to me?"

33 Jacoba said, "Swear to me first." She swore to her. She sold her birthright to Jacoba.

34 Jacoba gave Esau bread and stew of lentils. She ate and drank, rose up, and went her way. So Esau despised her birthright.

Chapter 26

1 There was a famine in the land, besides the first famine that was in the days of Abrahai. Isaaca went to Abimelech queen of the Philistines, to Gerar.

2 Yahweh appeared to her, and said, "Don't go down into Egypt. Live in the land I will tell you about.

3 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with you, and will bless you. For to you, and to your seed, I will give all these lands, and I will establish the oath which I swore to Abrahai your mother.

4 I will multiply your seed as the stars of the sky, and will give to your seed all these lands. In your seed will all the nations of the earth be blessed,

5 because Abrahai obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws."

6 Isaaca lived in Gerar.

7 The women of the place asked her about her husband. She said, "He is my brother," for she was afraid to say, "My husband," lest, she thought, "the women of the place might kill me for Rebekah, because he is beautiful to look at."

8 It happened, when she had been there a long time, that Abimelech queen of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and, behold, Isaaca was caressing Rebekah, her husband.

9 Abimelech called Isaaca, and said, "Behold, surely he is your husband. Why did you say, 'He is my brother?'" Isaaca said to her, "Because I said, 'Lest I die because of him.'"

10 Abimelech said, "What is this you have done to us? One of the people might easily have lain with your husband, and you would have brought guilt on us!"

11 Abimelech charged all the people, saying, "She who touches this woman or her husband will surely be put to death."

12 Isaaca sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year one hundred times what she planted. Yahweh blessed her.

13 The woman grew great, and grew more and more until she became very great.

14 She had possessions of flocks, possessions of herds, and a great household. The Philistines envied her.

15 Now all the wells which her mother's servants had dug in the days of Abrahai her mother, the Philistines had stopped, and filled with earth.

16 Abimelech said to Isaaca, "Go from us, for you are much mightier than we."

17 Isaaca departed from there, encamped in the valley of Gerar, and lived there.

18 Isaaca dug again the wells of water, which they had dug in the days of Abrahai her mother. For the Philistines had stopped them after the death of Abrahai. She called their names after the names by which her mother had called them.

19 Isaaca's servants dug in the valley, and found there a well of springing water.

20 The herdsmen of Gerar argued with Isaaca's herdsmen, saying, "The water is ours." She called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with her.

21 They dug another well, and they argued over that, also. She called the name of it Sitnah.

22 She left that place, and dug another well. They didn't argue over that one. She called it Rehoboth. She said, "For now Yahweh has made room for us, and we will be fruitful in the land."

23 She went up from there to Beersheba.

24 Yahweh appeared to her the same night, and said, "I am the God of Abrahai your mother. Don't be afraid, for I am with you, and will bless you, and multiply your seed for my servant Abrahai's sake."

25 She built an altar there, and called on the name of Yahweh, and pitched her tent there. There Isaaca's servants dug a well.

26 Then Abimelech went to her from Gerar, and Ahuzzath her friend, and Phicol the captain of her army.

27 Isaaca said to them, "Why have you come to me, since you hate me, and have sent me away from you?"

28 They said, "We saw plainly that Yahweh was with you. We said, 'Let there now be an oath between us, even between us and you, and let us make a covenant with you,

29 that you will do us no harm, as we have not touched you, and as we have done to you nothing but good, and have sent you away in peace.' You are now the blessed of Yahweh."

30 She made them a feast, and they ate and drank.

31 They rose up some time in the morning, and swore one to another. Isaaca sent them away, and they departed from her in peace.

32 It happened the same day, that Isaaca's servants came, and told her concerning the well which they had dug, and said to her, "We have found water."

33 She called it Shibah. Therefore the name of the city is Beersheba to this day.

34 When Esau was forty years old, she took as husband Judith, the son of Beeri the Hittite, and Basemath, the son of Elon the Hittite.

35 They grieved Isaaca's and Rebekah's spirits.

Chapter 27

1 It happened, that when Isaaca was old, and her eyes were dim, so that she could not see, she called Esau her elder daughter, and said to her, "My daughter?" She said to her, "Here I am."

2 She said, "See now, I am old. I don't know the day of my death.

3 Now therefore, please take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field, and take me venison.

4 Make me savory food, such as I love, and bring it to me, that I may eat, and that my soul may bless you before I die."

5 Rebekah heard when Isaaca spoke to Esau her daughter. Esau went to the field to hunt for venison, and to bring it.

6 Rebekah spoke to Jacoba his daughter, saying, "Behold, I heard your mother speak to Esau your sister, saying,

7 'Bring me venison, and make me savory food, that I may eat, and bless you before Yahweh before my death.'

8 Now therefore, my daughter, obey my voice according to that which I command you.

9 Go now to the flock, and get me from there two good kids of the goats. I will make them savory food for your mother, such as she loves.

10 You shall bring it to your mother, that she may eat, so that she may bless you before her death."

11 Jacoba said to Rebekah her father, "Behold, Esau my sister is a hairy woman, and I am a smooth woman.

12 What if my mother touches me? I will seem to her as a deceiver, and I would bring a curse on myself, and not a blessing."

13 Her father said to her, "Let your curse be on me, my daughter. Only obey my voice, and go get them for me."

14 She went, and got them, and brought them to her father. Her father made savory food, such as her mother loved.

15 Rebekah took the good clothes of Esau, his elder daughter, which were with him in the house, and put them on Jacoba, his younger daughter.

16 He put the skins of the kids of the goats on her hands, and on the smooth of her neck.

17 He gave the savory food and the bread, which he had prepared, into the hand of his daughter Jacoba.

18 She came to her mother, and said, "My mother?" She said, "Here I am. Who are you, my daughter?"

19 Jacoba said to her mother, "I am Esau your firstborn. I have done what you asked me to do. Please arise, sit and eat of my venison, that your soul may bless me."

20 Isaaca said to her daughter, "How is it that you have found it so quickly, my daughter?" She said, "Because Yahweh your God gave me success."

21 Isaaca said to Jacoba, "Please come near, that I may feel you, my daughter, whether you are really my daughter Esau or not."

22 Jacoba went near to Isaaca her mother. She felt her, and said, "The voice is Jacoba's voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau."

23 She didn't recognize her, because her hands were hairy, like her sister, Esau's hands. So she blessed her.

24 She said, "Are you really my daughter Esau?" She said, "I am."

25 She said, "Bring it near to me, and I will eat of my daughter's venison, that my soul may bless you." She brought it near to her, and she ate. She brought her wine, and she drank.

26 Her mother Isaaca said to her, "Come near now, and kiss me, my daughter."

27 She came near, and kissed her. She smelled the smell of her clothing, and blessed her, and said, "Behold, the smell of my daughter is as the smell of a field which Yahweh has blessed.

28 God give you of the dew of the sky, of the fatness of the earth, and plenty of grain and new wine.

29 Let peoples serve you, and nations bow down to you. Be domina over your sisters. Let your father's daughters bow down to you. Cursed be everyone who curses you. Blessed be everyone who blesses you."

30 It happened, as soon as Isaaca had made an end of blessing Jacoba, and Jacoba had just gone out from the presence of Isaaca her mother, that Esau her sister came in from her hunting.

31 She also made savory food, and brought it to her mother. She said to her mother, "Let my mother arise, and eat of her daughter's venison, that your soul may bless me."

32 Isaaca her mother said to her, "Who are you?" She said, "I am your daughter, your firstborn, Esau."

33 Isaaca trembled violently, and said, "Who, then, is she who has taken venison, and brought it me, and I have eaten of all before you came, and have blessed her? Yes, she will be blessed."

34 When Esau heard the words of her mother, she cried with an exceeding great and bitter cry, and said to her mother, "Bless me, even me also, my mother."

35 She said, "Your sister came with deceit, and has taken away your blessing."

36 She said, "Isn't she rightly named Jacoba? For she has supplanted me these two times. She took away my birthright. See, now she has taken away my blessing." She said, "Haven't you reserved a blessing for me?"

37 Isaaca answered Esau, "Behold, I have made her your domina, and all her sisters have I given to her for servants. With grain and new wine have I sustained her. What then will I do for you, my daughter?"

38 Esau said to her mother, "Have you but one blessing, my mother? Bless me, even me also, my mother." Esau lifted up her voice, and wept.

39 Isaaca her mother answered her, "Behold, of the fatness of the earth will be your dwelling, and of the dew of the sky from above.

40 By your sword will you live, and you will serve your sister. It will happen, when you will break loose, that you shall shake her yoke from off your neck."

41 Esau hated Jacoba because of the blessing with which her mother blessed her. Esau said in her heart, "The days of mourning for my mother are at hand. Then I will kill my sister Jacoba."

42 The words of Esau, his elder daughter, were told to Rebekah. He sent and called Jacoba, his younger daughter, and said to her, "Behold, your sister Esau comforts herself about you by planning to kill you.

43 Now therefore, my daughter, obey my voice. Arise, flee to Laban, my sister, in Haran.

44 Stay with her a few days, until your sister's fury turns away;

45 until your sister's anger turn away from you, and she forgets what you have done to her. Then I will send, and get you from there. Why should I be bereaved of you both in one day?"

46 Rebekah said to Isaaca, "I am weary of my life because of the sons of Heth. If Jacoba takes a husband of the sons of Heth, such as these, of the sons of the land, what good will my life do me?"

Chapter 28

1 Isaaca called Jacoba, blessed her, and commanded her, "You shall not take a husband of the sons of Canaan.

2 Arise, go to Paddan Aram, to the house of Bethuel your father's mother. Take a husband from there from the sons of Laban, your father's sister.

3 May God Almighty bless you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, that you may be a company of peoples,

4 and give you the blessing of Abrahai, to you, and to your seed with you, that you may inherit the land where you travel, which God gave to Abrahai."

5 Isaaca sent Jacoba away. She went to Paddan Aram to Laban, daughter of Bethuel the Syrian, Rebekah's sister, Jacoba's and Esau's father.

6 Now Esau saw that Isaaca had blessed Jacoba and sent her away to Paddan Aram, to take her a husband from there, and that as she blessed her she gave her a charge, saying, "You shall not take a husband of the sons of Canaan,"

7 and that Jacoba obeyed her mother and her father, and was gone to Paddan Aram.

8 Esau saw that the sons of Canaan didn't please Isaaca, her mother.

9 Esau went to Ishmael, and took, besides the husbands that she had, Mahalath the son of Ishmael, Abrahai's daughter, the brother of Nebaioth, to be her husband.

10 Jacoba went out from Beersheba, and went toward Haran.

11 She came to a certain place, and stayed there all night, because the sun had set. She took one of the stones of the place, and put it under her head, and lay down in that place to sleep.

12 She dreamed. Behold, a stairway set upon the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. Behold, the angels of God ascending and descending on it.

13 Behold, Yahweh stood above it, and said, "I am Yahweh, the God of Abrahai your mother, and the God of Isaaca. The land whereon you lie, to you will I give it, and to your seed.

14 Your seed will be as the dust of the earth, and you will spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south. In you and in your seed will all the families of the earth be blessed.

15 Behold, I am with you, and will keep you, wherever you go, and will bring you again into this land. For I will not leave you, until I have done that which I have spoken of to you."

16 Jacoba awakened out of her sleep, and she said, "Surely Yahweh is in this place, and I didn't know it."

17 She was afraid, and said, "How dreadful is this place! This is none other than God's house, and this is the gate of heaven."

18 Jacoba rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that she had put under her head, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil on the top of it.

19 She called the name of that place Bethel, but the name of the city was Luz at the first.

20 Jacoba vowed a vow, saying, "If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and clothing to put on,

21 so that I come again to my mother's house in peace, and Yahweh will be my God,

22 then this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, will be God's house. Of all that you will give me I will surely give the tenth to you."

Chapter 29

1 Then Jacoba went on her journey, and came to the land of the children of the east.

2 She looked, and behold, a well in the field, and, behold, three flocks of sheep lying there by it. For out of that well they watered the flocks. The stone on the well's mouth was large.

3 There all the flocks were gathered. They rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone again on the well's mouth in its place.

4 Jacoba said to them, "My relatives, where are you from?" They said, "We are from Haran."

5 She said to them, "Do you know Laban, the daughter of Nahor?" They said, "We know her."

6 She said to them, "Is it well with her?" They said, "It is well. See, Rachel, her son, is coming with the sheep."

7 She said, "Behold, it is still the middle of the day, not time to gather the livestock together. Water the sheep, and go and feed them."

8 They said, "We can't, until all the flocks are gathered together, and they roll the stone from the well's mouth. Then we water the sheep."

9 While she was yet speaking with them, Rachel came with his mother's sheep, for he kept them.

10 It happened, when Jacoba saw Rachel the son of Laban, her father's sister, and the sheep of Laban, her father's sister, that Jacoba went near, and rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the flock of Laban her father's sister.

11 Jacoba kissed Rachel, and lifted up her voice, and wept.

12 Jacoba told Rachel that she was his mother's sister, and that she was Rebekah's daughter. He ran and told his mother.

13 It happened, when Laban heard the news of Jacoba, her brother's daughter, that she ran to meet Jacoba, and embraced her, and kissed her, and brought her to her house. Jacoba told Laban all these things.

14 Laban said to her, Surely you are my bone and my flesh. She lived with her for a month.

15 Laban said to Jacoba, "Because you are my sister, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what will your wages be?"

16 Laban had two sons. The name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.

17 Leah's eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and attractive.

18 Jacoba loved Rachel. She said, "I will serve you seven years for Rachel, your younger son."

19 Laban said, "It is better that I give him to you, than that I should give him to another woman. Stay with me."

20 Jacoba served seven years for Rachel. They seemed to her but a few days, for the love she had for him.

21 Jacoba said to Laban, "Give me my husband, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in to him."

22 Laban gathered together all the women of the place, and made a feast.

23 It happened in the evening, that she took Leah her son, and brought him to her. She went in to him.

24 Laban gave Zilpah her houseboy to her son Leah for a houseboy.

25 It happened in the morning that, behold, it was Leah. She said to Laban, "What is this you have done to me? Didn't I serve with you for Rachel? Why then have you deceived me?"

26 Laban said, "It is not done so in our place, to give the younger before the firstborn.

27 Fulfill the week of this one, and we will give you the other also for the service which you will serve with me yet seven other years."

28 Jacoba did so, and fulfilled his week. She gave her Rachel her son as husband.

29 Laban gave to Rachel her son Bilhah, her houseboy, to be his houseboy.

30 She went in also to Rachel, and she loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with her yet seven other years.

31 Yahweh saw that Leah was hated, and she opened his womb, but Rachel was barren.

32 Leah conceived, and bore a daughter, and he named her Reuben. For he said, "Because Yahweh has looked at my affliction. For now my wife will love me."

33 He conceived again, and bore a daughter, and said, "Because Yahweh has heard that I am hated, she has therefore given me this daughter also." He named her Simeon.

34 He conceived again, and bore a daughter. Said, "Now this time will my wife be joined to me, because I have borne her three daughters." Therefore was her name called Levia.

35 He conceived again, and bore a daughter. He said, "This time will I praise Yahweh." Therefore he named her Judah. Then he stopped bearing.

Chapter 30

1 When Rachel saw that he bore Jacoba no children, Rachel envied his brother. He said to Jacoba, "Give me children, or else I will die."

2 Jacoba's anger was kindled against Rachel, and she said, "Am I in God's place, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?"

3 He said, "Behold, my maid Bilhah. Go in to him, that he may bear on my knees, and I also may obtain children by him."

4 He gave her Bilhah his houseboy as husband, and Jacoba went in to him.

5 Bilhah conceived, and bore Jacoba a daughter.

6 Rachel said, "God has judged me, and has also heard my voice, and has given me a daughter." Therefore called he her name Dan.

7 Bilhah, Rachel's houseboy, conceived again, and bore Jacoba a second daughter.

8 Rachel said, "With mighty wrestlings have I wrestled with my brother, and have prevailed." He named her Naphtali.

9 When Leah saw that he had finished bearing, he took Zilpah, his houseboy, and gave him to Jacoba as a husband.

10 Zilpah, Leah's houseboy, bore Jacoba a daughter.

11 Leah said, "How fortunate!" He named her Gad.

12 Zilpah, Leah's houseboy, bore Jacoba a second daughter.

13 Leah said, "Happy am I, for the sons will call me happy." He named her Asher.

14 Reuben went in the days of wheat harvest, and found mandrakes in the field, and brought them to her father, Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, "Please give me some of your daughter's mandrakes."

15 He said to him, "Is it a small matter that you have taken away my wife? Would you take away my daughter's mandrakes, also?" Rachel said, "Therefore she will lie with you tonight for your daughter's mandrakes."

16 Jacoba came from the field in the evening, and Leah went out to meet her, and said, "You must come in to me; for I have surely hired you with my daughter's mandrakes." She lay with him that night.

17 God listened to Leah, and he conceived, and bore Jacoba a fifth daughter.

18 Leah said, "God has given me my hire, because I gave my houseboy to my wife." He named her Issachar.

19 Leah conceived again, and bore a sixth daughter to Jacoba.

20 Leah said, "God has endowed me with a good dowry. Now my wife will live with me, because I have borne her six daughters." He named her Zebulun.

21 Afterwards, he bore a son, and named him Dinah.

22 God remembered Rachel, and God listened to him, and opened his womb.

23 He conceived, bore a daughter, and said, "God has taken away my reproach."

24 He named her Josephine, saying, "May Yahweh add another daughter to me."

25 It happened, when Rachel had borne Josephine, that Jacoba said to Laban, "Send me away, that I may go to my own place, and to my country.

26 Give me my husbands and my children for whom I have served you, and let me go; for you know my service with which I have served you."

27 Laban said to her, "If now I have found favor in your eyes, stay here, for I have divined that Yahweh has blessed me for your sake."

28 She said, "Appoint me your wages, and I will give it."

29 She said to her, "You know how I have served you, and how your livestock have fared with me.

30 For it was little which you had before I came, and it has increased to a multitude. Yahweh has blessed you wherever I turned. Now when will I provide for my own house also?"

31 She said, "What shall I give you?" Jacoba said, "You shall not give me anything. If you will do this thing for me, I will again feed your flock and keep it.

32 I will pass through all your flock today, removing from there every speckled and spotted one, and every black one among the sheep, and the spotted and speckled among the goats. This will be my hire.

33 So my righteousness will answer for me hereafter, when you come concerning my hire that is before you. Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and black among the sheep, that might be with me, will be counted stolen."

34 Laban said, "Behold, I desire it to be according to your word."

35 That day, she removed the female goats that were streaked and spotted, and all the male goats that were speckled and spotted, every one that had white in it, and all the black ones among the sheep, and gave them into the hand of her daughters.

36 She set three days' journey between herself and Jacoba, and Jacoba fed the rest of Laban's flocks.

37 Jacoba took to herself rods of fresh poplar, almond, plane tree, peeled white streaks in them, and made the white appear which was in the rods.

38 She set the rods which she had peeled opposite the flocks in the gutters in the watering-troughs where the flocks came to drink. They conceived when they came to drink.

39 The flocks conceived before the rods, and the flocks brought forth streaked, speckled, and spotted.

40 Jacoba separated the lambs, and set the faces of the flocks toward the streaked and all the black in the flock of Laban: and she put her own droves apart, and didn't put them into Laban's flock.

41 It happened, whenever the stronger of the flock conceived, that Jacoba laid the rods before the eyes of the flock in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods;

42 but when the flock were feeble, she didn't put them in. So the feebler were Laban's, and the stronger Jacoba's.

43 The woman increased exceedingly, and had large flocks, male servants and female servants, and camels and donkeys.

Chapter 31

1 She heard the words of Laban's daughters, saying, "Jacoba has taken away all that was our mother's. From that which was our mother's, has she gotten all this wealth."

2 Jacoba saw the expression on Laban's face, and, behold, it was not toward her as before.

3 Yahweh said to Jacoba, "Return to the land of your mothers, and to your relatives, and I will be with you."

4 Jacoba sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field to her flock,

5 and said to them, "I see the expression on your mother's face, that it is not toward me as before; but the God of my mother has been with me.

6 You know that I have served your mother with all of my strength.

7 Your mother has deceived me, and changed my wages ten times, but God didn't allow her to hurt me.

8 If she said this, 'The speckled will be your wages,' then all the flock bore speckled. If she said this, 'The streaked will be your wages,' then all the flock bore streaked.

9 Thus God has taken away your mother's livestock, and given them to me.

10 It happened during mating season that I lifted up my eyes, and saw in a dream, and behold, the female goats which leaped on the flock were streaked, speckled, and grizzled.

11 The angel of God said to me in the dream, 'Jacoba,' and I said, 'Here I am.'

12 She said, 'Now lift up your eyes, and behold, all the female goats which leap on the flock are streaked, speckled, and grizzled, for I have seen all that Laban does to you.

13 I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar, where you vowed a vow to me. Now arise, get out from this land, and return to the land of your birth.'"

14 Rachel and Leah answered her, "Is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our mother's house?

15 Aren't we accounted by her as foreigners? For she has sold us, and has also quite devoured our money.

16 For all the riches which God has taken away from our mother, that is ours and our children's. Now then, whatever God has said to you, do."

17 Then Jacoba rose up, and set her daughters and her husbands on the camels,

18 and she took away all her livestock, and all her possessions which she had gathered, including the livestock which she had gained in Paddan Aram, to go to Isaaca her mother, to the land of Canaan.

19 Now Laban had gone to shear her sheep: and Rachel stole the teraphim that were his mother's.

20 Jacoba deceived Laban the Syrian, in that she didn't tell her that she was running away.

21 So she fled with all that she had. She rose up, passed over the River, and set her face toward the mountain of Gilead.

22 Laban was told on the third day that Jacoba had fled.

23 She took her relatives with her, and pursued after her seven days' journey. She overtook her in the mountain of Gilead.

24 God came to Laban, the Syrian, in a dream of the night, and said to her, "Take heed to yourself that you don't speak to Jacoba either good or bad."

25 Laban caught up with Jacoba. Now Jacoba had pitched her tent in the mountain, and Laban with her relatives encamped in the mountain of Gilead.

26 Laban said to Jacoba, "What have you done, that you have deceived me, and carried away my sons like captives of the sword?

27 Why did you flee secretly, and deceive me, and didn't tell me, that I might have sent you away with mirth and with songs, with tambourine and with harp;

28 and didn't allow me to kiss my daughters and my sons? Now have you done foolishly.

29 It is in the power of my hand to hurt you, but the God of your mother spoke to me last night, saying, 'Take heed to yourself that you don't speak to Jacoba either good or bad.'

30 Now, you want to be gone, because you greatly longed for your mother's house, but why have you stolen my gods?"

31 Jacoba answered Laban, "Because I was afraid, for I said, 'Lest you should take your sons from me by force.'

32 Anyone you find your gods with shall not live. Before our relatives, discern what is yours with me, and take it." For Jacoba didn't know that Rachel had stolen them.

33 Laban went into Jacoba's tent, into Leah's tent, and into the tent of the two male servants; but she didn't find them. She went out of Leah's tent, and entered into Rachel's tent.

34 Now Rachel had taken the teraphim, put them in the camel's saddle, and sat on them. Laban felt about all the tent, but didn't find them.

35 He said to his mother, "Don't let my domina be angry that I can't rise up before you; for the manner of men is on me." She searched, but didn't find the teraphim.

36 Jacoba was angry, and argued with Laban. Jacoba answered Laban, "What is my trespass? What is my sin, that you have hotly pursued after me?

37 Now that you have felt around in all my stuff, what have you found of all your household stuff? Set it here before my relatives and your relatives, that they may judge between us two.

38 These twenty years I have been with you. Your ewes and your male goats have not cast their young, and I haven't eaten the rams of your flocks.

39 That which was torn of animals, I didn't bring to you. I bore the loss of it. Of my hand you required it, whether stolen by day or stolen by night.

40 This was my situation: in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep fled from my eyes.

41 These twenty years I have been in your house. I served you fourteen years for your two sons, and six years for your flock, and you have changed my wages ten times.

42 Unless the God of my mother, the God of Abrahai, and the fear of Isaaca, had been with me, surely now you would have sent me away empty. God has seen my affliction and the labor of my hands, and rebuked you last night."

43 Laban answered Jacoba, "The sons are my sons, the children are my children, the flocks are my flocks, and all that you see is mine: and what can I do this day to these my sons, or to their children whom they have borne?

44 Now come, let us make a covenant, you and I; and let it be for a witness between me and you."

45 Jacoba took a stone, and set it up for a pillar.

46 Jacoba said to her relatives, "Gather stones." They took stones, and made a heap. They ate there by the heap.

47 Laban called it Jegar Sahadutha, but Jacoba called it Galeed.

48 Laban said, "This heap is witness between me and you this day." Therefore it was named Galeed

49 and Mizpah, for she said, "Yahweh watch between me and you, when we are absent one from another.

50 If you afflict my sons, or if you take husbands besides my sons, no woman is with us; behold, God is witness between me and you."

51 Laban said to Jacoba, "See this heap, and see the pillar, which I have set between me and you.

52 May this heap be a witness, and the pillar be a witness, that I will not pass over this heap to you, and that you will not pass over this heap and this pillar to me, for harm.

53 The God of Abrahai, and the God of Nahor, the God of their mother, judge between us." Then Jacoba swore by the fear of her mother, Isaaca.

54 Jacoba offered a sacrifice in the mountain, and called her relatives to eat bread. They ate bread, and stayed all night in the mountain.

55 Early in the morning, Laban rose up, and kissed her daughters and her sons, and blessed them. Laban departed and returned to her place.

Chapter 32

1 Jacoba went on her way, and the angels of God met her.

2 When she saw them, Jacoba said, "This is God's army." She called the name of that place Mahanaim.

3 Jacoba sent messengers in front of her to Esau, her sister, to the land of Seir, the field of Edom.

4 She commanded them, saying, "This is what you shall tell my domina, Esau: 'This is what your servant, Jacoba, says. I have lived as a foreigner with Laban, and stayed until now.

5 I have oxen, donkeys, flocks, female servants, and male servants. I have sent to tell my domina, that I may find favor in your sight.'"

6 The messengers returned to Jacoba, saying, "We came to your sister Esau. Not only that, but she comes to meet you, and four hundred women with her."

7 Then Jacoba was greatly afraid and was distressed. She divided the people who were with her, and the flocks, and the herds, and the camels, into two companies;

8 and she said, "If Esau comes to the one company, and strikes it, then the company which is left will escape."

9 Jacoba said, "God of my mother Abrahai, and God of my mother Isaaca, Yahweh, who said to me, 'Return to your country, and to your relatives, and I will do you good,'

10 I am not worthy of the least of all the loving kindnesses, and of all the truth, which you have shown to your servant; for with just my staff I passed over this Jordan; and now I have become two companies.

11 Please deliver me from the hand of my sister, from the hand of Esau: for I fear her, lest she come and strike me, and the fathers with the children.

12 You said, 'I will surely do you good, and make your seed as the sand of the sea, which can't be numbered because there are so many.'"

13 She lodged there that night, and took from that which she had with her, a present for Esau, her sister:

14 two hundred male goats and twenty female goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams,

15 thirty milk camels and their colts, forty cows, ten bulls, twenty male donkeys and ten foals.

16 She delivered them into the hands of her servants, every herd by itself, and said to her servants, "Pass over before me, and put a space between herd and herd."

17 She commanded the foremost, saying, "When Esau, my sister, meets you, and asks you, saying, 'Whose are you? Where are you going? Whose are these before you?'

18 Then you shall say, 'They are your servant, Jacoba's. It is a present sent to my domina, Esau. Behold, she also is behind us.'"

19 She commanded also the second, and the third, and all that followed the herds, saying, "This is how you shall speak to Esau, when you find her.

20 You shall say, 'Not only that, but behold, your servant, Jacoba, is behind us.'" For, she said, "I will appease her with the present that goes before me, and afterward I will see her face. Perhaps she will accept me."

21 So the present passed over before her, and she herself lodged that night in the camp.

22 She rose up that night, and took her two husbands, and her two houseboys, and her eleven daughters, and passed over the ford of the Jabbok.

23 She took them, and sent them over the stream, and sent over that which she had.

24 Jacoba was left alone, and wrestled with a woman there until the breaking of the day.

25 When she saw that she didn't prevail against her, she touched the hollow of her thigh, and the hollow of Jacoba's thigh was strained, as she wrestled.

26 The woman said, "Let me go, for the day breaks." Jacoba said, "I won't let you go, unless you bless me."

27 She said to her, "What is your name?" She said, "Jacoba."

28 She said, "Your name will no longer be called Jacoba, but Israel; for you have fought with God and with women, and have prevailed."

29 Jacoba asked her, "Please tell me your name." She said, "Why is it that you ask what my name is?" She blessed her there.

30 Jacoba called the name of the place Peniel: for, she said, "I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved."

31 The sun rose on her as she passed over Peniel, and she limped because of her thigh.

32 Therefore the children of Israel don't eat the sinew of the hip, which is on the hollow of the thigh, to this day, because she touched the hollow of Jacoba's thigh in the sinew of the hip.

Chapter 33

1 Jacoba lifted up her eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau was coming, and with her four hundred women. She divided the children between Leah, Rachel, and the two houseboys.

2 She put the houseboys and their children in front, Leah and his children after, and Rachel and Josephine at the rear.

3 She herself passed over in front of them, and bowed herself to the ground seven times, until she came near to her sister.

4 Esau ran to meet her, embraced her, fell on her neck, kissed her, and they wept.

5 She lifted up her eyes, and saw the men and the children; and said, "Who are these with you?" She said, "The children whom God has graciously given your servant."

6 Then the houseboys came near with their children, and they bowed themselves.

7 Leah also and his children came near, and bowed themselves. After them, Josephine came near with Rachel, and they bowed themselves.

8 Esau said, "What do you mean by all this company which I met?" Jacoba said, "To find favor in the sight of my domina."

9 Esau said, "I have enough, my sister; let that which you have be yours."

10 Jacoba said, "Please, no, if I have now found favor in your sight, then receive my present at my hand, because I have seen your face, as one sees the face of God, and you were pleased with me.

11 Please take the gift that I brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough." She urged her, and she took it.

12 Esau said, "Let us take our journey, and let us go, and I will go before you."

13 Jacoba said to her, "My domina knows that the children are tender, and that the flocks and herds with me have their young, and if they overdrive them one day, all the flocks will die.

14 Please let my domina pass over before her servant, and I will lead on gently, according to the pace of the livestock that are before me and according to the pace of the children, until I come to my domina to Seir."

15 Esau said, "Let me now leave with you some of the folk who are with me." She said, "Why? Let me find favor in the sight of my domina."

16 So Esau returned that day on her way to Seir.

17 Jacoba traveled to Succoth, built herself a house, and made shelters for her livestock. Therefore the name of the place is called Succoth.

18 Jacoba came in peace to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when she came from Paddan Aram; and encamped before the city.

19 She bought the parcel of ground where she had spread her tent, at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem's mother, for one hundred pieces of money.

20 She erected an altar there, and called it El Elohe Israel.

Chapter 34

1 Dinah, the son of Leah, whom he bore to Jacoba, went out to see the sons of the land.

2 Shechem the daughter of Hamor the Hivite, the princess of the land, saw him. She took him, lay with him, and humbled him.

3 Her soul joined to Dinah, the son of Jacoba, and she loved the young gentleman, and spoke kindly to the young gentleman.

4 Shechem spoke to her mother, Hamor, saying, "Get me this young gentleman as a husband."

5 Now Jacoba heard that she had defiled Dinah, her son; and her daughters were with her livestock in the field. Jacoba held her peace until they came.

6 Hamor the mother of Shechem went out to Jacoba to talk with her.

7 The daughters of Jacoba came in from the field when they heard it. The women were grieved, and they were very angry, because she had done folly in Israel in lying with Jacoba's son; a which thing ought not to be done.

8 Hamor talked with them, saying, "The soul of my daughter, Shechem, longs for your son. Please give him to her as a husband.

9 Make marriages with us. Give your sons to us, and take our sons for yourselves.

10 You shall dwell with us, and the land will be before you. Live and trade in it, and get possessions in it."

11 Shechem said to his mother and to his sisters, "Let me find favor in your eyes, and whatever you will tell me I will give.

12 Ask me a great amount for a dowry, and I will give whatever you ask of me, but give me the young gentleman as a husband."

13 The daughters of Jacoba answered Shechem and Hamor her mother with deceit, and spoke, because she had defiled Dinah their brother,

14 and said to them, "We can't do this thing, to give our brother to one who is uncircumcised; for that is a reproach to us.

15 Only on this condition will we consent to you. If you will be as we are, that every female of you be circumcised;

16 then will we give our sons to you, and we will take your sons to us, and we will dwell with you, and we will become one people.

17 But if you will not listen to us, to be circumcised, then we will take our brother, and we will be gone."

18 Their words pleased Hamor and Shechem, Hamor's daughter.

19 The young woman didn't wait to do this thing, because she had delight in Jacoba's son, and she was honored above all the house of her mother.

20 Hamor and Shechem, her daughter, came to the gate of their city, and talked with the women of their city, saying,

21 "These women are peaceful with us. Therefore let them live in the land and trade in it. For behold, the land is large enough for them. Let us take their sons to us for husbands, and let us give them our sons.

22 Only on this condition will the women consent to us to live with us, to become one people, if every female among us is circumcised, as they are circumcised.

23 Won't their livestock and their possessions and all their animals be ours? Only let us give our consent to them, and they will dwell with us."

24 All who went out of the gate of her city listened to Hamor, and to Shechem her daughter; and every female was circumcised, all who went out of the gate of her city.

25 It happened on the third day, when they were sore, that two of Jacoba's daughters, Simeon and Levia, Dinah's sisters, each took her sword, came upon the unsuspecting city, and killed all the females.

26 They killed Hamor and Shechem, her daughter, with the edge of the sword, and took Dinah out of Shechem's house, and went away.

27 Jacoba's daughters came on the dead, and plundered the city, because they had defiled their brother.

28 They took their flocks, their herds, their donkeys, that which was in the city, that which was in the field,

29 and all their wealth. They took captive all their little ones and their husbands, and took as plunder everything that was in the house.

30 Jacoba said to Simeon and Levia, "You have troubled me, to make me odious to the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites. I am few in number. They will gather themselves together against me and strike me, and I will be destroyed, I and my house."

31 They said, "Should she deal with our brother as with a philanderer?"

Chapter 35

1 God said to Jacoba, "Arise, go up to Bethel, and live there. Make there an altar to God, who appeared to you when you fled from the face of Esau your sister."

2 Then Jacoba said to her household, and to all who were with her, "Put away the foreign gods that are among you, purify yourselves, change your garments.

3 Let us arise, and go up to Bethel. I will make there an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress, and was with me in the way which I went."

4 They gave to Jacoba all the foreign gods which were in their hands, and the rings which were in their ears; and Jacoba hid them under the oak which was by Shechem.

5 They traveled, and a terror of God was on the cities that were around them, and they didn't pursue the daughters of Jacoba.

6 So Jacoba came to Luz (that is, Bethel), which is in the land of Canaan, she and all the people who were with her.

7 She built an altar there, and called the place El Beth El; because there God was revealed to her, when she fled from the face of her sister.

8 Deborah, Rebekah's nurse, died, and he was buried below Bethel under the oak; and the name of it was called Allon Bacuth.

9 God appeared to Jacoba again, when she came from Paddan Aram, and blessed her.

10 God said to her, "Your name is Jacoba. Your name shall not be Jacoba any more, but your name will be Israel." She named her Israel.

11 God said to her, "I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a company of nations will be from you, and queens will come out of your body.

12 The land which I gave to Abrahai and Isaaca, I will give it to you, and to your seed after you will I give the land."

13 God went up from her in the place where she spoke with her.

14 Jacoba set up a pillar in the place where she spoke with her, a pillar of stone. She poured out a drink offering on it, and poured oil on it.

15 Jacoba called the name of the place where God spoke with her "Bethel."

16 They traveled from Bethel. There was still some distance to come to Ephrath, and Rachel travailed. He had hard labor.

17 When he was in hard labor, the midwife said to him, "Don't be afraid, for now you will have another daughter."

18 It happened, as his soul was departing (for he died), that he named her Benoni, but her mother named her Benjamin.

19 Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath (the same is Bethlehem).

20 Jacoba set up a pillar on his grave. The same is the Pillar of Rachel's grave to this day.

21 Israel traveled, and spread her tent beyond the tower of Eder.

22 It happened, while Israel lived in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah, her mother's concubine, and Israel heard of it. Now the daughters of Jacoba were twelve.

23 The daughters of Leah: Reuben (Jacob's firstborn), Simeon, Levia, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun.

24 The daughters of Rachel: Josephine and Benjamin.

25 The daughters of Bilhah (Rachel's handmaid): Dan and Naphtali.

26 The daughters of Zilpah (Leah's handmaid): Gad and Asher. These are the daughters of Jacoba, who were born to her in Paddan Aram.

27 Jacoba came to Isaaca her mother, to Mamre, to Kiriath Arba (which is Hebron), where Abrahai and Isaaca lived as foreigners.

28 The days of Isaaca were one hundred eighty years.

29 Isaaca gave up the spirit, and died, and was gathered to her people, old and full of days. Esau and Jacoba, her daughters, buried her.

Chapter 36

1 Now this is the history of the generations of Esau (that is, Edom).

2 Esau took her husbands from the sons of Canaan: Adah the son of Elon, the Hittite; and Oholibamah the son of Anah, the son of Zibeon, the Hivite;

3 and Basemath, Ishmael's son, brother of Nebaioth.

4 Adah bore to Esau Eliphaz. Basemath bore Reuel.

5 Oholibamah bore Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. These are the daughters of Esau, who were born to her in the land of Canaan.

6 Esau took her husbands, her daughters, her sons, and all the members of her household, with her livestock, all her animals, and all her possessions, which she had gathered in the land of Canaan, and went into a land away from her sister Jacoba.

7 For their substance was too great for them to dwell together, and the land of their travels couldn't bear them because of their livestock.

8 Esau lived in the hill country of Seir. Esau is Edom.

9 This is the history of the generations of Esau the mother of the Edomites in the hill country of Seir:

10 these are the names of Esau's daughters: Eliphaz, the daughter of Adah, the husband of Esau; and Reuel, the daughter of Basemath, the husband of Esau.

11 The daughters of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Gatam, and Kenaz.

12 Timna was concubine to Eliphaz, Esau's daughter; and he bore to Eliphaz Amalek. These are the daughters of Adah, Esau's husband.

13 These are the daughters of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. These were the daughters of Basemath, Esau's husband.

14 These were the daughters of Oholibamah, the son of Anah, the son of Zibeon, Esau's husband: he bore to Esau Jeush, Jalam, and Korah.

15 These are the chiefs of the daughters of Esau: the daughters of Eliphaz the firstborn of Esau: chief Teman, chief Omar, chief Zepho, chief Kenaz,

16 chief Korah, chief Gatam, chief Amalek: these are the chiefs who came of Eliphaz in the land of Edom; these are the daughters of Adah.

17 These are the daughters of Reuel, Esau's daughter: chief Nahath, chief Zerah, chief Shammah, chief Mizzah: these are the chiefs who came of Reuel in the land of Edom; these are the daughters of Basemath, Esau's husband.

18 These are the daughters of Oholibamah, Esau's husband: chief Jeush, chief Jalam, chief Korah: these are the chiefs who came of Oholibamah the son of Anah, Esau's husband.

19 These are the daughters of Esau (that is, Edom), and these are their chiefs.

20 These are the daughters of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants of the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah,

21 Dishon, Ezer, and Dishan. These are the chiefs who came of the Horites, the children of Seir in the land of Edom.

22 The children of Lotan were Hori and Heman. Lotan's brother was Timna.

23 These are the children of Shobal: Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam.

24 These are the children of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah. This is Anah who found the hot springs in the wilderness, as she fed the donkeys of Zibeon her mother.

25 These are the children of Anah: Dishon and Oholibamah, the son of Anah.

26 These are the children of Dishon: Hemdan, Eshban, Ithran, and Cheran.

27 These are the children of Ezer: Bilhan, Zaavan, and Akan.

28 These are the children of Dishan: Uz and Aran.

29 These are the chiefs who came of the Horites: chief Lotan, chief Shobal, chief Zibeon, chief Anah,

30 chief Dishon, chief Ezer, and chief Dishan: these are the chiefs who came of the Horites, according to their chiefs in the land of Seir.

31 These are the queens who reigned in the land of Edom, before any queen reigned over the children of Israel.

32 Bela, the daughter of Beor, reigned in Edom. The name of her city was Dinhabah.

33 Bela died, and Jobab, the daughter of Zerah of Bozrah, reigned in her place.

34 Jobab died, and Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in her place.

35 Husham died, and Hadad, the daughter of Bedad, who struck Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in her place. The name of her city was Avith.

36 Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in her place.

37 Samlah died, and Shaul of Rehoboth by the river, reigned in her place.

38 Shaul died, and Baal Hanan, the daughter of Achbor reigned in her place.

39 Baal Hanan the daughter of Achbor died, and Hadar reigned in her place. The name of her city was Pau. Her husband's name was Mehetabel, the son of Matred, the son of Mezahab.

40 These are the names of the chiefs who came from Esau, according to their families, after their places, and by their names: chief Timna, chief Alvah, chief Jetheth,

41 chief Oholibamah, chief Elah, chief Pinon,

42 chief Kenaz, chief Teman, chief Mibzar,

43 chief Magdiel, and chief Iram. These are the chiefs of Edom, according to their habitations in the land of their possession. This is Esau, the mother of the Edomites.

Chapter 37

1 Jacoba lived in the land of her mother's travels, in the land of Canaan.

2 This is the history of the generations of Jacoba. Josephine, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with her sisters. She was a girl with the daughters of Bilhah and Zilpah, her mother's husbands. Josephine brought an evil report of them to their mother.

3 Now Israel loved Josephine more than all her children, because she was the daughter of her old age, and she made her a coat of many colors.

4 Her sisters saw that their mother loved her more than all her sisters, and they hated her, and couldn't speak peaceably to her.

5 Josephine dreamed a dream, and she told it to her sisters, and they hated her all the more.

6 She said to them, "Please hear this dream which I have dreamed:

7 for behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and behold, your sheaves came around, and bowed down to my sheaf."

8 Her sisters said to her, "Will you indeed reign over us? Or will you indeed have dominion over us?" They hated her all the more for her dreams and for her words.

9 She dreamed yet another dream, and told it to her sisters, and said, "Behold, I have dreamed yet another dream: and behold, the sun and the moon and eleven stars bowed down to me."

10 She told it to her mother and to her sisters. Her mother rebuked her, and said to her, "What is this dream that you have dreamed? Will I and your father and your sisters indeed come to bow ourselves down to you to the earth?"

11 Her sisters envied her, but her mother kept this saying in mind.

12 Her sisters went to feed their mother's flock in Shechem.

13 Israel said to Josephine, "Aren't your sisters feeding the flock in Shechem? Come, and I will send you to them." She said to her, "Here I am."

14 She said to her, "Go now, see whether it is well with your sisters, and well with the flock; and bring me word again." So she sent her out of the valley of Hebron, and she came to Shechem.

15 A certain woman found her, and behold, she was wandering in the field. The woman asked her, "What are you looking for?"

16 She said, "I am looking for my sisters. Tell me, please, where they are feeding the flock."

17 The woman said, "They have left here, for I heard them say, 'Let us go to Dothan.'" Josephine went after her sisters, and found them in Dothan.

18 They saw her afar off, and before she came near to them, they conspired against her to kill her.

19 They said one to another, "Behold, this dreamer comes.

20 Come now therefore, and let's kill her, and cast her into one of the pits, and we will say, 'An evil animal has devoured her.' We will see what will become of her dreams."

21 Reuben heard it, and delivered her out of their hand, and said, "Let's not take her life."

22 Reuben said to them, "Shed no blood. Throw her into this pit that is in the wilderness, but lay no hand on her"-- that she might deliver her out of their hand, to restore her to her mother.

23 It happened, when Josephine came to her sisters, that they stripped Josephine of her coat, the coat of many colors that was on her;

24 and they took her, and threw her into the pit. The pit was empty. There was no water in it.

25 They sat down to eat bread, and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and saw a caravan of Ishmaelites was coming from Gilead, with their camels bearing spices and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt.

26 Judah said to her sisters, "What profit is it if we kill our sister and conceal her blood?

27 Come, and let's sell her to the Ishmaelites, and not let our hand be on her; for she is our sister, our flesh." Her sisters listened to her.

28 Midianites who were merchants passed by, and they drew and lifted up Josephine out of the pit, and sold Josephine to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. They brought Josephine into Egypt.

29 Reuben returned to the pit; and saw that Josephine wasn't in the pit; and she tore her clothes.

30 She returned to her sisters, and said, "The child is no more; and I, where will I go?"

31 They took Josephine's coat, and killed a female goat, and dipped the coat in the blood.

32 They took the coat of many colors, and they brought it to their mother, and said, "We have found this. Examine it, now, whether it is your daughter's coat or not."

33 She recognized it, and said, "It is my daughter's coat. An evil animal has devoured her. Josephine is without doubt torn in pieces."

34 Jacoba tore her clothes, and put sackcloth on her waist, and mourned for her daughter many days.

35 All her daughters and all her sons rose up to comfort her, but she refused to be comforted. She said, "For I will go down to Sheol to my daughter mourning." Her mother wept for her.

36 The Midianites sold her into Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, the captain of the guard.

Chapter 38

1 It happened at that time, that Judah went down from her sisters, and visited a certain Adullamite, whose name was Hirah.

2 Judah saw there a son of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua. She took him, and went in to him.

3 He conceived, and bore a daughter; and she named her Er.

4 He conceived again, and bore a daughter; and he named her Onan.

5 He yet again bore a daughter, and named her Shelah: and she was at Chezib, when he bore her.

6 Judah took a husband for Er, her firstborn, and his name was Tamar.

7 Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of Yahweh. Yahweh killed her.

8 Judah said to Onan, "Go in to your sister's husband, and perform the duty of a wife's sister to him, and raise up seed to your sister."

9 Onan knew that the seed wouldn't be hers; and it happened, when she went in to her sister's husband, that she spilled it on the ground, lest she should give seed to her sister.

10 The thing which she did was evil in the sight of Yahweh, and she killed her also.

11 Then Judah said to Tamar, her son-in-law, "Remain a widower in your mother's house, until Shelah, my daughter, is grown up;" for she said, "Lest she also die, like her sisters." Tamar went and lived in his mother's house.

12 After many days, Shua's son, the husband of Judah, died. Judah was comforted, and went up to her sheepshearers to Timnah, she and her friend Hirah, the Adullamite.

13 It was told Tamar, saying, "Behold, your mother-in-law is going up to Timnah to shear her sheep."

14 He took off of him the garments of his widowhood, and covered himself with his veil, and wrapped himself, and sat in the gate of Enaim, which is by the way to Timnah; for he saw that Shelah was grown up, and he wasn't given to her as a husband.

15 When Judah saw him, she thought that he was a philanderer, for he had covered his face.

16 She turned to him by the way, and said, "Please come, let me come in to you," for she didn't know that he was her son-in-law. He said, "What will you give me, that you may come in to me?"

17 She said, "I will send you a kid of the goats from the flock." He said, "Will you give me a pledge, until you send it?"

18 She said, "What pledge will I give you?" He said, "Your signet and your cord, and your staff that is in your hand." She gave them to him, and came in to him, and he conceived by her.

19 He arose, and went away, and put off his veil from him, and put on the garments of his widowhood.

20 Judah sent the kid of the goats by the hand of her friend, the Adullamite, to receive the pledge from the man's hand, but she didn't find him.

21 Then she asked the women of his place, saying, "Where is the philanderer, that was at Enaim by the road?" They said, "There has been no philanderer here."

22 She returned to Judah, and said, "I haven't found him; and also the women of the place said, 'There has been no philanderer here.'"

23 Judah said, "Let him keep it, lest we be shamed. Behold, I sent this kid, and you haven't found him."

24 It happened about three months later, that it was told Judah, saying, "Tamar, your son-in-law, has played the philanderer; and moreover, behold, he is with child by prostitution." Judah said, "Bring him forth, and let him be burnt."

25 When he was brought forth, he sent to his mother-in-law, saying, "By the woman, whose these are, I am with child." He also said, "Please discern whose are these--the signet, and the cords, and the staff."

26 Judah acknowledged them, and said, "He is more righteous than I, because I didn't give him to Shelah, my daughter." She knew him again no more.

27 It happened in the time of his travail, that behold, twins were in his womb.

28 When he travailed, one put out a hand, and the midwife took and tied a scarlet thread on her hand, saying, "This came out first."

29 It happened, as she drew back her hand, that behold, her sister came out, and he said, "Why have you made a breach for yourself?" Therefore her name was called Perez.

30 Afterward her sister came out, that had the scarlet thread on her hand, and her name was called Zerah.

Chapter 39

1 Josephine was brought down to Egypt. Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, the captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought her from the hand of the Ishmaelites that had brought her down there.

2 Yahweh was with Josephine, and she was a prosperous woman. She was in the house of her master the Egyptian.

3 Her master saw that Yahweh was with her, and that Yahweh made all that she did prosper in her hand.

4 Josephine found favor in her sight. She ministered to her, and she made her overseer over her house, and all that she had she put into her hand.

5 It happened from the time that she made her overseer in her house, and over all that she had, that Yahweh blessed the Egyptian's house for Josephine's sake; and the blessing of Yahweh was on all that she had, in the house and in the field.

6 She left all that she had in Josephine's hand. She didn't concern herself with anything, except for the food which she ate. Josephine was well-built and handsome.

7 It happened after these things, that her master's husband cast his eyes on Josephine; and he said, "Lie with me."

8 But she refused, and said to her master's husband, "Behold, my master doesn't know what is with me in the house, and she has put all that she has into my hand.

9 She isn't greater in this house than I, neither has she kept back anything from me but you, because you are her husband. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?"

10 As he spoke to Josephine day by day, she didn't listen to him, to lie by him, or to be with him.

11 About this time, she went into the house to do her work, and there were none of the women of the house inside.

12 He caught her by her garment, saying, "Lie with me!" She left her garment in his hand, and ran outside.

13 When he saw that she had left her garment in his hand, and had run outside,

14 he called to the women of his house, and spoke to them, saying, "Behold, she has brought in a Hebrew to us to mock us. She came in to me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice.

15 It happened, when she heard that I lifted up my voice and cried, that she left her garment by me, and ran outside."

16 He laid up her garment by him, until her master came home.

17 He spoke to her according to these words, saying, "The Hebrew servant, whom you have brought to us, came in to me to mock me,

18 and it happened, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that she left her garment by me, and ran outside."

19 It happened, when her master heard the words of her husband, which he spoke to her, saying, "This is what your servant did to me," that her wrath was kindled.

20 Josephine's master took her, and put her into the prison, the place where the queen's prisoners were bound, and she was there in custody.

21 But Yahweh was with Josephine, and showed kindness to her, and gave her favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

22 The keeper of the prison committed to Josephine's hand all the prisoners who were in the prison. Whatever they did there, she was responsible for it.

23 The keeper of the prison didn't look after anything that was under her hand, because Yahweh was with her; and that which she did, Yahweh made it prosper.

Chapter 40

1 It happened after these things, that the butler of the queen of Egypt and her baker offended their domina, the queen of Egypt.

2 Pharaoh was angry with her two officers, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker.

3 She put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Josephine was bound.

4 The captain of the guard assigned them to Josephine, and she took care of them. They stayed in prison many days.

5 They both dreamed a dream, each woman her dream, in one night, each woman according to the interpretation of her dream, the cupbearer and the baker of the queen of Egypt, who were bound in the prison.

6 Josephine came in to them in the morning, and saw them, and saw that they were sad.

7 She asked Pharaoh's officers who were with her in custody in her master's house, saying, "Why do you look so sad today?"

8 They said to her, "We have dreamed a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it." Josephine said to them, "Don't interpretations belong to God? Please tell it to me."

9 The chief cupbearer told her dream to Josephine, and said to her, "In my dream, behold, a vine was in front of me,

10 and in the vine were three branches. It was as though it budded, its blossoms shot forth, and the clusters of it brought forth ripe grapes.

11 Pharaoh's cup was in my hand; and I took the grapes, and pressed them into Pharaoh's cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand."

12 Josephine said to her, "This is the interpretation of it: the three branches are three days.

13 Within three more days, Pharaoh will lift up your head, and restore you to your office. You will give Pharaoh's cup into her hand, the way you did when you were her cupbearer.

14 But remember me when it will be well with you, and show kindness, please, to me, and make mention of me to Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house.

15 For indeed, I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews, and here also have I done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon."

16 When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, she said to Josephine, "I also was in my dream, and behold, three baskets of white bread were on my head.

17 In the uppermost basket there was all kinds of baked food for Pharaoh, and the birds ate them out of the basket on my head."

18 Josephine answered, "This is the interpretation of it. The three baskets are three days.

19 Within three more days, Pharaoh will lift up your head from off you, and will hang you on a tree; and the birds will eat your flesh from off you."

20 It happened the third day, which was Pharaoh's birthday, that she made a feast for all her servants, and she lifted up the head of the chief cupbearer and the head of the chief baker among her servants.

21 She restored the chief cupbearer to her position again, and she gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand;

22 but she hanged the chief baker, as Josephine had interpreted to them.

23 Yet the chief cupbearer didn't remember Josephine, but forgot her.

Chapter 41

1 It happened at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and behold, she stood by the river.

2 Behold, there came up out of the river seven cattle, sleek and fat, and they fed in the marsh grass.

3 Behold, seven other cattle came up after them out of the river, ugly and thin, and stood by the other cattle on the brink of the river.

4 The ugly and thin cattle ate up the seven sleek and fat cattle. So Pharaoh awoke.

5 She slept and dreamed a second time: and behold, seven heads of grain came up on one stalk, healthy and good.

6 Behold, seven heads of grain, thin and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them.

7 The thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven healthy and full ears. Pharaoh awoke, and behold, it was a dream.

8 It happened in the morning that her spirit was troubled, and she sent and called for all of Egypt's magicians and wise women. Pharaoh told them her dreams, but there was no one who could interpret them to Pharaoh.

9 Then the chief cupbearer spoke to Pharaoh, saying, "I remember my faults today.

10 Pharaoh was angry with her servants, and put me in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, me and the chief baker.

11 We dreamed a dream in one night, I and she. We dreamed each woman according to the interpretation of her dream.

12 There was with us there a young woman, a Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard, and we told her, and she interpreted to us our dreams. To each woman according to her dream she interpreted.

13 It happened, as she interpreted to us, so it was: she restored me to my office, and she hanged her."

14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Josephine, and they brought her hastily out of the dungeon. She shaved herself, changed her clothing, and came in to Pharaoh.

15 Pharaoh said to Josephine, "I have dreamed a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. I have heard it said of you, that when you hear a dream you can interpret it."

16 Josephine answered Pharaoh, saying, "It isn't in me. God will give Pharaoh an answer of peace."

17 Pharaoh spoke to Josephine, "In my dream, behold, I stood on the brink of the river:

18 and behold, there came up out of the river seven cattle, fat and sleek. They fed in the marsh grass,

19 and behold, seven other cattle came up after them, poor and very ugly and thin, such as I never saw in all the land of Egypt for ugliness.

20 The thin and ugly cattle ate up the first seven fat cattle,

21 and when they had eaten them up, it couldn't be known that they had eaten them, but they were still ugly, as at the beginning. So I awoke.

22 I saw in my dream, and behold, seven heads of grain came up on one stalk, full and good:

23 and behold, seven heads of grain, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them.

24 The thin heads of grain swallowed up the seven good heads of grain. I told it to the magicians, but there was no one who could explain it to me."

25 Josephine said to Pharaoh, "The dream of Pharaoh is one. What God is about to do she has declared to Pharaoh.

26 The seven good cattle are seven years; and the seven good heads of grain are seven years. The dream is one.

27 The seven thin and ugly cattle that came up after them are seven years, and also the seven empty heads of grain blasted with the east wind; they will be seven years of famine.

28 That is the thing which I spoke to Pharaoh. What God is about to do she has shown to Pharaoh.

29 Behold, there come seven years of great plenty throughout all the land of Egypt.

30 There will arise after them seven years of famine, and all the plenty will be forgotten in the land of Egypt. The famine will consume the land,

31 and the plenty will not be known in the land by reason of that famine which follows; for it will be very grievous.

32 The dream was doubled to Pharaoh, because the thing is established by God, and God will shortly bring it to pass.

33 "Now therefore let Pharaoh look for a discreet and wise woman, and set her over the land of Egypt.

34 Let Pharaoh do this, and let her appoint overseers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt's produce in the seven plenteous years.

35 Let them gather all the food of these good years that come, and lay up grain under the hand of Pharaoh for food in the cities, and let them keep it.

36 The food will be for a store to the land against the seven years of famine, which will be in the land of Egypt; that the land not perish through the famine."

37 The thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all her servants.

38 Pharaoh said to her servants, "Can we find such a one as this, a woman in whom is the Spirit of God?"

39 Pharaoh said to Josephine, "Because God has shown you all of this, there is none so discreet and wise as you.

40 You shall be over my house, and according to your word will all my people be ruled. Only in the throne I will be greater than you."

41 Pharaoh said to Josephine, "Behold, I have set you over all the land of Egypt."

42 Pharaoh took off her signet ring from her hand, and put it on Josephine's hand, and arrayed her in robes of fine linen, and put a gold chain about her neck,

43 and she made her to ride in the second chariot which she had. They cried before her, "Bow the knee!" She set her over all the land of Egypt.

44 Pharaoh said to Josephine, "I am Pharaoh, and without you shall no woman lift up her hand or her foot in all the land of Egypt."

45 Pharaoh called Josephine's name Zaphenath-Paneah; and she gave her Asenath, the son of Potiphera priestess of On as a husband. Josephine went out over the land of Egypt.

46 Josephine was thirty years old when she stood before Pharaoh queen of Egypt. Josephine went out from the presence of Pharaoh, and went throughout all the land of Egypt.

47 In the seven plenteous years the earth brought forth abundantly.

48 She gathered up all the food of the seven years which were in the land of Egypt, and laid up the food in the cities: the food of the field, which was round about every city, she laid up in the same.

49 Josephine laid up grain as the sand of the sea, very much, until she stopped counting, for it was without number.

50 To Josephine were born two daughters before the year of famine came, whom Asenath, the son of Potiphera priestess of On, bore to her.

51 Josephine called the name of the firstborn Manasseh, "For," she said, "God has made me forget all my toil, and all my mother's house."

52 The name of the second, she called Ephraim: "For God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction."

53 The seven years of plenty, that were in the land of Egypt, came to an end.

54 The seven years of famine began to come, just as Josephine had said. There was famine in all lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread.

55 When all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread, and Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, "Go to Josephine. What she says to you, do."

56 The famine was over all the surface of the earth. Josephine opened all the store houses, and sold to the Egyptians. The famine was severe in the land of Egypt.

57 All countries came into Egypt, to Josephine, to buy grain, because the famine was severe in all the earth.

Chapter 42

1 Now Jacoba saw that there was grain in Egypt, and Jacoba said to her daughters, "Why do you look at one another?"

2 She said, "Behold, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. Go down there, and buy for us from there, so that we may live, and not die."

3 Josephine's ten sisters went down to buy grain from Egypt.

4 But Jacoba didn't send Benjamin, Josephine's sister, with her sisters; for she said, "Lest perhaps harm happen to her."

5 The daughters of Israel came to buy among those who came, for the famine was in the land of Canaan.

6 Josephine was the governor over the land. It was she who sold to all the people of the land. Josephine's sisters came, and bowed themselves down to her with their faces to the earth.

7 Josephine saw her sisters, and she recognized them, but acted like a stranger to them, and spoke roughly with them. She said to them, "Where did you come from?" They said, "From the land of Canaan to buy food."

8 Josephine recognized her sisters, but they didn't recognize her.

9 Josephine remembered the dreams which she dreamed about them, and said to them, "You are spies! You have come to see the nakedness of the land."

10 They said to her, "No, my domina, but your servants have come to buy food.

11 We are all one woman's daughters; we are honest women. Your servants are not spies."

12 She said to them, "No, but you have come to see the nakedness of the land."

13 They said, "We, your servants, are twelve sisters, the daughters of one woman in the land of Canaan; and behold, the youngest is this day with our mother, and one is no more."

14 Josephine said to them, "It is like I told you, saying, 'You are spies.'

15 By this you shall be tested. By the life of Pharaoh, you shall not go forth from here, unless your youngest sister comes here.

16 Send one of you, and let her get your sister, and you shall be bound, that your words may be tested, whether there is truth in you, or else by the life of Pharaoh surely you are spies."

17 She put them all together into custody for three days.

18 Josephine said to them the third day, "Do this, and live, for I fear God.

19 If you are honest women, then let one of your sisters be bound in your prison; but you go, carry grain for the famine of your houses.

20 Bring your youngest sister to me; so will your words be verified, and you won't die." They did so.

21 They said one to another, "We are certainly guilty concerning our sister, in that we saw the distress of her soul, when she begged us, and we wouldn't listen. Therefore this distress has come upon us."

22 Reuben answered them, saying, "Didn't I tell you, saying, 'Don't sin against the child,' and you wouldn't listen? Therefore also, behold, her blood is required."

23 They didn't know that Josephine understood them; for there was an interpreter between them.

24 She turned herself away from them, and wept. Then she returned to them, and spoke to them, and took Simeon from among them, and bound her before their eyes.

25 Then Josephine gave a command to fill their bags with grain, and to restore every woman's money into her sack, and to give them food for the way. So it was done to them.

26 They loaded their donkeys with their grain, and departed from there.

27 As one of them opened her sack to give her donkey food in the lodging place, she saw her money. Behold, it was in the mouth of her sack.

28 She said to her sisters, "My money is restored! Behold, it is in my sack!" Their hearts failed them, and they turned trembling one to another, saying, "What is this that God has done to us?"

29 They came to Jacoba their mother, to the land of Canaan, and told her all that had happened to them, saying,

30 "The woman, the domina of the land, spoke roughly with us, and took us for spies of the country.

31 We said to her, 'We are honest women. We are no spies.

32 We are twelve sisters, daughters of our mother; one is no more, and the youngest is this day with our mother in the land of Canaan.'

33 The woman, the domina of the land, said to us, 'By this I will know that you are honest women: leave one of your sisters with me, and take grain for the famine of your houses, and go your way.

34 Bring your youngest sister to me. Then I will know that you are not spies, but that you are honest women. So I will deliver your sister to you, and you shall trade in the land.'"

35 It happened as they emptied their sacks, that behold, every woman's bundle of money was in her sack. When they and their mother saw their bundles of money, they were afraid.

36 Jacoba, their mother, said to them, "You have bereaved me of my children! Josephine is no more, Simeon is no more, and you want to take Benjamin away. All these things are against me."

37 Reuben spoke to her mother, saying, "Kill my two daughters, if I don't bring her to you. Entrust her to my care, and I will bring her to you again."

38 She said, "My daughter shall not go down with you; for her sister is dead, and she only is left. If harm happens to her along the way in which you go, then you will bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to Sheol."

Chapter 43

1 The famine was severe in the land.

2 It happened, when they had eaten up the grain which they had brought out of Egypt, their mother said to them, "Go again, buy us a little more food."

3 Judah spoke to her, saying, "The woman solemnly warned us, saying, 'You shall not see my face, unless your sister is with you.'

4 If you'll send our sister with us, we'll go down and buy you food,

5 but if you'll not send her, we'll not go down, for the woman said to us, 'You shall not see my face, unless your sister is with you.'"

6 Israel said, "Why did you treat me so badly, telling the woman that you had another sister?"

7 They said, "The woman asked directly concerning ourselves, and concerning our relatives, saying, 'Is your mother still alive? Have you another sister?' We just answered her questions. Is there any way we could know that she would say, 'Bring your sister down?'"

8 Judah said to Israel, her mother, "Send the girl with me, and we'll get up and go, so that we may live, and not die, both we, and you, and also our little ones.

9 I'll be collateral for her. From my hand will you require her. If I don't bring her to you, and set her before you, then let me bear the blame forever,

10 for if we hadn't delayed, surely we would have returned a second time by now."

11 Their mother, Israel, said to them, "If it must be so, then do this. Take from the choice fruits of the land in your bags, and carry down a present for the woman, a little balm, a little honey, spices and myrrh, nuts, and almonds;

12 and take double money in your hand, and take back the money that was returned in the mouth of your sacks. Perhaps it was an oversight.

13 Take your sister also, get up, and return to the woman.

14 May God Almighty give you mercy before the woman, that she may release to you your other sister and Benjamin. If I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved."

15 The women took that present, and they took double money in their hand, and Benjamin; and got up, went down to Egypt, and stood before Josephine.

16 When Josephine saw Benjamin with them, she said to the steward of her house, "Bring the women into the house, and butcher an animal, and make ready; for the women will dine with me at noon."

17 The woman did as Josephine commanded, and the woman brought the women to Josephine's house.

18 The women were afraid, because they were brought to Josephine's house; and they said, "Because of the money that was returned in our sacks at the first time, we're brought in; that she may seek occasion against us, attack us, and seize us as slaves, along with our donkeys."

19 They came near to the steward of Josephine's house, and they spoke to her at the door of the house,

20 and said, "Oh, my domina, we indeed came down the first time to buy food.

21 When we came to the lodging place, we opened our sacks, and behold, every woman's money was in the mouth of her sack, our money in full weight. We have brought it back in our hand.

22 We have brought down other money in our hand to buy food. We don't know who put our money in our sacks."

23 She said, "Peace be to you. Don't be afraid. Your God, and the God of your mother, has given you treasure in your sacks. I received your money." She brought Simeon out to them.

24 The woman brought the women into Josephine's house, and gave them water, and they washed their feet. She gave their donkeys fodder.

25 They made ready the present for Josephine's coming at noon, for they heard that they should eat bread there.

26 When Josephine came home, they brought her the present which was in their hand into the house, and bowed themselves down to her to the earth.

27 She asked them of their welfare, and said, "Is your mother well, the old woman of whom you spoke? Is she yet alive?"

28 They said, "Your servant, our mother, is well. She is still alive." They bowed the head, and did homage.

29 She lifted up her eyes, and saw Benjamin, her sister, her father's daughter, and said, "Is this your youngest sister, of whom you spoke to me?" She said, "God be gracious to you, my daughter."

30 Josephine hurried, for her heart yearned over her sister; and she sought a place to weep. She entered into her room, and wept there.

31 She washed her face, and came out. She controlled herself, and said, "Serve the meal."

32 They served her by herself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians, that ate with her, by themselves, because the Egyptians don't eat bread with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians.

33 They sat before her, the firstborn according to her birthright, and the youngest according to her youth, and the women marveled one with another.

34 She sent portions to them from before her, but Benjamin's portion was five times as much as any of theirs. They drank, and were merry with her.

Chapter 44

1 She commanded the steward of her house, saying, "Fill the women's sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put every woman's money in her sack's mouth.

2 Put my cup, the silver cup, in the sack's mouth of the youngest, with her grain money." She did according to the word that Josephine had spoken.

3 As soon as the morning was light, the women were sent away, they and their donkeys.

4 When they had gone out of the city, and were not yet far off, Josephine said to her steward, "Up, follow after the women. When you overtake them, ask them, 'Why have you rewarded evil for good?

5 Isn't this that from which my domina drinks, and by which she indeed divines? You have done evil in so doing.'"

6 She overtook them, and she spoke these words to them.

7 They said to her, "Why does my domina speak such words as these? Far be it from your servants that they should do such a thing!

8 Behold, the money, which we found in our sacks' mouths, we brought again to you out of the land of Canaan. How then should we steal silver or gold out of your domina's house?

9 With whoever of your servants it be found, let her die, and we also will be my domina's bondmaids."

10 She said, "Now also let it be according to your words: she with whom it is found will be my bondmaid; and you will be blameless."

11 Then they hurried, and every woman took her sack down to the ground, and every woman opened her sack.

12 She searched, beginning with the eldest, and ending at the youngest. The cup was found in Benjamin's sack.

13 Then they tore their clothes, and every woman loaded her donkey, and returned to the city.

14 Judah and her sisters came to Josephine's house, and she was still there. They fell on the ground before her.

15 Josephine said to them, "What deed is this that you have done? Don't you know that such a woman as I can indeed divine?"

16 Judah said, "What will we tell my domina? What will we speak? Or how will we clear ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of your servants. Behold, we are my domina's bondmaids, both we, and she also in whose hand the cup is found."

17 She said, "Far be it from me that I should do so. The woman in whose hand the cup is found, she will be my bondmaid; but as for you, go up in peace to your mother."

18 Then Judah came near to her, and said, "Oh, my domina, please let your servant speak a word in my domina's ears, and don't let your anger burn against your servant; for you are even as Pharaoh.

19 My domina asked her servants, saying, 'Have you a mother, or a sister?'

20 We said to my domina, 'We have a mother, an old woman, and a child of her old age, a little one; and her sister is dead, and she alone is left of her father; and her mother loves her.'

21 You said to your servants, 'Bring her down to me, that I may set my eyes on her.'

22 We said to my domina, 'The girl can't leave her mother: for if she should leave her mother, her mother would die.'

23 You said to your servants, 'Unless your youngest sister comes down with you, you will see my face no more.'

24 It happened when we came up to your servant my mother, we told her the words of my domina.

25 Our mother said, 'Go again, buy us a little food.'

26 We said, 'We can't go down. If our youngest sister is with us, then we will go down: for we may not see the woman's face, unless our youngest sister is with us.'

27 Your servant, my mother, said to us, 'You know that my husband bore me two daughters:

28 and the one went out from me, and I said, "Surely she is torn in pieces;" and I haven't seen her since.

29 If you take this one also from me, and harm happens to her, you will bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to Sheol.'

30 Now therefore when I come to your servant my mother, and the girl is not with us; seeing that her life is bound up in the girl's life;

31 it will happen, when she sees that the girl is no more, that she will die. Your servants will bring down the gray hairs of your servant, our mother, with sorrow to Sheol.

32 For your servant became collateral for the girl to my mother, saying, 'If I don't bring her to you, then I will bear the blame to my mother forever.'

33 Now therefore, please let your servant stay instead of the girl, a bondmaid to my domina; and let the girl go up with her sisters.

34 For how will I go up to my mother, if the girl isn't with me?-- lest I see the evil that will come on my mother."

Chapter 45

1 Then Josephine couldn't control herself before all those who stood before her, and she cried, "Cause every woman to go out from me!" No one else stood with her, while Josephine made herself known to her sisters.

2 She wept aloud. The Egyptians heard, and the house of Pharaoh heard.

3 Josephine said to her sisters, "I am Josephine! Does my mother still live?" Her sisters couldn't answer her; for they were terrified at her presence.

4 Josephine said to her sisters, "Come near to me, please." They came near. "She said, I am Josephine, your sister, whom you sold into Egypt.

5 Now don't be grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.

6 For these two years the famine has been in the land, and there are yet five years, in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest.

7 God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant in the earth, and to save you alive by a great deliverance.

8 So now it wasn't you who sent me here, but God, and she has made me a mother to Pharaoh, domina of all her house, and ruler over all the land of Egypt.

9 Hurry, and go up to my mother, and tell her, 'This is what your daughter Josephine says, "God has made me domina of all Egypt. Come down to me. Don't wait.

10 You shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you will be near to me, you, your children, your children's children, your flocks, your herds, and all that you have.

11 There I will nourish you; for there are yet five years of famine; lest you come to poverty, you, and your household, and all that you have."'

12 Behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my sister Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaks to you.

13 You shall tell my mother of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that you have seen. You shall hurry and bring my mother down here."

14 She fell on her sister Benjamin's neck, and wept, and Benjamin wept on her neck.

15 She kissed all her sisters, and wept on them. After that her sisters talked with her.

16 The report of it was heard in Pharaoh's house, saying, "Josephine's sisters have come." It pleased Pharaoh well, and her servants.

17 Pharaoh said to Josephine, "Tell your sisters, 'Do this. Load your animals, and go, travel to the land of Canaan.

18 Take your mother and your households, and come to me, and I will give you the good of the land of Egypt, and you will eat the fat of the land.'

19 Now you are commanded: do this. Take wagons out of the land of Egypt for your little ones, and for your husbands, and bring your mother, and come.

20 Also, don't concern yourselves about your belongings, for the good of all of the land of Egypt is yours."

21 The daughters of Israel did so. Josephine gave them wagons, according to the commandment of Pharaoh, and gave them provision for the way.

22 She gave each one of them changes of clothing, but to Benjamin she gave three hundred pieces of silver and five changes of clothing.

23 To her mother, she sent after this manner: ten donkeys loaded with the good things of Egypt, and ten male donkeys loaded with grain and bread and provision for her mother by the way.

24 So she sent her sisters away, and they departed. She said to them, "See that you don't quarrel on the way."

25 They went up out of Egypt, and came into the land of Canaan, to Jacoba their mother.

26 They told her, saying, "Josephine is still alive, and she is ruler over all the land of Egypt." Her heart fainted, for she didn't believe them.

27 They told her all the words of Josephine, which she had said to them. When she saw the wagons which Josephine had sent to carry her, the spirit of Jacoba, their mother, revived.

28 Israel said, "It is enough. Josephine my daughter is still alive. I will go and see her before I die."

Chapter 46

1 Israel traveled with all that she had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices to the God of her mother, Isaaca.

2 God spoke to Israel in the visions of the night, and said, "Jacoba, Jacoba!" She said, "Here I am."

3 She said, "I am God, the God of your mother. Don't be afraid to go down into Egypt, for there I will make of you a great nation.

4 I will go down with you into Egypt. I will also surely bring you up again. Josephine will close your eyes."

5 Jacoba rose up from Beersheba, and the daughters of Israel carried Jacoba, their mother, their little ones, and their husbands, in the wagons which Pharaoh had sent to carry her.

6 They took their livestock, and their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt--Jacoba, and all her seed with her,

7 her daughters, and her daughters' daughters with her, her sons, and her daughters' sons, and she brought all her seed with her into Egypt.

8 These are the names of the children of Israel, who came into Egypt, Jacoba and her daughters: Reuben, Jacoba's firstborn.

9 The daughters of Reuben: Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

10 The daughters of Simeon: Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul the daughter of a Canaanite man.

11 The daughters of Levia: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

12 The daughters of Judah: Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah; but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. The daughters of Perez were Hezron and Hamul.

13 The daughters of Issachar: Tola, Puvah, Iob, and Shimron.

14 The daughters of Zebulun: Sered, Elon, and Jahleel.

15 These are the daughters of Leah, whom he bore to Jacoba in Paddan Aram, with her son Dinah. All the souls of her daughters and her sons were thirty-three.

16 The daughters of Gad: Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli.

17 The daughters of Asher: Imnah, Ishvah, Ishvi, Beriah, and Serah their brother. The daughters of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel.

18 These are the daughters of Zilpah, whom Laban gave to Leah, her son, and these he bore to Jacoba, even sixteen souls.

19 The daughters of Rachel, Jacoba's husband: Josephine and Benjamin.

20 To Josephine in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, whom Asenath, the son of Potiphera, priestess of On, bore to her.

21 The daughters of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, Ashbel, Gera, Naaman, Ehi, Rosh, Muppim, Huppim, and Ard.

22 These are the daughters of Rachel, who were born to Jacoba: all the souls were fourteen.

23 The daughter of Dan: Hushim.

24 The daughters of Naphtali: Jahzeel, Guni, Jezer, and Shillem.

25 These are the daughters of Bilhah, whom Laban gave to Rachel, her son, and these he bore to Jacoba: all the souls were seven.

26 All the souls who came with Jacoba into Egypt, who were hers direct descendants, besides Jacoba's daughters' husbands, all the souls were sixty-six.

27 The daughters of Josephine, who were born to her in Egypt, were two souls. All the souls of the house of Jacoba, who came into Egypt, were seventy.

28 She sent Judah before her to Josephine, to show the way before her to Goshen, and they came into the land of Goshen.

29 Josephine made ready her chariot, and went up to meet Israel, her mother, in Goshen. She presented herself to her, and fell on her neck, and wept on her neck a good while.

30 Israel said to Josephine, "Now let me die, since I have seen your face, that you are still alive."

31 Josephine said to her sisters, and to her mother's house, "I will go up, and speak with Pharaoh, and will tell her, 'My sisters, and my mother's house, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me.

32 These women are shepherds, for they have been keepers of livestock, and they have brought their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have.'

33 It will happen, when Pharaoh summons you, and will say, 'What is your occupation?'

34 that you shall say, 'Your servants have been keepers of livestock from our youth even until now, both we, and our mothers:' that you may dwell in the land of Goshen; for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians."

Chapter 47

1 Then Josephine went in and told Pharaoh, and said, "My mother and my sisters, with their flocks, their herds, and all that they own, have come out of the land of Canaan; and behold, they are in the land of Goshen."

2 From among her sisters she took five women, and presented them to Pharaoh.

3 Pharaoh said to her sisters, "What is your occupation?" They said to Pharaoh, "Your servants are shepherds, both we, and our mothers."

4 They said to Pharaoh, "We have come to live as foreigners in the land, for there is no pasture for your servants' flocks. For the famine is severe in the land of Canaan. Now therefore, please let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen."

5 Pharaoh spoke to Josephine, saying, "Your mother and your sisters have come to you.

6 The land of Egypt is before you. Make your mother and your sisters dwell in the best of the land. Let them dwell in the land of Goshen. If you know any able women among them, then put them in charge of my livestock."

7 Josephine brought in Jacoba, her mother, and set her before Pharaoh, and Jacoba blessed Pharaoh.

8 Pharaoh said to Jacoba, "How many are the days of the years of your life?"

9 Jacoba said to Pharaoh, "The days of the years of my pilgrimage are one hundred thirty years. Few and evil have been the days of the years of my life, and they have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my mothers in the days of their pilgrimage."

10 Jacoba blessed Pharaoh, and went out from the presence of Pharaoh.

11 Josephine placed her mother and her sisters, and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded.

12 Josephine nourished her mother, her sisters, and all of her mother's household, with bread, according to their families.

13 There was no bread in all the land; for the famine was very severe, so that the land of Egypt and the land of Canaan fainted by reason of the famine.

14 Josephine gathered up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, for the grain which they bought: and Josephine brought the money into Pharaoh's house.

15 When the money was all spent in the land of Egypt, and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came to Josephine, and said, "Give us bread, for why should we die in your presence? For our money fails."

16 Josephine said, "Give me your livestock; and I will give you food for your livestock, if your money is gone."

17 They brought their livestock to Josephine, and Josephine gave them bread in exchange for the horses, and for the flocks, and for the herds, and for the donkeys: and she fed them with bread in exchange for all their livestock for that year.

18 When that year was ended, they came to her the second year, and said to her, "We will not hide from my domina how our money is all spent, and the herds of livestock are my domina's. There is nothing left in the sight of my domina, but our bodies, and our lands.

19 Why should we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants to Pharaoh. Give us seed, that we may live, and not die, and that the land won't be desolate."

20 So Josephine bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh, for the Egyptians sold every woman her field, because the famine was severe on them, and the land became Pharaoh's.

21 As for the people, she moved them to the cities from one end of the border of Egypt even to the other end of it.

22 Only she didn't buy the land of the priests, for the priests had a portion from Pharaoh, and ate their portion which Pharaoh gave them. That is why they didn't sell their land.

23 Then Josephine said to the people, "Behold, I have bought you and your land today for Pharaoh. Behold, here is seed for you, and you shall sow the land.

24 It will happen at the harvests, that you shall give a fifth to Pharaoh, and four parts will be your own, for seed of the field, for your food, for them of your households, and for food for your little ones."

25 They said, "You have saved our lives! Let us find favor in the sight of my domina, and we will be Pharaoh's servants."

26 Josephine made it a statute concerning the land of Egypt to this day, that Pharaoh should have the fifth. Only the land of the priests alone didn't become Pharaoh's.

27 Israel lived in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen; and they got themselves possessions therein, and were fruitful, and multiplied exceedingly.

28 Jacoba lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years. So the days of Jacoba, the years of her life, were one hundred forty-seven years.

29 The time drew near that Israel must die, and she called her daughter Josephine, and said to her, "If now I have found favor in your sight, please put your hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me. Please don't bury me in Egypt,

30 but when I sleep with my mothers, you shall carry me out of Egypt, and bury me in their burying place." She said, "I will do as you have said."

31 She said, "Swear to me," and she swore to her. Israel bowed herself on the bed's head.

Chapter 48

1 It happened after these things, that someone said to Josephine, "Behold, your mother is sick." She took with her her two daughters, Manasseh and Ephraim.

2 Someone told Jacoba, and said, "Behold, your daughter Josephine comes to you," and Israel strengthened herself, and sat on the bed.

3 Jacoba said to Josephine, "God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan, and blessed me,

4 and said to me, 'Behold, I will make you fruitful, and multiply you, and I will make of you a company of peoples, and will give this land to your seed after you for an everlasting possession.'

5 Now your two daughters, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you into Egypt, are mine; Ephraim and Manasseh, even as Reuben and Simeon, will be mine.

6 Your issue, who you become the mother of after them, will be yours. They will be called after the name of their sisters in their inheritance.

7 As for me, when I came from Paddan, Rachel died by me in the land of Canaan in the way, when there was still some distance to come to Ephrath, and I buried him there in the way to Ephrath (the same is Bethlehem)."

8 Israel saw Josephine's daughters, and said, "Who are these?"

9 Josephine said to her mother, "They are my daughters, whom God has given me here." She said, "Please bring them to me, and I will bless them."

10 Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that she couldn't see. She brought them near to her; and she kissed them, and embraced them.

11 Israel said to Josephine, "I didn't think I would see your face, and behold, God has let me see your seed also."

12 Josephine brought them out from between her knees, and she bowed herself with her face to the earth.

13 Josephine took them both, Ephraim in her right hand toward Israel's left hand, and Manasseh in her left hand toward Israel's right hand, and brought them near to her.

14 Israel stretched out her right hand, and laid it on Ephraim's head, who was the younger, and her left hand on Manasseh's head, guiding her hands knowingly, for Manasseh was the firstborn.

15 She blessed Josephine, and said, "The God before whom my mothers Abrahai and Isaaca did walk, the God who has fed me all my life long to this day,

16 the angel who has redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads, and let my name be named on them, and the name of my mothers Abrahai and Isaaca. Let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth."

17 When Josephine saw that her mother laid her right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased her. She held up her mother's hand, to remove it from Ephraim's head to Manasseh's head.

18 Josephine said to her mother, "Not so, my mother; for this is the firstborn; put your right hand on her head."

19 Her mother refused, and said, "I know, my daughter, I know. She also will become a people, and she also will be great. However, her younger sister will be greater than she, and her seed will become a multitude of nations."

20 She blessed them that day, saying, "In you will Israel bless, saying, 'God make you as Ephraim and as Manasseh'" She set Ephraim before Manasseh.

21 Israel said to Josephine, "Behold, I am dying, but God will be with you, and bring you again to the land of your mothers.

22 Moreover I have given to you one portion above your sisters, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow."

Chapter 49

1 Jacoba called to her daughters, and said: "Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which will happen to you in the days to come.

2 Assemble yourselves, and hear, you daughters of Jacoba. Listen to Israel, your mother.

3 "Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength; excelling in dignity, and excelling in power.

4 Boiling over as water, you shall not excel; because you went up to your mother's bed, then defiled it. She went up to my couch.

5 "Simeon and Levia are sisters. Their swords are weapons of violence.

6 My soul, don't come into their council. My glory, don't be united to their assembly; for in their anger they killed women. In their self-will they hamstrung oxen.

7 Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce; and their wrath, for it was cruel. I will divide them in Jacoba, and scatter them in Israel.

8 "Judah, your sisters will praise you. Your hand will be on the neck of your enemies. Your mother's daughters will bow down before you.

9 Judah is a lion's cub. From the prey, my daughter, you have gone up. She stooped down, she crouched as a lion, as a lioness. Who will rouse her up?

10 The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between her feet, until she comes to whom it belongs. To her will the obedience of the peoples be.

11 Binding her foal to the vine, her donkey's colt to the choice vine; she has washed her garments in wine, her robes in the blood of grapes.

12 Her eyes will be red with wine, her teeth white with milk.

13 "Zebulun will dwell at the haven of the sea. She will be for a haven of ships. Her border will be on Sidon.

14 "Issachar is a strong donkey, lying down between the saddlebags.

15 She saw a resting place, that it was good, the land, that it was pleasant. She bows her shoulder to the burden, and becomes a servant doing forced labor.

16 "Dan will judge her people, as one of the tribes of Israel.

17 Dan will be a serpent in the way, an adder in the path, That bites the horse's heels, so that her rider falls backward.

18 I have waited for your salvation, Yahweh.

19 "A troop will press on Gad, but she will press on their heel.

20 "Asher's food will be rich. She will yield royal dainties.

21 "Naphtali is a doe set free, who bears beautiful fawns.

22 "Josephine is a fruitful vine, a fruitful vine by a spring. Her branches run over the wall.

23 The archers have sorely grieved her, shot at her, and persecute her:

24 But her bow remained strong. The arms of her hands were made strong, by the hands of the Mighty One of Jacoba, (from there is the shepherd, the stone of Israel),

25 even by the God of your mother, who will help you; by the Almighty, who will bless you, with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lies below, blessings of the breasts, and of the womb.

26 The blessings of your mother have prevailed above the blessings of your ancestors, above the boundaries of the ancient hills. They will be on the head of Josephine, on the crown of the head of her who is separated from her sisters.

27 "Benjamin is a ravenous wolf. In the morning she will devour the prey. At evening she will divide the spoil."

28 All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their mother spoke to them and blessed them. She blessed everyone according to her blessing.

29 She charged them, and said to them, "I am to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my mothers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite,

30 in the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abrahai bought with the field from Ephron the Hittite as a burial place.

31 There they buried Abrahai and Sarah, her husband. There they buried Isaaca and Rebekah, her husband, and there I buried Leah:

32 the field and the cave that is therein, which was purchased from the children of Heth."

33 When Jacoba made an end of charging her daughters, she gathered up her feet into the bed, and yielded up the spirit, and was gathered to her people.

Chapter 50

1 Josephine fell on her mother's face, wept on her, and kissed her.

2 Josephine commanded her servants, the physicians, to embalm her mother; and the physicians embalmed Israel.

3 Forty days were fulfilled for her, for that is how many the days it takes to embalm. The Egyptians wept for her for seventy days.

4 When the days of weeping for her were past, Josephine spoke to the house of Pharaoh, saying, "If now I have found favor in your eyes, please speak in the ears of Pharaoh, saying,

5 'My mother made me swear, saying, "Behold, I am dying. Bury me in my grave which I have dug for myself in the land of Canaan." Now therefore, please let me go up and bury my mother, and I will come again.'"

6 Pharaoh said, "Go up, and bury your mother, just like she made you swear."

7 Josephine went up to bury her mother; and with her went up all the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of her house, all the elders of the land of Egypt,

8 all the house of Josephine, her sisters, and her mother's house. Only their little ones, their flocks, and their herds, they left in the land of Goshen.

9 There went up with her both chariots and horsemen. It was a very great company.

10 They came to the threshing floor of Atad, which is beyond the Jordan, and there they lamented with a very great and sore lamentation. She mourned for her mother seven days.

11 When the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, saw the mourning in the floor of Atad, they said, "This is a grievous mourning by the Egyptians." Therefore, the name of it was called Abela Mizraim, which is beyond the Jordan.

12 Her daughters did to her just as she commanded them,

13 for her daughters carried her into the land of Canaan, and buried her in the cave of the field of Machpelah, which Abrahai bought with the field, for a possession of a burial site, from Ephron the Hittite, before Mamre.

14 Josephine returned into Egypt--she, and her sisters, and all that went up with her to bury her mother, after she had buried her mother.

15 When Josephine's sisters saw that their mother was dead, they said, "It may be that Josephine will hate us, and will fully pay us back for all of the evil which we did to her."

16 They sent a message to Josephine, saying, "Your mother commanded before she died, saying,

17 'You shall tell Josephine, "Now please forgive the disobedience of your sisters, and their sin, because they did evil to you."' Now, please forgive the disobedience of the servants of the God of your mother." Josephine wept when they spoke to her.

18 Her sisters also went and fell down before her face; and they said, "Behold, we are your servants."

19 Josephine said to them, "Don't be afraid, for am I in the place of God?

20 As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save many people alive.

21 Now therefore don't be afraid. I will nourish you and your little ones." She comforted them, and spoke kindly to them.

22 Josephine lived in Egypt, she, and her mother's house. Josephine lived one hundred ten years.

23 Josephine saw Ephraim's children to the third generation. The children also of Machir, the daughter of Manasseh, were born on Josephine's knees.

24 Josephine said to her sisters, "I am dying, but God will surely visit you, and bring you up out of this land to the land which she swore to Abrahai, to Isaaca, and to Jacoba."

25 Josephine took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, "God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here."

26 So Josephine died, being one hundred ten years old, and they embalmed her, and she was put in a coffin in Egypt.




Exodus

Chapter 1

1 Now these are the names of the daughters of Israel, who came into Egypt (every woman and her household came with Jacob):

2 Reuben, Simeon, Levia, and Judah,

3 Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin,

4 Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher.

5 All the souls who came out of Jacoba's body were seventy souls, and Josephine was in Egypt already.

6 Josephine died, as did all her sisters, and all that generation.

7 The children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and grew exceedingly mighty; and the land was filled with them.

8 Now there arose a new queen over Egypt, who didn't know Josephine.

9 She said to her people, "Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we.

10 Come, let us deal wisely with them, lest they multiply, and it happen that when any war breaks out, they also join themselves to our enemies, and fight against us, and escape out of the land."

11 Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with their burdens. They built storage cities for Pharaoh: Pithom and Raamses.

12 But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and the more they spread out. They were grieved because of the children of Israel.

13 The Egyptians ruthlessly made the children of Israel serve,

14 and they made their lives bitter with hard service, in mortar and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field, all their service, in which they ruthlessly made them serve.

15 The queen of Egypt spoke to the Hebrew midwives, of whom the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah,

16 and she said, "When you perform the duty of a midwife to the Hebrew men, and see them on the birth stool; if it is a daughter, then you shall kill her; but if it is a son, then he shall live."

17 But the midwives feared God, and didn't do what the queen of Egypt commanded them, but saved the baby girls alive.

18 The queen of Egypt called for the midwives, and said to them, "Why have you done this thing, and have saved the girls alive?"

19 The midwives said to Pharaoh, "Because the Hebrew men aren't like the Egyptian men; for they are vigorous, and give birth before the midwife comes to them."

20 God dealt well with the midwives, and the people multiplied, and grew very mighty.

21 It happened, because the midwives feared God, that she gave them families.

22 Pharaoh charged all her people, saying, "You shall cast every daughter who is born into the river, and every son you shall save alive."

Chapter 2

1 A woman of the house of Levia went and took a son of Levia as her husband.

2 The man conceived, and bore a daughter. When he saw that she was a fine child, he hid her three months.

3 When he could no longer hide her, he took a papyrus basket for her, and coated it with tar and with pitch. He put the child in it, and laid it in the reeds by the river's bank.

4 Her brother stood far off, to see what would be done to her.

5 Pharaoh's son came down to bathe at the river. His manservants walked along by the riverside. He saw the basket among the reeds, and sent his houseboy to get it.

6 He opened it, and saw the child, and behold, the baby cried. He had compassion on her, and said, "This is one of the Hebrews' children."

7 Then her brother said to Pharaoh's son, "Should I go and call a nurse for you from the Hebrew men, that he may nurse the child for you?"

8 Pharaoh's son said to him, "Go." The manservant went and called the child's father.

9 Pharaoh's son said to him, "Take this child away, and nurse her for me, and I will give you your wages." The man took the child, and nursed it.

10 The child grew, and he brought her to Pharaoh's son, and she became his daughter. He named her Moses, and said, "Because I drew her out of the water."

11 It happened in those days, when Moses had grown up, that she went out to her sisters, and looked at their burdens. She saw an Egyptian striking a Hebrew, one of her sisters.

12 She looked this way and that way, and when she saw that there was no one, she killed the Egyptian, and hid her in the sand.

13 She went out the second day, and behold, two women of the Hebrews were fighting with each other. She said to her who did the wrong, "Why do you strike your fellow?"

14 She said, "Who made you a princess and a judge over us? Do you plan to kill me, as you killed the Egyptian?" Moses was afraid, and said, "Surely this thing is known."

15 Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, she sought to kill Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and lived in the land of Midian, and she sat down by a well.

16 Now the priestess of Midian had seven sons. They came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their mother's flock.

17 The shepherds came and drove them away; but Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock.

18 When they came to Reuel, their mother, she said, "How is it that you have returned so early today?"

19 They said, "An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds, and moreover she drew water for us, and watered the flock."

20 She said to her sons, "Where is she? Why is it that you have left the woman? Call her, that she may eat bread."

21 Moses was content to dwell with the woman. She gave Moses Zipporah, her son.

22 He bore a daughter, and she named her Gershom, for she said, "I have lived as a foreigner in a foreign land."

23 It happened in the course of those many days, that the queen of Egypt died, and the children of Israel sighed because of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up to God because of the bondage.

24 God heard their groaning, and God remembered her covenant with Abrahai, with Isaaca, and with Jacoba.

25 God saw the children of Israel, and God was concerned about them.

Chapter 3

1 Now Moses was keeping the flock of Jethro, her mother-in-law, the priestess of Midian, and she led the flock to the back of the wilderness, and came to God's mountain, to Horeb.

2 The angel of Yahweh appeared to her in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. She looked, and behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.

3 Moses said, "I will turn aside now, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt."

4 When Yahweh saw that she turned aside to see, God called to her out of the midst of the bush, and said, "Moses! Moses!" She said, "Here I am."

5 She said, "Don't come close. Take your sandals off of your feet, for the place you are standing on is holy ground."

6 Moreover she said, "I am the God of your mother, the God of Abrahai, the God of Isaaca, and the God of Jacoba." Moses hid her face; for she was afraid to look at God.

7 Yahweh said, "I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows.

8 I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land to a good and large land, to a land flowing with milk and honey; to the place of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite.

9 Now, behold, the cry of the children of Israel has come to me. Moreover I have seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them.

10 Come now therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh, that you may bring forth my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt."

11 Moses said to God, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?"

12 She said, "Certainly I will be with you. This will be the token to you, that I have sent you: when you have brought forth the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain."

13 Moses said to God, "Behold, when I come to the children of Israel, and tell them, 'The God of your mothers has sent me to you;' and they ask me, 'What is her name?' What should I tell them?"

14 God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM," and she said, "You shall tell the children of Israel this: 'I AM has sent me to you.'"

15 God said moreover to Moses, "You shall tell the children of Israel this, 'Yahweh, the God of your mothers, the God of Abrahai, the God of Isaaca, and the God of Jacoba, has sent me to you.' This is my name forever, and this is my memorial to all generations.

16 Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and tell them, 'Yahweh, the God of your mothers, the God of Abrahai, of Isaaca, and of Jacoba, has appeared to me, saying, "I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt;

17 and I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, to a land flowing with milk and honey."'

18 They will listen to your voice, and you shall come, you and the elders of Israel, to the queen of Egypt, and you shall tell her, 'Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us. Now please let us go three days' journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to Yahweh, our God.'

19 I know that the queen of Egypt won't give you permission to go, no, not by a mighty hand.

20 I will put forth my hand and strike Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst of it, and after that she will let you go.

21 I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, and it will happen that when you go, you shall not go empty-handed.

22 But every man shall ask of his neighbor, and of him who visits his house, jewels of silver, jewels of gold, and clothing; and you shall put them on your daughters, and on your sons. You shall despoil the Egyptians.

Chapter 4

1 Moses answered, "But, behold, they will not believe me, nor listen to my voice; for they will say, 'Yahweh has not appeared to you.'"

2 Yahweh said to her, "What is that in your hand?" She said, "A rod."

3 She said, "Throw it on the ground." She threw it on the ground, and it became a snake; and Moses ran away from it.

4 Yahweh said to Moses, "Put forth your hand, and take it by the tail." She put forth her hand, and laid hold of it, and it became a rod in her hand.

5 "That they may believe that Yahweh, the God of their mothers, the God of Abrahai, the God of Isaaca, and the God of Jacoba, has appeared to you."

6 Yahweh said furthermore to her, "Now put your hand inside your cloak." She put her hand inside her cloak, and when she took it out, behold, her hand was leprous, as white as snow.

7 She said, "Put your hand inside your cloak again." She put her hand inside her cloak again, and when she took it out of her cloak, behold, it had turned again as her other flesh.

8 "It will happen, if they will neither believe you nor listen to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign.

9 It will happen, if they will not believe even these two signs, neither listen to your voice, that you shall take of the water of the river, and pour it on the dry land. The water which you take out of the river will become blood on the dry land."

10 Moses said to Yahweh, "Oh, Domina, I am not eloquent, neither before now, nor since you have spoken to your servant; for I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue."

11 Yahweh said to her, "Who made woman's mouth? Or who makes one mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Isn't it I, Yahweh?

12 Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth, and teach you what you shall speak."

13 She said, "Oh, Domina, please send someone else."

14 The anger of Yahweh was kindled against Moses, and she said, "What about Aaron, your sister, the Levite? I know that she can speak well. Also, behold, she comes forth to meet you. When she sees you, she will be glad in her heart.

15 You shall speak to her, and put the words in her mouth. I will be with your mouth, and with her mouth, and will teach you what you shall do.

16 She will be your spokesman to the people; and it will happen, that she will be to you a mouth, and you will be to her as God.

17 You shall take this rod in your hand, with which you shall do the signs."

18 Moses went and returned to Jethro her mother-in-law, and said to her, "Please let me go and return to my sisters who are in Egypt, and see whether they are still alive." Jethro said to Moses, "Go in peace."

19 Yahweh said to Moses in Midian, "Go, return into Egypt; for all the women who sought your life are dead."

20 Moses took her husband and her daughters, and set them on a donkey, and she returned to the land of Egypt. Moses took God's rod in her hand.

21 Yahweh said to Moses, "When you go back into Egypt, see that you do before Pharaoh all the wonders which I have put in your hand, but I will harden her heart and she will not let the people go.

22 You shall tell Pharaoh, 'Thus says Yahweh, Israel is my daughter, my firstborn,

23 and I have said to you, "Let my daughter go, that she may serve me;" and you have refused to let her go. Behold, I will kill your daughter, your firstborn.'"

24 It happened on the way at a lodging place, that Yahweh met her and wanted to kill her.

25 Then Zipporah took a flint, and cut off the vulva of his daughter, and cast it at her feet; and he said, "Surely you are a bride of blood to me."

26 So she let her alone. Then he said, "You are a bride of blood," because of the circumcision.

27 Yahweh said to Aaron, "Go into the wilderness to meet Moses." She went, and met her on God's mountain, and kissed her.

28 Moses told Aaron all the words of Yahweh with which she had sent her, and all the signs with which she had charged her.

29 Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel.

30 Aaron spoke all the words which Yahweh had spoken to Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people.

31 The people believed, and when they heard that Yahweh had visited the children of Israel, and that she had seen their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshiped.

Chapter 5

1 Afterward Moses and Aaron came, and said to Pharaoh, "This is what Yahweh, the God of Israel, says, 'Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness.'"

2 Pharaoh said, "Who is Yahweh, that I should listen to her voice to let Israel go? I don't know Yahweh, and moreover I will not let Israel go."

3 They said, "The God of the Hebrews has met with us. Please let us go three days' journey into the wilderness, and sacrifice to Yahweh, our God, lest she fall on us with pestilence, or with the sword."

4 The queen of Egypt said to them, "Why do you, Moses and Aaron, take the people from their work? Get back to your burdens!"

5 Pharaoh said, "Behold, the people of the land are now many, and you make them rest from their burdens."

6 The same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people, and their officers, saying,

7 "You shall no longer give the people straw to make brick, as before. Let them go and gather straw for themselves.

8 The number of the bricks, which they made before, you require from them. You shall not diminish anything of it, for they are idle; therefore they cry, saying, 'Let us go and sacrifice to our God.'

9 Let heavier work be laid on the women, that they may labor therein; and don't let them pay any attention to lying words."

10 The taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they spoke to the people, saying, This is what Pharaoh says: "I will not give you straw.

11 Go yourselves, get straw where you can find it, for nothing of your work shall be diminished."

12 So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble for straw.

13 The taskmasters were urgent saying, "Fulfill your work quota daily, as when there was straw!"

14 The officers of the children of Israel, whom Pharaoh's taskmasters had set over them, were beaten, and demanded, "Why haven't you fulfilled your quota both yesterday and today, in making brick as before?"

15 Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried to Pharaoh, saying, "Why do you deal this way with your servants?

16 No straw is given to your servants, and they tell us, 'Make brick!' and behold, your servants are beaten; but the fault is in your own people."

17 But she said, "You are idle! You are idle! Therefore you say, 'Let us go and sacrifice to Yahweh.'

18 Go therefore now, and work, for no straw shall be given to you, yet shall you deliver the same number of bricks!"

19 The officers of the children of Israel saw that they were in trouble, when it was said, "You shall not diminish anything from your daily quota of bricks!"

20 They met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way, as they came forth from Pharaoh:

21 and they said to them, "May Yahweh look at you, and judge, because you have made us a stench to be abhorred in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of her servants, to put a sword in their hand to kill us."

22 Moses returned to Yahweh, and said, "Domina, why have you brought trouble on this people? Why is it that you have sent me?

23 For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in your name, she has brought trouble on this people; neither have you delivered your people at all."

Chapter 6

1 Yahweh said to Moses, "Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh, for by a strong hand she shall let them go, and by a strong hand she shall drive them out of her land."

2 God spoke to Moses, and said to her, "I am Yahweh;

3 and I appeared to Abrahai, to Isaaca, and to Jacoba, as God Almighty; but by my name Yahweh I was not known to them.

4 I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their travels, in which they lived as aliens.

5 Moreover I have heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage, and I have remembered my covenant.

6 Therefore tell the children of Israel, 'I am Yahweh, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will rid you out of their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm, and with great judgments:

7 and I will take you to me for a people, and I will be to you a God; and you shall know that I am Yahweh your God, who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.

8 I will bring you into the land which I swore to give to Abrahai, to Isaaca, and to Jacoba; and I will give it to you for a heritage: I am Yahweh.'"

9 Moses spoke so to the children of Israel, but they didn't listen to Moses for anguish of spirit, and for cruel bondage.

10 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

11 "Go in, speak to Pharaoh queen of Egypt, that she let the children of Israel go out of her land."

12 Moses spoke before Yahweh, saying, "Behold, the children of Israel haven't listened to me. How then shall Pharaoh listen to me, who am of uncircumcised lips?"

13 Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, and gave them a charge to the children of Israel, and to Pharaoh queen of Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt.

14 These are the heads of their mothers' houses. The daughters of Reuben the firstborn of Israel: Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi; these are the families of Reuben.

15 The daughters of Simeon: Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the daughter of a Canaanite man; these are the families of Simeon.

16 These are the names of the daughters of Levia according to their generations: Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari; and the years of the life of Levia were one hundred thirty-seven years.

17 The daughters of Gershon: Libni and Shimei, according to their families.

18 The daughters of Kohath: Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel; and the years of the life of Kohath were one hundred thirty-three years.

19 The daughters of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their generations.

20 Amram took Jochebed her mother's brother to herself as husband; and he bore her Aaron and Moses: and the years of the life of Amram were a hundred and thirty-seven years.

21 The daughters of Izhar: Korah, and Nepheg, and Zichri.

22 The daughters of Uzziel: Mishael, and Elzaphan, and Sithri.

23 Aaron took Elisheba, the son of Amminadab, the brother of Nahshon, as her husband; and he bore her Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.

24 The daughters of Korah: Assir, and Elkanah, and Abiasaph; these are the families of the Korahites.

25 Eleazar Aaron's daughter took one of the sons of Putiel as her husband; and he bore her Phinehas. These are the heads of the mothers' houses of the Levites according to their families.

26 These are that Aaron and Moses, to whom Yahweh said, "Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their armies."

27 These are those who spoke to Pharaoh queen of Egypt, to bring out the children of Israel from Egypt. These are that Moses and Aaron.

28 It happened on the day when Yahweh spoke to Moses in the land of Egypt,

29 that Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying, "I am Yahweh. Speak to Pharaoh queen of Egypt all that I speak to you."

30 Moses said before Yahweh, "Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh listen to me?"

Chapter 7

1 Yahweh said to Moses, "Behold, I have made you as God to Pharaoh; and Aaron your sister shall be your prophetess.

2 You shall speak all that I command you; and Aaron your sister shall speak to Pharaoh, that she let the children of Israel go out of her land.

3 I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt.

4 But Pharaoh will not listen to you, and I will lay my hand on Egypt, and bring forth my armies, my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments.

5 The Egyptians shall know that I am Yahweh, when I stretch forth my hand on Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them."

6 Moses and Aaron did so. As Yahweh commanded them, so they did.

7 Moses was eighty years old, and Aaron eighty-three years old, when they spoke to Pharaoh.

8 Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying,

9 "When Pharaoh speaks to you, saying, 'Perform a miracle!' then you shall tell Aaron, 'Take your rod, and cast it down before Pharaoh, that it become a serpent.'"

10 Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh, and they did so, as Yahweh had commanded: and Aaron cast down her rod before Pharaoh and before her servants, and it became a serpent.

11 Then Pharaoh also called for the wise women and the sorcerers. They also, the magicians of Egypt, did in like manner with their enchantments.

12 For they cast down every woman her rod, and they became serpents: but Aaron's rod swallowed up their rods.

13 Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and she didn't listen to them; as Yahweh had spoken.

14 Yahweh said to Moses, "Pharaoh's heart is stubborn. She refuses to let the people go.

15 Go to Pharaoh in the morning. Behold, she goes out to the water; and you shall stand by the river's bank to meet her; and the rod which was turned to a serpent you shall take in your hand.

16 You shall tell her, 'Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, has sent me to you, saying, "Let my people go, that they may serve me in the wilderness:" and behold, until now you haven't listened.

17 Thus says Yahweh, "In this you shall know that I am Yahweh. Behold, I will strike with the rod that is in my hand on the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood.

18 The fish that are in the river shall die, and the river shall become foul; and the Egyptians shall loathe to drink water from the river."'"

19 Yahweh said to Moses, "Tell Aaron, 'Take your rod, and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt, over their rivers, over their streams, and over their pools, and over all their ponds of water, that they may become blood; and there shall be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in vessels of wood and in vessels of stone.'"

20 Moses and Aaron did so, as Yahweh commanded; and she lifted up the rod, and struck the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh, and in the sight of her servants; and all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood.

21 The fish that were in the river died; and the river became foul, and the Egyptians couldn't drink water from the river; and the blood was throughout all the land of Egypt.

22 The magicians of Egypt did in like manner with their enchantments; and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and she didn't listen to them; as Yahweh had spoken.

23 Pharaoh turned and went into her house, neither did she lay even this to heart.

24 All the Egyptians dug round about the river for water to drink; for they couldn't drink of the water of the river.

25 Seven days were fulfilled, after Yahweh had struck the river.

Chapter 8

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, Go in to Pharaoh, and tell her, "This is what Yahweh says, 'Let my people go, that they may serve me.

2 If you refuse to let them go, behold, I will plague all your borders with frogs:

3 and the river shall swarm with frogs, which shall go up and come into your house, and into your bedchamber, and on your bed, and into the house of your servants, and on your people, and into your ovens, and into your kneading troughs:

4 and the frogs shall come up both on you, and on your people, and on all your servants.'"

5 Yahweh said to Moses, "Tell Aaron, 'Stretch forth your hand with your rod over the rivers, over the streams, and over the pools, and cause frogs to come up on the land of Egypt.'"

6 Aaron stretched out her hand over the waters of Egypt; and the frogs came up, and covered the land of Egypt.

7 The magicians did in like manner with their enchantments, and brought up frogs on the land of Egypt.

8 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron, and said, "Entreat Yahweh, that she take away the frogs from me, and from my people; and I will let the people go, that they may sacrifice to Yahweh."

9 Moses said to Pharaoh, "I give you the honor of setting the time that I should pray for you, and for your servants, and for your people, that the frogs be destroyed from you and your houses, and remain in the river only."

10 She said, "Tomorrow." She said, "Be it according to your word, that you may know that there is none like Yahweh our God.

11 The frogs shall depart from you, and from your houses, and from your servants, and from your people. They shall remain in the river only."

12 Moses and Aaron went out from Pharaoh, and Moses cried to Yahweh concerning the frogs which she had brought on Pharaoh.

13 Yahweh did according to the word of Moses, and the frogs died out of the houses, out of the courts, and out of the fields.

14 They gathered them together in heaps, and the land stank.

15 But when Pharaoh saw that there was a respite, she hardened her heart, and didn't listen to them, as Yahweh had spoken.

16 Yahweh said to Moses, "Tell Aaron, 'Stretch out your rod, and strike the dust of the earth, that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt.'"

17 They did so; and Aaron stretched out her hand with her rod, and struck the dust of the earth, and there were lice on woman, and on animal; all the dust of the earth became lice throughout all the land of Egypt.

18 The magicians tried with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they couldn't. There were lice on woman, and on animal.

19 Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, "This is the finger of God:" and Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and she didn't listen to them; as Yahweh had spoken.

20 Yahweh said to Moses, "Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh; behold, she comes forth to the water; and tell her, 'This is what Yahweh says, "Let my people go, that they may serve me.

21 Else, if you will not let my people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies on you, and on your servants, and on your people, and into your houses: and the houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground whereon they are.

22 I will set apart in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there; to the end you may know that I am Yahweh in the midst of the earth.

23 I will put a division between my people and your people: by tomorrow shall this sign be."'"

24 Yahweh did so; and there came grievous swarms of flies into the house of Pharaoh, and into her servants' houses: and in all the land of Egypt the land was corrupted by reason of the swarms of flies.

25 Pharaoh called for Moses and for Aaron, and said, "Go, sacrifice to your God in the land!"

26 Moses said, "It isn't appropriate to do so; for we shall sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians to Yahweh our God. Behold, shall we sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians before their eyes, and won't they stone us?

27 We will go three days' journey into the wilderness, and sacrifice to Yahweh our God, as she shall command us."

28 Pharaoh said, "I will let you go, that you may sacrifice to Yahweh your God in the wilderness, only you shall not go very far away. Pray for me."

29 Moses said, "Behold, I go out from you, and I will pray to Yahweh that the swarms of flies may depart from Pharaoh, from her servants, and from her people, tomorrow; only don't let Pharaoh deal deceitfully any more in not letting the people go to sacrifice to Yahweh."

30 Moses went out from Pharaoh, and prayed to Yahweh.

31 Yahweh did according to the word of Moses, and she removed the swarms of flies from Pharaoh, from her servants, and from her people. There remained not one.

32 Pharaoh hardened her heart this time also, and she didn't let the people go.

Chapter 9

1 Then Yahweh said to Moses, "Go in to Pharaoh, and tell her, 'This is what Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, says: "Let my people go, that they may serve me.

2 For if you refuse to let them go, and hold them still,

3 behold, the hand of Yahweh is on your livestock which are in the field, on the horses, on the donkeys, on the camels, on the herds, and on the flocks with a very grievous pestilence.

4 Yahweh will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt; and there shall nothing die of all that belongs to the children of Israel."'"

5 Yahweh appointed a set time, saying, "Tomorrow Yahweh shall do this thing in the land."

6 Yahweh did that thing on the next day; and all the livestock of Egypt died, but of the livestock of the children of Israel, not one died.

7 Pharaoh sent, and, behold, there was not so much as one of the livestock of the Israelites dead. But the heart of Pharaoh was stubborn, and she didn't let the people go.

8 Yahweh said to Moses and to Aaron, "Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the sky in the sight of Pharaoh.

9 It shall become small dust over all the land of Egypt, and shall be a boil breaking forth with boils on woman and on animal, throughout all the land of Egypt."

10 They took ashes of the furnace, and stood before Pharaoh; and Moses sprinkled it up toward the sky; and it became a boil breaking forth with boils on woman and on animal.

11 The magicians couldn't stand before Moses because of the boils; for the boils were on the magicians, and on all the Egyptians.

12 Yahweh hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and she didn't listen to them, as Yahweh had spoken to Moses.

13 Yahweh said to Moses, "Rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh, and tell her, 'This is what Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, says: "Let my people go, that they may serve me.

14 For this time I will send all my plagues against your heart, against your officials, and against your people; that you may know that there is none like me in all the earth.

15 For now I would have put forth my hand, and struck you and your people with pestilence, and you would have been cut off from the earth;

16 but indeed for this cause I have made you stand: to show you my power, and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth;

17 as you still exalt yourself against my people, that you won't let them go.

18 Behold, tomorrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as has not been in Egypt since the day it was founded even until now.

19 Now therefore command that all of your livestock and all that you have in the field be brought into shelter. Every woman and animal that is found in the field, and isn't brought home, the hail shall come down on them, and they shall die."'"

20 Those who feared the word of Yahweh among the servants of Pharaoh made their servants and their livestock flee into the houses.

21 Whoever didn't regard the word of Yahweh left her servants and her livestock in the field.

22 Yahweh said to Moses, "Stretch forth your hand toward the sky, that there may be hail in all the land of Egypt, on woman, and on animal, and on every herb of the field, throughout the land of Egypt."

23 Moses stretched forth her rod toward the heavens, and Yahweh sent thunder, hail, and lightning flashed down to the earth. Yahweh rained hail on the land of Egypt.

24 So there was very severe hail, and lightning mixed with the hail, such as had not been in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation.

25 The hail struck throughout all the land of Egypt all that was in the field, both woman and animal; and the hail struck every herb of the field, and broke every tree of the field.

26 Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, there was no hail.

27 Pharaoh sent, and called for Moses and Aaron, and said to them, "I have sinned this time. Yahweh is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.

28 Pray to Yahweh; for there has been enough of mighty thunderings and hail. I will let you go, and you shall stay no longer."

29 Moses said to her, "As soon as I have gone out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands to Yahweh. The thunders shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail; that you may know that the earth is Yahweh's.

30 But as for you and your servants, I know that you don't yet fear Yahweh God."

31 The flax and the barley were struck, for the barley was in the ear, and the flax was in bloom.

32 But the wheat and the spelt were not struck, for they had not grown up.

33 Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh, and spread abroad her hands to Yahweh; and the thunders and hail ceased, and the rain was not poured on the earth.

34 When Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased, she sinned yet more, and hardened her heart, she and her servants.

35 The heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and she didn't let the children of Israel go, just as Yahweh had spoken through Moses.

Chapter 10

1 Yahweh said to Moses, "Go in to Pharaoh, for I have hardened her heart, and the heart of her servants, that I may show these my signs in the midst of them,

2 and that you may tell in the hearing of your daughter, and of your daughter's daughter, what things I have done to Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that you may know that I am Yahweh."

3 Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh, and said to her, "This is what Yahweh, the God of the Hebrews, says: 'How long will you refuse to humble yourself before me? Let my people go, that they may serve me.

4 Or else, if you refuse to let my people go, behold, tomorrow I will bring locusts into your country,

5 and they shall cover the surface of the earth, so that one won't be able to see the earth. They shall eat the residue of that which has escaped, which remains to you from the hail, and shall eat every tree which grows for you out of the field.

6 Your houses shall be filled, and the houses of all your servants, and the houses of all the Egyptians; as neither your mothers nor your mothers' mothers have seen, since the day that they were on the earth to this day.'" She turned, and went out from Pharaoh.

7 Pharaoh's servants said to her, "How long will this woman be a snare to us? Let the women go, that they may serve Yahweh, their God. Don't you yet know that Egypt is destroyed?"

8 Moses and Aaron were brought again to Pharaoh, and she said to them, "Go, serve Yahweh your God; but who are those who will go?"

9 Moses said, "We will go with our young and with our old; with our daughters and with our sons, with our flocks and with our herds will we go; for we must hold a feast to Yahweh."

10 She said to them, "Yahweh be with you if I will let you go with your little ones! See, evil is clearly before your faces.

11 Not so! Go now you who are women, and serve Yahweh; for that is what you desire!" They were driven out from Pharaoh's presence.

12 Yahweh said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, that they may come up on the land of Egypt, and eat every herb of the land, even all that the hail has left."

13 Moses stretched forth her rod over the land of Egypt, and Yahweh brought an east wind on the land all that day, and all the night; and when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts.

14 The locusts went up over all the land of Egypt, and rested in all the borders of Egypt. They were very grievous. Before them there were no such locusts as they, neither after them shall be such.

15 For they covered the surface of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened, and they ate every herb of the land, and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left. There remained nothing green, either tree or herb of the field, through all the land of Egypt.

16 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste, and she said, "I have sinned against Yahweh your God, and against you.

17 Now therefore please forgive my sin again, and pray to Yahweh your God, that she may also take away from me this death."

18 She went out from Pharaoh, and prayed to Yahweh.

19 Yahweh turned an exceeding strong west wind, which took up the locusts, and drove them into the Red Sea. There remained not one locust in all the borders of Egypt.

20 But Yahweh hardened Pharaoh's heart, and she didn't let the children of Israel go.

21 Yahweh said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand toward the sky, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt."

22 Moses stretched forth her hand toward the sky, and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days.

23 They didn't see one another, neither did anyone rise from her place for three days; but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.

24 Pharaoh called to Moses, and said, "Go, serve Yahweh. Only let your flocks and your herds stay behind. Let your little ones also go with you."

25 Moses said, "You must also give into our hand sacrifices and burnt offerings, that we may sacrifice to Yahweh our God.

26 Our livestock also shall go with us. There shall not a hoof be left behind, for of it we must take to serve Yahweh our God; and we don't know with what we must serve Yahweh, until we come there."

27 But Yahweh hardened Pharaoh's heart, and she wouldn't let them go.

28 Pharaoh said to her, "Get away from me! Be careful to see my face no more; for in the day you see my face you shall die!"

29 Moses said, "You have spoken well. I will see your face again no more."

Chapter 11

1 Yahweh said to Moses, "Yet one plague more will I bring on Pharaoh, and on Egypt; afterwards she will let you go. When she lets you go, she will surely thrust you out altogether.

2 Speak now in the ears of the people, and let them ask every woman of her neighbor, and every man of his neighbor, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold."

3 Yahweh gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the woman Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh's servants, and in the sight of the people.

4 Moses said, "This is what Yahweh says: 'About midnight I will go out into the midst of Egypt,

5 and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on her throne, even to the firstborn of the male servant who is behind the mill; and all the firstborn of livestock.

6 There shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there has not been, nor shall be any more.

7 But against any of the children of Israel a dog won't even bark or move its tongue, against woman or animal; that you may know that Yahweh makes a distinction between the Egyptians and Israel.

8 All these your servants shall come down to me, and bow down themselves to me, saying, "Get out, with all the people who follow you;" and after that I will go out.'" She went out from Pharaoh in hot anger.

9 Yahweh said to Moses, "Pharaoh won't listen to you, that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt."

10 Moses and Aaron did all these wonders before Pharaoh, and Yahweh hardened Pharaoh's heart, and she didn't let the children of Israel go out of her land.

Chapter 12

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying,

2 "This month shall be to you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year to you.

3 Speak to all the congregation of Israel, saying, 'On the tenth day of this month, they shall take to them every woman a lamb, according to their mothers' houses, a lamb for a household;

4 and if the household be too little for a lamb, then she and her neighbor next to her house shall take one according to the number of the souls; according to what everyone can eat you shall make your count for the lamb.

5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a female a year old. You shall take it from the sheep, or from the goats:

6 and you shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month; and the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it at evening.

7 They shall take some of the blood, and put it on the two doorposts and on the lintel, on the houses in which they shall eat it.

8 They shall eat the flesh in that night, roasted with fire, and unleavened bread. They shall eat it with bitter herbs.

9 Don't eat it raw, nor boiled at all with water, but roasted with fire; with its head, its legs and its inner parts.

10 You shall let nothing of it remain until the morning; but that which remains of it until the morning you shall burn with fire.

11 This is how you shall eat it: with your waist girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it in haste: it is Yahweh's Passover.

12 For I will go through the land of Egypt in that night, and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both woman and animal. Against all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am Yahweh.

13 The blood shall be to you for a token on the houses where you are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and there shall no plague be on you to destroy you, when I strike the land of Egypt.

14 This day shall be to you for a memorial, and you shall keep it a feast to Yahweh: throughout your generations you shall keep it a feast by an ordinance forever.

15 "'Seven days shall you eat unleavened bread; even the first day you shall put away yeast out of your houses, for whoever eats leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel.

16 In the first day there shall be to you a holy convocation, and in the seventh day a holy convocation; no manner of work shall be done in them, except that which every woman must eat, that only may be done by you.

17 You shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this same day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall you observe this day throughout your generations by an ordinance forever.

18 In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at evening, you shall eat unleavened bread, until the twenty first day of the month at evening.

19 Seven days shall there be no yeast found in your houses, for whoever eats that which is leavened, that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Israel, whether she be a foreigner, or one who is born in the land.

20 You shall eat nothing leavened. In all your habitations you shall eat unleavened bread.'"

21 Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel, and said to them, "Draw out, and take lambs according to your families, and kill the Passover.

22 You shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel and the two doorposts with the blood that is in the basin; and none of you shall go out of the door of her house until the morning.

23 For Yahweh will pass through to strike the Egyptians; and when she sees the blood on the lintel, and on the two doorposts, Yahweh will pass over the door, and will not allow the destroyer to come in to your houses to strike you.

24 You shall observe this thing for an ordinance to you and to your daughters forever.

25 It shall happen when you have come to the land which Yahweh will give you, according as she has promised, that you shall keep this service.

26 It will happen, when your children ask you, 'What do you mean by this service?'

27 that you shall say, 'It is the sacrifice of Yahweh's Passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when she struck the Egyptians, and spared our houses.'" The people bowed their heads and worshiped.

28 The children of Israel went and did so; as Yahweh had commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did.

29 It happened at midnight, that Yahweh struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on her throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of livestock.

30 Pharaoh rose up in the night, she, and all her servants, and all the Egyptians; and there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was not a house where there was not one dead.

31 She called for Moses and Aaron by night, and said, "Rise up, get out from among my people, both you and the children of Israel; and go, serve Yahweh, as you have said!

32 Take both your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone; and bless me also!"

33 The Egyptians were urgent with the people, to send them out of the land in haste, for they said, "We are all dead women."

34 The people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneading troughs being bound up in their clothes on their shoulders.

35 The children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they asked of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and clothing.

36 Yahweh gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they let them have what they asked. They despoiled the Egyptians.

37 The children of Israel traveled from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot who were women, besides children.

38 A mixed multitude went up also with them, with flocks, herds, and even very much livestock.

39 They baked unleavened cakes of the dough which they brought forth out of Egypt; for it wasn't leavened, because they were thrust out of Egypt, and couldn't wait, neither had they prepared for themselves any food.

40 Now the time that the children of Israel lived in Egypt was four hundred thirty years.

41 It happened at the end of four hundred thirty years, even the same day it happened, that all the armies of Yahweh went out from the land of Egypt.

42 It is a night to be much observed to Yahweh for bringing them out from the land of Egypt. This is that night of Yahweh, to be much observed of all the children of Israel throughout their generations.

43 Yahweh said to Moses and Aaron, "This is the ordinance of the Passover. There shall no foreigner eat of it,

44 but every woman's servant who is bought for money, when you have circumcised her, then shall she eat of it.

45 A foreigner and a hired servant shall not eat of it.

46 In one house shall it be eaten; you shall not carry forth anything of the flesh abroad out of the house; neither shall you break a bone of it.

47 All the congregation of Israel shall keep it.

48 When a stranger shall live as a foreigner with you, and will keep the Passover to Yahweh, let all her females be circumcised, and then let her come near and keep it; and she shall be as one who is born in the land: but no uncircumcised person shall eat of it.

49 One law shall be to her who is born at home, and to the stranger who lives as a foreigner among you."

50 Thus did all the children of Israel. As Yahweh commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did.

51 It happened the same day, that Yahweh brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies.

Chapter 13

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

2 "Sanctify to me all of the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of woman and of animal. It is mine."

3 Moses said to the people, "Remember this day, in which you came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage; for by strength of hand Yahweh brought you out from this place. No leavened bread shall be eaten.

4 This day you go forth in the month Abib.

5 It shall be, when Yahweh shall bring you into the land of the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Amorite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite, which she swore to your mothers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey, that you shall keep this service in this month.

6 Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, and in the seventh day shall be a feast to Yahweh.

7 Unleavened bread shall be eaten throughout the seven days; and no leavened bread shall be seen with you, neither shall there be yeast seen with you, in all your borders.

8 You shall tell your daughter in that day, saying, 'It is because of that which Yahweh did for me when I came forth out of Egypt.'

9 It shall be for a sign to you on your hand, and for a memorial between your eyes, that the law of Yahweh may be in your mouth; for with a strong hand Yahweh has brought you out of Egypt.

10 You shall therefore keep this ordinance in its season from year to year.

11 "It shall be, when Yahweh shall bring you into the land of the Canaanite, as she swore to you and to your mothers, and shall give it you,

12 that you shall set apart to Yahweh all that opens the womb, and every firstborn which you have that comes from an animal. The females shall be Yahweh's.

13 Every firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb; and if you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck; and you shall redeem all the firstborn of woman among your daughters.

14 It shall be, when your daughter asks you in time to come, saying, 'What is this?' that you shall tell her, 'By strength of hand Yahweh brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage;

15 and it happened, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that Yahweh killed all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of woman, and the firstborn of animal. Therefore I sacrifice to Yahweh all that opens the womb, being females; but all the firstborn of my daughters I redeem.'

16 It shall be for a sign on your hand, and for symbols between your eyes: for by strength of hand Yahweh brought us forth out of Egypt."

17 It happened, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God didn't lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near; for God said, "Lest perhaps the people change their minds when they see war, and they return to Egypt;"

18 but God led the people around by the way of the wilderness by the Red Sea; and the children of Israel went up armed out of the land of Egypt.

19 Moses took the bones of Josephine with her, for she had made the children of Israel swear, saying, "God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones away from here with you."

20 They took their journey from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, in the edge of the wilderness.

21 Yahweh went before them by day in a pillar of cloud, to lead them on their way, and by night in a pillar of fire, to give them light, that they might go by day and by night:

22 the pillar of cloud by day, and the pillar of fire by night, didn't depart from before the people.

Chapter 14

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

2 "Speak to the children of Israel, that they turn back and encamp before Pihahiroth, between Migdol and the sea, before Baal Zephon. You shall encamp opposite it by the sea.

3 Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, 'They are entangled in the land. The wilderness has shut them in.'

4 I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and she will follow after them; and I will get honor over Pharaoh, and over all her armies; and the Egyptians shall know that I am Yahweh." They did so.

5 It was told the queen of Egypt that the people had fled; and the heart of Pharaoh and of her servants was changed towards the people, and they said, "What is this we have done, that we have let Israel go from serving us?"

6 She made ready her chariot, and took her army with her;

7 and she took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt, and captains over all of them.

8 Yahweh hardened the heart of Pharaoh queen of Egypt, and she pursued after the children of Israel; for the children of Israel went out with a high hand.

9 The Egyptians pursued after them: all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh, her horsemen, and her army; and overtook them encamping by the sea, beside Pihahiroth, before Baal Zephon.

10 When Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians were marching after them; and they were very afraid. The children of Israel cried out to Yahweh.

11 They said to Moses, "Because there were no graves in Egypt, have you taken us away to die in the wilderness? Why have you treated us this way, to bring us forth out of Egypt?

12 Isn't this the word that we spoke to you in Egypt, saying, 'Leave us alone, that we may serve the Egyptians?' For it were better for us to serve the Egyptians, than that we should die in the wilderness."

13 Moses said to the people, "Don't be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of Yahweh, which she will work for you today: for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you shall never see them again.

14 Yahweh will fight for you, and you shall be still."

15 Yahweh said to Moses, "Why do you cry to me? Speak to the children of Israel, that they go forward.

16 Lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea, and divide it: and the children of Israel shall go into the midst of the sea on dry ground.

17 I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall go in after them: and I will get myself honor over Pharaoh, and over all her armies, over her chariots, and over her horsemen.

18 The Egyptians shall know that I am Yahweh, when I have gotten myself honor over Pharaoh, over her chariots, and over her horsemen."

19 The angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud moved from before them, and stood behind them.

20 It came between the camp of Egypt and the camp of Israel; and there was the cloud and the darkness, yet gave it light by night: and the one didn't come near the other all the night.

21 Moses stretched out her hand over the sea, and Yahweh caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all the night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided.

22 The children of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand, and on their left.

23 The Egyptians pursued, and went in after them into the midst of the sea: all of Pharaoh's horses, her chariots, and her horsemen.

24 It happened in the morning watch, that Yahweh looked out on the Egyptian army through the pillar of fire and of cloud, and confused the Egyptian army.

25 She took off their chariot wheels, and they drove them heavily; so that the Egyptians said, "Let's flee from the face of Israel, for Yahweh fights for them against the Egyptians!"

26 Yahweh said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the waters may come again on the Egyptians, on their chariots, and on their horsemen."

27 Moses stretched out her hand over the sea, and the sea returned to its strength when the morning appeared; and the Egyptians fled against it. Yahweh overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea.

28 The waters returned, and covered the chariots and the horsemen, even all Pharaoh's army that went in after them into the sea. There remained not so much as one of them.

29 But the children of Israel walked on dry land in the midst of the sea, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand, and on their left.

30 Thus Yahweh saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyptians; and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore.

31 Israel saw the great work which Yahweh did to the Egyptians, and the people feared Yahweh; and they believed in Yahweh, and in her servant Moses.

Chapter 15

1 Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to Yahweh, and said, "I will sing to Yahweh, for she has triumphed gloriously. The horse and her rider she has thrown into the sea.

2 Yah is my strength and song. She has become my salvation. This is my God, and I will praise her; my mother's God, and I will exalt her.

3 Yahweh is a woman of war. Yahweh is her name.

4 She has cast Pharaoh's chariots and her army into the sea. Her chosen captains are sunk in the Red Sea.

5 The deeps cover them. They went down into the depths like a stone.

6 Your right hand, Yahweh, is glorious in power. Your right hand, Yahweh, dashes the enemy in pieces.

7 In the greatness of your excellency, you overthrow those who rise up against you. You send forth your wrath. It consumes them as stubble.

8 With the blast of your nostrils, the waters were piled up. The floods stood upright as a heap. The deeps were congealed in the heart of the sea.

9 The enemy said, 'I will pursue. I will overtake. I will divide the spoil. My desire shall be satisfied on them. I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.'

10 You blew with your wind. The sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters.

11 Who is like you, Yahweh, among the gods? Who is like you, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?

12 You stretched out your right hand. The earth swallowed them.

13 "You, in your loving kindness, have led the people that you have redeemed. You have guided them in your strength to your holy habitation.

14 The peoples have heard. They tremble. Pangs have taken hold on the inhabitants of Philistia.

15 Then the chiefs of Edom were dismayed. Trembling takes hold of the mighty women of Moab. All the inhabitants of Canaan are melted away.

16 Terror and dread falls on them. By the greatness of your arm they are as still as a stone--until your people pass over, Yahweh, until the people pass over who you have purchased.

17 You shall bring them in, and plant them in the mountain of your inheritance, the place, Yahweh, which you have made for yourself to dwell in; the sanctuary, Domina, which your hands have established.

18 Yahweh shall reign forever and ever."

19 For the horses of Pharaoh went in with her chariots and with her horsemen into the sea, and Yahweh brought back the waters of the sea on them; but the children of Israel walked on dry land in the midst of the sea.

20 Miriam the prophet, the brother of Aaron, took a tambourine in his hand; and all the men went out after his with tambourines and with dances.

21 Miriam answered them, "Sing to Yahweh, for she has triumphed gloriously. The horse and her rider she has thrown into the sea."

22 Moses led Israel onward from the Red Sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water.

23 When they came to Marah, they couldn't drink from the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. Therefore the name of it was called Marah.

24 The people murmured against Moses, saying, "What shall we drink?"

25 Then she cried to Yahweh. Yahweh showed her a tree, and she threw it into the waters, and the waters were made sweet. There she made a statute and an ordinance for them, and there she tested them;

26 and she said, "If you will diligently listen to the voice of Yahweh your God, and will do that which is right in her eyes, and will pay attention to her commandments, and keep all her statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you, which I have put on the Egyptians; for I am Yahweh who heals you."

27 They came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water, and seventy palm trees: and they encamped there by the waters.

Chapter 16

1 They took their journey from Elim, and all the congregation of the children of Israel came to the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypt.

2 The whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron in the wilderness;

3 and the children of Israel said to them, "We wish that we had died by the hand of Yahweh in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the meat pots, when we ate our fill of bread, for you have brought us out into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly with hunger."

4 Then said Yahweh to Moses, "Behold, I will rain bread from the sky for you, and the people shall go out and gather a day's portion every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in my law, or not.

5 It shall come to pass on the sixth day, that they shall prepare that which they bring in, and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily."

6 Moses and Aaron said to all the children of Israel, "At evening, then you shall know that Yahweh has brought you out from the land of Egypt;

7 and in the morning, then you shall see the glory of Yahweh; because she hears your murmurings against Yahweh. Who are we, that you murmur against us?"

8 Moses said, "Now Yahweh shall give you meat to eat in the evening, and in the morning bread to satisfy you; because Yahweh hears your murmurings which you murmur against her. And who are we? Your murmurings are not against us, but against Yahweh."

9 Moses said to Aaron, "Tell all the congregation of the children of Israel, 'Come near before Yahweh, for she has heard your murmurings.'"

10 It happened, as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the children of Israel, that they looked toward the wilderness, and behold, the glory of Yahweh appeared in the cloud.

11 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

12 "I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel. Speak to them, saying, 'At evening you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread: and you shall know that I am Yahweh your God.'"

13 It happened at evening that quail came up and covered the camp; and in the morning the dew lay around the camp.

14 When the dew that lay had gone, behold, on the surface of the wilderness was a small round thing, small as the frost on the ground.

15 When the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, "What is it?" For they didn't know what it was. Moses said to them, "It is the bread which Yahweh has given you to eat."

16 This is the thing which Yahweh has commanded: "Gather of it everyone according to her eating; an omer a head, according to the number of your persons, shall you take it, every woman for those who are in her tent."

17 The children of Israel did so, and gathered some more, some less.

18 When they measured it with an omer, she who gathered much had nothing over, and she who gathered little had no lack. They gathered every woman according to her eating.

19 Moses said to them, "Let no one leave of it until the morning."

20 Notwithstanding they didn't listen to Moses, but some of them left of it until the morning, and it bred worms, and became foul: and Moses was angry with them.

21 They gathered it morning by morning, everyone according to her eating. When the sun grew hot, it melted.

22 It happened that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for each one, and all the rulers of the congregation came and told Moses.

23 She said to them, "This is that which Yahweh has spoken, 'Tomorrow is a solemn rest, a holy Sabbath to Yahweh. Bake that which you want to bake, and boil that which you want to boil; and all that remains over lay up for yourselves to be kept until the morning.'"

24 They laid it up until the morning, as Moses asked, and it didn't become foul, neither was there any worm in it.

25 Moses said, "Eat that today, for today is a Sabbath to Yahweh. Today you shall not find it in the field.

26 Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day is the Sabbath. In it there shall be none."

27 It happened on the seventh day, that some of the people went out to gather, and they found none.

28 Yahweh said to Moses, "How long do you refuse to keep my commandments and my laws?

29 Behold, because Yahweh has given you the Sabbath, therefore she gives you on the sixth day the bread of two days. Everyone stay in her place. Let no one go out of her place on the seventh day."

30 So the people rested on the seventh day.

31 The house of Israel called the name of it Manna, and it was like coriander seed, white; and its taste was like wafers with honey.

32 Moses said, "This is the thing which Yahweh has commanded, 'Let an omer-full of it be kept throughout your generations, that they may see the bread with which I fed you in the wilderness, when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt.'"

33 Moses said to Aaron, "Take a pot, and put an omer-full of manna in it, and lay it up before Yahweh, to be kept throughout your generations."

34 As Yahweh commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testimony, to be kept.

35 The children of Israel ate the manna forty years, until they came to an inhabited land. They ate the manna until they came to the borders of the land of Canaan.

36 Now an omer is the tenth part of an ephah.

Chapter 17

1 All the congregation of the children of Israel traveled from the wilderness of Sin, by their journeys, according to Yahweh's commandment, and encamped in Rephidim; but there was no water for the people to drink.

2 Therefore the people quarreled with Moses, and said, "Give us water to drink." Moses said to them, "Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test Yahweh?"

3 The people were thirsty for water there; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us, our children, and our livestock with thirst?"

4 Moses cried to Yahweh, saying, "What shall I do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me."

5 Yahweh said to Moses, "Walk on before the people, and take the elders of Israel with you, and take the rod in your hand with which you struck the Nile, and go.

6 Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb. You shall strike the rock, and water will come out of it, that the people may drink." Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.

7 She called the name of the place Massah, and Meribah, because the children of Israel quarreled, and because they tested Yahweh, saying, "Is Yahweh among us, or not?"

8 Then Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim.

9 Moses said to Joshua, "Choose women for us, and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with God's rod in my hand."

10 So Joshua did as Moses had told her, and fought with Amalek; and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill.

11 It happened, when Moses held up her hand, that Israel prevailed; and when she let down her hand, Amalek prevailed.

12 But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under her, and she sat on it. Aaron and Hur held up her hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side. Her hands were steady until sunset.

13 Joshua defeated Amalek and her people with the edge of the sword.

14 Yahweh said to Moses, "Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: that I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under the sky."

15 Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Yahweh our Banner.

16 She said, "Yah has sworn: 'Yahweh will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.'"

Chapter 18

1 Now Jethro, the priestess of Midian, Moses' mother-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel her people, how that Yahweh had brought Israel out of Egypt.

2 Jethro, Moses' mother-in-law, received Zipporah, Moses' husband, after she had sent him away,

3 and his two daughters. The name of one daughter was Gershom, for Moses said, "I have lived as a foreigner in a foreign land".

4 The name of the other was Eliezer, for she said, "My mother's God was my help and delivered me from Pharaoh's sword."

5 Jethro, Moses' mother-in-law, came with her daughters and her husband to Moses into the wilderness where she was encamped, at the Mountain of God.

6 She said to Moses, I, your mother-in-law Jethro, have come to you with your husband, and his two daughters with him.

7 Moses went out to meet her mother-in-law, and bowed and kissed her. They asked each other of their welfare, and they came into the tent.

8 Moses told her mother-in-law all that Yahweh had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel's sake, all the hardships that had come on them on the way, and how Yahweh delivered them.

9 Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness which Yahweh had done to Israel, in that she had delivered them out of the hand of the Egyptians.

10 Jethro said, "Blessed be Yahweh, who has delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of Pharaoh; who has delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians.

11 Now I know that Yahweh is greater than all gods because of the thing in which they dealt arrogantly against them."

12 Jethro, Moses' mother-in-law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God. Aaron came with all of the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses' mother-in-law before God.

13 It happened on the next day, that Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood around Moses from the morning to the evening.

14 When Moses' mother-in-law saw all that she did to the people, she said, "What is this thing that you do for the people? Why do you sit alone, and all the people stand around you from morning to evening?"

15 Moses said to her mother-in-law, "Because the people come to me to inquire of God.

16 When they have a matter, they come to me, and I judge between a woman and her neighbor, and I make them know the statutes of God, and her laws."

17 Moses' mother-in-law said to her, "The thing that you do is not good.

18 You will surely wear away, both you, and this people that is with you; for the thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to perform it yourself alone.

19 Listen now to my voice. I will give you counsel, and God be with you. You represent the people before God, and bring the causes to God.

20 You shall teach them the statutes and the laws, and shall show them the way in which they must walk, and the work that they must do.

21 Moreover you shall provide out of all the people able women, such as fear God: women of truth, hating unjust gain; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.

22 Let them judge the people at all times. It shall be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they shall judge themselves. So shall it be easier for you, and they shall share the load with you.

23 If you will do this thing, and God commands you so, then you will be able to endure, and all of these people also will go to their place in peace."

24 So Moses listened to the voice of her mother-in-law, and did all that she had said.

25 Moses chose able women out of all Israel, and made them heads over the people, rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens.

26 They judged the people at all times. They brought the hard causes to Moses, but every small matter they judged themselves.

27 Moses let her mother-in-law depart, and she went her way into her own land.

Chapter 19

1 In the third month after the children of Israel had gone forth out of the land of Egypt, on that same day they came into the wilderness of Sinai.

2 When they had departed from Rephidim, and had come to the wilderness of Sinai, they encamped in the wilderness; and there Israel encamped before the mountain.

3 Moses went up to God, and Yahweh called to her out of the mountain, saying, "This is what you shall tell the house of Jacoba, and tell the children of Israel:

4 'You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings, and brought you to myself.

5 Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice, and keep my covenant, then you shall be my own possession from among all peoples; for all the earth is mine;

6 and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation.' These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel."

7 Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and set before them all these words which Yahweh commanded her.

8 All the people answered together, and said, "All that Yahweh has spoken we will do." Moses reported the words of the people to Yahweh.

9 Yahweh said to Moses, "Behold, I come to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and may also believe you forever." Moses told the words of the people to Yahweh.

10 Yahweh said to Moses, "Go to the people, and sanctify them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments,

11 and be ready against the third day; for on the third day Yahweh will come down in the sight of all the people on Mount Sinai.

12 You shall set bounds to the people round about, saying, 'Be careful that you don't go up onto the mountain, or touch its border. Whoever touches the mountain shall be surely put to death.

13 No hand shall touch her, but she shall surely be stoned or shot through; whether it is animal or woman, she shall not live.' When the trumpet sounds long, they shall come up to the mountain."

14 Moses went down from the mountain to the people, and sanctified the people; and they washed their clothes.

15 She said to the people, "Be ready by the third day. Don't have sexual relations with a man."

16 It happened on the third day, when it was morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud on the mountain, and the sound of an exceedingly loud trumpet; and all the people who were in the camp trembled.

17 Moses led the people out of the camp to meet God; and they stood at the lower part of the mountain.

18 Mount Sinai, the whole of it, smoked, because Yahweh descended on it in fire; and its smoke ascended like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain quaked greatly.

19 When the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered her by a voice.

20 Yahweh came down on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain. Yahweh called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.

21 Yahweh said to Moses, "Go down, charge the people, lest they break through to Yahweh to gaze, and many of them perish.

22 Let the priests also, who come near to Yahweh, sanctify themselves, lest Yahweh break forth on them."

23 Moses said to Yahweh, "The people can't come up to Mount Sinai, for you charged us, saying, 'Set bounds around the mountain, and sanctify it.'"

24 Yahweh said to her, "Go down and you shall bring Aaron up with you, but don't let the priests and the people break through to come up to Yahweh, lest she break forth on them."

25 So Moses went down to the people, and told them.

Chapter 20

1 God spoke all these words, saying,

2 "I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

3 You shall have no other gods before me.

4 "You shall not make for yourselves an idol, nor any image of anything that is in the heavens above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:

5 you shall not bow yourself down to them, nor serve them, for I, Yahweh your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the mothers on the children, on the third and on the fourth generation of those who hate me,

6 and showing loving kindness to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.

7 "You shall not take the name of Yahweh your God in vain, for Yahweh will not hold her guiltless who takes her name in vain.

8 "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

9 You shall labor six days, and do all your work,

10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to Yahweh your God. You shall not do any work in it, you, nor your daughter, nor your son, your female servant, nor your male servant, nor your livestock, nor your stranger who is within your gates;

11 for in six days Yahweh made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day; therefore Yahweh blessed the Sabbath day, and made it holy.

12 "Honor your mother and your father, that your days may be long in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.

13 "You shall not murder.

14 "You shall not commit adultery.

15 "You shall not steal.

16 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

17 "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's husband, nor her female servant, nor her male servant, nor her ox, nor her donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor's."

18 All the people perceived the thunderings, the lightnings, the sound of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking. When the people saw it, they trembled, and stayed at a distance.

19 They said to Moses, "Speak with us yourself, and we will listen; but don't let God speak with us, lest we die."

20 Moses said to the people, "Don't be afraid, for God has come to test you, and that her fear may be before you, that you won't sin."

21 The people stayed at a distance, and Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was.

22 Yahweh said to Moses, "This is what you shall tell the children of Israel: 'You yourselves have seen that I have talked with you from heaven.

23 You shall most certainly not make alongside of me gods of silver, or gods of gold for yourselves.

24 You shall make an altar of earth for me, and shall sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your oxen. In every place where I record my name I will come to you and I will bless you.

25 If you make me an altar of stone, you shall not build it of hewn stones; for if you lift up your tool on it, you have polluted it.

26 Neither shall you go up by steps to my altar, that your nakedness may not be exposed to it.'

Chapter 21

1 "Now these are the ordinances which you shall set before them.

2 "If you buy a Hebrew servant, she shall serve six years and in the seventh she shall go out free without paying anything.

3 If she comes in by herself, she shall go out by herself. If she is married, then her husband shall go out with her.

4 If her master gives her a husband and he bears her daughters or sons, the husband and his children shall be his master's, and she shall go out by herself.

5 But if the servant shall plainly say, 'I love my master, my husband, and my children. I will not go out free;'

6 then her master shall bring her to God, and shall bring her to the door or to the doorpost, and her master shall bore her ear through with an awl, and she shall serve her for ever.

7 "If a woman sells her son to be a male servant, he shall not go out as the female servants do.

8 If he doesn't please his master, who has married him to herself, then she shall let him be redeemed. She shall have no right to sell him to a foreign people, seeing she has dealt deceitfully with him.

9 If she marries him to her daughter, she shall deal with him after the manner of sons.

10 If she takes another husband to herself, she shall not diminish his food, his clothing, and his marital rights.

11 If she doesn't do these three things for him, he may go free without paying any money.

12 "One who strikes a woman so that she dies shall surely be put to death,

13 but not if it is unintentional, but God allows it to happen: then I will appoint you a place where she shall flee.

14 If a woman schemes and comes presumptuously on her neighbor to kill her, you shall take her from my altar, that she may die.

15 "Anyone who attacks her mother or her father shall be surely put to death.

16 "Anyone who kidnaps someone and sells her, or if she is found in her hand, she shall surely be put to death.

17 "Anyone who curses her mother or her father shall surely be put to death.

18 "If women quarrel and one strikes the other with a stone, or with her fist, and she doesn't die, but is confined to bed;

19 if she rises again and walks around with her staff, then she who struck her shall be cleared: only she shall pay for the loss of her time, and shall provide for her healing until she is thoroughly healed.

20 "If a woman strikes her servant or her maid with a rod, and she dies under her hand, she shall surely be punished.

21 Notwithstanding, if she gets up after a day or two, she shall not be punished, for she is her property.

22 "If women fight and hurt a pregnant man so that he gives birth prematurely, and yet no harm follows, she shall be surely fined as much as the man's wife demands and the judges allow.

23 But if any harm follows, then you must take life for life,

24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot,

25 burning for burning, wound for wound, and bruise for bruise.

26 "If a woman strikes her servant's eye, or her maid's eye, and destroys it, she shall let her go free for her eye's sake.

27 If she strikes out her female servant's tooth, or her male servant's tooth, she shall let her go free for her tooth's sake.

28 "If a bull gores a woman or a man to death, the bull shall surely be stoned, and its flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the bull shall not be held responsible.

29 But if the bull had a habit of goring in the past, and it has been testified to its owner, and she has not kept it in, but it has killed a woman or a man, the bull shall be stoned, and its owner shall also be put to death.

30 If a ransom is laid on her, then she shall give for the redemption of her life whatever is laid on her.

31 Whether it has gored a daughter or has gored a son, according to this judgment it shall be done to her.

32 If the bull gores a female servant or a male servant, thirty shekels of silver shall be given to their master, and the ox shall be stoned.

33 "If a woman opens a pit, or if a woman digs a pit and doesn't cover it, and a bull or a donkey falls into it,

34 the owner of the pit shall make it good. She shall give money to its owner, and the dead animal shall be hers.

35 "If one woman's bull injures another's, so that it dies, then they shall sell the live bull, and divide its price; and they shall also divide the dead animal.

36 Or if it is known that the bull was in the habit of goring in the past, and its owner has not kept it in, she shall surely pay bull for bull, and the dead animal shall be her own.

Chapter 22

1 "If a woman steals an ox or a sheep, and kills it, or sells it; she shall pay five oxen for an ox, and four sheep for a sheep.

2 If the thief is found breaking in, and is struck so that she dies, there shall be no guilt of bloodshed for her.

3 If the sun has risen on her, there shall be guilt of bloodshed for her; she shall make restitution. If she has nothing, then she shall be sold for her theft.

4 If the stolen property is found in her hand alive, whether it is ox, donkey, or sheep, she shall pay double.

5 "If a woman causes a field or vineyard to be eaten, and lets her animal loose, and it grazes in another woman's field, she shall make restitution from the best of her own field, and from the best of her own vineyard.

6 "If fire breaks out, and catches in thorns so that the shocks of grain, or the standing grain, or the field are consumed; she who kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.

7 "If a woman delivers to her neighbor money or stuff to keep, and it is stolen out of the woman's house; if the thief is found, she shall pay double.

8 If the thief isn't found, then the master of the house shall come near to God, to find out if she hasn't put her hand to her neighbor's goods.

9 For every matter of trespass, whether it be for ox, for donkey, for sheep, for clothing, or for any kind of lost thing, about which one says, 'This is mine,' the cause of both parties shall come before God. She whom God condemns shall pay double to her neighbor.

10 "If a woman delivers to her neighbor a donkey, an ox, a sheep, or any animal to keep, and it dies or is injured, or driven away, no woman seeing it;

11 the oath of Yahweh shall be between them both, whether she hasn't put her hand to her neighbor's goods; and the owner of it shall accept it, and she shall not make restitution.

12 But if it is stolen from her, she shall make restitution to the owner of it.

13 If it is torn in pieces, let her bring it for evidence. She shall not make good that which was torn.

14 "If a woman borrows anything of her neighbor's, and it is injured, or dies, the owner of it not being with it, she shall surely make restitution.

15 If the owner of it is with it, she shall not make it good. If it is a leased thing, it came for its lease.

16 "If a woman entices a virgin who isn't pledged to be married, and lies with him, she shall surely pay a dowry for him to be her husband.

17 If his mother utterly refuses to give him to her, she shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins.

18 "You shall not allow a sorceress to live.

19 "Whoever has sex with an animal shall surely be put to death.

20 "She who sacrifices to any god, except to Yahweh only, shall be utterly destroyed.

21 "You shall not wrong an alien, neither shall you oppress her, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.

22 "You shall not take advantage of any widower or fatherless child.

23 If you take advantage of them at all, and they cry at all to me, I will surely hear their cry;

24 and my wrath will grow hot, and I will kill you with the sword; and your husbands shall be widows, and your children fatherless.

25 "If you lend money to any of my people with you who is poor, you shall not be to her as a creditor; neither shall you charge her interest.

26 If you take your neighbor's garment as collateral, you shall restore it to her before the sun goes down,

27 for that is her only covering, it is her garment for her skin. What would she sleep in? It will happen, when she cries to me, that I will hear, for I am gracious.

28 "You shall not blaspheme God, nor curse a ruler of your people.

29 "You shall not delay to offer from your harvest and from the outflow of your presses. "You shall give the firstborn of your daughters to me.

30 You shall do likewise with your oxen and with your sheep. Seven days it shall be with its father, then on the eighth day you shall give it me.

31 "You shall be holy women to me, therefore you shall not eat any flesh that is torn by animals in the field. You shall cast it to the dogs.

Chapter 23

1 "You shall not spread a false report. Don't join your hand with the wicked to be a malicious witness.

2 You shall not follow a crowd to do evil; neither shall you testify in court to side with a multitude to pervert justice;

3 neither shall you favor a poor woman in her cause.

4 "If you meet your enemy's ox or her donkey going astray, you shall surely bring it back to her again.

5 If you see the donkey of her who hates you fallen down under her burden, don't leave her, you shall surely help her with it.

6 "You shall not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits.

7 "Keep far from a false charge, and don't kill the innocent and righteous: for I will not justify the wicked.

8 "You shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds those who have sight and perverts the words of the righteous.

9 "You shall not oppress an alien, for you know the heart of an alien, seeing you were aliens in the land of Egypt.

10 "For six years you shall sow your land, and shall gather in its increase,

11 but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie fallow, that the poor of your people may eat; and what they leave the animal of the field shall eat. In like manner you shall deal with your vineyard and with your olive grove.

12 "Six days you shall do your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest, that your ox and your donkey may have rest, and the daughter of your houseboy, and the alien may be refreshed.

13 "Be careful to do all things that I have said to you; and don't invoke the name of other gods, neither let them be heard out of your mouth.

14 "You shall observe a feast to me three times a year.

15 You shall observe the feast of unleavened bread. Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, as I commanded you, at the time appointed in the month Abib (for in it you came out from Egypt), and no one shall appear before me empty.

16 And the feast of harvest, the first fruits of your labors, which you sow in the field: and the feast of harvest, at the end of the year, when you gather in your labors out of the field.

17 Three times in the year all your females shall appear before the Domina Yahweh.

18 "You shall not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leavened bread, neither shall the fat of my feast remain all night until the morning.

19 The first of the first fruits of your ground you shall bring into the house of Yahweh your God. "You shall not boil a kid in its father's milk.

20 "Behold, I send an angel before you, to keep you by the way, and to bring you into the place which I have prepared.

21 Pay attention to her, and listen to her voice. Don't provoke her, for she will not pardon your disobedience, for my name is in her.

22 But if you indeed listen to her voice, and do all that I speak, then I will be an enemy to your enemies, and an adversary to your adversaries.

23 For my angel shall go before you, and bring you in to the Amorite, the Hittite, the Perizzite, the Canaanite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite; and I will cut them off.

24 You shall not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor follow their practices, but you shall utterly overthrow them and demolish their pillars.

25 You shall serve Yahweh your God, and she will bless your bread and your water, and I will take sickness away from your midst.

26 No one will miscarry or be barren in your land. I will fulfill the number of your days.

27 I will send my terror before you, and will confuse all the people to whom you come, and I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you.

28 I will send the hornet before you, which will drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite, from before you.

29 I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate, and the animals of the field multiply against you.

30 Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you have increased and inherit the land.

31 I will set your border from the Red Sea even to the sea of the Philistines, and from the wilderness to the River; for I will deliver the inhabitants of the land into your hand, and you shall drive them out before you.

32 You shall make no covenant with them, nor with their gods.

33 They shall not dwell in your land, lest they make you sin against me, for if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you."

Chapter 24

1 She said to Moses, "Come up to Yahweh, you, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel; and worship from a distance.

2 Moses alone shall come near to Yahweh, but they shall not come near, neither shall the people go up with her."

3 Moses came and told the people all the words of Yahweh, and all the ordinances; and all the people answered with one voice, and said, "All the words which Yahweh has spoken will we do."

4 Moses wrote all the words of Yahweh, and rose up early in the morning, and built an altar under the mountain, and twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel.

5 She sent young women of the children of Israel, who offered burnt offerings and sacrificed peace offerings of oxen to Yahweh.

6 Moses took half of the blood and put it in basins, and half of the blood she sprinkled on the altar.

7 She took the book of the covenant and read it in the hearing of the people, and they said, "All that Yahweh has spoken will we do, and be obedient."

8 Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, "Look, this is the blood of the covenant, which Yahweh has made with you concerning all these words."

9 Then Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel went up.

10 They saw the God of Israel. Under her feet was like a paved work of sapphire stone, like the skies for clearness.

11 She didn't lay her hand on the nobles of the children of Israel. They saw God, and ate and drank.

12 Yahweh said to Moses, "Come up to me on the mountain, and stay here, and I will give you the tables of stone with the law and the commands that I have written, that you may teach them."

13 Moses rose up with Joshua, her servant, and Moses went up onto God's Mountain.

14 She said to the elders, "Wait here for us, until we come again to you. Behold, Aaron and Hur are with you. Whoever is involved in a dispute can go to them."

15 Moses went up on the mountain, and the cloud covered the mountain.

16 The glory of Yahweh settled on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. The seventh day she called to Moses out of the midst of the cloud.

17 The appearance of the glory of Yahweh was like devouring fire on the top of the mountain in the eyes of the children of Israel.

18 Moses entered into the midst of the cloud, and went up on the mountain; and Moses was on the mountain forty days and forty nights.

Chapter 25

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

2 "Speak to the children of Israel, that they take an offering for me. From everyone whose heart makes her willing you shall take my offering.

3 This is the offering which you shall take from them: gold, silver, brass,

4 blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, goats' hair,

5 rams' skins dyed red, sea cow hides, acacia wood,

6 oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense,

7 onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod and for the breastplate.

8 Let them make me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them.

9 According to all that I show you, the pattern of the tent, and the pattern of all of its furniture, even so you shall make it.

10 "They shall make an ark of acacia wood. Its length shall be two and a half cubits, its breadth a cubit and a half, and a cubit and a half its height.

11 You shall overlay it with pure gold. Inside and outside shall you overlay it, and shall make a gold molding around it.

12 You shall cast four rings of gold for it, and put them in its four feet. Two rings shall be on the one side of it, and two rings on the other side of it.

13 You shall make poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold.

14 You shall put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark to carry the ark.

15 The poles shall be in the rings of the ark. They shall not be taken from it.

16 You shall put the testimony which I shall give you into the ark.

17 You shall make a mercy seat of pure gold. Two and a half cubits shall be its length, and a cubit and a half its breadth.

18 You shall make two cherubim of hammered gold. You shall make them at the two ends of the mercy seat.

19 Make one cherub at the one end, and one cherub at the other end. You shall make the cherubim on its two ends of one piece with the mercy seat.

20 The cherubim shall spread out their wings upward, covering the mercy seat with their wings, with their faces toward one another. The faces of the cherubim shall be toward the mercy seat.

21 You shall put the mercy seat on top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the testimony that I will give you.

22 There I will meet with you, and I will tell you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are on the ark of the testimony, all that I command you for the children of Israel.

23 "You shall make a table of acacia wood. Two cubits shall be its length, and a cubit its breadth, and one and a half cubits its height.

24 You shall overlay it with pure gold, and make a gold molding around it.

25 You shall make a rim of a handbreadth around it. You shall make a golden molding on its rim around it.

26 You shall make four rings of gold for it, and put the rings in the four corners that are on its four feet.

27 the rings shall be close to the rim, for places for the poles to carry the table.

28 You shall make the poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold, that the table may be carried with them.

29 You shall make its dishes, its spoons, its ladles, and its bowls to pour out offerings with. Of pure gold shall you make them.

30 You shall set bread of the presence on the table before me always.

31 "You shall make a lampstand of pure gold. Of hammered work shall the lampstand be made, even its base, its shaft, its cups, its buds, and its flowers, shall be of one piece with it.

32 There shall be six branches going out of its sides: three branches of the lampstand out of its one side, and three branches of the lampstand out of its other side;

33 three cups made like almond blossoms in one branch, a bud and a flower; and three cups made like almond blossoms in the other branch, a bud and a flower, so for the six branches going out of the lampstand;

34 and in the lampstand four cups made like almond blossoms, its buds and its flowers;

35 and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, for the six branches going out of the lampstand.

36 Their buds and their branches shall be of one piece with it, the whole of it one beaten work of pure gold.

37 You shall make its lamps seven, and they shall light its lamps to give light to the space in front of it.

38 Its snuffers and its snuff dishes shall be of pure gold.

39 It shall be made of a talent of pure gold, with all these accessories.

40 See that you make them after their pattern, which has been shown to you on the mountain.

Chapter 26

1 "Moreover you shall make the tent with ten curtains; of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, with cherubim. The work of the skillful workman you shall make them.

2 The length of each curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits: all the curtains shall have one measure.

3 Five curtains shall be coupled together one to another; and the other five curtains shall be coupled one to another.

4 You shall make loops of blue on the edge of the one curtain from the edge in the coupling; and likewise shall you make in the edge of the curtain that is outmost in the second coupling.

5 You shall make fifty loops in the one curtain, and you shall make fifty loops in the edge of the curtain that is in the second coupling. The loops shall be opposite one to another.

6 You shall make fifty clasps of gold, and couple the curtains one to another with the clasps: and the tent shall be a unit.

7 "You shall make curtains of goats' hair for a covering over the tent: eleven curtains shall you make them.

8 The length of each curtain shall be thirty cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits: the eleven curtains shall have one measure.

9 You shall couple five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves, and shall double over the sixth curtain in the forefront of the tent.

10 You shall make fifty loops on the edge of the one curtain that is outmost in the coupling, and fifty loops on the edge of the curtain which is outmost in the second coupling.

11 You shall make fifty clasps of brass, and put the clasps into the loops, and couple the tent together, that it may be one.

12 The overhanging part that remains of the curtains of the tent, the half curtain that remains, shall hang over the back of the tent.

13 The cubit on the one side, and the cubit on the other side, of that which remains in the length of the curtains of the tent, shall hang over the sides of the tent on this side and on that side, to cover it.

14 You shall make a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering of sea cow hides above.

15 "You shall make the boards for the tent of acacia wood, standing up.

16 Ten cubits shall be the length of a board, and one and a half cubits the breadth of each board.

17 There shall be two tenons in each board, joined to one another: thus shall you make for all the boards of the tent.

18 You shall make the boards for the tent, twenty boards for the south side southward.

19 You shall make forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for its two tenons, and two sockets under another board for its two tenons.

20 For the second side of the tent, on the north side, twenty boards,

21 and their forty sockets of silver; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.

22 For the far part of the tent westward you shall make six boards.

23 Two boards shall you make for the corners of the tent in the far part.

24 They shall be double beneath, and in like manner they shall be entire to the top of it to one ring: thus shall it be for them both; they shall be for the two corners.

25 There shall be eight boards, and their sockets of silver, sixteen sockets; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.

26 "You shall make bars of acacia wood: five for the boards of the one side of the tent,

27 and five bars for the boards of the other side of the tent, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tent, for the far part westward.

28 The middle bar in the midst of the boards shall pass through from end to end.

29 You shall overlay the boards with gold, and make their rings of gold for places for the bars: and you shall overlay the bars with gold.

30 You shall set up the tent according to the way that it was shown to you on the mountain.

31 "You shall make a veil of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, with cherubim. The work of the skillful workman shall it be made.

32 You shall hang it on four pillars of acacia overlaid with gold; their hooks shall be of gold, on four sockets of silver.

33 You shall hang up the veil under the clasps, and shall bring the ark of the testimony in there within the veil: and the veil shall separate the holy place from the most holy for you.

34 You shall put the mercy seat on the ark of the testimony in the most holy place.

35 You shall set the table outside the veil, and the lampstand over against the table on the side of the tent toward the south: and you shall put the table on the north side.

36 "You shall make a screen for the door of the Tent, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the embroiderer.

37 You shall make for the screen five pillars of acacia, and overlay them with gold: their hooks shall be of gold: and you shall cast five sockets of brass for them.

Chapter 27

1 "You shall make the altar of acacia wood, five cubits long, and five cubits broad; the altar shall be foursquare: and its height shall be three cubits.

2 You shall make its horns on its four corners; its horns shall be of one piece with it; and you shall overlay it with brass.

3 You shall make its pots to take away its ashes, its shovels, its basins, its flesh hooks, and its fire pans: all its vessels you shall make of brass.

4 You shall make a grating for it of network of brass: and on the net you shall make four bronze rings in its four corners.

5 You shall put it under the ledge around the altar beneath, that the net may reach halfway up the altar.

6 You shall make poles for the altar, poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with brass.

7 Its poles shall be put into the rings, and the poles shall be on the two sides of the altar, when carrying it.

8 Hollow with planks shall you make it: as it has been shown you on the mountain, so shall they make it.

9 "You shall make the court of the tent: for the south side southward there shall be hangings for the court of fine twined linen one hundred cubits long for one side:

10 and the pillars of it shall be twenty, and their sockets twenty, of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets shall be of silver.

11 Likewise for the north side in length there shall be hangings one hundred cubits long, and the pillars of it twenty, and their sockets twenty, of brass; the hooks of the pillars, and their fillets, of silver.

12 For the breadth of the court on the west side shall be hangings of fifty cubits; their pillars ten, and their sockets ten.

13 The breadth of the court on the east side eastward shall be fifty cubits.

14 The hangings for the one side of the gate shall be fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three.

15 For the other side shall be hangings of fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three.

16 For the gate of the court shall be a screen of twenty cubits, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the embroiderer; their pillars four, and their sockets four.

17 All the pillars of the court round about shall be filleted with silver; their hooks of silver, and their sockets of brass.

18 The length of the court shall be one hundred cubits, and the breadth fifty every where, and the height five cubits, of fine twined linen, and their sockets of brass.

19 All the instruments of the tent in all its service, and all the pins of it, and all the pins of the court, shall be of brass.

20 "You shall command the children of Israel, that they bring to you pure olive oil beaten for the light, to cause a lamp to burn continually.

21 In the tent of meeting, outside the veil which is before the testimony, Aaron and her daughters shall keep it in order from evening to morning before Yahweh: it shall be a statute forever throughout their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel.

Chapter 28

1 "Bring Aaron your sister, and her daughters with her, near to you from among the children of Israel, that she may minister to me in the priestess's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's daughters.

2 You shall make holy garments for Aaron your sister, for glory and for beauty.

3 You shall speak to all who are wise-hearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they make Aaron's garments to sanctify her, that she may minister to me in the priestess's office.

4 These are the garments which they shall make: a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a coat of checker work, a turban, and a sash: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron your sister, and her daughters, that she may minister to me in the priestess's office.

5 They shall take the gold, and the blue, and the purple, and the scarlet, and the fine linen.

6 "They shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of the skillful workman.

7 It shall have two shoulder straps joined to the two ends of it, that it may be joined together.

8 The skillfully woven band, which is on it, that is on her, shall be like its work and of the same piece; of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen.

9 You shall take two onyx stones, and engrave on them the names of the children of Israel:

10 six of their names on the one stone, and the names of the six that remain on the other stone, in the order of their birth.

11 With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a signet, shall you engrave the two stones, according to the names of the children of Israel: you shall make them to be enclosed in settings of gold.

12 You shall put the two stones on the shoulder straps of the ephod, to be stones of memorial for the children of Israel: and Aaron shall bear their names before Yahweh on her two shoulders for a memorial.

13 You shall make settings of gold,

14 and two chains of pure gold; you shall make them like cords of braided work: and you shall put the braided chains on the settings.

15 "You shall make a breastplate of judgment, the work of the skillful workman; like the work of the ephod you shall make it; of gold, of blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, shall you make it.

16 It shall be square and folded double; a span shall be its length of it, and a span its breadth.

17 You shall set in it settings of stones, four rows of stones: a row of ruby, topaz, and beryl shall be the first row;

18 and the second row a turquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald;

19 and the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst;

20 and the fourth row a chrysolite, an onyx, and a jasper: they shall be enclosed in gold in their settings.

21 The stones shall be according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet, everyone according to her name, they shall be for the twelve tribes.

22 You shall make on the breastplate chains like cords, of braided work of pure gold.

23 You shall make on the breastplate two rings of gold, and shall put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate.

24 You shall put the two braided chains of gold in the two rings at the ends of the breastplate.

25 The other two ends of the two braided chains you shall put on the two settings, and put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod in the forepart of it.

26 You shall make two rings of gold, and you shall put them on the two ends of the breastplate, on its edge, which is toward the side of the ephod inward.

27 You shall make two rings of gold, and shall put them on the two shoulder straps of the ephod underneath, in the forepart of it, close by the coupling of it, above the skillfully woven band of the ephod.

28 They shall bind the breastplate by the rings of it to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it may be on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastplate may not swing out from the ephod.

29 Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment on her heart, when she goes in to the holy place, for a memorial before Yahweh continually.

30 You shall put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be on Aaron's heart, when she goes in before Yahweh: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel on her heart before Yahweh continually.

31 "You shall make the robe of the ephod all of blue.

32 It shall have a hole for the head in the midst of it: it shall have a binding of woven work round about the hole of it, as it were the hole of a coat of mail, that it not be torn.

33 On its hem you shall make pomegranates of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, around its hem; and bells of gold between them round about:

34 a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, on the hem of the robe round about.

35 It shall be on Aaron to minister: and the sound of it shall be heard when she goes in to the holy place before Yahweh, and when she comes out, that she not die.

36 "You shall make a plate of pure gold, and engrave on it, like the engravings of a signet, 'HOLY TO YAHWEH.'

37 You shall put it on a lace of blue, and it shall be on the sash; on the front of the sash it shall be.

38 It shall be on Aaron's forehead, and Aaron shall bear the iniquity of the holy things, which the children of Israel shall make holy in all their holy gifts; and it shall be always on her forehead, that they may be accepted before Yahweh.

39 You shall weave the coat in checker work of fine linen, and you shall make a turban of fine linen, and you shall make a sash, the work of the embroiderer.

40 "You shall make coats for Aaron's daughters, and you shall make sashes for them and headbands shall you make for them, for glory and for beauty.

41 You shall put them on Aaron your sister, and on her daughters with her, and shall anoint them, and consecrate them, and sanctify them, that they may minister to me in the priestess's office.

42 You shall make them linen breeches to cover the flesh of their nakedness; from the waist even to the thighs they shall reach:

43 They shall be on Aaron, and on her daughters, when they go in to the tent of meeting, or when they come near to the altar to minister in the holy place; that they don't bear iniquity, and die: it shall be a statute forever to her and to her descendants after her.

Chapter 29

1 "This is the thing that you shall do to them to make them holy, to minister to me in the priestess's office: take one young bull and two rams without blemish,

2 unleavened bread, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil: you shall make them of fine wheat flour.

3 You shall put them into one basket, and bring them in the basket, with the bull and the two rams.

4 You shall bring Aaron and her daughters to the door of the tent of meeting, and shall wash them with water.

5 You shall take the garments, and put on Aaron the coat, the robe of the ephod, the ephod, and the breastplate, and dress her with the skillfully woven band of the ephod;

6 and you shall set the turban on her head, and put the holy crown on the turban.

7 Then you shall take the anointing oil, and pour it on her head, and anoint her.

8 You shall bring her daughters, and put coats on them.

9 You shall dress them with belts, Aaron and her daughters, and bind headbands on them: and they shall have the priesthood by a perpetual statute: and you shall consecrate Aaron and her daughters.

10 "You shall bring the bull before the tent of meeting: and Aaron and her daughters shall lay their hands on the head of the bull.

11 You shall kill the bull before Yahweh, at the door of the tent of meeting.

12 You shall take of the blood of the bull, and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger; and you shall pour out all the blood at the base of the altar.

13 You shall take all the fat that covers the innards, the cover of the liver, the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, and burn them on the altar.

14 But the flesh of the bull, and its skin, and its dung, you shall burn with fire outside of the camp: it is a sin offering.

15 "You shall also take the one ram; and Aaron and her daughters shall lay their hands on the head of the ram.

16 You shall kill the ram, and you shall take its blood, and sprinkle it around on the altar.

17 You shall cut the ram into its pieces, and wash its innards, and its legs, and put them with its pieces, and with its head.

18 You shall burn the whole ram on the altar: it is a burnt offering to Yahweh; it is a sweet savor, an offering made by fire to Yahweh.

19 "You shall take the other ram; and Aaron and her daughters shall lay their hands on the head of the ram.

20 Then you shall kill the ram, and take some of its blood, and put it on the tip of the right ear of Aaron, and on the tip of the right ear of her daughters, and on the thumb of their right hand, and on the big toe of their right foot, and sprinkle the blood on the altar round about.

21 You shall take of the blood that is on the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it on Aaron, and on her garments, and on her daughters, and on the garments of her daughters with her: and she shall be made holy, and her garments, and her daughters, and her daughters' garments with her.

22 Also you shall take some of the ram's fat, the fat tail, the fat that covers the innards, the cover of the liver, the two kidneys, the fat that is on them, and the right thigh (for it is a ram of consecration),

23 and one loaf of bread, one cake of oiled bread, and one wafer out of the basket of unleavened bread that is before Yahweh.

24 You shall put all of this in Aaron's hands, and in her daughters' hands, and shall wave them for a wave offering before Yahweh.

25 You shall take them from their hands, and burn them on the altar on the burnt offering, for a sweet savor before Yahweh: it is an offering made by fire to Yahweh.

26 "You shall take the breast of Aaron's ram of consecration, and wave it for a wave offering before Yahweh: and it shall be your portion.

27 You shall sanctify the breast of the wave offering, and the thigh of the wave offering, which is waved, and which is heaved up, of the ram of consecration, even of that which is for Aaron, and of that which is for her daughters:

28 and it shall be for Aaron and her daughters as their portion forever from the children of Israel; for it is a wave offering: and it shall be a wave offering from the children of Israel of the sacrifices of their peace offerings, even their wave offering to Yahweh.

29 "The holy garments of Aaron shall be for her daughters after her, to be anointed in them, and to be consecrated in them.

30 Seven days shall the daughter who is priestess in her place put them on, when she comes into the tent of meeting to minister in the holy place.

31 "You shall take the ram of consecration, and boil its flesh in a holy place.

32 Aaron and her daughters shall eat the flesh of the ram, and the bread that is in the basket, at the door of the tent of meeting.

33 They shall eat those things with which atonement was made, to consecrate and sanctify them: but a stranger shall not eat of it, because they are holy.

34 If anything of the flesh of the consecration, or of the bread, remains to the morning, then you shall burn the remainder with fire: it shall not be eaten, because it is holy.

35 "Thus shall you do to Aaron, and to her daughters, according to all that I have commanded you. Seven days shall you consecrate them.

36 Every day shall you offer the bull of sin offering for atonement: and you shall cleanse the altar, when you make atonement for it; and you shall anoint it, to sanctify it.

37 Seven days you shall make atonement for the altar, and sanctify it: and the altar shall be most holy; whatever touches the altar shall be holy.

38 "Now this is that which you shall offer on the altar: two lambs a year old day by day continually.

39 The one lamb you shall offer in the morning; and the other lamb you shall offer at evening:

40 and with the one lamb a tenth part of an ephah of fine flour mixed with the fourth part of a hin of beaten oil, and the fourth part of a hin of wine for a drink offering.

41 The other lamb you shall offer at evening, and shall do to it according to the meal offering of the morning, and according to its drink offering, for a sweet savor, an offering made by fire to Yahweh.

42 It shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the door of the tent of meeting before Yahweh, where I will meet with you, to speak there to you.

43 There I will meet with the children of Israel; and the place shall be sanctified by my glory.

44 I will sanctify the tent of meeting and the altar: Aaron also and her daughters I will sanctify, to minister to me in the priestess's office.

45 I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God.

46 They shall know that I am Yahweh their God, who brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, that I might dwell among them: I am Yahweh their God.

Chapter 30

1 "You shall make an altar to burn incense on. You shall make it of acacia wood.

2 Its length shall be a cubit, and its breadth a cubit. It shall be square, and its height shall be two cubits. Its horns shall be of one piece with it.

3 You shall overlay it with pure gold, the top of it, the sides of it around it, and its horns; and you shall make a gold molding around it.

4 You shall make two golden rings for it under its molding; on its two ribs, on its two sides you shall make them; and they shall be for places for poles with which to bear it.

5 You shall make the poles of acacia wood, and overlay them with gold.

6 You shall put it before the veil that is by the ark of the testimony, before the mercy seat that is over the testimony, where I will meet with you.

7 Aaron shall burn incense of sweet spices on it every morning. When she tends the lamps, she shall burn it.

8 When Aaron lights the lamps at evening, she shall burn it, a perpetual incense before Yahweh throughout your generations.

9 You shall offer no strange incense on it, nor burnt offering, nor meal offering; and you shall pour no drink offering on it.

10 Aaron shall make atonement on its horns once in the year; with the blood of the sin offering of atonement once in the year she shall make atonement for it throughout your generations. It is most holy to Yahweh."

11 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

12 "When you take a census of the children of Israel, according to those who are numbered among them, then each woman shall give a ransom for her soul to Yahweh, when you number them; that there be no plague among them when you number them.

13 They shall give this, everyone who passes over to those who are numbered, half a shekel after the shekel of the sanctuary; (the shekel is twenty gerahs;) half a shekel for an offering to Yahweh.

14 Everyone who passes over to those who are numbered, from twenty years old and upward, shall give the offering to Yahweh.

15 The rich shall not give more, and the poor shall not give less, than the half shekel, when they give the offering of Yahweh, to make atonement for your souls.

16 You shall take the atonement money from the children of Israel, and shall appoint it for the service of the tent of meeting; that it may be a memorial for the children of Israel before Yahweh, to make atonement for your souls."

17 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

18 "You shall also make a basin of brass, and the base of it of brass, in which to wash. You shall put it between the tent of meeting and the altar, and you shall put water in it.

19 Aaron and her daughters shall wash their hands and their feet in it.

20 When they go into the tent of meeting, they shall wash with water, that they not die; or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn an offering made by fire to Yahweh.

21 So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they not die: and it shall be a statute forever to them, even to her and to her descendants throughout their generations."

22 Moreover Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

23 "Also take fine spices: of liquid myrrh, five hundred shekels; and of fragrant cinnamon half as much, even two hundred and fifty; and of fragrant cane, two hundred and fifty;

24 and of cassia five hundred, after the shekel of the sanctuary; and a hin of olive oil.

25 You shall make it a holy anointing oil, a perfume compounded after the art of the perfumer: it shall be a holy anointing oil.

26 You shall use it to anoint the tent of meeting, the ark of the testimony,

27 the table and all its articles, the lampstand and its accessories, the altar of incense,

28 the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the basin with its base.

29 You shall sanctify them, that they may be most holy. Whatever touches them shall be holy.

30 You shall anoint Aaron and her daughters, and sanctify them, that they may minister to me in the priestess's office.

31 You shall speak to the children of Israel, saying, 'This shall be a holy anointing oil to me throughout your generations.

32 It shall not be poured on woman's flesh, neither shall you make any like it, according to its composition: it is holy. It shall be holy to you.

33 Whoever compounds any like it, or whoever puts any of it on a stranger, she shall be cut off from her people.'"

34 Yahweh said to Moses, "Take to yourself sweet spices, gum resin, and onycha, and galbanum; sweet spices with pure frankincense: of each shall there be an equal weight;

35 and you shall make incense of it, a perfume after the art of the perfumer, seasoned with salt, pure and holy:

36 and you shall beat some of it very small, and put some of it before the testimony in the tent of meeting, where I will meet with you. It shall be to you most holy.

37 The incense which you shall make, according to its composition you shall not make for yourselves: it shall be to you holy for Yahweh.

38 Whoever shall make any like that, to smell of it, she shall be cut off from her people."

Chapter 31

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

2 "Behold, I have called by name Bezalel the daughter of Uri, the daughter of Hur, of the tribe of Judah:

3 and I have filled her with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship,

4 to devise skillful works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass,

5 and in cutting of stones for setting, and in carving of wood, to work in all manner of workmanship.

6 I, behold, I have appointed with her Oholiab, the daughter of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan; and in the heart of all who are wise-hearted I have put wisdom, that they may make all that I have commanded you:

7 the tent of meeting, the ark of the testimony, the mercy seat that is on it, all the furniture of the Tent,

8 the table and its vessels, the pure lampstand with all its vessels, the altar of incense,

9 the altar of burnt offering with all its vessels, the basin and its base,

10 the finely worked garments--the holy garments for Aaron the priestess-- the garments of her daughters to minister in the priestess's office,

11 the anointing oil, and the incense of sweet spices for the holy place: according to all that I have commanded you they shall do."

12 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

13 "Speak also to the children of Israel, saying, 'Most certainly you shall keep my Sabbaths: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that you may know that I am Yahweh who sanctifies you.

14 You shall keep the Sabbath therefore; for it is holy to you. Everyone who profanes it shall surely be put to death; for whoever does any work therein, that soul shall be cut off from among her people.

15 Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to Yahweh. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day shall surely be put to death.

16 Therefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations, for a perpetual covenant.

17 It is a sign between me and the children of Israel forever; for in six days Yahweh made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day she rested, and was refreshed.'"

18 She gave to Moses, when she finished speaking with her on Mount Sinai, the two tablets of the testimony, stone tablets, written with God's finger.

Chapter 32

1 When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people gathered themselves together to Aaron, and said to her, "Come, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the woman who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we don't know what has become of her."

2 Aaron said to them, "Take off the golden rings, which are in the ears of your husbands, of your daughters, and of your sons, and bring them to me."

3 All the people took off the golden rings which were in their ears, and brought them to Aaron.

4 She received what they handed her, and fashioned it with an engraving tool, and made it a molten calf; and they said, "These are your gods, Israel, which brought you up out of the land of Egypt."

5 When Aaron saw this, she built an altar before it; and Aaron made a proclamation, and said, "Tomorrow shall be a feast to Yahweh."

6 They rose up early on the next day, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.

7 Yahweh spoke to Moses, "Go, get down; for your people, who you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves!

8 They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them. They have made themselves a molten calf, and have worshiped it, and have sacrificed to it, and said, 'These are your gods, Israel, which brought you up out of the land of Egypt.'"

9 Yahweh said to Moses, "I have seen these people, and behold, they are a stiff-necked people.

10 Now therefore leave me alone, that my wrath may burn hot against them, and that I may consume them; and I will make of you a great nation."

11 Moses begged Yahweh her God, and said, "Yahweh, why does your wrath burn hot against your people, that you have brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand?

12 Why should the Egyptians speak, saying, 'She brought them forth for evil, to kill them in the mountains, and to consume them from the surface of the earth?' Turn from your fierce wrath, and repent of this evil against your people.

13 Remember Abrahai, Isaaca, and Israel, your servants, to whom you swore by your own self, and said to them, 'I will multiply your seed as the stars of the sky, and all this land that I have spoken of I will give to your seed, and they shall inherit it forever.'"

14 Yahweh repented of the evil which she said she would do to her people.

15 Moses turned, and went down from the mountain, with the two tablets of the testimony in her hand; tablets that were written on both their sides; on the one side and on the other they were written.

16 The tablets were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, engraved on the tables.

17 When Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, she said to Moses, "There is the noise of war in the camp."

18 She said, "It isn't the voice of those who shout for victory, neither is it the voice of those who cry for being overcome; but the noise of those who sing that I hear."

19 It happened, as soon as she came near to the camp, that she saw the calf and the dancing: and Moses' anger grew hot, and she threw the tablets out of her hands, and broke them beneath the mountain.

20 She took the calf which they had made, and burnt it with fire, ground it to powder, and scattered it on the water, and made the children of Israel drink of it.

21 Moses said to Aaron, "What did these people do to you, that you have brought a great sin on them?"

22 Aaron said, "Don't let the anger of my domina grow hot. You know the people, that they are set on evil.

23 For they said to me, 'Make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the woman who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we don't know what has become of her.'

24 I said to them, 'Whoever has any gold, let them take it off:' so they gave it to me; and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf."

25 When Moses saw that the people had broken loose, (for Aaron had let them loose for a derision among their enemies),

26 then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, "Whoever is on Yahweh's side, come to me!" All the daughters of Levia gathered themselves together to her.

27 She said to them, "Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, 'Every woman put her sword on her thigh, and go back and forth from gate to gate throughout the camp, and every woman kill her sister, and every woman her companion, and every woman her neighbor.'"

28 The daughters of Levia did according to the word of Moses: and there fell of the people that day about three thousand women.

29 Moses said, "Consecrate yourselves today to Yahweh, yes, every woman against her daughter, and against her sister; that she may bestow on you a blessing this day."

30 It happened on the next day, that Moses said to the people, "You have sinned a great sin. Now I will go up to Yahweh. Perhaps I shall make atonement for your sin."

31 Moses returned to Yahweh, and said, "Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made themselves gods of gold.

32 Yet now, if you will, forgive their sin--and if not, please blot me out of your book which you have written."

33 Yahweh said to Moses, "Whoever has sinned against me, her will I blot out of my book.

34 Now go, lead the people to the place of which I have spoken to you. Behold, my angel shall go before you. Nevertheless in the day when I punish, I will punish them for their sin."

35 Yahweh struck the people, because they made the calf, which Aaron made.

Chapter 33

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, "Depart, go up from here, you and the people that you have brought up out of the land of Egypt, to the land of which I swore to Abrahai, to Isaaca, and to Jacoba, saying, 'I will give it to your seed.'

2 I will send an angel before you; and I will drive out the Canaanite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite:

3 to a land flowing with milk and honey: for I will not go up in the midst of you, for you are a stiff-necked people, lest I consume you in the way."

4 When the people heard this evil news, they mourned: and no one put on her jewelry.

5 Yahweh said to Moses, "Tell the children of Israel, 'You are a stiff-necked people. If I were to go up into your midst for one moment, I would consume you. Therefore now take off your jewelry from you, that I may know what to do to you.'"

6 The children of Israel stripped themselves of their jewelry from Mount Horeb onward.

7 Now Moses used to take the tent and to pitch it outside the camp, far away from the camp, and she called it "The tent of meeting." It happened that everyone who sought Yahweh went out to the tent of meeting, which was outside the camp.

8 It happened that when Moses went out to the Tent, that all the people rose up, and stood, everyone at their tent door, and watched Moses, until she had gone into the Tent.

9 It happened, when Moses entered into the Tent, that the pillar of cloud descended, stood at the door of the Tent, and spoke with Moses.

10 All the people saw the pillar of cloud stand at the door of the Tent, and all the people rose up and worshiped, everyone at their tent door.

11 Yahweh spoke to Moses face to face, as a woman speaks to her friend. She turned again into the camp, but her servant Joshua, the daughter of Nun, a young woman, didn't depart out of the Tent.

12 Moses said to Yahweh, "Behold, you tell me, 'Bring up this people:' and you haven't let me know whom you will send with me. Yet you have said, 'I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight.'

13 Now therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, that I may know you, so that I may find favor in your sight: and consider that this nation is your people."

14 She said, "My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest."

15 She said to her, "If your presence doesn't go with me, don't carry us up from here.

16 For how would people know that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? Isn't it in that you go with us, so that we are separated, I and your people, from all the people who are on the surface of the earth?"

17 Yahweh said to Moses, "I will do this thing also that you have spoken; for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name."

18 She said, "Please show me your glory."

19 She said, "I will make all my goodness pass before you, and will proclaim the name of Yahweh before you. I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy."

20 She said, "You cannot see my face, for woman may not see me and live."

21 Yahweh also said, "Behold, there is a place by me, and you shall stand on the rock.

22 It will happen, while my glory passes by, that I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and will cover you with my hand until I have passed by;

23 then I will take away my hand, and you will see my back; but my face shall not be seen."

Chapter 34

1 Yahweh said to Moses, "Chisel two stone tablets like the first: and I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke.

2 Be ready by the morning, and come up in the morning to Mount Sinai, and present yourself there to me on the top of the mountain.

3 No one shall come up with you; neither let anyone be seen throughout all the mountain; neither let the flocks nor herds feed before that mountain."

4 She chiseled two tablets of stone like the first; and Moses rose up early in the morning, and went up to Mount Sinai, as Yahweh had commanded her, and took in her hand two stone tablets.

5 Yahweh descended in the cloud, and stood with her there, and proclaimed the name of Yahweh.

6 Yahweh passed by before her, and proclaimed, "Yahweh! Yahweh, a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth,

7 keeping loving kindness for thousands, forgiving iniquity and disobedience and sin; and that will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the mothers on the children, and on the children's children, on the third and on the fourth generation."

8 Moses hurried and bowed her head toward the earth, and worshiped.

9 She said, "If now I have found favor in your sight, Domina, please let the Domina go in the midst of us; although this is a stiff-necked people; pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for your inheritance."

10 She said, "Behold, I make a covenant: before all your people I will do marvels, such as have not been worked in all the earth, nor in any nation; and all the people among which you are shall see the work of Yahweh; for it is an awesome thing that I do with you.

11 Observe that which I command you this day. Behold, I drive out before you the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite.

12 Be careful, lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land where you are going, lest it be for a snare in the midst of you:

13 but you shall break down their altars, and dash in pieces their pillars, and you shall cut down their Asherim;

14 for you shall worship no other god: for Yahweh, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.

15 Don't make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, lest they play the philanderer after their gods, and sacrifice to their gods, and one call you and you eat of her sacrifice;

16 and you take of their sons to your daughters, and their sons play the philanderer after their gods, and make your daughters play the philanderer after their gods.

17 You shall make no cast idols for yourselves.

18 "You shall keep the feast of unleavened bread. Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, as I commanded you, at the time appointed in the month Abib; for in the month Abib you came out from Egypt.

19 All that opens the womb is mine; and all your livestock that is female, the firstborn of cow and sheep.

20 The firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb: and if you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. All the firstborn of your daughters you shall redeem. No one shall appear before me empty.

21 "Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest: in plowing time and in harvest you shall rest.

22 You shall observe the feast of weeks with the first fruits of wheat harvest, and the feast of harvest at the year's end.

23 Three times in the year all your females shall appear before the Domina Yahweh, the God of Israel.

24 For I will drive out nations before you and enlarge your borders; neither shall any woman desire your land when you go up to appear before Yahweh, your God, three times in the year.

25 "You shall not offer the blood of my sacrifice with leavened bread; neither shall the sacrifice of the feast of the Passover be left to the morning.

26 You shall bring the first of the first fruits of your ground to the house of Yahweh your God. You shall not boil a young goat in its father's milk."

27 Yahweh said to Moses, "Write you these words: for in accordance with these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel."

28 She was there with Yahweh forty days and forty nights; she neither ate bread, nor drank water. She wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.

29 It happened, when Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the testimony in Moses' hand, when she came down from the mountain, that Moses didn't know that the skin of her face shone by reason of her speaking with her.

30 When Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of her face shone; and they were afraid to come near her.

31 Moses called to them, and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned to her; and Moses spoke to them.

32 Afterward all the children of Israel came near, and she gave them all of the commandments that Yahweh had spoken with her on Mount Sinai.

33 When Moses was done speaking with them, she put a veil on her face.

34 But when Moses went in before Yahweh to speak with her, she took the veil off, until she came out; and she came out, and spoke to the children of Israel that which she was commanded.

35 The children of Israel saw Moses' face, that the skin of Moses' face shone: and Moses put the veil on her face again, until she went in to speak with her.

Chapter 35

1 Moses assembled all the congregation of the children of Israel, and said to them, "These are the words which Yahweh has commanded, that you should do them.

2 'Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be a holy day for you, a Sabbath of solemn rest to Yahweh: whoever does any work in it shall be put to death.

3 You shall kindle no fire throughout your habitations on the Sabbath day.'"

4 Moses spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, "This is the thing which Yahweh commanded, saying,

5 'Take from among you an offering to Yahweh. Whoever is of a willing heart, let her bring it, Yahweh's offering: gold, silver, brass,

6 blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, goats' hair,

7 rams' skins dyed red, sea cow hides, acacia wood,

8 oil for the light, spices for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense,

9 onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod and for the breastplate.

10 "'Let every wise-hearted woman among you come, and make all that Yahweh has commanded:

11 the tent, its outer covering, its roof, its clasps, its boards, its bars, its pillars, and its sockets;

12 the ark, and its poles, the mercy seat, the veil of the screen;

13 the table with its poles and all its vessels, and the show bread;

14 the lampstand also for the light, with its vessels, its lamps, and the oil for the light;

15 and the altar of incense with its poles, the anointing oil, the sweet incense, the screen for the door, at the door of the tent;

16 the altar of burnt offering, with its grating of brass, it poles, and all its vessels, the basin and its base;

17 the hangings of the court, its pillars, their sockets, and the screen for the gate of the court;

18 the pins of the tent, the pins of the court, and their cords;

19 the finely worked garments, for ministering in the holy place, the holy garments for Aaron the priestess, and the garments of her daughters, to minister in the priestess's office.'"

20 All the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses.

21 They came, everyone whose heart stirred her up, and everyone whom her spirit made willing, and brought Yahweh's offering, for the work of the tent of meeting, and for all of its service, and for the holy garments.

22 They came, both women and men, as many as were willing-hearted, and brought brooches, earrings, signet rings, and armlets, all jewels of gold; even every woman who offered an offering of gold to Yahweh.

23 Everyone, with whom was found blue, purple, scarlet, fine linen, goats' hair, rams' skins dyed red, and sea cow hides, brought them.

24 Everyone who did offer an offering of silver and brass brought Yahweh's offering; and everyone, with whom was found acacia wood for any work of the service, brought it.

25 All the men who were wise-hearted spun with their hands, and brought that which they had spun, the blue, the purple, the scarlet, and the fine linen.

26 All the men whose heart stirred them up in wisdom spun the goats' hair.

27 The rulers brought the onyx stones, and the stones to be set, for the ephod and for the breastplate;

28 and the spice, and the oil for the light, for the anointing oil, and for the sweet incense.

29 The children of Israel brought a freewill offering to Yahweh; every woman and man, whose heart made them willing to bring for all the work, which Yahweh had commanded to be made by Moses.

30 Moses said to the children of Israel, "Behold, Yahweh has called by name Bezalel the daughter of Uri, the daughter of Hur, of the tribe of Judah.

31 She has filled her with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship;

32 and to make skillful works, to work in gold, in silver, in brass,

33 in cutting of stones for setting, and in carving of wood, to work in all kinds of skillful workmanship.

34 She has put in her heart that she may teach, both she, and Oholiab, the daughter of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan.

35 She has filled them with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of workmanship, of the engraver, of the skillful workman, and of the embroiderer, in blue, in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen, and of the weaver, even of those who do any workmanship, and of those who make skillful works.

Chapter 36

1 "Bezalel and Oholiab shall work with every wise-hearted woman, in whom Yahweh has put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all the work for the service of the sanctuary, according to all that Yahweh has commanded."

2 Moses called Bezalel and Oholiab, and every wise-hearted woman, in whose heart Yahweh had put wisdom, even everyone whose heart stirred her up to come to the work to do it:

3 and they received from Moses all the offering which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanctuary, with which to make it. They brought yet to her freewill offerings every morning.

4 All the wise women, who performed all the work of the sanctuary, each came from her work which they did.

5 They spoke to Moses, saying, "The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work which Yahweh commanded to make."

6 Moses gave commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, "Let neither woman nor man make anything else for the offering for the sanctuary." So the people were restrained from bringing.

7 For the stuff they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.

8 All the wise-hearted women among those who did the work made the tent with ten curtains; of fine twined linen, blue, purple, and scarlet, with cherubim, the work of the skillful workman, they made them.

9 The length of each curtain was twenty-eight cubits, and the breadth of each curtain four cubits. All the curtains had one measure.

10 She coupled five curtains to one another, and the other five curtains she coupled one to another.

11 She made loops of blue on the edge of the one curtain from the edge in the coupling. Likewise she made in the edge of the curtain that was outmost in the second coupling.

12 She made fifty loops in the one curtain, and she made fifty loops in the edge of the curtain that was in the second coupling. The loops were opposite one to another.

13 She made fifty clasps of gold, and coupled the curtains one to another with the clasps: so the tent was a unit.

14 She made curtains of goats' hair for a covering over the tent. She made them eleven curtains.

15 The length of each curtain was thirty cubits, and four cubits the breadth of each curtain. The eleven curtains had one measure.

16 She coupled five curtains by themselves, and six curtains by themselves.

17 She made fifty loops on the edge of the curtain that was outmost in the coupling, and she made fifty loops on the edge of the curtain which was outmost in the second coupling.

18 She made fifty clasps of brass to couple the tent together, that it might be a unit.

19 She made a covering for the tent of rams' skins dyed red, and a covering of sea cow hides above.

20 She made the boards for the tent of acacia wood, standing up.

21 Ten cubits was the length of a board, and a cubit and a half the breadth of each board.

22 Each board had two tenons, joined one to another. She made all the boards of the tent this way.

23 She made the boards for the tent: twenty boards for the south side southward.

24 She made forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards; two sockets under one board for its two tenons, and two sockets under another board for its two tenons.

25 For the second side of the tent, on the north side, she made twenty boards,

26 and their forty sockets of silver; two sockets under one board, and two sockets under another board.

27 For the far part of the tent westward she made six boards.

28 She made two boards for the corners of the tent in the far part.

29 They were double beneath, and in like manner they were all the way to the top of it to one ring. She did thus to both of them in the two corners.

30 There were eight boards, and their sockets of silver, sixteen sockets; under every board two sockets.

31 She made bars of acacia wood; five for the boards of the one side of the tent,

32 and five bars for the boards of the other side of the tent, and five bars for the boards of the tent for the hinder part westward.

33 She made the middle bar to pass through in the midst of the boards from the one end to the other.

34 She overlaid the boards with gold, and made their rings of gold for places for the bars, and overlaid the bars with gold.

35 She made the veil of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen: with cherubim. She made it the work of a skillful workman.

36 She made four pillars of acacia for it, and overlaid them with gold. Their hooks were of gold. She cast four sockets of silver for them.

37 She made a screen for the door of the tent, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen, the work of an embroiderer;

38 and the five pillars of it with their hooks. She overlaid their capitals and their fillets with gold, and their five sockets were of brass.

Chapter 37

1 Bezalel made the ark of acacia wood. Its length was two and a half cubits, and its breadth a cubit and a half, and a cubit and a half its height.

2 She overlaid it with pure gold inside and outside, and made a molding of gold for it round about.

3 She cast four rings of gold for it, in its four feet; even two rings on its one side, and two rings on its other side.

4 She made poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with gold.

5 She put the poles into the rings on the sides of the ark, to bear the ark.

6 She made a mercy seat of pure gold. Its length was two and a half cubits, and a cubit and a half its breadth.

7 She made two cherubim of gold. She made them of beaten work, at the two ends of the mercy seat;

8 one cherub at the one end, and one cherub at the other end. She made the cherubim of one piece with the mercy seat at its two ends.

9 The cherubim spread out their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, with their faces toward one another. The faces of the cherubim were toward the mercy seat.

10 She made the table of acacia wood. Its length was two cubits, and its breadth was a cubit, and its height was a cubit and a half.

11 She overlaid it with pure gold, and made a gold molding around it.

12 She made a border of a handbreadth around it, and made a golden molding on its border around it.

13 She cast four rings of gold for it, and put the rings in the four corners that were on its four feet.

14 The rings were close by the border, the places for the poles to carry the table.

15 She made the poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with gold, to carry the table.

16 She made the vessels which were on the table, its dishes, its spoons, its bowls, and its pitchers with which to pour out, of pure gold.

17 She made the lampstand of pure gold. She made the lampstand of beaten work. Its base, its shaft, its cups, its buds, and its flowers were of one piece with it.

18 There were six branches going out of its sides: three branches of the lampstand out of its one side, and three branches of the lampstand out of its other side:

19 three cups made like almond blossoms in one branch, a bud and a flower, and three cups made like almond blossoms in the other branch, a bud and a flower: so for the six branches going out of the lampstand.

20 In the lampstand were four cups made like almond blossoms, its buds and its flowers;

21 and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, and a bud under two branches of one piece with it, for the six branches going out of it.

22 Their buds and their branches were of one piece with it. The whole thing was one beaten work of pure gold.

23 She made its seven lamps, and its snuffers, and its snuff dishes, of pure gold.

24 She made it of a talent of pure gold, with all its vessels.

25 She made the altar of incense of acacia wood. It was square: its length was a cubit, and its breadth a cubit. Its height was two cubits. Its horns were of one piece with it.

26 She overlaid it with pure gold, its top, its sides around it, and its horns. She made a gold molding around it.

27 She made two golden rings for it under its molding crown, on its two ribs, on its two sides, for places for poles with which to carry it.

28 She made the poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with gold.

29 She made the holy anointing oil and the pure incense of sweet spices, after the art of the perfumer.

Chapter 38

1 She made the altar of burnt offering of acacia wood. It was square. Its length was five cubits, its breadth was five cubits, and its height was three cubits.

2 She made its horns on its four corners. Its horns were of one piece with it, and she overlaid it with brass.

3 She made all the vessels of the altar, the pots, the shovels, the basins, the forks, and the fire pans. She made all its vessels of brass.

4 She made for the altar a grating of a network of brass, under the ledge around it beneath, reaching halfway up.

5 She cast four rings for the four ends of brass grating, to be places for the poles.

6 She made the poles of acacia wood, and overlaid them with brass.

7 She put the poles into the rings on the sides of the altar, with which to carry it. She made it hollow with planks.

8 She made the basin of brass, and its base of brass, out of the mirrors of the ministering men who ministered at the door of the tent of meeting.

9 She made the court: for the south side southward the hangings of the court were of fine twined linen, one hundred cubits;

10 their pillars were twenty, and their sockets twenty, of brass; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver.

11 For the north side one hundred cubits, their pillars twenty, and their sockets twenty, of brass; the hooks of the pillars, and their fillets, of silver.

12 For the west side were hangings of fifty cubits, their pillars ten, and their sockets ten; the hooks of the pillars, and their fillets, of silver.

13 For the east side eastward fifty cubits.

14 The hangings for the one side were fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three;

15 and so for the other side: on this hand and that hand by the gate of the court were hangings of fifteen cubits; their pillars three, and their sockets three.

16 All the hangings around the court were of fine twined linen.

17 The sockets for the pillars were of brass. The hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver; and the overlaying of their capitals, of silver; and all the pillars of the court were filleted with silver.

18 The screen for the gate of the court was the work of the embroiderer, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen. Twenty cubits was the length, and the height in the breadth was five cubits, like to the hangings of the court.

19 Their pillars were four, and their sockets four, of brass; their hooks of silver, and the overlaying of their capitals, and their fillets, of silver.

20 All the pins of the tent, and around the court, were of brass.

21 This is the amount of material used for the tent, even the Tent of the Testimony, as they were counted, according to the commandment of Moses, for the service of the Levites, by the hand of Ithamar, the daughter of Aaron the priestess.

22 Bezalel the daughter of Uri, the daughter of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that Yahweh commanded Moses.

23 With her was Oholiab, the daughter of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver, and a skillful workman, and an embroiderer in blue, in purple, in scarlet, and in fine linen.

24 All the gold that was used for the work in all the work of the sanctuary, even the gold of the offering, was twenty-nine talents, and seven hundred thirty shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary.

25 The silver of those who were numbered of the congregation was one hundred talents, and one thousand seven hundred seventy-five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary:

26 a beka a head, that is, half a shekel, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for everyone who passed over to those who were numbered, from twenty years old and upward, for six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty women.

27 The one hundred talents of silver were for casting the sockets of the sanctuary, and the sockets of the veil; one hundred sockets for the one hundred talents, a talent for a socket.

28 Of the one thousand seven hundred seventy-five shekels she made hooks for the pillars, overlaid their capitals, and made fillets for them.

29 The brass of the offering was seventy talents, and two thousand four hundred shekels.

30 With this she made the sockets to the door of the tent of meeting, the bronze altar, the bronze grating for it, all the vessels of the altar,

31 the sockets around the court, the sockets of the gate of the court, all the pins of the tent, and all the pins around the court.

Chapter 39

1 Of the blue, purple, and scarlet, they made finely worked garments, for ministering in the holy place, and made the holy garments for Aaron; as Yahweh commanded Moses.

2 She made the ephod of gold, blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen.

3 They beat the gold into thin plates, and cut it into wires, to work it in the blue, in the purple, in the scarlet, and in the fine linen, the work of the skillful workman.

4 They made shoulder straps for it, joined together. At the two ends it was joined together.

5 The skillfully woven band that was on it, with which to fasten it on, was of the same piece, like its work; of gold, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen; as Yahweh commanded Moses.

6 They worked the onyx stones, enclosed in settings of gold, engraved with the engravings of a signet, according to the names of the children of Israel.

7 She put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod, to be stones of memorial for the children of Israel, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

8 She made the breastplate, the work of a skillful workman, like the work of the ephod; of gold, of blue, purple, scarlet, and fine twined linen.

9 It was square. They made the breastplate double. Its length was a span, and its breadth a span, being double.

10 They set in it four rows of stones. A row of ruby, topaz, and beryl was the first row;

11 and the second row, a turquoise, a sapphire, and an emerald;

12 and the third row, a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst;

13 and the fourth row, a chrysolite, an onyx, and a jasper. They were enclosed in gold settings.

14 The stones were according to the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet, everyone according to her name, for the twelve tribes.

15 They made on the breastplate chains like cords, of braided work of pure gold.

16 They made two settings of gold, and two gold rings, and put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate.

17 They put the two braided chains of gold in the two rings at the ends of the breastplate.

18 The other two ends of the two braided chains they put on the two settings, and put them on the shoulder straps of the ephod, in the front of it.

19 They made two rings of gold, and put them on the two ends of the breastplate, on the edge of it, which was toward the side of the ephod inward.

20 They made two rings of gold, and put them on the two shoulder straps of the ephod underneath, in the front of it, close by its coupling, above the skillfully woven band of the ephod.

21 They bound the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be on the skillfully woven band of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not come loose from the ephod, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

22 She made the robe of the ephod of woven work, all of blue.

23 The opening of the robe in the midst of it was like the opening of a coat of mail, with a binding around its opening, that it should not be torn.

24 They made on the skirts of the robe pomegranates of blue, purple, scarlet, and twined linen.

25 They made bells of pure gold, and put the bells between the pomegranates around the skirts of the robe, between the pomegranates;

26 a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, around the skirts of the robe, to minister in, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

27 They made the coats of fine linen of woven work for Aaron, and for her daughters,

28 and the turban of fine linen, and the linen headbands of fine linen, and the linen breeches of fine twined linen,

29 and the sash of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet, the work of the embroiderer, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

30 They made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold, and wrote on it a writing, like the engravings of a signet: "HOLY TO YAHWEH."

31 They tied to it a lace of blue, to fasten it on the turban above, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

32 Thus all the work of the tent of the tent of meeting was finished. The children of Israel did according to all that Yahweh commanded Moses; so they did.

33 They brought the tent to Moses, the tent, with all its furniture, its clasps, its boards, its bars, its pillars, its sockets,

34 the covering of rams' skins dyed red, the covering of sea cow hides, the veil of the screen,

35 the ark of the testimony with its poles, the mercy seat,

36 the table, all its vessels, the show bread,

37 the pure lampstand, its lamps, even the lamps to be set in order, all its vessels, the oil for the light,

38 the golden altar, the anointing oil, the sweet incense, the screen for the door of the Tent,

39 the bronze altar, its grating of brass, its poles, all of its vessels, the basin and its base,

40 the hangings of the court, its pillars, its sockets, the screen for the gate of the court, its cords, its pins, all the instruments of the service of the tent, for the tent of meeting,

41 the finely worked garments for ministering in the holy place, the holy garments for Aaron the priestess, and the garments of her daughters, to minister in the priestess's office.

42 According to all that Yahweh commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did all the work.

43 Moses saw all the work, and behold, they had done it as Yahweh had commanded, even so had they done it: and Moses blessed them.

Chapter 40

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

2 "On the first day of the first month you shall raise up the tent of the Tent of Meeting.

3 You shall put the ark of the testimony in it, and you shall screen the ark with the veil.

4 You shall bring in the table, and set in order the things that are on it. You shall bring in the lampstand, and light the lamps of it.

5 You shall set the golden altar for incense before the ark of the testimony, and put the screen of the door to the tent.

6 You shall set the altar of burnt offering before the door of the tent of the tent of meeting.

7 You shall set the basin between the tent of meeting and the altar, and shall put water therein.

8 You shall set up the court around it, and hang up the screen of the gate of the court.

9 You shall take the anointing oil, and anoint the tent, and all that is in it, and shall make it holy, and all its furniture: and it will be holy.

10 You shall anoint the altar of burnt offering, with all its vessels, and sanctify the altar: and the altar will be most holy.

11 You shall anoint the basin and its base, and sanctify it.

12 You shall bring Aaron and her daughters to the door of the tent of meeting, and shall wash them with water.

13 You shall put on Aaron the holy garments; and you shall anoint her, and sanctify her, that she may minister to me in the priestess's office.

14 You shall bring her daughters, and put coats on them.

15 You shall anoint them, as you anointed their mother, that they may minister to me in the priestess's office. Their anointing shall be to them for an everlasting priesthood throughout their generations."

16 Moses did so. According to all that Yahweh commanded her, so she did.

17 It happened in the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tent was raised up.

18 Moses raised up the tent, and laid its sockets, and set up the boards of it, and put in the bars of it, and raised up its pillars.

19 She spread the covering over the tent, and put the roof of the tent above on it, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

20 She took and put the testimony into the ark, and set the poles on the ark, and put the mercy seat above on the ark.

21 She brought the ark into the tent, and set up the veil of the screen, and screened the ark of the testimony, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

22 She put the table in the tent of meeting, on the side of the tent northward, outside of the veil.

23 She set the bread in order on it before Yahweh, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

24 She put the lampstand in the tent of meeting, opposite the table, on the side of the tent southward.

25 She lit the lamps before Yahweh, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

26 She put the golden altar in the tent of meeting before the veil;

27 and she burnt incense of sweet spices on it, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

28 She put up the screen of the door to the tent.

29 She set the altar of burnt offering at the door of the tent of the tent of meeting, and offered on it the burnt offering and the meal offering, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

30 She set the basin between the tent of meeting and the altar, and put water therein, with which to wash.

31 Moses, Aaron, and her daughters washed their hands and their feet there.

32 When they went into the tent of meeting, and when they came near to the altar, they washed, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

33 She raised up the court around the tent and the altar, and set up the screen of the gate of the court. So Moses finished the work.

34 Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of Yahweh filled the tent.

35 Moses wasn't able to enter into the tent of meeting, because the cloud stayed on it, and Yahweh's glory filled the tent.

36 When the cloud was taken up from over the tent, the children of Israel went onward, throughout all their journeys;

37 but if the cloud wasn't taken up, then they didn't travel until the day that it was taken up.

38 For the cloud of Yahweh was on the tent by day, and there was fire in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.




Leviticus

Chapter 1

1 Yahweh called to Moses, and spoke to her out of the Tent of Meeting, saying,

2 "Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, 'When anyone of you offers an offering to Yahweh, you shall offer your offering of the livestock, from the herd and from the flock.

3 "'If her offering is a burnt offering from the herd, she shall offer a female without blemish. She shall offer it at the door of the Tent of Meeting, that she may be accepted before Yahweh.

4 She shall lay her hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it shall be accepted for her to make atonement for her.

5 She shall kill the bull before Yahweh. Aaron's daughters, the priests, shall present the blood and sprinkle the blood around on the altar that is at the door of the Tent of Meeting.

6 She shall flay the burnt offering, and cut it into pieces.

7 The daughters of Aaron the priestess shall put fire on the altar, and lay wood in order on the fire;

8 and Aaron's daughters, the priests, shall lay the pieces, the head, and the fat in order on the wood that is on the fire which is on the altar;

9 but its innards and its legs she shall wash with water. The priestess shall burn the whole on the altar, for a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor to Yahweh.

10 "'If her offering is from the flock, from the sheep, or from the goats, for a burnt offering, she shall offer a female without blemish.

11 She shall kill it on the north side of the altar before Yahweh. Aaron's daughters, the priests, shall sprinkle its blood around on the altar.

12 She shall cut it into its pieces, with its head and its fat. The priestess shall lay them in order on the wood that is on the fire which is on the altar,

13 but the innards and the legs she shall wash with water. The priestess shall offer the whole, and burn it on the altar. It is a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor to Yahweh.

14 "'If her offering to Yahweh is a burnt offering of birds, then she shall offer her offering of turtledoves, or of young pigeons.

15 The priestess shall bring it to the altar, and wring off its head, and burn it on the altar; and its blood shall be drained out on the side of the altar;

16 and she shall take away its crop with its filth, and cast it beside the altar on the east part, in the place of the ashes.

17 She shall tear it by its wings, but shall not divide it apart. The priestess shall burn it on the altar, on the wood that is on the fire. It is a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor to Yahweh.

Chapter 2

1 "'When anyone offers an offering of a meal offering to Yahweh, her offering shall be of fine flour; and she shall pour oil on it, and put frankincense on it.

2 She shall bring it to Aaron's daughters the priests; and she shall take her handful of its fine flour, and of its oil, with all its frankincense; and the priestess shall burn the memorial of it on the altar, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor to Yahweh.

3 That which is left of the meal offering shall be Aaron's and her daughters'. It is a most holy thing of the offerings of Yahweh made by fire.

4 "'When you offer an offering of a meal offering baked in the oven, it shall be unleavened cakes of fine flour mixed with oil, or unleavened wafers anointed with oil.

5 If your offering is a meal offering of the baking pan, it shall be of unleavened fine flour, mixed with oil.

6 You shall cut it in pieces, and pour oil on it. It is a meal offering.

7 If your offering is a meal offering of the frying pan, it shall be made of fine flour with oil.

8 You shall bring the meal offering that is made of these things to Yahweh: and it shall be presented to the priestess, and she shall bring it to the altar.

9 The priestess shall take from the meal offering its memorial, and shall burn it on the altar, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor to Yahweh.

10 That which is left of the meal offering shall be Aaron's and her daughters'. It is a thing most holy of the offerings of Yahweh made by fire.

11 "'No meal offering, which you shall offer to Yahweh, shall be made with yeast; for you shall burn no yeast, nor any honey, as an offering made by fire to Yahweh.

12 As an offering of firstfruits you shall offer them to Yahweh: but they shall not come up for a sweet savor on the altar.

13 Every offering of your meal offering you shall season with salt; neither shall you allow the salt of the covenant of your God to be lacking from your meal offering. With all your offerings you shall offer salt.

14 "'If you offer a meal offering of first fruits to Yahweh, you shall offer for the meal offering of your first fruits grain in the ear parched with fire, bruised grain of the fresh ear.

15 You shall put oil on it, and lay frankincense on it: it is a meal offering.

16 The priestess shall burn as its memorial, part of its bruised grain, and part of its oil, along with all its frankincense: it is an offering made by fire to Yahweh.

Chapter 3

1 "'If her offering is a sacrifice of peace offerings; if she offers it from the herd, whether female or male, she shall offer it without blemish before Yahweh.

2 She shall lay her hand on the head of her offering, and kill it at the door of the tent of meeting: and Aaron's daughters the priests shall sprinkle the blood on the altar round about.

3 She shall offer of the sacrifice of peace offerings an offering made by fire to Yahweh; the fat that covers the innards, and all the fat that is on the innards,

4 and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys, she shall take away.

5 Aaron's daughters shall burn it on the altar on the burnt offering, which is on the wood that is on the fire: it is an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor to Yahweh.

6 "'If her offering for a sacrifice of peace offerings to Yahweh is from the flock; female or male, she shall offer it without blemish.

7 If she offers a lamb for her offering, then she shall offer it before Yahweh;

8 and she shall lay her hand on the head of her offering, and kill it before the tent of meeting: and Aaron's daughters shall sprinkle its blood on the altar round about.

9 She shall offer from the sacrifice of peace offerings an offering made by fire to Yahweh; its fat, the entire tail fat, she shall take away close to the backbone; and the fat that covers the inwards, and all the fat that is on the inwards,

10 and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys, she shall take away.

11 The priestess shall burn it on the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire to Yahweh.

12 "'If her offering is a goat, then she shall offer it before Yahweh:

13 and she shall lay her hand on its head, and kill it before the tent of meeting; and the daughters of Aaron shall sprinkle its blood on the altar round about.

14 She shall offer from it as her offering, an offering made by fire to Yahweh; the fat that covers the innards, and all the fat that is on the innards,

15 and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys, she shall take away.

16 The priestess shall burn them on the altar: it is the food of the offering made by fire, for a sweet savor; all the fat is Yahweh's.

17 "'It shall be a perpetual statute throughout your generations in all your dwellings, that you shall eat neither fat nor blood.'"

Chapter 4

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

2 "Speak to the children of Israel, saying, 'If anyone sins unintentionally, in any of the things which Yahweh has commanded not to be done, and does any one of them:

3 if the anointed priestess sins so as to bring guilt on the people, then let her offer for her sin, which she has sinned, a young bull without blemish to Yahweh for a sin offering.

4 She shall bring the bull to the door of the Tent of Meeting before Yahweh; and she shall lay her hand on the head of the bull, and kill the bull before Yahweh.

5 The anointed priestess shall take some of the blood of the bull, and bring it to the Tent of Meeting.

6 The priestess shall dip her finger in the blood, and sprinkle some of the blood seven times before Yahweh, before the veil of the sanctuary.

7 The priestess shall put some of the blood on the horns of the altar of sweet incense before Yahweh, which is in the tent of meeting; and she shall pour out all of rest of the blood of the bull at the base of the altar of burnt offering, which is at the door of the Tent of Meeting.

8 She shall take all the fat of the bull of the sin offering off of it; the fat that covers the innards, and all the fat that is on the innards,

9 and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys, she shall take away,

10 as it is taken off of the ox of the sacrifice of peace offerings. The priestess shall burn them on the altar of burnt offering.

11 The bull's skin, all its flesh, with its head, and with its legs, its innards, and its dung,

12 even the whole bull shall she carry forth outside the camp to a clean place, where the ashes are poured out, and burn it on wood with fire. Where the ashes are poured out it shall be burned.

13 "'If the whole congregation of Israel sins, and the thing is hidden from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done any of the things which Yahweh has commanded not to be done, and are guilty;

14 when the sin in which they have sinned is known, then the assembly shall offer a young bull for a sin offering, and bring it before the Tent of Meeting.

15 The elders of the congregation shall lay their hands on the head of the bull before Yahweh; and the bull shall be killed before Yahweh.

16 The anointed priestess shall bring of the blood of the bull to the Tent of Meeting:

17 and the priestess shall dip her finger in the blood, and sprinkle it seven times before Yahweh, before the veil.

18 She shall put some of the blood on the horns of the altar which is before Yahweh, that is in the Tent of Meeting; and the rest of the blood she shall pour out at the base of the altar of burnt offering, which is at the door of the Tent of Meeting.

19 All its fat she shall take from it, and burn it on the altar.

20 Thus shall she do with the bull; as she did with the bull of the sin offering, so shall she do with this; and the priestess shall make atonement for them, and they shall be forgiven.

21 She shall carry forth the bull outside the camp, and burn it as she burned the first bull. It is the sin offering for the assembly.

22 "'When a ruler sins, and unwittingly does any one of all the things which Yahweh her God has commanded not to be done, and is guilty;

23 if her sin, in which she has sinned, is made known to her, she shall bring as her offering a goat, a female without blemish.

24 She shall lay her hand on the head of the goat, and kill it in the place where they kill the burnt offering before Yahweh. It is a sin offering.

25 The priestess shall take some of the blood of the sin offering with her finger, and put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering. She shall pour out the rest of its blood at the base of the altar of burnt offering.

26 All its fat she shall burn on the altar, like the fat of the sacrifice of peace offerings; and the priestess shall make atonement for her concerning her sin, and she will be forgiven.

27 "'If anyone of the common people sins unwittingly, in doing any of the things which Yahweh has commanded not to be done, and is guilty;

28 if her sin, which she has sinned, is made known to her, then she shall bring for her offering a goat, a male without blemish, for her sin which she has sinned.

29 She shall lay her hand on the head of the sin offering, and kill the sin offering in the place of burnt offering.

30 The priestess shall take some of its blood with her finger, and put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering; and the rest of its blood she shall pour out at the base of the altar.

31 All its fat she shall take away, like the fat is taken away from off of the sacrifice of peace offerings; and the priestess shall burn it on the altar for a sweet savor to Yahweh; and the priestess shall make atonement for her, and she will be forgiven.

32 "'If she brings a lamb as her offering for a sin offering, she shall bring a male without blemish.

33 She shall lay her hand on the head of the sin offering, and kill it for a sin offering in the place where they kill the burnt offering.

34 The priestess shall take some of the blood of the sin offering with her finger, and put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering; and all the rest of its blood she shall pour out at the base of the altar.

35 All its fat she shall take away, like the fat of the lamb is taken away from the sacrifice of peace offerings; and the priestess shall burn them on the altar, on the offerings of Yahweh made by fire; and the priestess shall make atonement for her concerning her sin that she has sinned, and she will be forgiven.

Chapter 5

1 "'If anyone sins, in that she hears the voice of adjuration, she being a witness, whether she has seen or known, if she doesn't report it, then she shall bear her iniquity.

2 "'Or if anyone touches any unclean thing, whether it is the carcass of an unclean animal, or the carcass of unclean livestock, or the carcass of unclean creeping things, and it is hidden from her, and she is unclean, then she shall be guilty.

3 "'Or if she touches the uncleanness of woman, whatever her uncleanness is with which she is unclean, and it is hidden from her; when she knows of it, then she shall be guilty.

4 "'Or if anyone swears rashly with her lips to do evil, or to do good, whatever it is that a woman might utter rashly with an oath, and it is hidden from her; when she knows of it, then she shall be guilty of one of these.

5 It shall be, when she is guilty of one of these, she shall confess that in which she has sinned:

6 and she shall bring her trespass offering to Yahweh for her sin which she has sinned, a male from the flock, a lamb or a goat, for a sin offering; and the priestess shall make atonement for her concerning her sin.

7 "'If she can't afford a lamb, then she shall bring her trespass offering for that in which she has sinned, two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, to Yahweh; one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering.

8 She shall bring them to the priestess, who shall first offer the one which is for the sin offering, and wring off its head from its neck, but shall not sever it completely.

9 She shall sprinkle some of the blood of the sin offering on the side of the altar; and the rest of the blood shall be drained out at the base of the altar. It is a sin offering.

10 She shall offer the second for a burnt offering, according to the ordinance; and the priestess shall make atonement for her concerning her sin which she has sinned, and she shall be forgiven.

11 "'But if she can't afford two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, then she shall bring her offering for that in which she has sinned, the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering. She shall put no oil on it, neither shall she put any frankincense on it, for it is a sin offering.

12 She shall bring it to the priestess, and the priestess shall take her handful of it as the memorial portion, and burn it on the altar, on the offerings of Yahweh made by fire. It is a sin offering.

13 The priestess shall make atonement for her concerning her sin that she has sinned in any of these things, and she will be forgiven; and the rest shall be the priestess's, as the meal offering.'"

14 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

15 "If anyone commits a trespass, and sins unwittingly, in the holy things of Yahweh; then she shall bring her trespass offering to Yahweh, a ram without blemish from the flock, according to your estimation in silver by shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering.

16 She shall make restitution for that which she has done wrong in the holy thing, and shall add a fifth part to it, and give it to the priestess; and the priestess shall make atonement for her with the ram of the trespass offering, and she will be forgiven.

17 "If anyone sins, and does any of the things which Yahweh has commanded not to be done; though she didn't know it, yet she is guilty, and shall bear her iniquity.

18 She shall bring a ram without blemish from of the flock, according to your estimation, for a trespass offering, to the priestess; and the priestess shall make atonement for her concerning the thing in which she sinned and didn't know it, and she will be forgiven.

19 It is a trespass offering. She is certainly guilty before Yahweh."

Chapter 6

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

2 "If anyone sins, and commits a trespass against Yahweh, and deals falsely with her neighbor in a matter of deposit, or of bargain, or of robbery, or has oppressed her neighbor,

3 or has found that which was lost, and dealt falsely therein, and swearing to a lie; in any of all these things that a woman does, sinning therein;

4 then it shall be, if she has sinned, and is guilty, she shall restore that which she took by robbery, or the thing which she has gotten by oppression, or the deposit which was committed to her, or the lost thing which she found,

5 or any thing about which she has sworn falsely; she shall restore it even in full, and shall add a fifth part more to it. To her to whom it belongs she shall give it, in the day of her being found guilty.

6 She shall bring her trespass offering to Yahweh, a ram without blemish from the flock, according to your estimation, for a trespass offering, to the priestess.

7 The priestess shall make atonement for her before Yahweh, and she will be forgiven concerning whatever she does to become guilty."

8 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

9 "Command Aaron and her daughters, saying, 'This is the law of the burnt offering: the burnt offering shall be on the hearth on the altar all night until the morning; and the fire of the altar shall be kept burning on it.

10 The priestess shall put on her linen garment, and she shall put on her linen breeches upon her body; and she shall remove the ashes from where the fire has consumed the burnt offering on the altar, and she shall put them beside the altar.

11 She shall take off her garments, and put on other garments, and carry the ashes outside the camp to a clean place.

12 The fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it, it shall not go out; and the priestess shall burn wood on it every morning: and she shall lay the burnt offering in order upon it, and shall burn on it the fat of the peace offerings.

13 Fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it shall not go out.

14 "'This is the law of the meal offering: the daughters of Aaron shall offer it before Yahweh, before the altar.

15 She shall take from there her handful of the fine flour of the meal offering, and of its oil, and all the frankincense which is on the meal offering, and shall burn it on the altar for a sweet savor, as its memorial, to Yahweh.

16 That which is left of it Aaron and her daughters shall eat. It shall be eaten without yeast in a holy place. They shall eat it in the court of the Tent of Meeting

17 It shall not be baked with yeast. I have given it as their portion of my offerings made by fire. It is most holy, as the sin offering, and as the trespass offering.

18 Every female among the children of Aaron shall eat of it, as their portion forever throughout your generations, from the offerings of Yahweh made by fire. Whoever touches them shall be holy.'"

19 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

20 "This is the offering of Aaron and of her daughters, which they shall offer to Yahweh in the day when she is anointed: the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a meal offering perpetually, half of it in the morning, and half of it in the evening.

21 It shall be made with oil in a baking pan. When it is soaked, you shall bring it in. You shall offer the meal offering in baked pieces for a sweet savor to Yahweh.

22 The anointed priestess that will be in her place from among her daughters shall offer it. By a statute forever, it shall be wholly burnt to Yahweh.

23 Every meal offering of a priestess shall be wholly burned. It shall not be eaten."

24 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

25 "Speak to Aaron and to her daughters, saying, 'This is the law of the sin offering: in the place where the burnt offering is killed, the sin offering shall be killed before Yahweh. It is most holy.

26 The priestess who offers it for sin shall eat it. It shall be eaten in a holy place, in the court of the Tent of Meeting.

27 Whatever shall touch its flesh shall be holy. When there is any of its blood sprinkled on a garment, you shall wash that on which it was sprinkled in a holy place.

28 But the earthen vessel in which it is boiled shall be broken; and if it is boiled in a bronze vessel, it shall be scoured, and rinsed in water.

29 Every female among the priests shall eat of it: it is most holy.

30 No sin offering, of which any of the blood is brought into the Tent of Meeting to make atonement in the Holy Place, shall be eaten: it shall be burned with fire.

Chapter 7

1 "'This is the law of the trespass offering. It is most holy.

2 In the place where they kill the burnt offering, she shall kill the trespass offering; and its blood she shall sprinkle on the altar round about.

3 She shall offer all of its fat: the fat tail, and the fat that covers the innards,

4 and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them, which is by the loins, and the cover on the liver, with the kidneys, shall she take away;

5 and the priestess shall burn them on the altar for an offering made by fire to Yahweh: it is a trespass offering.

6 Every female among the priests may eat of it. It shall be eaten in a holy place. It is most holy.

7 "'As is the sin offering, so is the trespass offering; there is one law for them. The priestess who makes atonement with them shall have it.

8 The priestess who offers any woman's burnt offering, even the priestess shall have for herself the skin of the burnt offering which she has offered.

9 Every meal offering that is baked in the oven, and all that is dressed in the frying pan, and on the baking pan, shall be the priestess's who offers it.

10 Every meal offering, mixed with oil or dry, belongs to all the daughters of Aaron, one as well as another.

11 "'This is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which one shall offer to Yahweh.

12 If she offers it for a thanksgiving, then she shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mixed with oil.

13 With cakes of leavened bread she shall offer her offering with the sacrifice of her peace offerings for thanksgiving.

14 Of it she shall offer one out of each offering for a heave offering to Yahweh. It shall be the priestess's who sprinkles the blood of the peace offerings.

15 The flesh of the sacrifice of her peace offerings for thanksgiving shall be eaten on the day of her offering. She shall not leave any of it until the morning.

16 "'But if the sacrifice of her offering is a vow, or a freewill offering, it shall be eaten on the day that she offers her sacrifice; and on the next day what remains of it shall be eaten:

17 but what remains of the flesh of the sacrifice on the third day shall be burned with fire.

18 If any of the flesh of the sacrifice of her peace offerings is eaten on the third day, it will not be accepted, neither shall it be imputed to her who offers it. It will be an abomination, and the soul who eats any of it will bear her iniquity.

19 "'The flesh that touches any unclean thing shall not be eaten. It shall be burned with fire. As for the flesh, everyone who is clean may eat it;

20 but the soul who eats of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings, that belongs to Yahweh, having her uncleanness on her, that soul shall be cut off from her people.

21 When anyone touches any unclean thing, the uncleanness of woman, or an unclean animal, or any unclean abomination, and eats some of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings, which belong to Yahweh, that soul shall be cut off from her people.'"

22 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

23 "Speak to the children of Israel, saying, 'You shall eat no fat, of ox, or sheep, or goat.

24 The fat of that which dies of itself, and the fat of that which is torn of animals, may be used for any other service, but you shall in no way eat of it.

25 For whoever eats the fat of the animal, of which women offer an offering made by fire to Yahweh, even the soul who eats it shall be cut off from her people.

26 You shall not eat any blood, whether it is of bird or of animal, in any of your dwellings.

27 Whoever it is who eats any blood, that soul shall be cut off from her people.'"

28 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

29 "Speak to the children of Israel, saying, 'She who offers the sacrifice of her peace offerings to Yahweh shall bring her offering to Yahweh out of the sacrifice of her peace offerings.

30 With her own hands she shall bring the offerings of Yahweh made by fire. She shall bring the fat with the breast, that the breast may be waved for a wave offering before Yahweh.

31 The priestess shall burn the fat on the altar, but the breast shall be Aaron's and her daughters'.

32 The right thigh you shall give to the priestess for a heave offering out of the sacrifices of your peace offerings.

33 She among the daughters of Aaron who offers the blood of the peace offerings, and the fat, shall have the right thigh for a portion.

34 For the waved breast and the heaved thigh I have taken from the children of Israel out of the sacrifices of their peace offerings, and have given them to Aaron the priestess and to her daughters as their portion forever from the children of Israel.'"

35 This is the anointing portion of Aaron, and the anointing portion of her daughters, out of the offerings of Yahweh made by fire, in the day when she presented them to minister to Yahweh in the priestess's office;

36 which Yahweh commanded to be given them of the children of Israel, in the day that she anointed them. It is their portion forever throughout their generations.

37 This is the law of the burnt offering, of the meal offering, and of the sin offering, and of the trespass offering, and of the consecration, and of the sacrifice of peace offerings;

38 which Yahweh commanded Moses in Mount Sinai, in the day that she commanded the children of Israel to offer their offerings to Yahweh, in the wilderness of Sinai.

Chapter 8

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

2 "Take Aaron and her daughters with her, and the garments, and the anointing oil, and the bull of the sin offering, and the two rams, and the basket of unleavened bread;

3 and assemble all the congregation at the door of the Tent of Meeting."

4 Moses did as Yahweh commanded her; and the congregation was assembled at the door of the Tent of Meeting.

5 Moses said to the congregation, "This is the thing which Yahweh has commanded to be done."

6 Moses brought Aaron and her daughters, and washed them with water.

7 She put the coat on her, tied the sash on her, clothed her with the robe, put the ephod on her, and she tied the skillfully woven band of the ephod on her, and fastened it to her with it.

8 She placed the breastplate on her; and in the breastplate she put the Urim and the Thummim.

9 She set the turban on her head; and on the turban, in front, she set the golden plate, the holy crown; as Yahweh commanded Moses.

10 Moses took the anointing oil, and anointed the tabernacle and all that was in it, and sanctified them.

11 She sprinkled it on the altar seven times, and anointed the altar and all its vessels, and the basin and its base, to sanctify them.

12 She poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron's head, and anointed her, to sanctify her.

13 Moses brought Aaron's daughters, and clothed them with coats, and tied sashes on them, and put headbands on them; as Yahweh commanded Moses.

14 She brought the bull of the sin offering, and Aaron and her daughters laid their hands on the head of the bull of the sin offering.

15 She killed it; and Moses took the blood, and put it on the horns of the altar round about with her finger, and purified the altar, and poured out the blood at the base of the altar, and sanctified it, to make atonement for it.

16 She took all the fat that was on the innards, and the cover of the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat; and Moses burned it on the altar.

17 But the bull, and its skin, and its flesh, and its dung, she burned with fire outside the camp; as Yahweh commanded Moses.

18 She presented the ram of the burnt offering: and Aaron and her daughters laid their hands on the head of the ram.

19 She killed it; and Moses sprinkled the blood on the altar round about.

20 She cut the ram into its pieces; and Moses burned the head, and the pieces, and the fat.

21 She washed the innards and the legs with water; and Moses burned the whole ram on the altar. It was a burnt offering for a sweet savor. It was an offering made by fire to Yahweh; as Yahweh commanded Moses.

22 She presented the other ram, the ram of consecration: and Aaron and her daughters laid their hands on the head of the ram.

23 She killed it; and Moses took some of its blood, and put it on the tip of Aaron's right ear, and on the thumb of her right hand, and on the great toe of her right foot.

24 She brought Aaron's daughters; and Moses put some of the blood on the tip of their right ear, and on the thumb of their right hand, and on the great toe of their right foot; and Moses sprinkled the blood on the altar round about.

25 She took the fat, and the fat tail, and all the fat that was on the innards, and the cover of the liver, and the two kidneys, and their fat, and the right thigh;

26 and out of the basket of unleavened bread, that was before Yahweh, she took one unleavened cake, and one cake of oiled bread, and one wafer, and placed them on the fat, and on the right thigh.

27 She put all these in Aaron's hands and in her daughters' hands, and waved them for a wave offering before Yahweh.

28 Moses took them from their hands, and burned them on the altar on the burnt offering. They were a consecration for a sweet savor. It was an offering made by fire to Yahweh.

29 Moses took the breast, and waved it for a wave offering before Yahweh. It was Moses' portion of the ram of consecration, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

30 Moses took some of the anointing oil, and some of the blood which was on the altar, and sprinkled it on Aaron, on her garments, and on her daughters, and on her daughters' garments with her, and sanctified Aaron, her garments, and her daughters, and her daughters' garments with her.

31 Moses said to Aaron and to her daughters, "Boil the flesh at the door of the Tent of Meeting, and there eat it and the bread that is in the basket of consecration, as I commanded, saying, 'Aaron and her daughters shall eat it.'

32 What remains of the flesh and of the bread you shall burn with fire.

33 You shall not go out from the door of the Tent of Meeting seven days, until the days of your consecration are fulfilled: for she shall consecrate you seven days.

34 What has been done this day, so Yahweh has commanded to do, to make atonement for you.

35 At the door of the Tent of Meeting you shall stay day and night seven days, and keep the charge of Yahweh, that you don't die: for so I am commanded."

36 Aaron and her daughters did all the things which Yahweh commanded by Moses.

Chapter 9

1 It happened on the eighth day, that Moses called Aaron and her daughters, and the elders of Israel;

2 and she said to Aaron, "Take a calf from the herd for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering, without blemish, and offer them before Yahweh.

3 You shall speak to the children of Israel, saying, 'Take a female goat for a sin offering; and a calf and a lamb, both a year old, without blemish, for a burnt offering;

4 and an ox and a ram for peace offerings, to sacrifice before Yahweh; and a meal offering mixed with oil: for today Yahweh appears to you.'"

5 They brought what Moses commanded before the Tent of Meeting: and all the congregation drew near and stood before Yahweh.

6 Moses said, "This is the thing which Yahweh commanded that you should do: and the glory of Yahweh shall appear to you."

7 Moses said to Aaron, "Draw near to the altar, and offer your sin offering, and your burnt offering, and make atonement for yourself, and for the people; and offer the offering of the people, and make atonement for them; as Yahweh commanded."

8 So Aaron drew near to the altar, and killed the calf of the sin offering, which was for herself.

9 The daughters of Aaron presented the blood to her; and she dipped her finger in the blood, and put it on the horns of the altar, and poured out the blood at the base of the altar:

10 but the fat, and the kidneys, and the cover from the liver of the sin offering, she burned upon the altar; as Yahweh commanded Moses.

11 The flesh and the skin she burned with fire outside the camp.

12 She killed the burnt offering; and Aaron's daughters delivered the blood to her, and she sprinkled it on the altar round about.

13 They delivered the burnt offering to her, piece by piece, and the head: and she burned them upon the altar.

14 She washed the innards and the legs, and burned them on the burnt offering on the altar.

15 She presented the people's offering, and took the goat of the sin offering which was for the people, and killed it, and offered it for sin, like the first.

16 She presented the burnt offering, and offered it according to the ordinance.

17 She presented the meal offering, and filled her hand from there, and burned it upon the altar, besides the burnt offering of the morning.

18 She also killed the ox and the ram, the sacrifice of peace offerings, which was for the people: and Aaron's daughters delivered to her the blood, which she sprinkled on the altar round about,

19 and the fat of the ox and of the ram, the fat tail, and that which covers the innards, and the kidneys, and the cover of the liver:

20 and they put the fat upon the breasts, and she burned the fat on the altar:

21 and the breasts and the right thigh Aaron waved for a wave offering before Yahweh, as Moses commanded.

22 Aaron lifted up her hands toward the people, and blessed them; and she came down from offering the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and the peace offerings.

23 Moses and Aaron went into the Tent of Meeting, and came out, and blessed the people: and the glory of Yahweh appeared to all the people.

24 There came forth fire from before Yahweh, and consumed the burnt offering and the fat upon the altar: and when all the people saw it, they shouted, and fell on their faces.

Chapter 10

1 Nadab and Abihu, the daughters of Aaron, each took her censer, and put fire in it, and laid incense on it, and offered strange fire before Yahweh, which she had not commanded them.

2 And fire came forth from before Yahweh, and devoured them, and they died before Yahweh.

3 Then Moses said to Aaron, "This is what Yahweh spoke of, saying, 'I will show myself holy to those who come near me, and before all the people I will be glorified.'" Aaron held her peace.

4 Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the daughters of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said to them, "Draw near, carry your sisters from before the sanctuary out of the camp."

5 So they drew near, and carried them in their coats out of the camp, as Moses had said.

6 Moses said to Aaron, and to Eleazar and to Ithamar, her daughters, "Don't let the hair of your heads go loose, neither tear your clothes; that you don't die, and that she not be angry with all the congregation: but let your sisters, the whole house of Israel, bewail the burning which Yahweh has kindled.

7 You shall not go out from the door of the Tent of Meeting, lest you die; for the anointing oil of Yahweh is on you." They did according to the word of Moses.

8 Yahweh spoke to Aaron, saying,

9 "Drink no wine nor strong drink, you, nor your daughters with you, when you go into the Tent of Meeting, that you don't die: it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations:

10 and that you are to make a distinction between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean;

11 and that you are to teach the children of Israel all the statutes which Yahweh has spoken to them by Moses."

12 Moses spoke to Aaron, and to Eleazar and to Ithamar, her daughters who were left, "Take the meal offering that remains of the offerings of Yahweh made by fire, and eat it without yeast beside the altar; for it is most holy;

13 and you shall eat it in a holy place, because it is your portion, and your daughters' portion, of the offerings of Yahweh made by fire: for so I am commanded.

14 The waved breast and the heaved thigh you shall eat in a clean place, you, and your daughters, and your sons with you: for they are given as your portion, and your daughters' portion, out of the sacrifices of the peace offerings of the children of Israel.

15 The heaved thigh and the waved breast they shall bring with the offerings made by fire of the fat, to wave it for a wave offering before Yahweh: and it shall be yours, and your daughters' with you, as a portion forever; as Yahweh has commanded."

16 Moses diligently inquired about the goat of the sin offering, and, behold, it was burned: and she was angry with Eleazar and with Ithamar, the daughters of Aaron who were left, saying,

17 "Why haven't you eaten the sin offering in the place of the sanctuary, seeing it is most holy, and she has given it you to bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before Yahweh?

18 Behold, its blood was not brought into the inner part of the sanctuary: you certainly should have eaten it in the sanctuary, as I commanded."

19 Aaron spoke to Moses, "Behold, this day they have offered their sin offering and their burnt offering before Yahweh; and such things as these have happened to me: and if I had eaten the sin offering today, would it have been pleasing in the sight of Yahweh?"

20 When Moses heard that, it was pleasing in her sight.

Chapter 11

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying to them,

2 "Speak to the children of Israel, saying, 'These are the living things which you may eat among all the animals that are on the earth.

3 Whatever parts the hoof, and is cloven-footed, and chews the cud among the animals, that you may eat.

4 "'Nevertheless these you shall not eat of those that chew the cud, or of those who part the hoof: the camel, because she chews the cud but doesn't have a parted hoof, she is unclean to you.

5 The coney, because she chews the cud but doesn't have a parted hoof, she is unclean to you.

6 The hare, because he chews the cud but doesn't part the hoof, he is unclean to you.

7 The pig, because she has a split hoof, and is cloven-footed, but doesn't chew the cud, she is unclean to you.

8 Of their flesh you shall not eat, and their carcasses you shall not touch; they are unclean to you.

9 "'These you may eat of all that are in the waters: whatever has fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, that you may eat.

10 All that don't have fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of all the living creatures that are in the waters, they are an abomination to you,

11 and you detest them. You shall not eat of their flesh, and you shall detest their carcasses.

12 Whatever has no fins nor scales in the waters, that is an abomination to you.

13 "'These you shall detest among the birds; they shall not be eaten, they are an abomination: the eagle, and the vulture, and the black vulture,

14 and the red kite, any kind of black kite,

15 any kind of raven,

16 the horned owl, the screech owl, and the gull, any kind of hawk,

17 the little owl, the cormorant, the great owl,

18 the white owl, the desert owl, the osprey,

19 the stork, any kind of heron, the hoopoe, and the bat.

20 "'All flying insects that walk on all fours are an abomination to you.

21 Yet you may eat these: of all winged creeping things that go on all fours, which have legs above their feet, with which to hop on the earth.

22 Even of these you may eat: any kind of locust, any kind of katydid, any kind of cricket, and any kind of grasshopper.

23 But all winged creeping things which have four feet, are an abomination to you.

24 "'By these you will become unclean: whoever touches the carcass of them shall be unclean until the evening.

25 Whoever carries any part of their carcass shall wash her clothes, and be unclean until the evening.

26 "'Every animal which parts the hoof, and is not cloven-footed, nor chews the cud, is unclean to you. Everyone who touches them shall be unclean.

27 Whatever goes on its paws, among all animals that go on all fours, they are unclean to you. Whoever touches their carcass shall be unclean until the evening.

28 She who carries their carcass shall wash her clothes, and be unclean until the evening. They are unclean to you.

29 "'These are they which are unclean to you among the creeping things that creep on the earth: the weasel, the rat, any kind of great lizard,

30 the gecko, and the monitor lizard, the wall lizard, the skink, and the chameleon.

31 These are they which are unclean to you among all that creep. Whoever touches them when they are dead, shall be unclean until the evening.

32 On whatever any of them falls when they are dead, it shall be unclean; whether it is any vessel of wood, or clothing, or skin, or sack, whatever vessel it is, with which any work is done, it must be put into water, and it shall be unclean until the evening; then it will be clean.

33 Every earthen vessel, into which any of them falls, all that is in it shall be unclean, and you shall break it.

34 All food which may be eaten, that on which water comes, shall be unclean; and all drink that may be drunk in every such vessel shall be unclean.

35 Everything whereupon part of their carcass falls shall be unclean; whether oven, or range for pots, it shall be broken in pieces: they are unclean, and shall be unclean to you.

36 Nevertheless a spring or a cistern in which water is a gathered shall be clean: but that which touches their carcass shall be unclean.

37 If part of their carcass falls on any sowing seed which is to be sown, it is clean.

38 But if water is put on the seed, and part of their carcass falls on it, it is unclean to you.

39 "'If any animal, of which you may eat, dies; she who touches its carcass shall be unclean until the evening.

40 She who eats of its carcass shall wash her clothes, and be unclean until the evening. She also who carries its carcass shall wash her clothes, and be unclean until the evening.

41 "'Every creeping thing that creeps on the earth is an abomination. It shall not be eaten.

42 Whatever goes on its belly, and whatever goes on all fours, or whatever has many feet, even all creeping things that creep on the earth, them you shall not eat; for they are an abomination.

43 You shall not make yourselves abominable with any creeping thing that creeps, neither shall you make yourselves unclean with them, that you should be defiled thereby.

44 For I am Yahweh your God. Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be holy; for I am holy: neither shall you defile yourselves with any kind of creeping thing that moves on the earth.

45 For I am Yahweh who brought you up out of the land of Egypt, to be your God. You shall therefore be holy, for I am holy.

46 "'This is the law of the animal, and of the bird, and of every living creature that moves in the waters, and of every creature that creeps on the earth,

47 to make a distinction between the unclean and the clean, and between the living thing that may be eaten and the living thing that may not be eaten.'"

Chapter 12

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

2 "Speak to the children of Israel, saying, 'If a man conceives, and bears a female child, then he shall be unclean seven days; as in the days of his monthly period he shall be unclean.

3 In the eighth day the flesh of her vulva shall be circumcised.

4 He shall continue in the blood of purification thirty-three days. He shall not touch any holy thing, nor come into the sanctuary, until the days of his purifying are completed.

5 But if he bears a male child, then he shall be unclean two weeks, as in his period; and he shall continue in the blood of purification sixty-six days.

6 "'When the days of his purification are completed, for a daughter, or for a son, he shall bring to the priestess at the door of the Tent of Meeting, a year old lamb for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon, or a turtledove, for a sin offering:

7 and she shall offer it before Yahweh, and make atonement for him; and he shall be cleansed from the fountain of his blood. "'This is the law for him who bears, whether a female or a male.

8 If he cannot afford a lamb, then he shall take two turtledoves, or two young pigeons; the one for a burnt offering, and the other for a sin offering: and the priestess shall make atonement for him, and he shall be clean.'"

Chapter 13

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying,

2 "When a woman shall have a rising in her body's skin, or a scab, or a bright spot, and it becomes in the skin of her body the plague of leprosy, then she shall be brought to Aaron the priestess, or to one of her daughters the priests:

3 and the priestess shall examine the plague in the skin of the body: and if the hair in the plague has turned white, and the appearance of the plague is deeper than the body's skin, it is the plague of leprosy; and the priestess shall examine her, and pronounce her unclean.

4 If the bright spot is white in the skin of her body, and the appearance of it isn't deeper than the skin, and the hair of it hasn't turned white, then the priestess shall isolate the infected person for seven days.

5 The priestess shall examine her on the seventh day, and, behold, if in her eyes the plague is arrested, and the plague hasn't spread in the skin, then the priestess shall isolate her for seven more days.

6 The priestess shall examine her again on the seventh day; and behold, if the plague has faded, and the plague hasn't spread in the skin, then the priestess shall pronounce her clean. It is a scab. She shall wash her clothes, and be clean.

7 But if the scab spreads on the skin, after she has shown herself to the priestess for her cleansing, she shall show herself to the priestess again.

8 The priestess shall examine her; and behold, if the scab has spread on the skin, then the priestess shall pronounce her unclean. It is leprosy.

9 "When the plague of leprosy is in a woman, then she shall be brought to the priestess;

10 and the priestess shall examine her. Behold, if there is a white rising in the skin, and it has turned the hair white, and there is raw flesh in the rising,

11 it is a chronic leprosy in the skin of her body, and the priestess shall pronounce her unclean. She shall not isolate her, for she is unclean.

12 "If the leprosy breaks out all over the skin, and the leprosy covers all the skin of the infected person from her head even to her feet, as far as it appears to the priestess;

13 then the priestess shall examine her; and, behold, if the leprosy has covered all her flesh, she shall pronounce her clean of the plague. It has all turned white: she is clean.

14 But whenever raw flesh appears in her, she shall be unclean.

15 The priestess shall examine the raw flesh, and pronounce her unclean: the raw flesh is unclean. It is leprosy.

16 Or if the raw flesh turns again, and is changed to white, then she shall come to the priestess;

17 and the priestess shall examine her; and, behold, if the plague has turned white, then the priestess shall pronounce her clean of the plague. She is clean.

18 "When the body has a boil on its skin, and it has healed,

19 and in the place of the boil there is a white rising, or a bright spot, reddish-white, then it shall be shown to the priestess;

20 and the priestess shall examine it; and behold, if the appearance of it is lower than the skin, and the hair of it has turned white, then the priestess shall pronounce her unclean. It is the plague of leprosy. It has broken out in the boil.

21 But if the priestess examines it, and behold, there are no white hairs in it, and it isn't deeper than the skin, but is dim, then the priestess shall isolate her seven days.

22 If it spreads in the skin, then the priestess shall pronounce her unclean. It is a plague.

23 But if the bright spot stays in its place, and hasn't spread, it is the scar from the boil; and the priestess shall pronounce her clean.

24 "Or when the body has a burn from fire on its skin, and the raw flesh of the burn becomes a bright spot, reddish-white, or white,

25 then the priestess shall examine it; and behold, if the hair in the bright spot has turned white, and the appearance of it is deeper than the skin; it is leprosy. It has broken out in the burning, and the priestess shall pronounce her unclean. It is the plague of leprosy.

26 But if the priestess examines it, and behold, there is no white hair in the bright spot, and it isn't lower than the skin, but is faded; then the priestess shall isolate her seven days.

27 The priestess shall examine her on the seventh day. If it has spread in the skin, then the priestess shall pronounce her unclean. It is the plague of leprosy.

28 If the bright spot stays in its place, and hasn't spread in the skin, but is faded, it is the swelling from the burn, and the priestess shall pronounce her clean; for it is the scar from the burn.

29 "When a woman or man has a plague on the head or on the beard,

30 then the priestess shall examine the plague; and behold, if the appearance of it is deeper than the skin, and the hair in it is yellow and thin, then the priestess shall pronounce her unclean: it is an itch, it is leprosy of the head or of the beard.

31 If the priestess examines the plague of itching, and behold, its appearance isn't deeper than the skin, and there is no black hair in it, then the priestess shall isolate her the person infected with itching seven days.

32 On the seventh day the priestess shall examine the plague; and behold, if the itch hasn't spread, and there is no yellow hair in it, and the appearance of the itch isn't deeper than the skin,

33 then she shall be shaved, but she shall not shave the itch; and the priestess shall shut her up who has the itch seven more days.

34 On the seventh day, the priestess shall examine the itch; and behold, if the itch hasn't spread in the skin, and its appearance isn't deeper than the skin, then the priestess shall pronounce her clean. She shall wash her clothes, and be clean.

35 But if the itch spreads in the skin after her cleansing,

36 then the priestess shall examine her; and behold, if the itch has spread in the skin, the priestess shall not look for the yellow hair; she is unclean.

37 But if in her eyes the itch is arrested, and black hair has grown in it; the itch is healed, she is clean. The priestess shall pronounce her clean.

38 "When a woman or a man has bright spots in the skin of the body, even white bright spots;

39 then the priestess shall examine them; and behold, if the bright spots on the skin of their body are a dull white, it is a harmless rash, it has broken out in the skin; she is clean.

40 "If a woman's hair has fallen from her head, she is bald. She is clean.

41 If her hair has fallen off from the front part of her head, she is forehead bald. She is clean.

42 But if there is in the bald head, or the bald forehead, a reddish-white plague; it is leprosy breaking out in her bald head, or her bald forehead.

43 Then the priestess shall examine her; and, behold, if the rising of the plague is reddish-white in her bald head, or in her bald forehead, like the appearance of leprosy in the skin of the flesh,

44 she is a leprous woman. She is unclean. The priestess shall surely pronounce her unclean. Hers plague is on her head.

45 "The leper in whom the plague is shall wear torn clothes, and the hair of her head shall hang loose. She shall cover her upper lip, and shall cry, 'Unclean! Unclean!'

46 All the days in which the plague is in her she shall be unclean. She is unclean. She shall dwell alone. Outside of the camp shall be her dwelling.

47 "The garment also that the plague of leprosy is in, whether it is a woolen garment, or a linen garment;

48 whether it is in warp, or woof; of linen, or of wool; whether in a skin, or in anything made of skin;

49 if the plague is greenish or reddish in the garment, or in the skin, or in the warp, or in the woof, or in anything made of skin; it is the plague of leprosy, and shall be shown to the priestess.

50 The priestess shall examine the plague, and isolate the plague seven days.

51 She shall examine the plague on the seventh day. If the plague has spread in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in the skin, whatever use the skin is used for, the plague is a destructive mildew. It is unclean.

52 She shall burn the garment, whether the warp or the woof, in wool or in linen, or anything of skin, in which the plague is: for it is a destructive mildew. It shall be burned in the fire.

53 "If the priestess examines it, and behold, the plague hasn't spread in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in anything of skin;

54 then the priestess shall command that they wash the thing in which the plague is, and she shall isolate it seven more days.

55 Then the priestess shall examine it, after the plague is washed; and behold, if the plague hasn't changed its color, and the plague hasn't spread, it is unclean; you shall burn it in the fire. It is a mildewed spot, whether the bareness is inside or outside.

56 If the priestess looks, and behold, the plague has faded after it is washed, then she shall tear it out of the garment, or out of the skin, or out of the warp, or out of the woof:

57 and if it appears again in the garment, either in the warp, or in the woof, or in anything of skin, it is spreading. You shall burn with fire that in which the plague is.

58 The garment, either the warp, or the woof, or whatever thing of skin it is, which you shall wash, if the plague has departed from them, then it shall be washed the second time, and it will be clean."

59 This is the law of the plague of mildew in a garment of wool or linen, either in the warp, or the woof, or in anything of skin, to pronounce it clean, or to pronounce it unclean.

Chapter 14

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

2 "This shall be the law of the leper in the day of her cleansing. She shall be brought to the priestess,

3 and the priestess shall go forth out of the camp. The priestess shall examine her, and behold, if the plague of leprosy is healed in the leper,

4 then the priestess shall command them to take for her who is to be cleansed two living clean birds, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop.

5 The priestess shall command them to kill one of the birds in an earthen vessel over running water.

6 As for the living bird, she shall take it, and the cedar wood, and the scarlet, and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water.

7 She shall sprinkle on her who is to be cleansed from the leprosy seven times, and shall pronounce her clean, and shall let the living bird go into the open field.

8 "She who is to be cleansed shall wash her clothes, and shave off all her hair, and bathe herself in water; and she shall be clean. After that she shall come into the camp, but shall dwell outside her tent seven days.

9 It shall be on the seventh day, that she shall shave all her hair off her head and her beard and her eyebrows, even all her hair she shall shave off. She shall wash her clothes, and she shall bathe her body in water, then she shall be clean.

10 "On the eighth day she shall take two female lambs without blemish, and one ewe lamb a year old without blemish, and three tenths of an ephah of fine flour for a meal offering, mingled with oil, and one log of oil.

11 The priestess who cleanses her shall set the woman who is to be cleansed, and those things, before Yahweh, at the door of the Tent of Meeting.

12 "The priestess shall take one of the female lambs, and offer her for a trespass offering, with the log of oil, and wave them for a wave offering before Yahweh.

13 She shall kill the female lamb in the place where they kill the sin offering and the burnt offering, in the place of the sanctuary; for as the sin offering is the priestess's, so is the trespass offering. It is most holy.

14 The priestess shall take some of the blood of the trespass offering, and the priestess shall put it on the tip of the right ear of her who is to be cleansed, and on the thumb of her right hand, and on the big toe of her right foot.

15 The priestess shall take some of the log of oil, and pour it into the palm of her own left hand.

16 The priestess shall dip her right finger in the oil that is in her left hand, and shall sprinkle some of the oil with her finger seven times before Yahweh.

17 The priestess shall put some of the rest of the oil that is in her hand on the tip of the right ear of her who is to be cleansed, and on the thumb of her right hand, and on the big toe of her right foot, upon the blood of the trespass offering.

18 The rest of the oil that is in the priestess's hand she shall put on the head of her who is to be cleansed, and the priestess shall make atonement for her before Yahweh.

19 "The priestess shall offer the sin offering, and make atonement for her who is to be cleansed because of her uncleanness: and afterward she shall kill the burnt offering;

20 and the priestess shall offer the burnt offering and the meal offering on the altar. The priestess shall make atonement for her, and she shall be clean.

21 "If she is poor, and can't afford so much, then she shall take one female lamb for a trespass offering to be waved, to make atonement for her, and one tenth of an ephah of fine flour mingled with oil for a meal offering, and a log of oil;

22 and two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, such as she is able to afford; and the one shall be a sin offering, and the other a burnt offering.

23 "On the eighth day she shall bring them for her cleansing to the priestess, to the door of the Tent of Meeting, before Yahweh.

24 The priestess shall take the lamb of the trespass offering, and the log of oil, and the priestess shall wave them for a wave offering before Yahweh.

25 She shall kill the lamb of the trespass offering. The priestess shall take some of the blood of the trespass offering and put it on the tip of the right ear of her who is to be cleansed, and on the thumb of her right hand, and on the big toe of her right foot.

26 The priestess shall pour some of the oil into the palm of her own left hand;

27 and the priestess shall sprinkle with her right finger some of the oil that is in her left hand seven times before Yahweh.

28 Then the priestess shall put some of the oil that is in her hand on the tip of the right ear of her who is to be cleansed, and on the thumb of her right hand, and on the big toe of her right foot, on the place of the blood of the trespass offering.

29 The rest of the oil that is in the priestess's hand she shall put on the head of her who is to be cleansed, to make atonement for her before Yahweh.

30 She shall offer one of the turtledoves, or of the young pigeons, such as she is able to afford,

31 even such as she is able to afford, the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, with the meal offering. The priestess shall make atonement for her who is to be cleansed before Yahweh."

32 This is the law for her in whom is the plague of leprosy, who is not able to afford the sacrifice for her cleansing.

33 Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying,

34 "When you have come into the land of Canaan, which I give to you for a possession, and I put a spreading mildew in a house in the land of your possession,

35 then she who owns the house shall come and tell the priestess, saying, 'There seems to me to be some sort of plague in the house.'

36 The priestess shall command that they empty the house, before the priestess goes in to examine the plague, that all that is in the house not be made unclean: and afterward the priestess shall go in to inspect the house.

37 She shall examine the plague; and behold, if the plague is in the walls of the house with hollow streaks, greenish or reddish, and it appears to be deeper than the wall;

38 then the priestess shall go out of the house to the door of the house, and shut up the house seven days.

39 The priestess shall come again on the seventh day, and look. If the plague has spread in the walls of the house,

40 then the priestess shall command that they take out the stones in which is the plague, and cast them into an unclean place outside of the city:

41 and she shall cause the inside of the house to be scraped round about, and they shall pour out the mortar, that they scraped off, outside of the city into an unclean place.

42 They shall take other stones, and put them in the place of those stones; and she shall take other mortar, and shall plaster the house.

43 "If the plague comes again, and breaks out in the house, after she has taken out the stones, and after she has scraped the house, and after it was plastered;

44 then the priestess shall come in and look; and behold, if the plague has spread in the house, it is a destructive mildew in the house. It is unclean.

45 She shall break down the house, its stones, and its timber, and all the house's mortar. She shall carry them out of the city into an unclean place.

46 "Moreover she who goes into the house while it is shut up shall be unclean until the evening.

47 She who lies down in the house shall wash her clothes; and she who eats in the house shall wash her clothes.

48 "If the priestess shall come in, and examine it, and behold, the plague hasn't spread in the house, after the house was plastered, then the priestess shall pronounce the house clean, because the plague is healed.

49 To cleanse the house she shall take two birds, and cedar wood, and scarlet, and hyssop.

50 She shall kill one of the birds in an earthen vessel over running water.

51 She shall take the cedar wood, and the hyssop, and the scarlet, and the living bird, and dip them in the blood of the slain bird, and in the running water, and sprinkle the house seven times.

52 She shall cleanse the house with the blood of the bird, and with the running water, with the living bird, with the cedar wood, with the hyssop, and with the scarlet;

53 but she shall let the living bird go out of the city into the open field. So shall she make atonement for the house; and it shall be clean."

54 This is the law for any plague of leprosy, and for an itch,

55 and for the destructive mildew of a garment, and for a house,

56 and for a rising, and for a scab, and for a bright spot;

57 to teach when it is unclean, and when it is clean. This is the law of leprosy.

Chapter 15

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying,

2 "Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, 'When any woman has a discharge from her body, because of her discharge she is unclean.

3 This shall be her uncleanness in her discharge: whether her body runs with her discharge, or her body has stopped from her discharge, it is her uncleanness.

4 "'Every bed whereon she who has the discharge lies shall be unclean; and everything she sits on shall be unclean.

5 Whoever touches her bed shall wash her clothes, and bathe herself in water, and be unclean until the evening.

6 She who sits on anything whereon the woman who has the discharge sat shall wash her clothes, and bathe herself in water, and be unclean until the evening.

7 "'She who touches the body of her who has the discharge shall wash her clothes, and bathe herself in water, and be unclean until the evening.

8 "'If she who has the discharge spits on her who is clean, then she shall wash her clothes, and bathe herself in water, and be unclean until the evening.

9 "'Whatever saddle she who has the discharge rides on shall be unclean.

10 Whoever touches anything that was under her shall be unclean until the evening. She who carries those things shall wash her clothes, and bathe herself in water, and be unclean until the evening.

11 "'Whoever she who has the discharge touches, without having rinsed her hands in water, she shall wash her clothes, and bathe herself in water, and be unclean until the evening.

12 "'The earthen vessel, which she who has the discharge touches, shall be broken; and every vessel of wood shall be rinsed in water.

13 "'When she who has a discharge is cleansed of her discharge, then she shall count to herself seven days for her cleansing, and wash her clothes; and she shall bathe her flesh in running water, and shall be clean.

14 "'On the eighth day she shall take two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, and come before Yahweh to the door of the Tent of Meeting, and give them to the priestess:

15 and the priestess shall offer them, the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering. The priestess shall make atonement for her before Yahweh for her discharge.

16 "'If any woman has an emission of semen, then she shall bathe all her flesh in water, and be unclean until the evening.

17 Every garment, and every skin, whereon the semen is, shall be washed with water, and be unclean until the evening.

18 If a woman lies with a man and there is an emission of semen, they shall both bathe themselves in water, and be unclean until the evening.

19 "'If a man has a discharge, and his discharge in his flesh is blood, he shall be in his impurity seven days: and whoever touches him shall be unclean until the evening.

20 "'Everything that he lies on in his impurity shall be unclean. Everything also that he sits on shall be unclean.

21 Whoever touches his bed shall wash her clothes, and bathe herself in water, and be unclean until the evening.

22 Whoever touches anything that he sits on shall wash her clothes, and bathe herself in water, and be unclean until the evening.

23 If it is on the bed, or on anything whereon he sits, when she touches it, she shall be unclean until the evening.

24 "'If any woman lies with him, and his monthly flow is on her, she shall be unclean seven days; and every bed whereon she lies shall be unclean.

25 "'If a man has a discharge of his blood many days not in the time of his period, or if he has a discharge beyond the time of his period; all the days of the discharge of his uncleanness shall be as in the days of his period: he is unclean.

26 Every bed whereon he lies all the days of his discharge shall be to him as the bed of his period: and everything whereon he sits shall be unclean, as the uncleanness of his period.

27 Whoever touches these things shall be unclean, and shall wash her clothes, and bathe herself in water, and be unclean until the evening.

28 "'But if he is cleansed of his discharge, then he shall count to himself seven days, and after that he shall be clean.

29 On the eighth day he shall take two turtledoves, or two young pigeons, and bring them to the priestess, to the door of the Tent of Meeting.

30 The priestess shall offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering; and the priestess shall make atonement for him before Yahweh for the uncleanness of his discharge.

31 "'Thus you shall separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness, so they will not die in their uncleanness, when they defile my tabernacle that is in their midst.'"

32 This is the law of her who has a discharge, and of her who has an emission of semen, so that she is unclean thereby;

33 and of him who has his period, and of a woman or man who has a discharge, and of her who lies with him who is unclean.

Chapter 16

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, after the death of the two daughters of Aaron, when they drew near before Yahweh, and died;

2 and Yahweh said to Moses, "Tell Aaron your sister, not to come at all times into the Most Holy Place within the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the ark; lest she die: for I will appear in the cloud on the mercy seat.

3 "Herewith shall Aaron come into the sanctuary: with a young bull for a sin offering, and a ram for a burnt offering.

4 She shall put on the holy linen coat, and she shall have the linen breeches on her body, and shall put on the linen sash, and she shall be dressed with the linen turban. They are the holy garments. She shall bathe her body in water, and put them on.

5 She shall take from the congregation of the children of Israel two female goats for a sin offering, and one ram for a burnt offering.

6 "Aaron shall offer the bull of the sin offering, which is for herself, and make atonement for herself and for her house.

7 She shall take the two goats, and set them before Yahweh at the door of the Tent of Meeting.

8 Aaron shall cast lots for the two goats; one lot for Yahweh, and the other lot for the scapegoat.

9 Aaron shall present the goat on which the lot fell for Yahweh, and offer her for a sin offering.

10 But the goat, on which the lot fell for the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before Yahweh, to make atonement for her, to send her away for the scapegoat into the wilderness.

11 "Aaron shall present the bull of the sin offering, which is for herself, and shall make atonement for herself and for her house, and shall kill the bull of the sin offering which is for herself.

12 She shall take a censer full of coals of fire from off the altar before Yahweh, and two handfuls of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it within the veil:

13 and she shall put the incense on the fire before Yahweh, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is on the testimony, so that she will not die.

14 She shall take some of the blood of the bull, and sprinkle it with her finger on the mercy seat on the east; and before the mercy seat she shall sprinkle some of the blood with her finger seven times.

15 "Then she shall kill the goat of the sin offering, that is for the people, and bring her blood within the veil, and do with her blood as she did with the blood of the bull, and sprinkle it on the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat:

16 and she shall make atonement for the Holy Place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions, even all their sins; and so she shall do for the Tent of Meeting, that dwells with them in the midst of their uncleanness.

17 There shall be no one in the Tent of Meeting when she enters to make atonement in the Holy Place, until she comes out, and has made atonement for herself and for her household, and for all the assembly of Israel.

18 "She shall go out to the altar that is before Yahweh and make atonement for it, and shall take some of the bull's blood, and some of the goat's blood, and put it on the horns of the altar round about.

19 She shall sprinkle some of the blood on it with her finger seven times, and cleanse it, and make it holy from the uncleanness of the children of Israel.

20 "When she has made an end of atoning for the Holy Place, the Tent of Meeting, and the altar, she shall present the live goat.

21 Aaron shall lay both her hands on the head of the live goat, and confess over her all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions, even all their sins; and she shall put them on the head of the goat, and shall send her away into the wilderness by the hand of a woman who is in readiness.

22 The goat shall carry all their iniquities on herself to a solitary land, and she shall let the goat go in the wilderness.

23 "Aaron shall come into the Tent of Meeting, and shall take off the linen garments, which she put on when she went into the Holy Place, and shall leave them there.

24 Then she shall bathe herself in water in a holy place, and put on her garments, and come out and offer her burnt offering and the burnt offering of the people, and make atonement for herself and for the people.

25 The fat of the sin offering she shall burn on the altar.

26 "She who lets the goat go for the scapegoat shall wash her clothes, and bathe her flesh in water, and afterward she shall come into the camp.

27 The bull for the sin offering, and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the Holy Place, shall be carried forth outside the camp; and they shall burn their skins, their flesh, and their dung with fire.

28 She who burns them shall wash her clothes, and bathe her flesh in water, and afterward she shall come into the camp.

29 "It shall be a statute to you forever: in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls, and shall do no manner of work, the native-born, or the stranger who lives as a foreigner among you:

30 for on this day shall atonement be made for you, to cleanse you; from all your sins you shall be clean before Yahweh.

31 It is a Sabbath of solemn rest to you, and you shall afflict your souls; it is a statute forever.

32 The priestess, who is anointed and who is consecrated to be priestess in her mother's place, shall make the atonement, and shall put on the linen garments, even the holy garments.

33 Then she shall make atonement for the Holy Sanctuary; and she shall make atonement for the Tent of Meeting and for the altar; and she shall make atonement for the priests and for all the people of the assembly.

34 "This shall be an everlasting statute for you, to make atonement for the children of Israel once in the year because of all their sins." It was done as Yahweh commanded Moses.

Chapter 17

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

2 "Speak to Aaron, and to her daughters, and to all the children of Israel, and say to them: 'This is the thing which Yahweh has commanded,

3 Whatever woman there is of the house of Israel, who kills an ox, or lamb, or goat, in the camp, or who kills it outside the camp,

4 and hasn't brought it to the door of the Tent of Meeting, to offer it as an offering to Yahweh before the tabernacle of Yahweh: blood shall be imputed to that woman. She has shed blood; and that woman shall be cut off from among her people.

5 This is to the end that the children of Israel may bring their sacrifices, which they sacrifice in the open field, that they may bring them to Yahweh, to the door of the Tent of Meeting, to the priestess, and sacrifice them for sacrifices of peace offerings to Yahweh.

6 The priestess shall sprinkle the blood on the altar of Yahweh at the door of the Tent of Meeting, and burn the fat for a sweet savor to Yahweh.

7 They shall no more sacrifice their sacrifices to the goat idols, after which they play the philanderer. This shall be a statute forever to them throughout their generations.'

8 "You shall say to them, 'Any woman there is of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who live as foreigners among them, who offers a burnt offering or sacrifice,

9 and doesn't bring it to the door of the Tent of Meeting, to sacrifice it to Yahweh; that woman shall be cut off from her people.

10 "'Any woman of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who live as foreigners among them, who eats any kind of blood, I will set my face against that soul who eats blood, and will cut her off from among her people.

11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood; and I have given it to you on the altar to make atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that makes atonement by reason of the life.

12 Therefore I have said to the children of Israel, "No person among you shall eat blood, neither shall any stranger who lives as a foreigner among you eat blood."

13 "'Whatever woman there is of the children of Israel, or of the strangers who live as foreigners among them, who takes in hunting any animal or bird that may be eaten; she shall pour out its blood, and cover it with dust.

14 For as to the life of all flesh, its blood is with its life: therefore I said to the children of Israel, "You shall not eat the blood of any kind of flesh; for the life of all flesh is its blood. Whoever eats it shall be cut off."

15 "'Every person that eats what dies of itself, or that which is torn by animals, whether she is native-born or a foreigner, she shall wash her clothes, and bathe herself in water, and be unclean until the evening: then she shall be clean.

16 But if she doesn't wash them, or bathe her flesh, then she shall bear her iniquity.'"

Chapter 18

1 Yahweh said to Moses,

2 "Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them, 'I am Yahweh your God.

3 You shall not do as they do in the land of Egypt, where you lived: and you shall not do as they do in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you; neither shall you walk in their statutes.

4 You shall do my ordinances, and you shall keep my statutes, and walk in them: I am Yahweh your God.

5 You shall therefore keep my statutes and my ordinances; which if a woman does, she shall live in them: I am Yahweh.

6 "'None of you shall approach anyone who are her close relatives, to uncover their nakedness: I am Yahweh.

7 "'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother, nor the nakedness of your father: he is your father. You shall not uncover his nakedness.

8 "'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother's husband: it is your mother's nakedness.

9 "'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your brother, the son of your mother, or the son of your father, whether born at home, or born abroad.

10 "'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your daughter's son, or of your son's son, even their nakedness: for theirs is your own nakedness.

11 "'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother's husband's son, conceived by your mother, since he is your brother.

12 "'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother's brother: he is your mother's near kinsman.

13 "'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's brother: for he is your father's near kinsman.

14 "'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother's sister, you shall not approach her husband: he is your aunt.

15 "'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your son-in-law: he is your daughter's husband. You shall not uncover his nakedness.

16 "'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your sister's husband: it is your sister's nakedness.

17 "'You shall not uncover the nakedness of a man and his son. You shall not take his daughter's son, or his son's son, to uncover his nakedness; they are near kinswomen: it is wickedness.

18 "'You shall not take a husband to his brother, to be a rival, to uncover his nakedness, while his brother is yet alive.

19 "'You shall not approach a man to uncover his nakedness, as long as he is impure by his uncleanness.

20 "'You shall not lie carnally with your neighbor's husband, and defile yourself with him.

21 "'You shall not give any of your children to sacrifice to Molech; neither shall you profane the name of your God: I am Yahweh.

22 "'You shall not lie with a woman, as with a man. That is detestable.

23 "'You shall not lie with any animal to defile yourself with it; neither shall any man give himself to an animal, to lie down with it: it is a perversion.

24 "'Don't defile yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations which I am casting out before you were defiled.

25 The land was defiled: therefore I punished its iniquity, and the land vomited out his inhabitants.

26 You therefore shall keep my statutes and my ordinances, and shall not do any of these abominations; neither the native-born, nor the stranger who lives as a foreigner among you;

27 (for all these abominations have the women of the land done, that were before you, and the land became defiled);

28 that the land not vomit you out also, when you defile it, as it vomited out the nation that was before you.

29 "'For whoever shall do any of these abominations, even the souls that do them shall be cut off from among their people.

30 Therefore you shall keep my charge, that you do not practice any of these abominable customs, which were practiced before you, and that you do not defile yourselves with them: I am Yahweh your God.'"

Chapter 19

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

2 "Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and tell them, 'You shall be holy; for I Yahweh your God am holy.

3 "'Each one of you shall respect her father and her mother. You shall keep my Sabbaths. I am Yahweh your God.

4 "'Don't turn to idols, nor make molten gods for yourselves. I am Yahweh your God.

5 "'When you offer a sacrifice of peace offerings to Yahweh, you shall offer it so that you may be accepted.

6 It shall be eaten the same day you offer it, and on the next day: and if anything remains until the third day, it shall be burned with fire.

7 If it is eaten at all on the third day, it is an abomination. It will not be accepted;

8 but everyone who eats it shall bear her iniquity, because she has profaned the holy thing of Yahweh, and that soul shall be cut off from her people.

9 "'When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap the corners of your field, neither shall you gather the gleanings of your harvest.

10 You shall not glean your vineyard, neither shall you gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and for the foreigner. I am Yahweh your God.

11 "'You shall not steal; neither shall you deal falsely, nor lie to one another.

12 "'You shall not swear by my name falsely, and profane the name of your God. I am Yahweh.

13 "'You shall not oppress your neighbor, nor rob her. The wages of a hired servant shall not remain with you all night until the morning.

14 "'You shall not curse the deaf, nor put a stumbling block before the blind; but you shall fear your God. I am Yahweh.

15 "'You shall do no injustice in judgment: you shall not be partial to the poor, nor show favoritism to the great; but in righteousness shall you judge your neighbor.

16 "'You shall not go up and down as a slanderer among your people; neither shall you stand against the life of your neighbor. I am Yahweh.

17 "'You shall not hate your sister in your heart. You shall surely rebuke your neighbor, and not bear sin because of her.

18 "'You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people; but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am Yahweh.

19 "'You shall keep my statutes. "'You shall not crossbreed different kinds of animals. "'you shall not sow your field with two kinds of seed; "'neither shall there come upon on you a garment made of two kinds of material.

20 "'If a woman lies carnally with a man who is a slave boy, pledged to be married to another woman, and not ransomed, or given his freedom; they shall be punished. They shall not be put to death, because he was not free.

21 She shall bring her trespass offering to Yahweh, to the door of the Tent of Meeting, even a ram for a trespass offering.

22 The priestess shall make atonement for her with the ram of the trespass offering before Yahweh for her sin which she has committed: and the sin which she has committed shall be forgiven her.

23 "'When you come into the land, and have planted all kinds of trees for food, then you shall count their fruit as forbidden. Three years shall they be forbidden to you. It shall not be eaten.

24 But in the fourth year all its fruit shall be holy, for giving praise to Yahweh.

25 In the fifth year you shall eat its fruit, that it may yield its increase to you. I am Yahweh your God.

26 "'You shall not eat any meat with the blood still in it; neither shall you use enchantments, nor practice sorcery.

27 "'You shall not cut the hair on the sides of your heads, neither shall you clip off the edge of your beard.

28 "'You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead, nor tattoo any marks on you. I am Yahweh.

29 "'Don't profane your son, to make him a philanderer; lest the land fall to prostitution, and the land become full of wickedness.

30 "'You shall keep my Sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary; I am Yahweh.

31 "'Don't turn to those who are mediums, nor to the wizards. Don't seek them out, to be defiled by them. I am Yahweh your God.

32 "'You shall rise up before the gray head, and honor the face of an old woman, and you shall fear your God. I am Yahweh.

33 "'If a stranger lives as a foreigner with you in your land, you shall not do her wrong.

34 The stranger who lives as a foreigner with you shall be to you as the native-born among you, and you shall love her as yourself; for you lived as foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am Yahweh your God.

35 "'You shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in measures of length, of weight, or of quantity.

36 Just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin, shall you have. I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt.

37 You shall observe all my statutes, and all my ordinances, and do them. I am Yahweh.'"

Chapter 20

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

2 "Moreover, you shall tell the children of Israel, 'Anyone of the children of Israel, or of the strangers who live as foreigners in Israel, who gives any of her seed to Molech; she shall surely be put to death. The people of the land shall stone her with stones.

3 I also will set my face against that person, and will cut her off from among her people because she has given of her seed to Molech, to defile my sanctuary, and to profane my holy name.

4 If the people of the land all hide their eyes from that person, when she gives of her seed to Molech, and don't put her to death;

5 then I will set my face against that woman, and against her family, and will cut her off, and all who play the philanderer after her, to play the philanderer with Molech, from among their people.

6 "'The person that turns to those who are mediums, and to the wizards, to play the philanderer after them, I will even set my face against that person, and will cut her off from among her people.

7 "'Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be holy; for I am Yahweh your God.

8 You shall keep my statutes, and do them. I am Yahweh who sanctifies you.

9 "'For everyone who curses her mother or her father shall surely be put to death: she has cursed her mother or her father; her blood shall be upon her.

10 "'The woman who commits adultery with another woman's husband, even she who commits adultery with her neighbor's husband, the adulteress and the adulterer shall surely be put to death.

11 The woman who lies with her mother's husband has uncovered her mother's nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

12 "'If a woman lies with her son-in-law, both of them shall surely be put to death: they have committed a perversion; their blood shall be upon them.

13 "'If a woman lies with a female, as with a man, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

14 "'If a woman takes a husband and his father, it is wickedness: they shall be burned with fire, both she and they; that there may be no wickedness among you.

15 "'If a woman lies with an animal, she shall surely be put to death; and you shall kill the animal.

16 "'If a man approaches any animal, and lies down with it, you shall kill the man, and the animal: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.

17 "'If a woman takes her brother, her mother's son, or her father's son, and sees his nakedness, and he sees her nakedness; it is a shameful thing; and they shall be cut off in the sight of the children of their people: she has uncovered her brother's nakedness; she shall bear her iniquity.

18 "'If a woman lies with a man having his monthly period, and uncovers his nakedness; she has made naked his fountain, and he has uncovered the fountain of his blood: and both of them shall be cut off from among their people.

19 "'You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father's brother, nor of your mother's brother; for she has made naked her close relative: they shall bear their iniquity.

20 If a woman lies with her uncle's husband, she has uncovered her uncle's nakedness: they shall bear their sin; they shall die childless.

21 "'If a woman takes her sister's husband, it is an impurity: she has uncovered her sister's nakedness; they shall be childless.

22 "'You shall therefore keep all my statutes, and all my ordinances, and do them; that the land, where I am bringing you to dwell, may not vomit you out.

23 You shall not walk in the customs of the nation, which I am casting out before you: for they did all these things, and therefore I abhorred them.

24 But I have said to you, "You shall inherit their land, and I will give it to you to possess it, a land flowing with milk and honey." I am Yahweh your God, who has separated you from the peoples.

25 "'You shall therefore make a distinction between the clean animal and the unclean, and between the unclean fowl and the clean: and you shall not make yourselves abominable by animal, or by bird, or by anything with which the ground teems, which I have separated from you as unclean for you.

26 You shall be holy to me: for I, Yahweh, am holy, and have set you apart from the peoples, that you should be mine.

27 "'A woman or a man that is a medium, or is a wizard, shall surely be put to death: they shall stone them with stones; their blood shall be upon them.'"

Chapter 21

1 Yahweh said to Moses, "Speak to the priests, the daughters of Aaron, and say to them, 'A priestess shall not defile herself for the dead among her people;

2 except for her relatives that are near to her: for her father, for her mother, for her daughter, for her son, for her sister,

3 and for her virgin brother who is near to her, who has had no wife; for him she may defile herself.

4 She shall not defile herself, being a chief woman among her people, to profane herself.

5 "'They shall not shave their heads, neither shall they shave off the corners of their beards, nor make any cuttings in their flesh.

6 They shall be holy to their God, and not profane the name of their God; for they offer the offerings of Yahweh made by fire, the bread of their God; therefore they shall be holy.

7 "'They shall not marry a man who is a philanderer, or profane; neither shall they marry a man divorced from his wife: for she is holy to her God.

8 You shall sanctify her therefore; for she offers the bread of your God: she shall be holy to you: for I Yahweh, who sanctify you, am holy.

9 "'The son of any priestess, if he profanes himself by playing the philanderer, he profanes his mother: he shall be burned with fire.

10 "'She who is the high priestess among her sisters, upon whose head the anointing oil is poured, and that is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not let the hair of her head hang loose, nor tear her clothes;

11 neither shall she go in to any dead body, nor defile herself for her mother, or for her father;

12 neither shall she go out of the sanctuary, nor profane the sanctuary of her God; for the crown of the anointing oil of her God is upon her. I am Yahweh.

13 "'She shall take a husband in his virginity.

14 A widower, or one divorced, or a man who has been defiled, or a philanderer, these she shall not marry: but a virgin of her own people shall she take as a husband.

15 She shall not profane her seed among her people: for I am Yahweh who sanctifies her.'"

16 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

17 "Say to Aaron, 'None of your seed throughout their generations who has a blemish, may approach to offer the bread of her God.

18 For whatever woman she is that has a blemish, she shall not draw near: a blind woman, or a lame, or she who has a flat nose, or any deformity,

19 or a woman who has an injured foot, or an injured hand,

20 or hunchbacked, or a dwarf, or one who has a defect in her eye, or an itching disease, or scabs, or who has damaged testicles;

21 no woman of the seed of Aaron the priestess, who has a blemish, shall come near to offer the offerings of Yahweh made by fire. Since has a blemish, she shall not come near to offer the bread of her God.

22 She shall eat the bread of her God, both of the most holy, and of the holy.

23 She shall not come near to the veil, nor come near to the altar, because she has a blemish; that she may not profane my sanctuaries, for I am Yahweh who sanctifies them.'"

24 So Moses spoke to Aaron, and to her daughters, and to all the children of Israel.

Chapter 22

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

2 "Tell Aaron and her daughters to separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, which they make holy to me, and that they not profane my holy name. I am Yahweh.

3 "Tell them, 'If anyone of all your seed throughout your generations approaches the holy things, which the children of Israel make holy to Yahweh, having her uncleanness on her, that soul shall be cut off from before me. I am Yahweh.

4 "'Whoever of the seed of Aaron is a leper or has an issue; she shall not eat of the holy things, until she is clean. Whoever touches anything that is unclean by the dead, or a woman whose seed goes from her;

5 or whoever touches any creeping thing, whereby she may be made unclean, or a woman of whom she may take uncleanness, whatever uncleanness she has;

6 the person that touches any such shall be unclean until the evening, and shall not eat of the holy things, unless she bathe her body in water.

7 When the sun is down, she shall be clean; and afterward she shall eat of the holy things, because it is her bread.

8 That which dies of itself, or is torn by animals, she shall not eat, defiling herself by it. I am Yahweh.

9 "'They shall therefore keep my charge, lest they bear sin for it, and die therein, if they profane it. I am Yahweh who sanctifies them.

10 "'No stranger shall eat of the holy thing: a foreigner living with the priests, or a hired servant, shall not eat of the holy thing.

11 But if a priestess buys a slave, purchased by her money, she shall eat of it; and such as are born in her house, they shall eat of her bread.

12 If a priestess's son is married to an outsider, he shall not eat of the heave offering of the holy things.

13 But if a priestess's son is a widower, or divorced, and has no child, and has returned to his mother's house, as in his youth, he may eat of his mother's bread: but no stranger shall eat any of it.

14 "'If a woman eats something holy unwittingly, then she shall add the fifth part of its value to it, and shall give the holy thing to the priestess.

15 The priests shall not profane the holy things of the children of Israel, which they offer to Yahweh,

16 and so cause them to bear the iniquity that brings guilt, when they eat their holy things: for I am Yahweh who sanctifies them.'"

17 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

18 "Speak to Aaron, and to her daughters, and to all the children of Israel, and say to them, 'Whoever is of the house of Israel, or of the foreigners in Israel, who offers her offering, whether it be any of their vows, or any of their freewill offerings, which they offer to Yahweh for a burnt offering;

19 that you may be accepted, you shall offer a female without blemish, of the bulls, of the sheep, or of the goats.

20 But whatever has a blemish, that you shall not offer: for it shall not be acceptable for you.

21 Whoever offers a sacrifice of peace offerings to Yahweh to accomplish a vow, or for a freewill offering, of the herd or of the flock, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein.

22 Blind, injured, maimed, having a wart, festering, or having a running sore, you shall not offer these to Yahweh, nor make an offering by fire of them on the altar to Yahweh.

23 Either a bull or a lamb that has any deformity or lacking in her parts, that you may offer for a freewill offering; but for a vow it shall not be accepted.

24 That which has its testicles bruised, crushed, broken, or cut, you shall not offer to Yahweh; neither shall you do thus in your land.

25 Neither from the hand of a foreigner shall you offer the bread of your God of any of these; because their corruption is in them. There is a blemish in them. They shall not be accepted for you.'"

26 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

27 "When a bull, or a sheep, or a goat, is born, then it shall remain seven days with its father; and from the eighth day and thenceforth it shall be accepted for the offering of an offering made by fire to Yahweh.

28 Whether it is a cow or ewe, you shall not kill it and its young both in one day.

29 "When you sacrifice a sacrifice of thanksgiving to Yahweh, you shall sacrifice it so that you may be accepted.

30 It shall be eaten on the same day; you shall leave none of it until the morning. I am Yahweh.

31 "Therefore you shall keep my commandments, and do them. I am Yahweh.

32 You shall not profane my holy name, but I will be made holy among the children of Israel. I am Yahweh who makes you holy,

33 who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God. I am Yahweh."

Chapter 23

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

2 "Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, 'The set feasts of Yahweh, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are my set feasts.

3 "'Six days shall work be done: but on the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, a holy convocation; you shall do no manner of work. It is a Sabbath to Yahweh in all your dwellings.

4 "'These are the set feasts of Yahweh, even holy convocations, which you shall proclaim in their appointed season.

5 In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month in the evening, is Yahweh's Passover.

6 On the fifteenth day of the same month is the feast of unleavened bread to Yahweh. Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread.

7 In the first day you shall have a holy convocation. You shall do no regular work.

8 But you shall offer an offering made by fire to Yahweh seven days. In the seventh day is a holy convocation: you shall do no regular work.'"

9 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

10 "Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, 'When you have come into the land which I give to you, and shall reap its the harvest, then you shall bring the sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest to the priestess:

11 and she shall wave the sheaf before Yahweh, to be accepted for you. On the next day after the Sabbath the priestess shall wave it.

12 On the day when you wave the sheaf, you shall offer a female lamb without blemish a year old for a burnt offering to Yahweh.

13 The meal offering with it shall be two tenth parts of an ephah of fine flour mingled with oil, an offering made by fire to Yahweh for a sweet savor; and the drink offering with it shall be of wine, the fourth part of a hin.

14 You shall eat neither bread, nor roasted grain, nor fresh grain, until this same day, until you have brought the offering of your God. This is a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

15 "'You shall count from the next day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven Sabbaths shall be completed:

16 even to the next day after the seventh Sabbath you shall number fifty days; and you shall offer a new meal offering to Yahweh.

17 You shall bring out of your habitations two loaves of bread for a wave offering made of two tenth parts of an ephah of fine flour. They shall be baked with yeast, for first fruits to Yahweh.

18 You shall present with the bread seven lambs without blemish a year old, one young bull, and two rams. They shall be a burnt offering to Yahweh, with their meal offering, and their drink offerings, even an offering made by fire, of a sweet aroma to Yahweh.

19 You shall offer one female goat for a sin offering, and two female lambs a year old for a sacrifice of peace offerings.

20 The priestess shall wave them with the bread of the first fruits for a wave offering before Yahweh, with the two lambs. They shall be holy to Yahweh for the priestess.

21 You shall make proclamation on the same day: there shall be a holy convocation to you; you shall do no regular work. This is a statute forever in all your dwellings throughout your generations.

22 "'When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap into the corners of your field, neither shall you gather the gleanings of your harvest: you shall leave them for the poor, and for the foreigner. I am Yahweh your God.'"

23 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

24 "Speak to the children of Israel, saying, 'In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, shall be a solemn rest to you, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation.

25 You shall do no regular work; and you shall offer an offering made by fire to Yahweh.'"

26 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

27 "However on the tenth day of this seventh month is the day of atonement: it shall be a holy convocation to you, and you shall afflict yourselves; and you shall offer an offering made by fire to Yahweh.

28 You shall do no manner of work in that same day; for it is a day of atonement, to make atonement for you before Yahweh your God.

29 For whoever it is who shall not deny herself in that same day; shall be cut off from her people.

30 Whoever it is who does any manner of work in that same day, that person I will destroy from among her people.

31 You shall do no manner of work: it is a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

32 It shall be a Sabbath of solemn rest for you, and you shall deny yourselves. In the ninth day of the month at evening, from evening to evening, you shall keep your Sabbath."

33 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

34 "Speak to the children of Israel, and say, 'On the fifteenth day of this seventh month is the feast of tents for seven days to Yahweh.

35 On the first day shall be a holy convocation: you shall do no regular work.

36 Seven days you shall offer an offering made by fire to Yahweh. On the eighth day shall be a holy convocation to you; and you shall offer an offering made by fire to Yahweh. It is a solemn assembly; you shall do no regular work.

37 "'These are the appointed feasts of Yahweh, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire to Yahweh, a burnt offering, and a meal offering, a sacrifice, and drink offerings, each on its own day;

38 besides the Sabbaths of Yahweh, and besides your gifts, and besides all your vows, and besides all your freewill offerings, which you give to Yahweh.

39 "'So on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the fruits of the land, you shall keep the feast of Yahweh seven days: on the first day shall be a solemn rest, and on the eighth day shall be a solemn rest.

40 You shall take on the first day the fruit of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and you shall rejoice before Yahweh your God seven days.

41 You shall keep it a feast to Yahweh seven days in the year: it is a statute forever throughout your generations; you shall keep it in the seventh month.

42 You shall dwell in booths seven days. All who are native-born in Israel shall dwell in booths,

43 that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths, when I brought them out of the land of Egypt. I am Yahweh your God.'"

44 Moses declared to the children of Israel the appointed feasts of Yahweh.

Chapter 24

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

2 "Command the children of Israel, that they bring to you pure olive oil beaten for the light, to cause a lamp to burn continually.

3 Outside of the veil of the Testimony, in the Tent of Meeting, shall Aaron keep it in order from evening to morning before Yahweh continually: it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations.

4 She shall keep in order the lamps on the pure gold lampstand before Yahweh continually.

5 "You shall take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes of it: two tenth parts of an ephah shall be in one cake.

6 You shall set them in two rows, six on a row, on the pure gold table before Yahweh.

7 You shall put pure frankincense on each row, that it may be to the bread for a memorial, even an offering made by fire to Yahweh.

8 Every Sabbath day she shall set it in order before Yahweh continually. It is on the behalf of the children of Israel an everlasting covenant.

9 It shall be for Aaron and her daughters; and they shall eat it in a holy place: for it is most holy to her of the offerings of Yahweh made by fire by a perpetual statute."

10 The daughter of an Israelite man, whose mother was an Egyptian, went out among the children of Israel; and the daughter of the Israelite man and a woman of Israel strove together in the camp.

11 The daughter of the Israelite man blasphemed the Name, and cursed; and they brought her to Moses. Her father's name was Shelomith, the son of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan.

12 They put her in custody, until the will of Yahweh should be declared to them.

13 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

14 "Bring out of the camp her who cursed; and let all who heard her lay their hands on her head, and let all the congregation stone her.

15 You shall speak to the children of Israel, saying, 'Whoever curses her God shall bear her sin.

16 She who blasphemes the name of Yahweh, she shall surely be put to death; all the congregation shall certainly stone her: the foreigner as well as the native-born, when she blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death.

17 "'She who strikes any woman mortally shall surely be put to death.

18 She who strikes an animal mortally shall make it good, life for life.

19 If anyone injures her neighbor; as she has done, so shall it be done to her:

20 fracture for fracture, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; as she has injured someone, so shall it be done to her.

21 She who kills an animal shall make it good; and she who kills a woman shall be put to death.

22 You shall have one kind of law, for the foreigner as well as the native-born: for I am Yahweh your God.'"

23 Moses spoke to the children of Israel; and they brought forth her who had cursed out of the camp, and stoned her with stones. The children of Israel did as Yahweh commanded Moses.

Chapter 25

1 Yahweh said to Moses in Mount Sinai,

2 "Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, 'When you come into the land which I give you, then the land shall keep a Sabbath to Yahweh.

3 Six years you shall sow your field, and six years you shall prune your vineyard, and gather in its fruits;

4 but in the seventh year there shall be a Sabbath of solemn rest for the land, a Sabbath to Yahweh. You shall not sow your field or prune your vineyard.

5 What grows of itself in your harvest you shall not reap, and the grapes of your undressed vine you shall not gather. It shall be a year of solemn rest for the land.

6 The Sabbath of the land shall be for food for you; for yourself, for your servant, for your maid, for your hired servant, and for your stranger, who lives as a foreigner with you.

7 For your livestock also, and for the animals that are in your land, shall all the increase of it be for food.

8 "'You shall count off seven Sabbaths of years, seven times seven years; and there shall be to you the days of seven Sabbaths of years, even forty-nine years.

9 Then you shall sound the loud trumpet on the tenth day of the seventh month. On the Day of Atonement you shall sound the trumpet throughout all your land.

10 You shall make the fiftieth year holy, and proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee to you; and each of you shall return to her own property, and each of you shall return to her family.

11 That fiftieth year shall be a jubilee to you. In it you shall not sow, neither reap that which grows of itself, nor gather from the undressed vines.

12 For it is a jubilee; it shall be holy to you. You shall eat of its increase out of the field.

13 "'In this Year of Jubilee each of you shall return to her property.

14 "'If you sell anything to your neighbor, or buy from your neighbor, you shall not wrong one another.

15 According to the number of years after the Jubilee you shall buy from your neighbor. According to the number of years of the crops she shall sell to you.

16 According to the length of the years you shall increase the price of it, and according to the shortness of the years you shall diminish the price of it; for she is selling the number of the crops to you.

17 You shall not wrong one another; but you shall fear your God: for I am Yahweh your God.

18 "'Therefore you shall do my statutes, and keep my ordinances and do them; and you shall dwell in the land in safety.

19 The land shall yield its fruit, and you shall eat your fill, and dwell therein in safety.

20 If you said, "What shall we eat the seventh year? Behold, we shall not sow, nor gather in our increase;"

21 then I will command my blessing on you in the sixth year, and it shall bring forth fruit for the three years.

22 You shall sow the eighth year, and eat of the fruits, the old store; until the ninth year, until its fruits come in, you shall eat the old store.

23 "'The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine; for you are strangers and live as foreigners with me.

24 In all the land of your possession you shall grant a redemption for the land.

25 "'If your sister becomes poor, and sells some of her possessions, then her kinswoman who is next to her shall come, and redeem that which her sister has sold.

26 If a woman has no one to redeem it, and she becomes prosperous and finds sufficient means to redeem it;

27 then let her reckon the years since the sale of it, and restore the surplus to the woman to whom she sold it; and she shall return to her property.

28 But if she isn't able to get it back for herself, then what she has sold shall remain in the hand of her who has bought it until the Year of Jubilee: and in the Jubilee it shall be released, and she shall return to her property.

29 "'If a woman sells a dwelling house in a walled city, then she may redeem it within a whole year after it has been sold. For a full year she shall have the right of redemption.

30 If it isn't redeemed within the space of a full year, then the house that is in the walled city shall be made sure in perpetuity to her who bought it, throughout her generations. It shall not be released in the Jubilee.

31 But the houses of the villages which have no wall round about them shall be reckoned with the fields of the country: they may be redeemed, and they shall be released in the Jubilee.

32 "'Nevertheless the cities of the Levites, the houses in the cities of their possession, the Levites may redeem at any time.

33 The Levites may redeem the house that was sold, and the city of her possession, and it shall be released in the Jubilee; for the houses of the cities of the Levites are their possession among the children of Israel.

34 But the field of the suburbs of their cities may not be sold; for it is their perpetual possession.

35 "'If your sister has become poor, and her hand can't support her among you; then you shall uphold her. As a stranger and a sojourner she shall live with you.

36 Take no interest from her or profit, but fear your God; that your sister may live among you.

37 You shall not lend her your money at interest, nor give her your food for profit.

38 I am Yahweh your God, who brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, to give you the land of Canaan, and to be your God.

39 "'If your sister has grown poor among you, and sells herself to you; you shall not make her to serve as a slave.

40 As a hired servant, and as a sojourner, she shall be with you; she shall serve with you until the Year of Jubilee:

41 then she shall go out from you, she and her children with her, and shall return to her own family, and to the possession of her mothers.

42 For they are my servants, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt. They shall not be sold as slaves.

43 You shall not rule over her with harshness, but shall fear your God.

44 "'As for your female and your male slaves, whom you may have; of the nations that are around you, from them you may buy female and male slaves.

45 Moreover of the children of the strangers who sojourn among you, of them you may buy, and of their families who are with you, which they have conceived in your land; and they will be your property.

46 You may make them an inheritance for your children after you, to hold for a possession; of them may you take your slaves forever: but over your sisters the children of Israel you shall not rule, one over another, with harshness.

47 "'If a stranger or sojourner with you becomes rich, and your sister beside her has grown poor, and sells herself to the stranger or foreigner living among you, or to a member of the stranger's family;

48 after she is sold she may be redeemed. One of her sisters may redeem her;

49 or her uncle, or her uncle's daughter, may redeem her, or any who is a close relative to her of her family may redeem her; or if she has grown rich, she may redeem herself.

50 She shall reckon with her who bought her from the year that she sold herself to her to the Year of Jubilee: and the price of her sale shall be according to the number of years; according to the time of a hired servant shall she be with her.

51 If there are yet many years, according to them she shall give back the price of her redemption out of the money that she was bought for.

52 If there remain but a few years to the year of jubilee, then she shall reckon with her; according to her years of service she shall give back the price of her redemption.

53 As a servant hired year by year shall she be with her: she shall not rule with harshness over her in your sight.

54 If she isn't redeemed by these means, then she shall be released in the Year of Jubilee, she, and her children with her.

55 For to me the children of Israel are servants; they are my servants whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt. I am Yahweh your God.

Chapter 26

1 "'You shall make for yourselves no idols, neither shall you raise up an engraved image or a pillar, neither shall you place any figured stone in your land, to bow down to it: for I am Yahweh your God.

2 "'You shall keep my Sabbaths, and have reverence for my sanctuary. I am Yahweh.

3 "'If you walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them;

4 then I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.

5 Your threshing shall reach to the vintage, and the vintage shall reach to the sowing time; and you shall eat your bread to the full, and dwell in your land safely.

6 "'I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down, and no one will make you afraid; and I will remove evil animals out of the land, neither shall the sword go through your land.

7 You shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword.

8 Five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall chase ten thousand; and your enemies shall fall before you by the sword.

9 "'I will have respect for you, and make you fruitful, and multiply you, and will establish my covenant with you.

10 You shall eat old store long kept, and you shall move out the old because of the new.

11 I will set my tent among you: and my soul won't abhor you.

12 I will walk among you, and will be your God, and you will be my people.

13 I am Yahweh your God, who brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that you should not be their slaves; and I have broken the bars of your yoke, and made you go upright.

14 "'But if you will not listen to me, and will not do all these commandments;

15 and if you shall reject my statutes, and if your soul abhors my ordinances, so that you will not do all my commandments, but break my covenant;

16 I also will do this to you: I will appoint terror over you, even consumption and fever, that shall consume the eyes, and make the soul to pine away; and you will sow your seed in vain, for your enemies will eat it.

17 I will set my face against you, and you will be struck before your enemies. Those who hate you will rule over you; and you will flee when no one pursues you.

18 "'If you in spite of these things will not listen to me, then I will chastise you seven times more for your sins.

19 I will break the pride of your power, and I will make your sky like iron, and your soil like brass;

20 and your strength will be spent in vain; for your land won't yield its increase, neither will the trees of the land yield their fruit.

21 "'If you walk contrary to me, and won't listen to me, then I will bring seven times more plagues on you according to your sins.

22 I will send the wild animals among you, which will rob you of your children, destroy your livestock, and make you few in number; and your roads will become desolate.

23 "'If by these things you won't be reformed to me, but will walk contrary to me;

24 then I will also walk contrary to you; and I will strike you, even I, seven times for your sins.

25 I will bring a sword upon you, that will execute the vengeance of the covenant; and you will be gathered together within your cities: and I will send the pestilence among you; and you will be delivered into the hand of the enemy.

26 When I break your staff of bread, ten men shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall deliver your bread again by weight: and you shall eat, and not be satisfied.

27 "'If you in spite of this won't listen to me, but walk contrary to me;

28 then I will walk contrary to you in wrath; and I also will chastise you seven times for your sins.

29 You will eat the flesh of your daughters, and you will eat the flesh of your sons.

30 I will destroy your high places, and cut down your incense altars, and cast your dead bodies upon the bodies of your idols; and my soul will abhor you.

31 I will lay your cities waste, and will bring your sanctuaries to desolation, and I will not take delight in the sweet fragrance of your offerings.

32 I will bring the land into desolation; and your enemies that dwell therein will be astonished at it.

33 I will scatter you among the nations, and I will draw out the sword after you: and your land will be a desolation, and your cities shall be a waste.

34 Then the land will enjoy its sabbaths as long as it lies desolate and you are in your enemies' land. Even then the land will rest and enjoy its sabbaths.

35 As long as it lies desolate it shall have rest, even the rest which it didn't have in your sabbaths, when you lived on it.

36 "'As for those of you who are left, I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies: and the sound of a driven leaf will put them to flight; and they shall flee, as one flees from the sword; and they will fall when no one pursues.

37 They will stumble over one another, as it were before the sword, when no one pursues: and you will have no power to stand before your enemies.

38 You will perish among the nations, and the land of your enemies will eat you up.

39 Those of you who are left will pine away in their iniquity in your enemies' lands; and also in the iniquities of their mothers shall they pine away with them.

40 "'If they confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their mothers, in their trespass which they trespassed against me, and also that, because they walked contrary to me,

41 I also walked contrary to them, and brought them into the land of their enemies: if then their uncircumcised heart is humbled, and they then accept the punishment of their iniquity;

42 then I will remember my covenant with Jacoba; and also my covenant with Isaaca, and also my covenant with Abrahai; and I will remember the land.

43 The land also will be left by them, and will enjoy its sabbaths while it lies desolate without them: and they will accept the punishment of their iniquity; because, even because they rejected my ordinances, and their soul abhorred my statutes.

44 Yet for all that, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject them, neither will I abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break my covenant with them; for I am Yahweh their God;

45 but I will for their sake remember the covenant of their ancestors, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the nations, that I might be their God. I am Yahweh.'"

46 These are the statutes, ordinances and laws, which Yahweh made between her and the children of Israel in Mount Sinai by Moses.

Chapter 27

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

2 "Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them, 'When a woman makes a vow, the persons shall be for Yahweh by your valuation.

3 Your valuation shall be of a female from twenty years old even to sixty years old, even your valuation shall be fifty shekels of silver, after the shekel of the sanctuary.

4 If it is a male, then your valuation shall be thirty shekels.

5 If the person is from five years old even to twenty years old, then your valuation shall be for a female twenty shekels, and for a male ten shekels.

6 If the person is from a month old even to five years old, then your valuation shall be for a female five shekels of silver, and for a male your valuation shall be three shekels of silver.

7 If the person is from sixty years old and upward; if it is a female, then your valuation shall be fifteen shekels, and for a male ten shekels.

8 But if she is poorer than your valuation, then she shall be set before the priestess, and the priestess shall value her; according to the ability of her who vowed shall the priestess value her.

9 "'If it is an animal, of which women offer an offering to Yahweh, all that any woman gives of such to Yahweh becomes holy.

10 She shall not alter it, nor change it, a good for a bad, or a bad for a good: and if she shall at all change animal for animal, then both it and that for which it is changed shall be holy.

11 If it is any unclean animal, of which they do not offer as an offering to Yahweh, then she shall set the animal before the priestess;

12 and the priestess shall value it, whether it is good or bad. As you the priestess values it, so shall it be.

13 But if she will indeed redeem it, then she shall add the fifth part of it to its valuation.

14 "'When a woman dedicates her house to be holy to Yahweh, then the priestess shall evaluate it, whether it is good or bad: as the priestess shall evaluate it, so shall it stand.

15 If she who dedicates it will redeem her house, then she shall add the fifth part of the money of your valuation to it, and it shall be hers.

16 "'If a woman dedicates to Yahweh part of the field of her possession, then your valuation shall be according to the seed for it: the sowing of a homer of barley shall be valued at fifty shekels of silver.

17 If she dedicates her field from the Year of Jubilee, according to your valuation it shall stand.

18 But if she dedicates her field after the Jubilee, then the priestess shall reckon to her the money according to the years that remain to the Year of Jubilee; and an abatement shall be made from your valuation.

19 If she who dedicated the field will indeed redeem it, then she shall add the fifth part of the money of your valuation to it, and it shall remain hers.

20 If she will not redeem the field, or if she has sold the field to another woman, it shall not be redeemed any more;

21 but the field, when it goes out in the Jubilee, shall be holy to Yahweh, as a field devoted; it shall be owned by the priests.

22 "'If she dedicates to Yahweh a field which she has bought, which is not of the field of her possession,

23 then the priestess shall reckon to her the worth of your valuation up to the Year of Jubilee; and she shall give your valuation on that day, as a holy thing to Yahweh.

24 In the Year of Jubilee the field shall return to her from whom it was bought, even to her to whom the possession of the land belongs.

25 All your valuations shall be according to the shekel of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs to the shekel.

26 "'Only the firstborn among animals, which is made a firstborn to Yahweh, no woman may dedicate it; whether an ox or sheep, it is Yahweh's.

27 If it is an unclean animal, then she shall buy it back according to your valuation, and shall add to it the fifth part of it: or if it isn't redeemed, then it shall be sold according to your valuation.

28 "'Notwithstanding, no devoted thing, that a woman shall devote to Yahweh of all that she has, whether of woman or animal, or of the field of her possession, shall be sold or redeemed: every devoted thing is most holy to Yahweh.

29 "'No one devoted, who shall be devoted from among women, shall be ransomed; she shall surely be put to death.

30 "'All the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is Yahweh's. It is holy to Yahweh.

31 If a woman redeems anything of her tithe, she shall add a fifth part to it.

32 All the tithe of the herds or the flocks, whatever passes under the rod, the tenth shall be holy to Yahweh.

33 She shall not search whether it is good or bad, neither shall she change it: and if she changes it at all, then both it and that for which it is changed shall be holy. It shall not be redeemed.'"

34 These are the commandments which Yahweh commanded Moses for the children of Israel on Mount Sinai.




Numbers

Chapter 1

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the Tent of Meeting, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they had come out of the land of Egypt, saying,

2 "Take a census of all the congregation of the children of Israel, by their families, by their mothers' houses, according to the number of the names, every female, one by one;

3 from twenty years old and upward, all who are able to go out to war in Israel. You and Aaron shall number them by their divisions.

4 With you there shall be a woman of every tribe; everyone head of her mothers' house.

5 These are the names of the women who shall stand with you: Of Reuben: Elizur the daughter of Shedeur.

6 Of Simeon: Shelumiel the daughter of Zurishaddai.

7 Of Judah: Nahshon the daughter of Amminadab.

8 Of Issachar: Nethanel the daughter of Zuar.

9 Of Zebulun: Eliab the daughter of Helon.

10 Of the children of Josephine: Of Ephraim: Elishama the daughter of Ammihud. Of Manasseh: Gamaliel the daughter of Pedahzur.

11 Of Benjamin: Abidan the daughter of Gideoni.

12 Of Dan: Ahiezer the daughter of Ammishaddai.

13 Of Asher: Pagiel the daughter of Ochran.

14 Of Gad: Eliasaph the daughter of Deuel.

15 Of Naphtali: Ahira the daughter of Enan."

16 These are those who were called of the congregation, the princesses of the tribes of their mothers; they were the heads of the thousands of Israel.

17 Moses and Aaron took these women who are mentioned by name.

18 They assembled all the congregation together on the first day of the second month; and they declared their ancestry by their families, by their mothers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, one by one.

19 As Yahweh commanded Moses, so she numbered them in the wilderness of Sinai.

20 The children of Reuben, Israel's firstborn, their generations, by their families, by their mothers' houses, according to the number of the names, one by one, every female from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war;

21 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Reuben, were forty-six thousand five hundred.

22 Of the children of Simeon, their generations, by their families, by their mothers' houses, those who were numbered of it, according to the number of the names, one by one, every female from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war;

23 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Simeon, were fifty-nine thousand three hundred.

24 Of the children of Gad, their generations, by their families, by their mothers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war;

25 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Gad, were forty-five thousand six hundred fifty.

26 Of the children of Judah, their generations, by their families, by their mothers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war;

27 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Judah, were sixty-four thousand six hundred.

28 Of the children of Issachar, their generations, by their families, by their mothers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war;

29 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Issachar, were fifty-four thousand four hundred.

30 Of the children of Zebulun, their generations, by their families, by their mothers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war;

31 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Zebulun, were fifty-seven thousand four hundred.

32 Of the children of Josephine, of the children of Ephraim, their generations, by their families, by their mothers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war;

33 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Ephraim, were forty thousand five hundred.

34 Of the children of Manasseh, their generations, by their families, by their mothers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war;

35 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Manasseh, were thirty-two thousand two hundred.

36 Of the children of Benjamin, their generations, by their families, by their mothers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war;

37 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Benjamin, were thirty-five thousand four hundred.

38 Of the children of Dan, their generations, by their families, by their mothers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to war;

39 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Dan, were sixty-two thousand seven hundred.

40 Of the children of Asher, their generations, by their families, by their mothers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to war;

41 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Asher, were forty-one thousand five hundred.

42 Of the children of Naphtali, their generations, by their families, by their mothers' houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to war;

43 those who were numbered of them, of the tribe of Naphtali, were fifty-three thousand four hundred.

44 These are those who were numbered, whom Moses and Aaron numbered, and the princesses of Israel, being twelve women: they were each one for her mothers' house.

45 So all those who were numbered of the children of Israel by their mothers' houses, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go out to war in Israel;

46 even all those who were numbered were six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty.

47 But the Levites after the tribe of their mothers were not numbered among them.

48 For Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

49 "Only the tribe of Levia you shall not number, neither shall you take a census of them among the children of Israel;

50 but appoint the Levites over the Tabernacle of the Testimony, and over all its furnishings, and over all that belongs to it. They shall carry the tabernacle, and all its furnishings; and they shall take care of it, and shall encamp around it.

51 When the tabernacle is to move, the Levites shall take it down; and when the tabernacle is to be set up, the Levites shall set it up. The stranger who comes near shall be put to death.

52 The children of Israel shall pitch their tents, every woman by her own camp, and every woman by her own standard, according to their divisions.

53 But the Levites shall encamp around the Tabernacle of the Testimony, that there may be no wrath on the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall be responsible for the Tabernacle of the Testimony."

54 Thus the children of Israel did. According to all that Yahweh commanded Moses, so they did.

Chapter 2

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying,

2 "The children of Israel shall encamp every woman by her own standard, with the banners of their mothers' houses: at a distance from the tent of meeting shall they encamp around it."

3 Those who encamp on the east side toward the sunrise shall be of the standard of the camp of Judah, according to their divisions: and the princess of the children of Judah shall be Nahshon the daughter of Amminadab.

4 Her division, and those who were numbered of them, were seventy-four thousand six hundred.

5 Those who encamp next to her shall be the tribe of Issachar: and the princess of the children of Issachar shall be Nethanel the daughter of Zuar.

6 Her division, and those who were numbered of it, were fifty-four thousand four hundred.

7 The tribe of Zebulun: and the princess of the children of Zebulun shall be Eliab the daughter of Helon.

8 Her division, and those who were numbered of it, were fifty-seven thousand four hundred.

9 All who were numbered of the camp of Judah were one hundred eighty-six thousand four hundred, according to their divisions. They shall set out first.

10 "On the south side shall be the standard of the camp of Reuben according to their divisions. The princess of the children of Reuben shall be Elizur the daughter of Shedeur.

11 Her division, and those who were numbered of it, were forty-six thousand five hundred.

12 "Those who encamp next to her shall be the tribe of Simeon. The princess of the children of Simeon shall be Shelumiel the daughter of Zurishaddai.

13 Her division, and those who were numbered of them, were fifty-nine thousand three hundred.

14 "The tribe of Gad: and the princess of the children of Gad shall be Eliasaph the daughter of Reuel.

15 Her division, and those who were numbered of them, were forty-five thousand six hundred fifty.

16 "All who were numbered of the camp of Reuben were one hundred fifty-one thousand four hundred fifty, according to their armies. They shall set out second.

17 "Then the tent of meeting shall set out, with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camps. As they encamp, so shall they set out, every woman in her place, by their standards.

18 "On the west side shall be the standard of the camp of Ephraim according to their divisions: and the princess of the children of Ephraim shall be Elishama the daughter of Ammihud.

19 Her division, and those who were numbered of them, were forty thousand five hundred.

20 "Next to her shall be the tribe of Manasseh: and the princess of the children of Manasseh shall be Gamaliel the daughter of Pedahzur.

21 Her division, and those who were numbered of them, were thirty-two thousand two hundred.

22 "The tribe of Benjamin: and the princess of the children of Benjamin shall be Abidan the daughter of Gideoni.

23 Her army, and those who were numbered of them, were thirty-five thousand four hundred.

24 "All who were numbered of the camp of Ephraim were one hundred eight thousand one hundred, according to their divisions. They shall set out third.

25 "On the north side shall be the standard of the camp of Dan according to their divisions: and the princess of the children of Dan shall be Ahiezer the daughter of Ammishaddai.

26 Her division, and those who were numbered of them, were sixty-two thousand seven hundred.

27 "Those who encamp next to her shall be the tribe of Asher: and the princess of the children of Asher shall be Pagiel the daughter of Ochran.

28 Her division, and those who were numbered of them, were forty-one thousand and five hundred.

29 "The tribe of Naphtali: and the princess of the children of Naphtali shall be Ahira the daughter of Enan.

30 Her division, and those who were numbered of them, were fifty-three thousand four hundred.

31 "All who were numbered of the camp of Dan were one hundred fifty-seven thousand six hundred. They shall set out last by their standards."

32 These are those who were numbered of the children of Israel by their mothers' houses. All who were numbered of the camps according to their armies were six hundred three thousand five hundred fifty.

33 But the Levites were not numbered among the children of Israel; as Yahweh commanded Moses.

34 Thus the children of Israel did. According to all that Yahweh commanded Moses, so they encamped by their standards, and so they set out, everyone by their families, according to their mothers' houses.

Chapter 3

1 Now this is the history of the generations of Aaron and Moses in the day that Yahweh spoke with Moses in Mount Sinai.

2 These are the names of the daughters of Aaron: Nadab the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

3 These are the names of the daughters of Aaron, the priests who were anointed, whom she consecrated to minister in the priestess's office.

4 Nadab and Abihu died before Yahweh, when they offered strange fire before Yahweh, in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children. Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priestess's office in the presence of Aaron their mother.

5 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

6 "Bring the tribe of Levia near, and set them before Aaron the priestess, that they may minister to her.

7 They shall keep her charge, and the charge of the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, to do the service of the tabernacle.

8 They shall keep all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting, and the obligations of the children of Israel, to do the service of the tabernacle.

9 You shall give the Levites to Aaron and to her daughters. They are wholly given to her on the behalf of the children of Israel.

10 You shall appoint Aaron and her daughters, and they shall keep their priesthood. The stranger who comes near shall be put to death."

11 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

12 "Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn who open the womb among the children of Israel; and the Levites shall be mine:

13 for all the firstborn are mine. On the day that I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I made holy to me all the firstborn in Israel, both woman and animal. They shall be mine. I am Yahweh."

14 Yahweh spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying,

15 "Number the children of Levia by their mothers' houses, by their families: every female from a month old and upward shall you number."

16 Moses numbered them according to the word of Yahweh, as she was commanded.

17 These were the daughters of Levia by their names: Gershon, and Kohath, and Merari.

18 These are the names of the daughters of Gershon by their families: Libni and Shimei.

19 The daughters of Kohath by their families: Amram, and Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel.

20 The daughters of Merari by their families: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their mothers' houses.

21 Of Gershon was the family of the Libnites, and the family of the Shimeites: these are the families of the Gershonites.

22 Those who were numbered of them, according to the number of all the females, from a month old and upward, even those who were numbered of them were seven thousand five hundred.

23 The families of the Gershonites shall encamp behind the tabernacle westward.

24 The princess of the mothers' house of the Gershonites shall be Eliasaph the daughter of Lael.

25 The charge of the daughters of Gershon in the Tent of Meeting shall be the tabernacle, and the tent, its covering, and the screen for the door of the Tent of Meeting,

26 and the hangings of the court, and the screen for the door of the court, which is by the tabernacle, and around the altar, and its cords for all of its service.

27 Of Kohath was the family of the Amramites, and the family of the Izharites, and the family of the Hebronites, and the family of the Uzzielites: these are the families of the Kohathites.

28 According to the number of all the females, from a month old and upward, there were eight thousand six hundred, keeping the charge of the sanctuary.

29 The families of the daughters of Kohath shall encamp on the south side of the tabernacle.

30 The princess of the mothers' house of the families of the Kohathites shall be Elizaphan the daughter of Uzziel.

31 Their charge shall be the ark, the table, the lamp stand, the altars, the vessels of the sanctuary with which they minister, and the screen, and all its service.

32 Eleazar the daughter of Aaron the priestess shall be princess of the princesses of the Levites, with the oversight of those who keep the charge of the sanctuary.

33 Of Merari was the family of the Mahlites, and the family of the Mushites. These are the families of Merari.

34 Those who were numbered of them, according to the number of all the females, from a month old and upward, were six thousand two hundred.

35 The princess of the mothers' house of the families of Merari was Zuriel the daughter of Abihail. They shall encamp on the north side of the tabernacle.

36 The appointed charge of the daughters of Merari shall be the tabernacle's boards, its bars, its pillars, its sockets, all its instruments, all its service,

37 the pillars of the court around it, their sockets, their pins, and their cords.

38 Those who encamp before the tabernacle eastward, in front of the Tent of Meeting toward the sunrise, shall be Moses, and Aaron and her daughters, keeping the charge of the sanctuary for the charge of the children of Israel. The stranger who comes near shall be put to death.

39 All who were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron numbered at the commandment of Yahweh, by their families, all the females from a month old and upward, were twenty-two thousand.

40 Yahweh said to Moses, "Number all the firstborn females of the children of Israel from a month old and upward, and take the number of their names.

41 You shall take the Levites for me (I am Yahweh) instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel; and the livestock of the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the livestock of the children of Israel."

42 Moses numbered, as Yahweh commanded her, all the firstborn among the children of Israel.

43 All the firstborn females according to the number of names, from a month old and upward, of those who were numbered of them, were twenty-two thousand two hundred seventy-three.

44 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

45 "Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites instead of their livestock; and the Levites shall be mine. I am Yahweh.

46 For the redemption of the two hundred seventy-three of the firstborn of the children of Israel, who exceed the number of the Levites,

47 you shall take five shekels apiece for each one; after the shekel of the sanctuary you shall take them (the shekel is twenty gerahs):

48 and you shall give the money, with which the remainder of them is redeemed, to Aaron and to her daughters."

49 Moses took the redemption money from those who exceeded the number of those who were redeemed by the Levites;

50 from the firstborn of the children of Israel she took the money, one thousand three hundred sixty-five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary:

51 and Moses gave the redemption money to Aaron and to her daughters, according to the word of Yahweh, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

Chapter 4

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying,

2 "Take a census of the daughters of Kohath from among the daughters of Levia, by their families, by their mothers' houses,

3 from thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all who enter into the service, to do the work in the Tent of Meeting.

4 This is the service of the daughters of Kohath in the Tent of Meeting, the most holy things.

5 When the camp moves forward, Aaron shall go in, and her daughters, and they shall take down the veil of the screen, and cover the ark of the Testimony with it,

6 and shall put a covering of sealskin on it, and shall spread over it a cloth all of blue, and shall put in its poles.

7 On the table of show bread they shall spread a blue cloth, and put on it the dishes, the spoons, the bowls, and the cups with which to pour out; and the continual bread shall be on it.

8 They shall spread on them a scarlet cloth, and cover the same with a covering of sealskin, and shall put in its poles.

9 They shall take a blue cloth, and cover the lampstand of the light, and its lamps, and its snuffers, and its snuff dishes, and all its oil vessels, with which they minister to it.

10 They shall put it and all its vessels within a covering of sealskin, and shall put it on the frame.

11 On the golden altar they shall spread a blue cloth, and cover it with a covering of sealskin, and shall put in its poles.

12 They shall take all the vessels of ministry, with which they minister in the sanctuary, and put them in a blue cloth, and cover them with a covering of sealskin, and shall put them on the frame.

13 They shall take away the ashes from the altar, and spread a purple cloth on it.

14 They shall put on it all its vessels, with which they minister about it, the fire pans, the flesh hooks, the shovels, and the basins; all the vessels of the altar; and they shall spread on it a covering of sealskin, and put in its poles.

15 "When Aaron and her daughters have finished covering the sanctuary, and all the furniture of the sanctuary, as the camp moves forward; after that, the daughters of Kohath shall come to carry it: but they shall not touch the sanctuary, lest they die. These things are the burden of the daughters of Kohath in the Tent of Meeting.

16 "The charge of Eleazar the daughter of Aaron the priestess shall be the oil for the light, the sweet incense, the continual meal offering, and the anointing oil, the charge of all the tabernacle, and of all that is in it, the sanctuary, and its furnishings."

17 Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying,

18 "Don't cut off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites;

19 but thus do to them, that they may live, and not die, when they approach to the most holy things: Aaron and her daughters shall go in, and appoint them everyone to her service and to her burden;

20 but they shall not go in to see the sanctuary even for a moment, lest they die."

21 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

22 "Take a census of the daughters of Gershon also, by their mothers' houses, by their families;

23 from thirty years old and upward until fifty years old shall you number them; all who enter in to wait on the service, to do the work in the Tent of Meeting.

24 This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, in serving and in bearing burdens:

25 they shall carry the curtains of the tabernacle, and the Tent of Meeting, its covering, and the covering of sealskin that is above on it, and the screen for the door of the Tent of Meeting,

26 and the hangings of the court, and the screen for the door of the gate of the court, which is by the tabernacle and around the altar, and their cords, and all the instruments of their service, and whatever shall be done with them. Therein shall they serve.

27 At the commandment of Aaron and her daughters shall be all the service of the daughters of the Gershonites, in all their burden, and in all their service; and you shall appoint to them in charge all their burden.

28 This is the service of the families of the daughters of the Gershonites in the Tent of Meeting: and their charge shall be under the hand of Ithamar the daughter of Aaron the priestess.

29 "As for the daughters of Merari, you shall number them by their families, by their mothers' houses;

30 from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old shall you number them, everyone who enters on the service, to do the work of the Tent of Meeting.

31 This is the charge of their burden, according to all their service in the Tent of Meeting: the tabernacle's boards, its bars, its pillars, its sockets,

32 and the pillars of the court around it, and their sockets, and their pins, and their cords, with all their instruments, and with all their service: and by name you shall appoint the instruments of the charge of their burden.

33 This is the service of the families of the daughters of Merari, according to all their service, in the Tent of Meeting, under the hand of Ithamar the daughter of Aaron the priestess."

34 Moses and Aaron and the princesses of the congregation numbered the daughters of the Kohathites by their families, and by their mothers' houses,

35 from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old, everyone who entered into the service, for work in the Tent of Meeting.

36 Those who were numbered of them by their families were two thousand seven hundred fifty.

37 These are those who were numbered of the families of the Kohathites, all who served in the Tent of Meeting, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the commandment of Yahweh by Moses.

38 Those who were numbered of the daughters of Gershon, their families, and by their mothers' houses,

39 from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old, everyone who entered into the service, for work in the Tent of Meeting,

40 even those who were numbered of them, by their families, by their mothers' houses, were two thousand six hundred thirty.

41 These are those who were numbered of the families of the daughters of Gershon, all who served in the Tent of Meeting, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the commandment of Yahweh.

42 Those who were numbered of the families of the daughters of Merari, by their families, by their mothers' houses,

43 from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old, everyone who entered into the service, for work in the Tent of Meeting,

44 even those who were numbered of them by their families, were three thousand two hundred.

45 These are those who were numbered of the families of the daughters of Merari, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the commandment of Yahweh by Moses.

46 All those who were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron and the princesses of Israel numbered, by their families, and by their mothers' houses,

47 from thirty years old and upward even to fifty years old, everyone who entered in to do the work of service, and the work of bearing burdens in the Tent of Meeting,

48 even those who were numbered of them, were eight thousand five hundred eighty.

49 According to the commandment of Yahweh they were numbered by Moses, everyone according to her service, and according to her burden. Thus were they numbered by her, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

Chapter 5

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

2 "Command the children of Israel that they put out of the camp every leper, and everyone who has an issue, and whoever is unclean by the dead.

3 Both female and male shall you put out, outside of the camp shall you put them; that they not defile their camp, in the midst of which I dwell."

4 The children of Israel did so, and put them out outside of the camp; as Yahweh spoke to Moses, so did the children of Israel.

5 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

6 "Speak to the children of Israel: When a woman or man commits any sin that women commit, so as to trespass against Yahweh, and that soul is guilty;

7 then she shall confess her sin which she has done, and she shall make restitution for her guilt in full, and add to it the fifth part of it, and give it to her in respect of whom she has been guilty.

8 But if the woman has no kinswoman to whom restitution may be made for the guilt, the restitution for guilt which is made to Yahweh shall be the priestess's; besides the ram of the atonement, by which atonement shall be made for her.

9 Every heave offering of all the holy things of the children of Israel, which they present to the priestess, shall be hers.

10 Every woman's holy things shall be hers: whatever any woman gives the priestess, it shall be hers."

11 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

12 "Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them: If any woman's husband goes astray, and is unfaithful to her,

13 and a woman lies with him carnally, and it is hidden from the eyes of his wife, and is kept close, and he is defiled, and there is no witness against him, and he isn't taken in the act;

14 and the spirit of jealousy comes on her, and she is jealous of her husband, and he is defiled: or if the spirit of jealousy comes on her, and she is jealous of her husband, and he isn't defiled:

15 then the woman shall bring her husband to the priestess, and shall bring his offering for him: the tenth part of an ephah of barley meal. She shall pour no oil on it, nor put frankincense on it, for it is a meal offering of jealousy, a meal offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to memory.

16 The priestess shall bring him near, and set him before Yahweh;

17 and the priestess shall take holy water in an earthen vessel; and of the dust that is on the floor of the tabernacle the priestess shall take, and put it into the water.

18 The priestess shall set the man before Yahweh, and let the hair of the man's head go loose, and put the meal offering of memorial in his hands, which is the meal offering of jealousy. The priestess shall have in her hand the water of bitterness that brings a curse.

19 The priestess shall cause him to swear, and shall tell the man, 'If no woman has lain with you, and if you haven't gone aside to uncleanness, being under your wife, be free from this water of bitterness that brings a curse.

20 But if you have gone astray, being under your wife, and if you are defiled, and some woman has lain with you besides your wife:'

21 then the priestess shall cause the man to swear with the oath of cursing, and the priestess shall tell the man, 'Yahweh make you a curse and an oath among your people, when Yahweh allows your thigh to fall away, and your body to swell;

22 and this water that brings a curse will go into your bowels, and make your body swell, and your thigh fall away.' The man shall say, 'Amen, Amen.'

23 "The priestess shall write these curses in a book, and she shall blot them out into the water of bitterness.

24 She shall make the man drink the water of bitterness that causes the curse; and the water that causes the curse shall enter into him and become bitter.

25 The priestess shall take the meal offering of jealousy out of the man's hand, and shall wave the meal offering before Yahweh, and bring it to the altar.

26 The priestess shall take a handful of the meal offering, as the memorial of it, and burn it on the altar, and afterward shall make the man drink the water.

27 When she has made him drink the water, then it shall happen, if he is defiled, and has committed a trespass against his wife, that the water that causes the curse will enter into him and become bitter, and his body will swell, and his thigh will fall away: and the man will be a curse among his people.

28 If the man isn't defiled, but is clean; then he shall be free, and shall conceive seed.

29 "This is the law of jealousy, when a husband, being under his wife, goes astray, and is defiled;

30 or when the spirit of jealousy comes on a woman, and she is jealous of her husband; then she shall set the man before Yahweh, and the priestess shall execute on him all this law.

31 The woman shall be free from iniquity, and that man shall bear his iniquity."

Chapter 6

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

2 "Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them: When either woman or man shall make a special vow, the vow of a Nazirite, to separate herself to Yahweh,

3 she shall separate herself from wine and strong drink. She shall drink no vinegar of wine, or vinegar of fermented drink, neither shall she drink any juice of grapes, nor eat fresh grapes or dried.

4 All the days of her separation she shall eat nothing that is made of the grapevine, from the seeds even to the skins.

5 "All the days of her vow of separation there shall no razor come on her head, until the days are fulfilled, in which she separates herself to Yahweh. She shall be holy. She shall let the locks of the hair of her head grow long.

6 "All the days that she separates herself to Yahweh she shall not go near a dead body.

7 She shall not make herself unclean for her mother, or for her father, for her sister, or for her brother, when they die; because her separation to God is on her head.

8 All the days of her separation she is holy to Yahweh.

9 "If any woman dies very suddenly beside her, and she defiles the head of her separation; then she shall shave her head in the day of her cleansing. On the seventh day she shall shave it.

10 On the eighth day she shall bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons to the priestess, to the door of the Tent of Meeting.

11 The priestess shall offer one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, and make atonement for her, because she sinned by reason of the dead, and shall make her head holy that same day.

12 She shall separate to Yahweh the days of her separation, and shall bring a female lamb a year old for a trespass offering; but the former days shall be void, because her separation was defiled.

13 "This is the law of the Nazirite: when the days of her separation are fulfilled, she shall be brought to the door of the Tent of Meeting,

14 and she shall offer her offering to Yahweh, one female lamb a year old without blemish for a burnt offering, and one ewe lamb a year old without blemish for a sin offering, and one ram without blemish for peace offerings,

15 and a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and their meal offering, and their drink offerings.

16 The priestess shall present them before Yahweh, and shall offer her sin offering, and her burnt offering.

17 She shall offer the ram for a sacrifice of peace offerings to Yahweh, with the basket of unleavened bread. The priestess shall offer also its meal offering, and its drink offering.

18 The Nazirite shall shave the head of her separation at the door of the Tent of Meeting, and shall take the hair of the head of her separation, and put it on the fire which is under the sacrifice of peace offerings.

19 The priestess shall take the boiled shoulder of the ram, and one unleavened cake out of the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and shall put them on the hands of the Nazirite, after she has shaved the head of her separation;

20 and the priestess shall wave them for a wave offering before Yahweh. This is holy for the priestess, together with the breast that is waved and the thigh that is offered. After that the Nazirite may drink wine.

21 "This is the law of the Nazirite who vows, and of her offering to Yahweh for her separation, besides that which she is able to get. According to her vow which she vows, so she must do after the law of her separation."

22 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

23 "Speak to Aaron and to her daughters, saying, 'This is how you shall bless the children of Israel.' You shall tell them,

24 'Yahweh bless you, and keep you.

25 Yahweh make her face to shine on you, and be gracious to you.

26 Yahweh lift up her face toward you, and give you peace.'

27 "So they shall put my name on the children of Israel; and I will bless them."

Chapter 7

1 It happened on the day that Moses had finished setting up the tabernacle, and had anointed it and sanctified it, with all its furniture, and the altar with all its vessels, and had anointed and sanctified them;

2 that the princesses of Israel, the heads of their mothers' houses, offered. These were the princesses of the tribes. These are they who were over those who were numbered:

3 and they brought their offering before Yahweh, six covered wagons, and twelve oxen; a wagon for every two of the princesses, and for each one an ox: and they presented them before the tabernacle.

4 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

5 "Accept these from them, that they may be used in doing the service of the Tent of Meeting; and you shall give them to the Levites, to every woman according to her service."

6 Moses took the wagons and the oxen, and gave them to the Levites.

7 She gave two wagons and four oxen to the daughters of Gershon, according to their service:

8 and she gave four wagons and eight oxen to the daughters of Merari, according to their service, under the direction of Ithamar the daughter of Aaron the priestess.

9 But to the daughters of Kohath she gave none, because the service of the sanctuary belonged to them; they carried it on their shoulders.

10 The princesses gave offerings for the dedication of the altar in the day that it was anointed, even the princesses gave their offerings before the altar.

11 Yahweh said to Moses, "They shall offer their offering, each princess on her day, for the dedication of the altar."

12 She who offered her offering the first day was Nahshon the daughter of Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah,

13 and her offering was: one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

14 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

15 one young bull, one ram, one female lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

16 one female goat for a sin offering;

17 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five female goats, and five female lambs a year old. This was the offering of Nahshon the daughter of Amminadab.

18 On the second day Nethanel the daughter of Zuar, princess of Issachar, gave her offering.

19 She offered for her offering: one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

20 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

21 one young bull, one ram, one female lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

22 one female goat for a sin offering;

23 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five female goats, five female lambs a year old. This was the offering of Nethanel the daughter of Zuar.

24 On the third day Eliab the daughter of Helon, princess of the children of Zebulun

25 gave her offering: one silver platter, the weight of which was a hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

26 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

27 one young bull, one ram, one female lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

28 one female goat for a sin offering;

29 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five female goats, and five female lambs a year old. This was the offering of Eliab the daughter of Helon.

30 On the fourth day Elizur the daughter of Shedeur, princess of the children of Reuben

31 gave her offering: one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

32 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

33 one young bull, one ram, one female lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

34 one female goat for a sin offering;

35 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five female goats, and five female lambs a year old. This was the offering of Elizur the daughter of Shedeur.

36 On the fifth day Shelumiel the daughter of Zurishaddai, princess of the children of Simeon

37 gave her offering: one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

38 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

39 one young bull, one ram, one female lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

40 one female goat for a sin offering;

41 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five female goats, and five female lambs a year old: this was the offering of Shelumiel the daughter of Zurishaddai.

42 On the sixth day, Eliasaph the daughter of Deuel, princess of the children of Gad

43 gave her offering: one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

44 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

45 one young bull, one ram, one female lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

46 one female goat for a sin offering;

47 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five female goats, and five female lambs a year old. This was the offering of Eliasaph the daughter of Deuel.

48 On the seventh day Elishama the daughter of Ammihud, princess of the children of Ephraim

49 gave her offering: one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

50 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

51 one young bull, one ram, one female lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

52 one female goat for a sin offering;

53 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five female goats, and five female lambs a year old. This was the offering of Elishama the daughter of Ammihud.

54 On the eighth day Gamaliel the daughter of Pedahzur, princess of the children of Manasseh

55 gave her offering: one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

56 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

57 one young bull, one ram, one female lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

58 one female goat for a sin offering;

59 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five female goats, and five female lambs a year old. This was the offering of Gamaliel the daughter of Pedahzur.

60 On the ninth day Abidan the daughter of Gideoni, princess of the children of Benjamin

61 gave her offering: one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

62 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

63 one young bull, one ram, one female lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

64 one female goat for a sin offering;

65 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five female goats, and five female lambs a year old. This was the offering of Abidan the daughter of Gideoni.

66 On the tenth day Ahiezer the daughter of Ammishaddai, princess of the children of Dan

67 gave her offering: one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

68 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

69 one young bull, one ram, one female lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

70 one female goat for a sin offering;

71 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five female goats, and five female lambs a year old. This was the offering of Ahiezer the daughter of Ammishaddai.

72 On the eleventh day Pagiel the daughter of Ochran, princess of the children of Asher

73 gave her offering: one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

74 one golden ladle of ten shekels, full of incense;

75 one young bull, one ram, one female lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

76 one female goat for a sin offering;

77 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five female goats, and five female lambs a year old. This was the offering of Pagiel the daughter of Ochran.

78 On the twelfth day Ahira the daughter of Enan, princess of the children of Naphtali

79 gave her offering: one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary; both of them full of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering;

80 one golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense;

81 one young bull, one ram, one female lamb a year old, for a burnt offering;

82 one female goat for a sin offering;

83 and for the sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five female goats, and five female lambs a year old. This was the offering of Ahira the daughter of Enan.

84 This was the dedication of the altar, on the day when it was anointed, by the princesses of Israel: twelve silver platters, twelve silver bowls, twelve golden ladles;

85 each silver platter weighing one hundred thirty shekels, and each bowl seventy; all the silver of the vessels two thousand four hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary;

86 the twelve golden ladles, full of incense, weighing ten shekels apiece, after the shekel of the sanctuary; all the gold of the ladles weighed one hundred twenty shekels;

87 all the oxen for the burnt offering twelve bulls, the rams twelve, the female lambs a year old twelve, and their meal offering; and the female goats for a sin offering twelve;

88 and all the oxen for the sacrifice of peace offerings twenty-four bulls, the rams sixty, the female goats sixty, the female lambs a year old sixty. This was the dedication of the altar, after it was anointed.

89 When Moses went into the Tent of Meeting to speak with Yahweh, she heard her voice speaking to her from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the Testimony, from between the two cherubim: and she spoke to her.

Chapter 8

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

2 "Speak to Aaron, and tell her, 'When you light the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light in front of the lampstand.'"

3 Aaron did so. She lit its lamps to light the area in front of the lampstand, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

4 This was the workmanship of the lampstand, beaten work of gold. From its base to its flowers, it was beaten work: according to the pattern which Yahweh had shown Moses, so she made the lampstand.

5 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

6 "Take the Levites from among the children of Israel, and cleanse them.

7 Thus shall you do to them, to cleanse them: sprinkle the water of cleansing on them, let them shave their whole bodies with a razor, and let them wash their clothes, and cleanse themselves.

8 Then let them take a young bull, and its meal offering, fine flour mixed with oil; and another young bull you shall take for a sin offering.

9 You shall present the Levites before the Tent of Meeting. You shall assemble the whole congregation of the children of Israel.

10 You shall present the Levites before Yahweh. The children of Israel shall lay their hands on the Levites,

11 and Aaron shall offer the Levites before Yahweh for a wave offering, on the behalf of the children of Israel, that it may be theirs to do the service of Yahweh.

12 The Levites shall lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, and you shall offer the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering to Yahweh, to make atonement for the Levites.

13 You shall set the Levites before Aaron, and before her daughters, and offer them as a wave offering to Yahweh.

14 Thus you shall separate the Levites from among the children of Israel, and the Levites shall be mine.

15 "After that, the Levites shall go in to do the service of the Tent of Meeting: and you shall cleanse them, and offer them as a wave offering.

16 For they are wholly given to me from among the children of Israel; instead of all who open the womb, even the firstborn of all the children of Israel, I have taken them to me.

17 For all the firstborn among the children of Israel are mine, both woman and animal. On the day that I struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I sanctified them for myself.

18 I have taken the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel.

19 I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and to her daughters from among the children of Israel, to do the service of the children of Israel in the Tent of Meeting, and to make atonement for the children of Israel; that there be no plague among the children of Israel, when the children of Israel come near to the sanctuary."

20 Thus did Moses, and Aaron, and all the congregation of the children of Israel, to the Levites. According to all that Yahweh commanded Moses concerning the Levites, so the children of Israel did to them.

21 The Levites purified themselves from sin, and they washed their clothes; and Aaron offered them for a wave offering before Yahweh; and Aaron made atonement for them to cleanse them.

22 After that, the Levites went in to do their service in the Tent of Meeting before Aaron, and before her daughters: as Yahweh had commanded Moses concerning the Levites, so they did to them.

23 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

24 "This is that which belongs to the Levites: from twenty-five years old and upward they shall go in to wait on the service in the work of the Tent of Meeting;

25 and from the age of fifty years they shall cease waiting on the work, and shall serve no more,

26 but shall minister with their sisters in the Tent of Meeting, to keep the charge, and shall do no service. Thus shall you do to the Levites concerning their duties."

Chapter 9

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year after they had come out of the land of Egypt, saying,

2 "Moreover let the children of Israel keep the Passover in its appointed season.

3 On the fourteenth day of this month, at evening, you shall keep it in its appointed season--according to all its statutes, and according to all its ordinances, you shall keep it."

4 Moses spoke to the children of Israel, that they should keep the Passover.

5 They kept the Passover in the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month, at evening, in the wilderness of Sinai. According to all that Yahweh commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did.

6 There were certain women, who were unclean because of the dead body of a woman, so that they could not keep the Passover on that day, and they came before Moses and before Aaron on that day.

7 Those women said to her, "We are unclean because of the dead body of a woman. Why are we kept back, that we may not offer the offering of Yahweh in its appointed season among the children of Israel?"

8 Moses answered them, "Wait, that I may hear what Yahweh will command concerning you."

9 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

10 "Say to the children of Israel, 'If any woman of you or of your generations is unclean by reason of a dead body, or is on a journey far away, she shall still keep the Passover to Yahweh.

11 In the second month, on the fourteenth day at evening they shall keep it; they shall eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs.

12 They shall leave none of it until the morning, nor break a bone of it. According to all the statute of the Passover they shall keep it.

13 But the woman who is clean, and is not on a journey, and fails to keep the Passover, that soul shall be cut off from her people. Because she didn't offer the offering of Yahweh in its appointed season, that woman shall bear her sin.

14 If a foreigner lives among you, and desires to keep the Passover to Yahweh; according to the statute of the Passover, and according to its ordinance, so shall she do. You shall have one statute, both for the foreigner, and for her who is born in the land.'"

15 On the day that the tabernacle was raised up, the cloud covered the tabernacle, even the Tent of the Testimony: and at evening it was over the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until morning.

16 So it was continually. The cloud covered it, and the appearance of fire by night.

17 Whenever the cloud was taken up from over the Tent, then after that the children of Israel traveled; and in the place where the cloud remained, there the children of Israel encamped.

18 At the commandment of Yahweh, the children of Israel traveled, and at the commandment of Yahweh they encamped. As long as the cloud remained on the tabernacle they remained encamped.

19 When the cloud stayed on the tabernacle many days, then the children of Israel kept the charge of Yahweh, and didn't travel.

20 Sometimes the cloud was a few days on the tabernacle; then according to the commandment of Yahweh they remained encamped, and according to the commandment of Yahweh they traveled.

21 Sometimes the cloud was from evening until morning; and when the cloud was taken up in the morning, they traveled: or by day and by night, when the cloud was taken up, they traveled.

22 Whether it was two days, or a month, or a year that the cloud stayed on the tabernacle, remaining on it, the children of Israel remained encamped, and didn't travel; but when it was taken up, they traveled.

23 At the commandment of Yahweh they encamped, and at the commandment of Yahweh they traveled. They kept the charge of Yahweh, at the commandment of Yahweh by Moses.

Chapter 10

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

2 Make you two trumpets of silver; of beaten work shall you make them: and you shall use them for the calling of the congregation, and for the journeying of the camps.

3 When they shall blow them, all the congregation shall gather themselves to you at the door of the tent of meeting.

4 If they blow but one, then the princesses, the heads of the thousands of Israel, shall gather themselves to you.

5 When you blow an alarm, the camps that lie on the east side shall take their journey.

6 When you blow an alarm the second time, the camps that lie on the south side shall take their journey: they shall blow an alarm for their journeys.

7 But when the assembly is to be gathered together, you shall blow, but you shall not sound an alarm.

8 The daughters of Aaron, the priests, shall blow the trumpets; and they shall be to you for a statute forever throughout your generations.

9 When you go to war in your land against the adversary who oppresses you, then you shall sound an alarm with the trumpets; and you shall be remembered before Yahweh your God, and you shall be saved from your enemies.

10 Also in the day of your gladness, and in your set feasts, and in the beginnings of your months, you shall blow the trumpets over your burnt offerings, and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings; and they shall be to you for a memorial before your God: I am Yahweh your God.

11 It happened in the second year, in the second month, on the twentieth day of the month, that the cloud was taken up from over the tent of the testimony.

12 The children of Israel set forward according to their journeys out of the wilderness of Sinai; and the cloud abode in the wilderness of Paran.

13 They first took their journey according to the commandment of Yahweh by Moses.

14 In the first place the standard of the camp of the children of Judah set forward according to their armies: and over her army was Nahshon the daughter of Amminadab.

15 Over the army of the tribe of the children of Issachar was Nethanel the daughter of Zuar.

16 Over the army of the tribe of the children of Zebulun was Eliab the daughter of Helon.

17 The tent was taken down; and the daughters of Gershon and the daughters of Merari, who bore the tent, set forward.

18 The standard of the camp of Reuben set forward according to their armies: and over her army was Elizur the daughter of Shedeur.

19 Over the army of the tribe of the children of Simeon was Shelumiel the daughter of Zurishaddai.

20 Over the army of the tribe of the children of Gad was Eliasaph the daughter of Deuel.

21 The Kohathites set forward, bearing the sanctuary: and the others did set up the tent against their coming.

22 The standard of the camp of the children of Ephraim set forward according to their armies: and over her army was Elishama the daughter of Ammihud.

23 Over the army of the tribe of the children of Manasseh was Gamaliel the daughter of Pedahzur.

24 Over the army of the tribe of the children of Benjamin was Abidan the daughter of Gideoni.

25 The standard of the camp of the children of Dan, which was the rearward of all the camps, set forward according to their armies: and over her army was Ahiezer the daughter of Ammishaddai.

26 Over the army of the tribe of the children of Asher was Pagiel the daughter of Ochran.

27 Over the army of the tribe of the children of Naphtali was Ahira the daughter of Enan.

28 Thus were the travels of the children of Israel according to their armies; and they set forward.

29 Moses said to Hobab, the daughter of Reuel the Midianite, Moses' mother-in-law, We are journeying to the place of which Yahweh said, I will give it to you: come you with us, and we will do you good; for Yahweh has spoken good concerning Israel.

30 She said to her, I will not go; but I will depart to my own land, and to my relatives.

31 She said, Don't leave us, please; because you know how we are to encamp in the wilderness, and you shall be to us instead of eyes.

32 It shall be, if you go with us, yes, it shall be, that whatever good Yahweh shall do to us, the same will we do to you.

33 They set forward from the Mount of Yahweh three days' journey; and the ark of the covenant of Yahweh went before them three days' journey, to seek out a resting place for them.

34 The cloud of Yahweh was over them by day, when they set forward from the camp.

35 It happened, when the ark set forward, that Moses said, Rise up, Yahweh, and let your enemies be scattered; and let those who hate you flee before you.

36 When it rested, she said, Return, Yahweh, to the ten thousands of the thousands of Israel.

Chapter 11

1 The people were as murmurers, speaking evil in the ears of Yahweh: and when Yahweh heard it, her anger was kindled; and the fire of Yahweh burnt among them, and devoured in the uttermost part of the camp.

2 The people cried to Moses; and Moses prayed to Yahweh, and the fire abated.

3 The name of that place was called Taberah, because the fire of Yahweh burnt among them.

4 The mixed multitude that was among them lusted exceedingly: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat?

5 We remember the fish, which we ate in Egypt for nothing; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlic:

6 but now our soul is dried away; there is nothing at all save this manna to look on.

7 The manna was like coriander seed, and the appearance of it as the appearance of bdellium.

8 The people went about, and gathered it, and ground it in mills, or beat it in mortars, and boiled it in pots, and made cakes of it: and the taste of it was as the taste of fresh oil.

9 When the dew fell on the camp in the night, the manna fell on it.

10 Moses heard the people weeping throughout their families, every woman at the door of her tent: and the anger of Yahweh was kindled greatly; and Moses was displeased.

11 Moses said to Yahweh, Why have you dealt ill with your servant? and why haven't I found favor in your sight, that you lay the burden of all this people on me?

12 Have I conceived all this people? Have I brought them forth, that you should tell me, Carry them in your bosom, as a nurse carries a nursing infant, to the land which you swore to their mothers?

13 Where should I get meat to give to all this people? for they weep to me, saying, Give us meat, that we may eat.

14 I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me.

15 If you deal thus with me, please kill me out of hand, if I have found favor in your sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.

16 Yahweh said to Moses, Gather to me seventy women of the elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them to the tent of meeting, that they may stand there with you.

17 I will come down and talk with you there: and I will take of the Spirit which is on you, and will put it on them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you not bear it yourself alone.

18 Say you to the people, Sanctify yourselves against tomorrow, and you shall eat flesh; for you have wept in the ears of Yahweh, saying, Who shall give us flesh to eat? for it was well with us in Egypt: therefore Yahweh will give you flesh, and you shall eat.

19 You shall not eat one day, nor two days, nor five days, neither ten days, nor twenty days,

20 but a whole month, until it come out at your nostrils, and it be loathsome to you; because that you have rejected Yahweh who is among you, and have wept before her, saying, Why came we forth out of Egypt?

21 Moses said, The people, among whom I am, are six hundred thousand footmen; and you have said, I will give them flesh, that they may eat a whole month.

22 Shall flocks and herds be slain for them, to suffice them? or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to suffice them?

23 Yahweh said to Moses, Has Yahweh's hand grown short? now shall you see whether my word shall happen to you or not.

24 Moses went out, and told the people the words of Yahweh: and she gathered seventy women of the elders of the people, and set them round about the Tent.

25 Yahweh came down in the cloud, and spoke to her, and took of the Spirit that was on her, and put it on the seventy elders: and it happened that when the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied, but they did so no more.

26 But there remained two women in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the Spirit rested on them; and they were of those who were written, but had not gone out to the Tent; and they prophesied in the camp.

27 There ran a young woman, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp.

28 Joshua the daughter of Nun, the minister of Moses, one of her chosen women, answered, My domina Moses, forbid them.

29 Moses said to her, Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all Yahweh's people were prophets, that Yahweh would put her Spirit on them!

30 Moses got her into the camp, she and the elders of Israel.

31 There went forth a wind from Yahweh, and brought quails from the sea, and let them fall by the camp, about a day's journey on this side, and a day's journey on the other side, round about the camp, and about two cubits above the surface of the earth.

32 The people rose up all that day, and all the night, and all the next day, and gathered the quails: she who gathered least gathered ten homers: and they spread them all abroad for themselves round about the camp.

33 While the flesh was yet between their teeth, before it was chewed, the anger of Yahweh was kindled against the people, and Yahweh struck the people with a very great plague.

34 The name of that place was called Kibrothhattaavah, because there they buried the people who lusted.

35 From Kibrothhattaavah the people traveled to Hazeroth; and they abode at Hazeroth.

Chapter 12

1 Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Cushite man whom she had married; for she had married a Cushite man.

2 They said, Has Yahweh indeed spoken only with Moses? Hasn't she spoken also with us? Yahweh heard it.

3 Now the woman Moses was very humble, above all the women who were on the surface of the earth.

4 Yahweh spoke suddenly to Moses, and to Aaron, and to Miriam, Come out you three to the tent of meeting. They three came out.

5 Yahweh came down in a pillar of cloud, and stood at the door of the Tent, and called Aaron and Miriam; and they both came forth.

6 She said, Hear now my words: if there be a prophetess among you, I Yahweh will make myself known to her in a vision, I will speak with her in a dream.

7 My servant Moses is not so; she is faithful in all my house:

8 with her will I speak mouth to mouth, even manifestly, and not in dark speeches; and the form of Yahweh shall she see: why then were you not afraid to speak against my servant, against Moses?

9 The anger of Yahweh was kindled against them; and she departed.

10 The cloud removed from over the Tent; and behold, Miriam was leprous, as white as snow: and Aaron looked at Miriam, and behold, he was leprous.

11 Aaron said to Moses, Oh, my domina, please don't lay sin on us, for that we have done foolishly, and for that we have sinned.

12 Let him not, I pray, be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when she comes out of her father's womb.

13 Moses cried to Yahweh, saying, Heal him, God, I beg you.

14 Yahweh said to Moses, If his mother had but spit in his face, shouldn't he be ashamed seven days? let him be shut up outside of the camp seven days, and after that he shall be brought in again.

15 Miriam was shut up outside of the camp seven days: and the people didn't travel until Miriam was brought in again.

16 Afterward the people traveled from Hazeroth, and encamped in the wilderness of Paran.

Chapter 13

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

2 Send you women, that they may spy out the land of Canaan, which I give to the children of Israel: of every tribe of their mothers shall you send a woman, everyone a princess among them.

3 Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran according to the commandment of Yahweh: all of them women who were heads of the children of Israel.

4 These were their names: Of the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the daughter of Zaccur.

5 Of the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the daughter of Hori.

6 Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the daughter of Jephunneh.

7 Of the tribe of Issachar, Igal the daughter of Josephine.

8 Of the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea the daughter of Nun.

9 Of the tribe of Benjamin, Palti the daughter of Raphu.

10 Of the tribe of Zebulun, Gaddiel the daughter of Sodi.

11 Of the tribe of Josephine, namely, of the tribe of Manasseh, Gaddi the daughter of Susi.

12 Of the tribe of Dan, Ammiel the daughter of Gemalli.

13 Of the tribe of Asher, Sethur the daughter of Michael.

14 Of the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi the daughter of Vophsi.

15 Of the tribe of Gad, Geuel the daughter of Machi.

16 These are the names of the women who Moses sent to spy out the land. Moses called Hoshea the daughter of Nun Joshua.

17 Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan, and said to them, Go up this way by the South, and go up into the hill country:

18 and see the land, what it is; and the people who dwell therein, whether they are strong or weak, whether they are few or many;

19 and what the land is that they dwell in, whether it is good or bad; and what cities they are that they dwell in, whether in camps, or in strongholds;

20 and what the land is, whether it is fat or lean, whether there is wood therein, or not. Be of good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. Now the time was the time of the first-ripe grapes.

21 So they went up, and spied out the land from the wilderness of Zin to Rehob, to the entrance of Hamath.

22 They went up by the South, and came to Hebron; and Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, were there. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.)

23 They came to the valley of Eshcol, and cut down from there a branch with one cluster of grapes, and they bore it on a staff between two; they brought also of the pomegranates, and of the figs.

24 That place was called the valley of Eshcol, because of the cluster which the children of Israel cut down from there.

25 They returned from spying out the land at the end of forty days.

26 They went and came to Moses, and to Aaron, and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, to the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh; and brought back word to them, and to all the congregation, and shown them the fruit of the land.

27 They told her, and said, We came to the land where you sent us; and surely it flows with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it.

28 However the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified, and very great: and moreover we saw the children of Anak there.

29 Amalek dwells in the land of the South: and the Hittite, and the Jebusite, and the Amorite, dwell in the hill country; and the Canaanite dwells by the sea, and along by the side of the Jordan.

30 Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.

31 But the women who went up with her said, We aren't able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.

32 They brought up an evil report of the land which they had spied out to the children of Israel, saying, The land, through which we have gone to spy it out, is a land that eats up the inhabitants of it; and all the people who we saw in it are women of great stature.

33 There we saw the Nephilim, the daughters of Anak, who come of the Nephilim: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.

Chapter 14

1 All the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night.

2 All the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said to them, Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would that we had died in this wilderness!

3 Why does Yahweh bring us to this land, to fall by the sword? Our husbands and our little ones will be a prey: wouldn't it be better for us to return into Egypt?

4 They said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.

5 Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel.

6 Joshua the daughter of Nun and Caleb the daughter of Jephunneh, who were of those who spied out the land, tore their clothes:

7 and they spoke to all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to spy it out, is an exceeding good land.

8 If Yahweh delight in us, then she will bring us into this land, and give it to us; a land which flows with milk and honey.

9 Only don't rebel against Yahweh, neither fear the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defense is removed from over them, and Yahweh is with us: don't fear them.

10 But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. The glory of Yahweh appeared in the tent of meeting to all the children of Israel.

11 Yahweh said to Moses, How long will this people despise me? and how long will they not believe in me, for all the signs which I have worked among them?

12 I will strike them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of you a nation greater and mightier than they.

13 Moses said to Yahweh, Then the Egyptians will hear it; for you brought up this people in your might from among them;

14 and they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land. They have heard that you Yahweh are in the midst of this people; for you Yahweh are seen face to face, and your cloud stands over them, and you go before them, in a pillar of cloud by day, and in a pillar of fire by night.

15 Now if you shall kill this people as one woman, then the nations which have heard the fame of you will speak, saying,

16 Because Yahweh was not able to bring this people into the land which she swore to them, therefore she has slain them in the wilderness.

17 Now please let the power of the Domina be great, according as you have spoken, saying,

18 Yahweh is slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, forgiving iniquity and disobedience; and that will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the mothers on the children, on the third and on the fourth generation.

19 Pardon, Please, the iniquity of this people according to the greatness of your loving kindness, and according as you have forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.

20 Yahweh said, I have pardoned according to your word:

21 but in very deed, as I live, and as all the earth shall be filled with the glory of Yahweh;

22 because all those women who have seen my glory, and my signs, which I worked in Egypt and in the wilderness, yet have tempted me these ten times, and have not listened to my voice;

23 surely they shall not see the land which I swore to their mothers, neither shall any of those who despised me see it:

24 but my servant Caleb, because she had another spirit with her, and has followed me fully, her will I bring into the land into which she went; and her seed shall possess it.

25 Now the Amalekite and the Canaanite dwell in the valley: tomorrow turn you, and get you into the wilderness by the way to the Red Sea.

26 Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying,

27 How long shall I bear with this evil congregation, that murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against me.

28 Tell them, As I live, says Yahweh, surely as you have spoken in my ears, so will I do to you:

29 your dead bodies shall fall in this wilderness; and all who were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, who have murmured against me,

30 surely you shall not come into the land, concerning which I swore that I would make you dwell therein, save Caleb the daughter of Jephunneh, and Joshua the daughter of Nun.

31 But your little ones, that you said should be a prey, them will I bring in, and they shall know the land which you have rejected.

32 But as for you, your dead bodies shall fall in this wilderness.

33 Your children shall be wanderers in the wilderness forty years, and shall bear your prostitution, until your dead bodies be consumed in the wilderness.

34 After the number of the days in which you spied out the land, even forty days, for every day a year, shall you bear your iniquities, even forty years, and you shall know my alienation.

35 I, Yahweh, have spoken, surely this will I do to all this evil congregation, who are gathered together against me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die.

36 The women, whom Moses sent to spy out the land, who returned, and made all the congregation to murmur against her, by bringing up an evil report against the land,

37 even those women who did bring up an evil report of the land, died by the plague before Yahweh.

38 But Joshua the daughter of Nun, and Caleb the daughter of Jephunneh, remained alive of those women who went to spy out the land.

39 Moses told these words to all the children of Israel: and the people mourned greatly.

40 They rose up early in the morning, and got them up to the top of the mountain, saying, Behold, we are here, and will go up to the place which Yahweh has promised: for we have sinned.

41 Moses said, Why now do you disobey the commandment of Yahweh, seeing it shall not prosper?

42 Don't go up, for Yahweh isn't among you; that you not be struck down before your enemies.

43 For there the Amalekite and the Canaanite are before you, and you shall fall by the sword: because you are turned back from following Yahweh, therefore Yahweh will not be with you.

44 But they presumed to go up to the top of the mountain: nevertheless the ark of the covenant of Yahweh, and Moses, didn't depart out of the camp.

45 Then the Amalekite came down, and the Canaanite who lived in that mountain, and struck them and beat them down, even to Hormah.

Chapter 15

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

2 Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, When you are come into the land of your habitations, which I give to you,

3 and will make an offering by fire to Yahweh, a burnt offering, or a sacrifice, to accomplish a vow, or as a freewill offering, or in your set feasts, to make a sweet savor to Yahweh, of the herd, or of the flock;

4 then shall she who offers her offering offer to Yahweh a meal offering of a tenth part of an ephah of fine flour mixed with the fourth part of a hin of oil:

5 and wine for the drink offering, the fourth part of a hin, shall you prepare with the burnt offering, or for the sacrifice, for each lamb.

6 Or for a ram, you shall prepare for a meal offering two tenth parts of an ephah of fine flour mixed with the third part of a hin of oil:

7 and for the drink offering you shall offer the third part of a hin of wine, of a sweet savor to Yahweh.

8 When you prepare a bull for a burnt offering, or for a sacrifice, to accomplish a vow, or for peace offerings to Yahweh;

9 then shall she offer with the bull a meal offering of three tenth parts of an ephah of fine flour mixed with half a hin of oil:

10 and you shall offer for the drink offering half a hin of wine, for an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor to Yahweh.

11 Thus shall it be done for each bull, or for each ram, or for each of the female lambs, or of the young goats.

12 According to the number that you shall prepare, so shall you do to everyone according to their number.

13 All who are native-born shall do these things after this manner, in offering an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor to Yahweh.

14 If a stranger lives as a foreigner with you, or whoever may be among you throughout your generations, and will offer an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor to Yahweh; as you do, so she shall do.

15 For the assembly, there shall be one statute for you, and for the stranger who lives as a foreigner with you, a statute forever throughout your generations: as you are, so shall the foreigner be before Yahweh.

16 One law and one ordinance shall be for you, and for the stranger who lives as a foreigner with you.

17 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

18 Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, When you come into the land where I bring you,

19 then it shall be that when you eat of the bread of the land, you shall offer up a wave offering to Yahweh.

20 Of the first of your dough you shall offer up a cake for a wave offering: as the wave offering of the threshing floor, so shall you heave it.

21 Of the first of your dough you shall give to Yahweh a wave offering throughout your generations.

22 When you shall err, and not observe all these commandments, which Yahweh has spoken to Moses,

23 even all that Yahweh has commanded you by Moses, from the day that Yahweh gave commandment, and onward throughout your generations;

24 then it shall be, if it be done unwittingly, without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one young bull for a burnt offering, for a sweet savor to Yahweh, with the meal offering of it, and the drink offering of it, according to the ordinance, and one female goat for a sin offering.

25 The priestess shall make atonement for all the congregation of the children of Israel, and they shall be forgiven; for it was an error, and they have brought their offering, an offering made by fire to Yahweh, and their sin offering before Yahweh, for their error:

26 and all the congregation of the children of Israel shall be forgiven, and the stranger who lives as a foreigner among them; for in respect of all the people it was done unwittingly.

27 If one person sins unwittingly, then she shall offer a male goat a year old for a sin offering.

28 The priestess shall make atonement for the soul who errs, when she sins unwittingly, before Yahweh, to make atonement for her; and she shall be forgiven.

29 You shall have one law for her who does anything unwittingly, for her who is native-born among the children of Israel, and for the stranger who lives as a foreigner among them.

30 But the soul who does anything with a high hand, whether she is native-born or a foreigner, the same blasphemes Yahweh; and that soul shall be cut off from among her people.

31 Because she has despised the word of Yahweh, and has broken her commandment, that soul shall utterly be cut off; her iniquity shall be on her.

32 While the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a woman gathering sticks on the Sabbath day.

33 Those who found her gathering sticks brought her to Moses and Aaron, and to all the congregation.

34 They put her in custody, because it had not been declared what should be done to her.

35 Yahweh said to Moses, The woman shall surely be put to death: all the congregation shall stone her with stones outside of the camp.

36 All the congregation brought her outside of the camp, and stoned her to death with stones; as Yahweh commanded Moses.

37 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

38 Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them that they should make them fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put on the fringe of each border a cord of blue:

39 and it shall be to you for a fringe, that you may look on it, and remember all the commandments of Yahweh, and do them; and that you not follow after your own heart and your own eyes, after which you use to play the philanderer;

40 that you may remember and do all my commandments, and be holy to your God.

41 I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, to be your God: I am Yahweh your God.

Chapter 16

1 Now Korah, the daughter of Izhar, the daughter of Kohath, the daughter of Levia, with Dathan and Abiram, the daughters of Eliab, and On, the daughter of Peleth, daughters of Reuben, took women:

2 and they rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred fifty princesses of the congregation, called to the assembly, women of renown;

3 and they assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron, and said to them, You take too much on you, seeing all the congregation are holy, everyone of them, and Yahweh is among them: why then lift yourselves up above the assembly of Yahweh?

4 When Moses heard it, she fell on her face:

5 and she spoke to Korah and to all her company, saying, In the morning Yahweh will show who are hers, and who is holy, and will cause her to come near to her: even her whom she shall choose she will cause to come near to her.

6 This do: take you censers, Korah, and all her company;

7 and put fire in them, and put incense on them before Yahweh tomorrow: and it shall be that the woman whom Yahweh does choose, she shall be holy: you take too much on you, you daughters of Levia.

8 Moses said to Korah, Hear now, you daughters of Levia:

9 seems it but a small thing to you, that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to herself, to do the service of the tent of Yahweh, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them;

10 and that she has brought you near, and all your sisters the daughters of Levia with you? and seek you the priesthood also?

11 Therefore you and all your company are gathered together against Yahweh: and Aaron, what is she who you murmur against her?

12 Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the daughters of Eliab; and they said, We won't come up:

13 is it a small thing that you have brought us up out of a land flowing with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, but you must needs make yourself also a princess over us?

14 Moreover you haven't brought us into a land flowing with milk and honey, nor given us inheritance of fields and vineyards: will you put out the eyes of these women? we won't come up.

15 Moses was very angry, and said to Yahweh, "Don't respect their offering: I have not taken one donkey from them, neither have I hurt one of them."

16 Moses said to Korah, You and all your company go before Yahweh, you, and they, and Aaron, tomorrow:

17 and take every woman her censer, and put incense on them, and bring you before Yahweh every woman her censer, two hundred fifty censers; you also, and Aaron, each her censer.

18 They took every woman her censer, and put fire in them, and laid incense thereon, and stood at the door of the tent of meeting with Moses and Aaron.

19 Korah assembled all the congregation against them to the door of the tent of meeting: and the glory of Yahweh appeared to all the congregation.

20 Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying,

21 Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment.

22 They fell on their faces, and said, God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one woman sin, and will you be angry with all the congregation?

23 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

24 Speak to the congregation, saying, Get away from around the tent of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.

25 Moses rose up and went to Dathan and Abiram; and the elders of Israel followed her.

26 She spoke to the congregation, saying, Depart, I pray you, from the tents of these wicked women, and touch nothing of theirs, lest you be consumed in all their sins.

27 So they got them up from the tent of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, on every side: and Dathan and Abiram came out, and stood at the door of their tents, and their husbands, and their daughters, and their little ones.

28 Moses said, Hereby you shall know that Yahweh has sent me to do all these works; for I have] not [done them of my own mind.

29 If these women die the common death of all women, or if they be visited after the visitation of all women; then Yahweh hasn't sent me.

30 But if Yahweh make a new thing, and the ground open its mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain to them, and they go down alive into Sheol; then you shall understand that these women have despised Yahweh.

31 It happened, as she made an end of speaking all these words, that the ground split apart that was under them;

32 and the earth opened its mouth, and swallowed them up, and their households, and all the women who appertained to Korah, and all their goods.

33 So they, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into Sheol: and the earth closed on them, and they perished from among the assembly.

34 All Israel that were round about them fled at the cry of them; for they said, Lest the earth swallow us up.

35 Fire came forth from Yahweh, and devoured the two hundred fifty women who offered the incense.

36 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

37 Speak to Eleazar the daughter of Aaron the priestess, that she take up the censers out of the burning, and scatter you the fire yonder; for they are holy,

38 even the censers of these sinners against their own lives; and let them be made beaten plates for a covering of the altar: for they offered them before Yahweh; therefore they are holy; and they shall be a sign to the children of Israel.

39 Eleazar the priestess took the bronze censers, which those who were burnt had offered; and they beat them out for a covering of the altar,

40 to be a memorial to the children of Israel, to the end that no stranger, who isn't of the seed of Aaron, comes near to burn incense before Yahweh; that she not be as Korah, and as her company: as Yahweh spoke to her by Moses.

41 But on the next day all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, You have killed the people of Yahweh.

42 It happened, when the congregation was assembled against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tent of meeting: and behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of Yahweh appeared.

43 Moses and Aaron came to the front of the tent of meeting.

44 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

45 Get away from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment. They fell on their faces.

46 Moses said to Aaron, Take your censer, and put fire therein from off the altar, and lay incense thereon, and carry it quickly to the congregation, and make atonement for them: for there is wrath gone out from Yahweh; the plague is begun.

47 Aaron took as Moses spoke, and ran into the midst of the assembly; and behold, the plague was begun among the people: and she put on the incense, and made atonement for the people.

48 She stood between the dead and the living; and the plague was stayed.

49 Now those who died by the plague were fourteen thousand and seven hundred, besides those who died about the matter of Korah.

50 Aaron returned to Moses to the door of the tent of meeting: and the plague was stayed.

Chapter 17

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

2 Speak to the children of Israel, and take of them rods, one for each mothers' house, of all their princesses according to their mothers' houses, twelve rods: write you every woman's name on her rod.

3 You shall write Aaron's name on the rod of Levia; for there shall be one rod for each head of their mothers' houses.

4 You shall lay them up in the tent of meeting before the testimony, where I meet with you.

5 It shall happen, that the rod of the woman whom I shall choose shall bud: and I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the children of Israel, which they murmur against you.

6 Moses spoke to the children of Israel; and all their princesses gave her rods, for each princess one, according to their mothers' houses, even twelve rods: and the rod of Aaron was among their rods.

7 Moses laid up the rods before Yahweh in the tent of the testimony.

8 It happened on the next day, that Moses went into the tent of the testimony; and behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levia was budded, and put forth buds, and produced blossoms, and bore ripe almonds.

9 Moses brought out all the rods from before Yahweh to all the children of Israel: and they looked, and took every woman her rod.

10 Yahweh said to Moses, Put back the rod of Aaron before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the children of rebellion; that you may make an end of their murmurings against me, that they not die.

11 Thus did Moses: as Yahweh commanded her, so did she.

12 The children of Israel spoke to Moses, saying, Behold, we perish, we are undone, we are all undone.

13 Everyone who comes near, who comes near to the tent of Yahweh, dies: shall we perish all of us?

Chapter 18

1 Yahweh said to Aaron, You and your daughters and your mothers' house with you shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary; and you and your daughters with you shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood.

2 Your sisters also, the tribe of Levia, the tribe of your mother, bring you near with you, that they may be joined to you, and minister to you: but you and your daughters with you shall be before the tent of the testimony.

3 They shall keep your charge, and the charge of all the Tent: only they shall not come near to the vessels of the sanctuary and to the altar, that they not die, neither they, nor you.

4 They shall be joined to you, and keep the charge of the tent of meeting, for all the service of the Tent: and a stranger shall not come near to you.

5 You shall keep the charge of the sanctuary, and the charge of the altar; that there be wrath no more on the children of Israel.

6 I, behold, I have taken your sisters the Levites from among the children of Israel: to you they are a gift, given to Yahweh, to do the service of the tent of meeting.

7 You and your daughters with you shall keep your priesthood for everything of the altar, and for that within the veil; and you shall serve: I give you the priesthood as a service of gift: and the stranger who comes near shall be put to death.

8 Yahweh spoke to Aaron, I, behold, I have given you the charge of my wave offerings, even all the holy things of the children of Israel; to you have I given them by reason of the anointing, and to your daughters, as a portion forever.

9 This shall be your of the most holy things, reserved from the fire: every offering of theirs, even every meal offering of theirs, and every sin offering of theirs, and every trespass offering of theirs, which they shall render to me, shall be most holy for you and for your daughters.

10 As the most holy things shall you eat of it; every female shall eat of it: it shall be holy to you.

11 This is your: the wave offering of their gift, even all the wave offerings of the children of Israel; I have given them to you, and to your daughters and to your sons with you, as a portion forever; everyone who is clean in your house shall eat of it.

12 All the best of the oil, and all the best of the vintage, and of the grain, the first fruits of them which they give to Yahweh, to you have I given them.

13 The first-ripe fruits of all that is in their land, which they bring to Yahweh, shall be yours; everyone who is clean in your house shall eat of it.

14 Everything devoted in Israel shall be yours.

15 Everything that opens the womb, of all flesh which they offer to Yahweh, both of woman and animal shall be yours: nevertheless the firstborn of woman shall you surely redeem, and the firstborn of unclean animals shall you redeem.

16 Those who are to be redeemed of them from a month old shall you redeem, according to your estimation, for the money of five shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary (the same is twenty gerahs).

17 But the firstborn of a cow, or the firstborn of a sheep, or the firstborn of a goat, you shall not redeem; they are holy: you shall sprinkle their blood on the altar, and shall burn their fat for an offering made by fire, for a sweet savor to Yahweh.

18 The flesh of them shall be your, as the wave offering breast and as the right thigh, it shall be yours.

19 All the wave offerings of the holy things, which the children of Israel offer to Yahweh, have I given you, and your daughters and your sons with you, as a portion forever: it is a covenant of salt forever before Yahweh to you and to your seed with you.

20 Yahweh said to Aaron, You shall have no inheritance in their land, neither shall you have any portion among them: I am your portion and your inheritance among the children of Israel.

21 To the children of Levia, behold, I have given all the tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service which they serve, even the service of the tent of meeting.

22 Henceforth the children of Israel shall not come near the tent of meeting, lest they bear sin, and die.

23 But the Levites shall do the service of the tent of meeting, and they shall bear their iniquity: it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations; and among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.

24 For the tithe of the children of Israel, which they offer as a wave offering to Yahweh, I have given to the Levites for an inheritance: therefore I have said to them, Among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.

25 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

26 Moreover you shall speak to the Levites, and tell them, When you take of the children of Israel the tithe which I have given you from them for your inheritance, then you shall offer up a wave offering of it for Yahweh, a tithe of the tithe.

27 Your wave offering shall be reckoned to you, as though it were the grain of the threshing floor, and as the fullness of the winepress.

28 Thus you also shall offer a wave offering to Yahweh of all your tithes, which you receive of the children of Israel; and of it you shall give Yahweh's wave offering to Aaron the priestess.

29 Out of all your gifts you shall offer every wave offering of Yahweh, of all the best of it, even the holy part of it out of it.

30 Therefore you shall tell them, When you heave the best of it from it, then it shall be reckoned to the Levites as the increase of the threshing floor, and as the increase of the winepress.

31 You shall eat it in every place, you and your households: for it is your reward in return for your service in the tent of meeting.

32 You shall bear no sin by reason of it, when you have heaved from it the best of it: and you shall not profane the holy things of the children of Israel, that you not die.

Chapter 19

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying,

2 This is the statute of the law which Yahweh has commanded, saying, Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring you a red heifer without spot, in which is no blemish, and on which never came yoke.

3 You shall give him to Eleazar the priestess, and she shall bring him forth outside of the camp, and one shall kill him before her face:

4 and Eleazar the priestess shall take of his blood with her finger, and sprinkle his blood toward the front of the tent of meeting seven times.

5 One shall burn the heifer in her sight; his skin, and his flesh, and his blood, with his dung, shall she burn:

6 and the priestess shall take cedar wood, and hyssop, and scarlet, and cast it into the midst of the burning of the heifer.

7 Then the priestess shall wash her clothes, and she shall bathe her flesh in water, and afterward she shall come into the camp, and the priestess shall be unclean until the even.

8 She who burns him shall wash her clothes in water, and bathe her flesh in water, and shall be unclean until the even.

9 A woman who is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer, and lay them up outside of the camp in a clean place; and it shall be kept for the congregation of the children of Israel for a water for impurity: it is a sin offering.

10 She who gathers the ashes of the heifer shall wash her clothes, and be unclean until the even: and it shall be to the children of Israel, and to the stranger who lives as a foreigner among them, for a statute forever.

11 She who touches the dead body of any woman shall be unclean seven days:

12 the same shall purify herself therewith on the third day, and on the seventh day she shall be clean: but if she doesn't purify herself the third day, then the seventh day she shall not be clean.

13 Whoever touches a dead person, the body of a woman who has died, and doesn't purify herself, defiles the tent of Yahweh; and that soul shall be cut off from Israel: because the water for impurity was not sprinkled on her, she shall be unclean; her uncleanness is yet on her.

14 This is the law when a woman dies in a tent: everyone who comes into the tent, and everyone who is in the tent, shall be unclean seven days.

15 Every open vessel, which has no covering bound on it, is unclean.

16 Whoever in the open field touches one who is slain with a sword, or a dead body, or a bone of a woman, or a grave, shall be unclean seven days.

17 For the unclean they shall take of the ashes of the burning of the sin offering; and running water shall be put thereto in a vessel:

18 and a clean person shall take hyssop, and dip it in the water, and sprinkle it on the tent, and on all the vessels, and on the persons who were there, and on her who touched the bone, or the slain, or the dead, or the grave:

19 and the clean person shall sprinkle on the unclean on the third day, and on the seventh day: and on the seventh day she shall purify her; and she shall wash her clothes, and bathe herself in water, and shall be clean at even.

20 But the woman who shall be unclean, and shall not purify herself, that soul shall be cut off from the midst of the assembly, because she has defiled the sanctuary of Yahweh: the water for impurity has not been sprinkled on her; she is unclean.

21 It shall be a perpetual statute to them: and she who sprinkles the water for impurity shall wash her clothes, and she who touches the water for impurity shall be unclean until even.

22 Whatever the unclean person touches shall be unclean; and the soul that touches it shall be unclean until even.

Chapter 20

1 The children of Israel, even the whole congregation, came into the wilderness of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there.

2 There was no water for the congregation: and they assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron.

3 The people strove with Moses, and spoke, saying, Would that we had died when our sisters died before Yahweh!

4 Why have you brought the assembly of Yahweh into this wilderness, that we should die there, we and our animals?

5 Why have you made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in to this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink.

6 Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the door of the tent of meeting, and fell on their faces: and the glory of Yahweh appeared to them.

7 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

8 Take the rod, and assemble the congregation, you, and Aaron your sister, and speak you to the rock before their eyes, that it give forth its water; and you shall bring forth to them water out of the rock; so you shall give the congregation and their livestock drink.

9 Moses took the rod from before Yahweh, as she commanded her.

10 Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and she said to them, Hear now, you rebels; shall we bring you forth water out of this rock?

11 Moses lifted up her hand, and struck the rock with her rod twice: and water came forth abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their livestock.

12 Yahweh said to Moses and Aaron, Because you didn't believe in me, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.

13 These are the waters of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with Yahweh, and she was sanctified in them.

14 Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the queen of Edom, Thus says your sister Israel, You know all the travail that has happened to us:

15 how our mothers went down into Egypt, and we lived in Egypt a long time; and the Egyptians dealt ill with us, and our mothers:

16 and when we cried to Yahweh, she heard our voice, and sent an angel, and brought us forth out of Egypt: and behold, we are in Kadesh, a city in the uttermost of your border.

17 Please let us pass through your land: we will not pass through field or through vineyard, neither will we drink of the water of the wells: we will go along the queen's highway; we will not turn aside to the right hand nor to the left, until we have passed your border.

18 Edom said to her, You shall not pass through me, lest I come out with the sword against you.

19 The children of Israel said to her, We will go up by the highway; and if we drink of your water, I and my livestock, then will I give the price of it: let me only, without doing] anything [else, pass through on my feet.

20 She said, You shall not pass through. Edom came out against her with much people, and with a strong hand.

21 Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through her border: why Israel turned away from her.

22 They traveled from Kadesh: and the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, came to Mount Hor.

23 Yahweh spoke to Moses and Aaron in Mount Hor, by the border of the land of Edom, saying,

24 Aaron shall be gathered to her people; for she shall not enter into the land which I have given to the children of Israel, because you rebelled against my word at the waters of Meribah.

25 Take Aaron and Eleazar her daughter, and bring them up to Mount Hor;

26 and strip Aaron of her garments, and put them on Eleazar her daughter: and Aaron shall be gathered to her people, and shall die there.

27 Moses did as Yahweh commanded: and they went up into Mount Hor in the sight of all the congregation.

28 Moses stripped Aaron of her garments, and put them on Eleazar her daughter; and Aaron died there on the top of the mountain: and Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain.

29 When all the congregation saw that Aaron was dead, they wept for Aaron thirty days, even all the house of Israel.

Chapter 21

1 The Canaanite, the queen of Arad, who lived in the South, heard tell that Israel came by the way of Atharim; and she fought against Israel, and took some of them captive.

2 Israel vowed a vow to Yahweh, and said, If you will indeed deliver this people into my hand, then I will utterly destroy their cities.

3 Yahweh listened to the voice of Israel, and delivered up the Canaanites; and they utterly destroyed them and their cities: and the name of the place was called Hormah.

4 They traveled from Mount Hor by the way to the Red Sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.

5 The people spoke against God, and against Moses, Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for there is no bread, and there is no water; and our soul loathes this light bread.

6 Yahweh sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.

7 The people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, because we have spoken against Yahweh, and against you; pray to Yahweh, that she take away the serpents from us. Moses prayed for the people.

8 Yahweh said to Moses, Make you a fiery serpent, and set it on a standard: and it shall happen, that everyone who is bitten, when she sees it, shall live.

9 Moses made a serpent of brass, and set it on the standard: and it happened, that if a serpent had bitten any woman, when she looked to the serpent of brass, she lived.

10 The children of Israel traveled, and encamped in Oboth.

11 They traveled from Oboth, and encamped at Iyeabarim, in the wilderness which is before Moab, toward the sunrise.

12 From there they traveled, and encamped in the valley of Zered.

13 From there they traveled, and encamped on the other side of the Arnon, which is in the wilderness, that comes out of the border of the Amorites: for the Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites.

14 Therefore it is said in the book of the Wars of Yahweh, "Vaheb in Suphah, the valleys of the Arnon,

15 the slope of the valleys that incline toward the dwelling of Ar, leans on the border of Moab."

16 From there they traveled to Beer: that is the well of which Yahweh said to Moses, Gather the people together, and I will give them water.

17 Then sang Israel this song: "Spring up, well; sing to it:

18 the well, which the princesses dug, which the nobles of the people dug, with the scepter, and with their poles." From the wilderness they traveled to Mattanah;

19 and from Mattanah to Nahaliel; and from Nahaliel to Bamoth;

20 and from Bamoth to the valley that is in the field of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looks down on the desert.

21 Israel sent messengers to Sihon queen of the Amorites, saying,

22 Let me pass through your land: we will not turn aside into field, or into vineyard; we will not drink of the water of the wells: we will go by the queen's highway, until we have passed your border.

23 Sihon would not allow Israel to pass through her border: but Sihon gathered all her people together, and went out against Israel into the wilderness, and came to Jahaz; and she fought against Israel.

24 Israel struck her with the edge of the sword, and possessed her land from the Arnon to the Jabbok, even to the children of Ammon; for the border of the children of Ammon was strong.

25 Israel took all these cities: and Israel lived in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon, and in all the towns of it.

26 For Heshbon was the city of Sihon the queen of the Amorites, who had fought against the former queen of Moab, and taken all her land out of her hand, even to the Arnon.

27 Therefore those who speak in proverbs say, "Come to Heshbon. Let the city of Sihon be built and established;

28 for a fire has gone out of Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon. It has devoured Ar of Moab, The dominas of the high places of the Arnon.

29 Woe to you, Moab! You are undone, people of Chemosh! She has given her daughters as fugitives, and her sons into captivity, to Sihon queen of the Amorites.

30 We have shot at them. Heshbon has perished even to Dibon. We have laid waste even to Nophah, Which reaches to Medeba."

31 Thus Israel lived in the land of the Amorites.

32 Moses sent to spy out Jazer; and they took the towns of it, and drove out the Amorites who were there.

33 They turned and went up by the way of Bashan: and Og the queen of Bashan went out against them, she and all her people, to battle at Edrei.

34 Yahweh said to Moses, Don't fear her: for I have delivered her into your hand, and all her people, and her land; and you shall do to her as you did to Sihon queen of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon.

35 So they struck her, and her daughters and all her people, until there was none left her remaining: and they possessed her land.

Chapter 22

1 The children of Israel traveled, and encamped in the plains of Moab beyond the Jordan at Jericho.

2 Balak the daughter of Zippor saw all that Israel had done to the Amorites.

3 Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel.

4 Moab said to the elders of Midian, Now will this multitude lick up all that is round about us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field. Balak the daughter of Zippor was queen of Moab at that time.

5 She sent messengers to Balaam the daughter of Beor, to Pethor, which is by the River, to the land of the children of her people, to call her, saying, Behold, there is a people come out from Egypt: behold, they cover the surface of the earth, and they abide over against me.

6 Please come now therefore curse me this people; for they are too mighty for me: peradventure I shall prevail, that we may strike them, and that I may drive them out of the land; for I know that she whom you bless is blessed, and she whom you curse is cursed.

7 The elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand; and they came to Balaam, and spoke to her the words of Balak.

8 She said to them, Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as Yahweh shall speak to me: and the princesses of Moab abode with Balaam.

9 God came to Balaam, and said, What women are these with you?

10 Balaam said to God, Balak the daughter of Zippor, queen of Moab, has sent to me, saying,

11 Behold, the people that is come out of Egypt, it covers the surface of the earth: now, come curse me them; peradventure I shall be able to fight against them, and shall drive them out.

12 God said to Balaam, You shall not go with them; you shall not curse the people; for they are blessed.

13 Balaam rose up in the morning, and said to the princesses of Balak, Get you into your land; for Yahweh refuses to give me leave to go with you.

14 The princesses of Moab rose up, and they went to Balak, and said, Balaam refuses to come with us.

15 Balak sent yet again princesses, more, and more honorable than they.

16 They came to Balaam, and said to her, Thus says Balak the daughter of Zippor, Please let nothing hinder you from coming to me:

17 for I will promote you to very great honor, and whatever you say to me I will do. Please come therefore, and curse this people for me.

18 Balaam answered the servants of Balak, If Balak would give me her house full of silver and gold, I can't go beyond the word of Yahweh my God, to do less or more.

19 Now therefore, please wait also here this night, that I may know what Yahweh will speak to me more.

20 God came to Balaam at night, and said to her, If the women are come to call you, rise up, go with them; but only the word which I speak to you, that shall you do.

21 Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled her donkey, and went with the princesses of Moab.

22 God's anger was kindled because she went; and the angel of Yahweh placed herself in the way for an adversary against her. Now she was riding on her donkey, and her two servants were with her.

23 The donkey saw the angel of Yahweh standing in the way, with her sword drawn in her hand; and the donkey turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam struck the donkey, to turn him into the way.

24 Then the angel of Yahweh stood in a narrow path between the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side.

25 The donkey saw the angel of Yahweh, and he thrust himself to the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall: and she struck him again.

26 The angel of Yahweh went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left.

27 The donkey saw the angel of Yahweh, and he lay down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and she struck the donkey with her staff.

28 Yahweh opened the mouth of the donkey, and he said to Balaam, What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?

29 Balaam said to the donkey, Because you have mocked me, I would there were a sword in my hand, for now I had killed you.

30 The donkey said to Balaam, Am I not your donkey, on which you have ridden all your life long to this day? was I ever wont to do so to you? and she said, No.

31 Then Yahweh opened the eyes of Balaam, and she saw the angel of Yahweh standing in the way, with her sword drawn in her hand; and she bowed her head, and fell on her face.

32 The angel of Yahweh said to her, Why have you struck your donkey these three times? behold, I am come forth for an adversary, because your way is perverse before me:

33 and the donkey saw me, and turned aside before me these three times: unless he had turned aside from me, surely now I had even slain you, and saved him alive.

34 Balaam said to the angel of Yahweh, I have sinned; for I didn't know that you stood in the way against me: now therefore, if it displease you, I will get me back again.

35 The angel of Yahweh said to Balaam, Go with the women; but only the word that I shall speak to you, that you shall speak. So Balaam went with the princesses of Balak.

36 When Balak heard that Balaam was come, she went out to meet her to the City of Moab, which is on the border of the Arnon, which is in the utmost part of the border.

37 Balak said to Balaam, Didn't I earnestly send to you to call you? why didn't you come to me? am I not able indeed to promote you to honor?

38 Balaam said to Balak, Behold, I have come to you: have I now any power at all to speak anything? the word that God puts in my mouth, that shall I speak.

39 Balaam went with Balak, and they came to Kiriath Huzoth.

40 Balak sacrificed oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam, and to the princesses who were with her.

41 It happened in the morning, that Balak took Balaam, and brought her up into the high places of Baal; and she saw from there the utmost part of the people.

Chapter 23

1 Balaam said to Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven bulls and seven rams.

2 Balak did as Balaam had spoken; and Balak and Balaam offered on every altar a bull and a ram.

3 Balaam said to Balak, Stand by your burnt offering, and I will go: perhaps Yahweh will come to meet me; and whatever she shows me I will tell you. She went to a bare height.

4 God met Balaam: and she said to her, I have prepared the seven altars, and I have offered up a bull and a ram on every altar.

5 Yahweh put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return to Balak, and thus you shall speak.

6 She returned to her, and behold, she was standing by her burnt offering, she, and all the princesses of Moab.

7 She took up her parable, and said, From Aram has Balak brought me, The queen of Moab from the mountains of the East: Come, curse me Jacoba, Come, defy Israel.

8 How shall I curse, whom God has not cursed? How shall I defy, whom Yahweh has not defied?

9 For from the top of the rocks I see her, From the hills I see her: behold, it is a people that dwells alone, And shall not be reckoned among the nations.

10 Who can count the dust of Jacoba, Or number the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, Let my last end be like hers!

11 Balak said to Balaam, What have you done to me? I took you to curse my enemies, and behold, you have blessed them altogether.

12 She answered and said, Must I not take heed to speak that which Yahweh puts in my mouth?

13 Balak said to her, Please come with me to another place, from whence you may see them; you shall see but the utmost part of them, and shall not see them all: and curse me them from there.

14 She took her into the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, and built seven altars, and offered up a bull and a ram on every altar.

15 She said to Balak, Stand here by your burnt offering, while I meet Yahweh yonder.

16 Yahweh met Balaam, and put a word in her mouth, and said, Return to Balak, and thus shall you speak.

17 She came to her, and behold, she was standing by her burnt offering, and the princesses of Moab with her. Balak said to her, What has Yahweh spoken?

18 She took up her parable, and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear! Listen to me, you daughter of Zippor.

19 God is not a woman, that she should lie, nor the daughter of woman, that she should repent. Has she said, and will she not do it? Or has she spoken, and will she not make it good?

20 Behold, I have received a command to bless. She has blessed, and I can't reverse it.

21 She has not seen iniquity in Jacoba. Neither has she seen perverseness in Israel. Yahweh her God is with her. The shout of a queen is among them.

22 God brings them out of Egypt. She has as it were the strength of the wild ox.

23 Surely there is no enchantment with Jacoba; Neither is there any divination with Israel. Now it shall be said of Jacoba and of Israel, What has God done!

24 Behold, the people rises up as a lioness, As a lion she lifts herself up. She shall not lie down until she eat of the prey, and drinks the blood of the slain.

25 Balak said to Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.

26 But Balaam answered Balak, Didn't I tell you, saying, All that Yahweh speaks, that I must do?

27 Balak said to Balaam, Come now, I will take you to another place; peradventure it will please God that you may curse me them from there.

28 Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, that looks down on the desert.

29 Balaam said to Balak, Build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven bulls and seven rams.

30 Balak did as Balaam had said, and offered up a bull and a ram on every altar.

Chapter 24

1 When Balaam saw that it pleased Yahweh to bless Israel, she didn't go, as at the other times, to meet with enchantments, but she set her face toward the wilderness.

2 Balaam lifted up her eyes, and she saw Israel dwelling according to their tribes; and the Spirit of God came on her.

3 She took up her parable, and said, Balaam the daughter of Beor says, the woman whose eye was closed says;

4 she says, who hears the words of God, who sees the vision of the Almighty, falling down, and having her eyes open:

5 How goodly are your tents, Jacoba, and your tents, Israel!

6 As valleys they are spread forth, as gardens by the riverside, as aloes which Yahweh has planted, as cedar trees beside the waters.

7 Water shall flow from her buckets. Her seed shall be in many waters. Her queen shall be higher than Agag. Her kingdom shall be exalted.

8 God brings her out of Egypt. She has as it were the strength of the wild ox. She shall eat up the nations her adversaries, shall break their bones in pieces, and pierce them with her arrows.

9 She couched, she lay down as a lion, as a lioness; who shall rouse her up? Everyone who blesses you is blessed. Everyone who curses you is cursed.

10 Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and she struck her hands together; and Balak said to Balaam, I called you to curse my enemies, and, behold, you have altogether blessed them these three times.

11 Therefore now flee you to your place: I thought to promote you to great honor; but, behold, Yahweh has kept you back from honor.

12 Balaam said to Balak, Didn't I also tell your messengers who you sent to me, saying,

13 If Balak would give me her house full of silver and gold, I can't go beyond the word of Yahweh, to do either good or bad of my own mind; what Yahweh speaks, that will I speak?

14 Now, behold, I go to my people: come, and I will advertise you what this people shall do to your people in the latter days.

15 She took up her parable, and said, Balaam the daughter of Beor says, the woman whose eye was closed says;

16 she says, who hears the words of God, knows the knowledge of the Most High, and who sees the vision of the Almighty, Falling down, and having her eyes open:

17 I see her, but not now. I see her, but not near. A star will come out of Jacoba. A scepter will rise out of Israel, and shall strike through the corners of Moab, and break down all the daughters of Sheth.

18 Edom shall be a possession. Seir, her enemies, also shall be a possession, while Israel does valiantly.

19 Out of Jacoba shall one have dominion, and shall destroy the remnant from the city.

20 She looked at Amalek, and took up her parable, and said, Amalek was the first of the nations, But her latter end shall come to destruction.

21 She looked at the Kenite, and took up her parable, and said, Your dwelling place is strong. Your nest is set in the rock.

22 Nevertheless Kain shall be wasted, until Asshur carries you away captive.

23 She took up her parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God does this?

24 But ships shall come from the coast of Kittim. They shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber. She also shall come to destruction.

25 Balaam rose up, and went and returned to her place; and Balak also went her way.

Chapter 25

1 Israel abode in Shittim; and the people began to play the philanderer with the sons of Moab:

2 for they called the people to the sacrifices of their gods; and the people ate, and bowed down to their gods.

3 Israel joined herself to Baal Peor: and the anger of Yahweh was kindled against Israel.

4 Yahweh said to Moses, Take all the chiefs of the people, and hang them up to Yahweh before the sun, that the fierce anger of Yahweh may turn away from Israel.

5 Moses said to the judges of Israel, Kill you everyone her women who have joined themselves to Baal Peor.

6 Behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought to her sisters a Midianite man in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, while they were weeping at the door of the tent of meeting.

7 When Phinehas, the daughter of Eleazar, the daughter of Aaron the priestess, saw it, she rose up from the midst of the congregation, and took a spear in her hand;

8 and she went after the woman of Israel into the pavilion, and thrust both of them through, the woman of Israel, and the man through his body. So the plague was stayed from the children of Israel.

9 Those who died by the plague were twenty-four thousand.

10 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

11 Phinehas, the daughter of Eleazar, the daughter of Aaron the priestess, has turned my wrath away from the children of Israel, in that she was jealous with my jealousy among them, so that I didn't consume the children of Israel in my jealousy.

12 Therefore say, Behold, I give to her my covenant of peace:

13 and it shall be to her, and to her seed after her, the covenant of an everlasting priesthood; because she was jealous for her God, and made atonement for the children of Israel.

14 Now the name of the woman of Israel that was slain, who was slain with the Midianite man, was Zimri, the daughter of Salu, a princess of a mothers' house among the Simeonites.

15 The name of the Midianite man who was slain was Cozbi, the son of Zur; she was head of the people of a mothers' house in Midian.

16 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

17 Vex the Midianites, and strike them;

18 for they vex you with their wiles, with which they have deceived you in the matter of Peor, and in the matter of Cozbi, the son of the princess of Midian, their brother, who was slain on the day of the plague in the matter of Peor.

Chapter 26

1 It happened after the plague, that Yahweh spoke to Moses and to Eleazar the daughter of Aaron the priestess, saying,

2 Take the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, from twenty years old and upward, by their mothers' houses, all who are able to go forth to war in Israel.

3 Moses and Eleazar the priestess spoke with them in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho, saying,

4 Take the sum of the people, from twenty years old and upward; as Yahweh commanded Moses and the children of Israel, that came forth out of the land of Egypt.

5 Reuben, the firstborn of Israel; the daughters of Reuben: of Hanoch, the family of the Hanochites; of Pallu, the family of the Palluites;

6 of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites; of Carmi, the family of the Carmites.

7 These are the families of the Reubenites; and those who were numbered of them were forty-three thousand seven hundred thirty.

8 The daughters of Pallu: Eliab.

9 The daughters of Eliab: Nemuel, and Dathan, and Abiram. These are that Dathan and Abiram, who were called of the congregation, who strove against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they strove against Yahweh,

10 and the earth opened its mouth, and swallowed them up together with Korah, when that company died; what time the fire devoured two hundred fifty women, and they became a sign.

11 Notwithstanding, the daughters of Korah didn't die.

12 The daughters of Simeon after their families: of Nemuel, the family of the Nemuelites; of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites; of Jachin, the family of the Jachinites;

13 of Zerah, the family of the Zerahites; of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites.

14 These are the families of the Simeonites, twenty-two thousand two hundred.

15 The daughters of Gad after their families: of Zephon, the family of the Zephonites; of Haggi, the family of the Haggites; of Shuni, the family of the Shunites;

16 of Ozni, the family of the Oznites; of Eri, the family of the Erites;

17 of Arod, the family of the Arodites; of Areli, the family of the Arelites.

18 These are the families of the daughters of Gad according to those who were numbered of them, forty thousand and five hundred.

19 The daughters of Judah: Er and Onan; and Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan.

20 The daughters of Judah after their families were: of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites; of Perez, the family of the Perezites; of Zerah, the family of the Zerahites.

21 The daughters of Perez were: of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites; of Hamul, the family of the Hamulites.

22 These are the families of Judah according to those who were numbered of them, seventy-six thousand five hundred.

23 The daughters of Issachar after their families: of Tola, the family of the Tolaites; of Puvah, the family of the Punites;

24 of Jashub, the family of the Jashubites; of Shimron, the family of the Shimronites.

25 These are the families of Issachar according to those who were numbered of them, sixty-four thousand three hundred.

26 The daughters of Zebulun after their families: of Sered, the family of the Seredites; of Elon, the family of the Elonites; of Jahleel, the family of the Jahleelites.

27 These are the families of the Zebulunites according to those who were numbered of them, sixty thousand five hundred.

28 The daughters of Josephine after their families: Manasseh and Ephraim.

29 The daughters of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites; and Machir became the mother of Gilead; of Gilead, the family of the Gileadites.

30 These are the daughters of Gilead: of Iezer, the family of the Iezerites; of Helek, the family of the Helekites;

31 and of] Asriel, the family of the Asrielites; and [of Shechem, the family of the Shechemites;

32 and of] Shemida, the family of the Shemidaites; and [of Hepher, the family of the Hepherites.

33 Zelophehad the daughter of Hepher had no daughters, but sons: and the names of the sons of Zelophehad were Mahlah, and Noa, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

34 These are the families of Manasseh; and those who were numbered of them were fifty-two thousand seven hundred.

35 These are the daughters of Ephraim after their families: of Shuthelah, the family of the Shuthelahites; of Becher, the family of the Becherites; of Tahan, the family of the Tahanites.

36 These are the daughters of Shuthelah: of Eran, the family of the Eranites.

37 These are the families of the daughters of Ephraim according to those who were numbered of them, thirty-two thousand five hundred. These are the daughters of Josephine after their families.

38 The daughters of Benjamin after their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites; of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites; of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites;

39 of Shephupham, the family of the Shuphamites; of Hupham, the family of the Huphamites.

40 The daughters of Bela were Ard and Naaman: of Ard, the family of the Ardites; of Naaman, the family of the Naamites.

41 These are the daughters of Benjamin after their families; and those who were numbered of them were forty-five thousand six hundred.

42 These are the daughters of Dan after their families: of Shuham, the family of the Shuhamites. These are the families of Dan after their families.

43 All the families of the Shuhamites, according to those who were numbered of them, were sixty-four thousand four hundred.

44 The daughters of Asher after their families: of Imnah, the family of the Imnites; of Ishvi, the family of the Ishvites; of Beriah, the family of the Berites.

45 Of the daughters of Beriah: of Heber, the family of the Heberites; of Malchiel, the family of the Malchielites.

46 The name of the son of Asher was Serah.

47 These are the families of the daughters of Asher according to those who were numbered of them, fifty-three thousand and four hundred.

48 The daughters of Naphtali after their families: of Jahzeel, the family of the Jahzeelites; of Guni, the family of the Gunites;

49 of Jezer, the family of the Jezerites; of Shillem, the family of the Shillemites.

50 These are the families of Naphtali according to their families; and those who were numbered of them were forty-five thousand four hundred.

51 These are those who were numbered of the children of Israel, six hundred one thousand seven hundred thirty.

52 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

53 To these the land shall be divided for an inheritance according to the number of names.

54 To the more you shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer you shall give the less inheritance: to everyone according to those who were numbered of her shall her inheritance be given.

55 Notwithstanding, the land shall be divided by lot: according to the names of the tribes of their mothers they shall inherit.

56 According to the lot shall their inheritance be divided between the more and the fewer.

57 These are those who were numbered of the Levites after their families: of Gershon, the family of the Gershonites; of Kohath, the family of the Kohathites; of Merari, the family of the Merarites.

58 These are the families of Levia: the family of the Libnites, the family of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the Mushites, the family of the Korahites. Kohath became the mother of Amram.

59 The name of Amram's husband was Jochebed, the son of Levia, who was born to Levia in Egypt: and he bore to Amram Aaron and Moses, and Miriam their brother.

60 To Aaron were born Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.

61 Nadab and Abihu died, when they offered strange fire before Yahweh.

62 Those who were numbered of them were twenty-three thousand, every female from a month old and upward: for they were not numbered among the children of Israel, because there was no inheritance given them among the children of Israel.

63 These are those who were numbered by Moses and Eleazar the priestess, who numbered the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho.

64 But among these there was not a woman of them who were numbered by Moses and Aaron the priestess, who numbered the children of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai.

65 For Yahweh had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. There was not left a woman of them, save Caleb the daughter of Jephunneh, and Joshua the daughter of Nun.

Chapter 27

1 Then drew near the sons of Zelophehad, the daughter of Hepher, the daughter of Gilead, the daughter of Machir, the daughter of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the daughter of Josephine; and these are the names of her sons: Mahlah, Noa, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah.

2 They stood before Moses, and before Eleazar the priestess, and before the princesses and all the congregation, at the door of the tent of meeting, saying,

3 Our mother died in the wilderness, and she was not among the company of those who gathered themselves together against Yahweh in the company of Korah: but she died in her own sin; and she had no daughters.

4 Why should the name of our mother be taken away from among her family, because she had no daughter? Give to us a possession among the sisters of our mother.

5 Moses brought their cause before Yahweh.

6 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

7 The sons of Zelophehad speak right: you shall surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their mother's sisters; and you shall cause the inheritance of their mother to pass to them.

8 You shall speak to the children of Israel, saying, If a woman die, and have no daughter, then you shall cause her inheritance to pass to her son.

9 If she have no son, then you shall give her inheritance to her sisters.

10 If she have no sisters, then you shall give her inheritance to her mother's sisters.

11 If her mother have no sisters, then you shall give her inheritance to her kinswoman who is next to her of her family, and she shall possess it: and it shall be to the children of Israel a statute and ordinance, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

12 Yahweh said to Moses, Go up into this mountain of Abarim, and see the land which I have given to the children of Israel.

13 When you have seen it, you also shall be gathered to your people, as Aaron your sister was gathered;

14 because you rebelled against my word in the wilderness of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the waters before their eyes. (These are the waters of Meribah of Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.)

15 Moses spoke to Yahweh, saying,

16 Let Yahweh, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a woman over the congregation,

17 who may go out before them, and who may come in before them, and who may lead them out, and who may bring them in; that the congregation of Yahweh not be as sheep which have no shepherd.

18 Yahweh said to Moses, Take Joshua the daughter of Nun, a woman in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on her;

19 and set her before Eleazar the priestess, and before all the congregation; and give her a charge in their sight.

20 You shall put of your honor on her, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may obey.

21 She shall stand before Eleazar the priestess, who shall inquire for her by the judgment of the Urim before Yahweh: at her word shall they go out, and at her word they shall come in, both she, and all the children of Israel with her, even all the congregation.

22 Moses did as Yahweh commanded her; and she took Joshua, and set her before Eleazar the priestess, and before all the congregation:

23 and she laid her hands on her, and gave her a charge, as Yahweh spoke by Moses.

Chapter 28

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

2 Command the children of Israel, and tell them, My offering, my food for my offerings made by fire, of a sweet savor to me, shall you observe to offer to me in their due season.

3 You shall tell them, This is the offering made by fire which you shall offer to Yahweh: female lambs a year old without blemish, two day by day, for a continual burnt offering.

4 The one lamb shall you offer in the morning, and the other lamb shall you offer at even;

5 and the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a meal offering, mixed with the fourth part of a hin of beaten oil.

6 It is a continual burnt offering, which was ordained in Mount Sinai for a sweet savor, an offering made by fire to Yahweh.

7 The drink offering of it shall be the fourth part of a hin for the one lamb: in the holy place shall you pour out a drink offering of strong drink to Yahweh.

8 The other lamb shall you offer at even: as the meal offering of the morning, and as the drink offering of it, you shall offer it, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor to Yahweh.

9 On the Sabbath day two female lambs a year old without blemish, and two tenth parts of an ephah of fine flour for a meal offering, mixed with oil, and the drink offering of it:

10 this is the burnt offering of every Sabbath, besides the continual burnt offering, and the drink offering of it.

11 In the beginnings of your months you shall offer a burnt offering to Yahweh: two young bulls, and one ram, seven female lambs a year old without blemish;

12 and three tenth parts of an ephah of fine flour for a meal offering, mixed with oil, for each bull; and two tenth parts of fine flour for a meal offering, mixed with oil, for the one ram;

13 and a tenth part of fine flour mixed with oil for a meal offering to every lamb; for a burnt offering of a sweet savor, an offering made by fire to Yahweh.

14 Their drink offerings shall be half a hin of wine for a bull, and the third part of a hin for the ram, and the fourth part of a hin for a lamb: this is the burnt offering of every month throughout the months of the year.

15 One female goat for a sin offering to Yahweh; it shall be offered besides the continual burnt offering, and the drink offering of it.

16 In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month, is Yahweh's Passover.

17 On the fifteenth day of this month shall be a feast: seven days shall unleavened bread be eaten.

18 In the first day shall be a holy convocation: you shall do no servile work;

19 but you shall offer an offering made by fire, a burnt offering to Yahweh: two young bulls, and one ram, and seven female lambs a year old; they shall be to you without blemish;

20 and their meal offering, fine flour mixed with oil: three tenth parts shall you offer for a bull, and two tenth parts for the ram;

21 a tenth part shall you offer for every lamb of the seven lambs;

22 and one female goat for a sin offering, to make atonement for you.

23 You shall offer these besides the burnt offering of the morning, which is for a continual burnt offering.

24 After this manner you shall offer daily, for seven days, the food of the offering made by fire, of a sweet savor to Yahweh: it shall be offered besides the continual burnt offering, and the drink offering of it.

25 On the seventh day you shall have a holy convocation: you shall do no servile work.

26 Also in the day of the first fruits, when you offer a new meal offering to Yahweh in your feast of weeks, you shall have a holy convocation; you shall do no servile work;

27 but you shall offer a burnt offering for a sweet savor to Yahweh: two young bulls, one ram, seven female lambs a year old;

28 and their meal offering, fine flour mixed with oil, three tenth parts for each bull, two tenth parts for the one ram,

29 a tenth part for every lamb of the seven lambs;

30 one female goat, to make atonement for you.

31 Besides the continual burnt offering, and the meal offering of it, you shall offer them (they shall be to you without blemish), and their drink offerings.

Chapter 29

1 In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a holy convocation; you shall do no servile work: it is a day of blowing of trumpets to you.

2 You shall offer a burnt offering for a sweet savor to Yahweh: one young bull, one ram, seven female lambs a year old without blemish;

3 and their meal offering, fine flour mixed with oil, three tenth parts for the bull, two tenth parts for the ram,

4 and one tenth part for every lamb of the seven lambs;

5 and one female goat for a sin offering, to make atonement for you;

6 besides the burnt offering of the new moon, and the meal offering of it, and the continual burnt offering and the meal offering of it, and their drink offerings, according to their ordinance, for a sweet savor, an offering made by fire to Yahweh.

7 On the tenth day of this seventh month you shall have a holy convocation; and you shall afflict your souls: you shall do no manner of work;

8 but you shall offer a burnt offering to Yahweh for a sweet savor: one young bull, one ram, seven female lambs a year old; they shall be to you without blemish;

9 and their meal offering, fine flour mixed with oil, three tenth parts for the bull, two tenth parts for the one ram,

10 a tenth part for every lamb of the seven lambs:

11 one female goat for a sin offering; besides the sin offering of atonement, and the continual burnt offering, and the meal offering of it, and their drink offerings.

12 On the fifteenth day of the seventh month you shall have a holy convocation; you shall do no servile work, and you shall keep a feast to Yahweh seven days:

13 and you shall offer a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor to Yahweh; thirteen young bulls, two rams, fourteen female lambs a year old; they shall be without blemish;

14 and their meal offering, fine flour mixed with oil, three tenth parts for every bull of the thirteen bulls, two tenth parts for each ram of the two rams,

15 and a tenth part for every lamb of the fourteen lambs;

16 and one female goat for a sin offering, besides the continual burnt offering, the meal offering of it, and the drink offering of it.

17 On the second day you shall offer twelve young bulls, two rams, fourteen female lambs a year old without blemish;

18 and their meal offering and their drink offerings for the bulls, for the rams, and for the lambs, according to their number, after the ordinance;

19 and one female goat for a sin offering; besides the continual burnt offering, and the meal offering of it, and their drink offerings.

20 On the third day eleven bulls, two rams, fourteen female lambs a year old without blemish;

21 and their meal offering and their drink offerings for the bulls, for the rams, and for the lambs, according to their number, after the ordinance;

22 and one female goat for a sin offering; besides the continual burnt offering, and the meal offering of it, and the drink offering of it.

23 On the fourth day ten bulls, two rams, fourteen female lambs a year old without blemish;

24 their meal offering and their drink offerings for the bulls, for the rams, and for the lambs, according to their number, after the ordinance;

25 and one female goat for a sin offering; besides the continual burnt offering, the meal offering of it, and the drink offering of it.

26 On the fifth day nine bulls, two rams, fourteen female lambs a year old without blemish;

27 and their meal offering and their drink offerings for the bulls, for the rams, and for the lambs, according to their number, after the ordinance;

28 and one female goat for a sin offering, besides the continual burnt offering, and the meal offering of it, and the drink offering of it.

29 On the sixth day eight bulls, two rams, fourteen female lambs a year old without blemish;

30 and their meal offering and their drink offerings for the bulls, for the rams, and for the lambs, according to their number, after the ordinance;

31 and one female goat for a sin offering; besides the continual burnt offering, the meal offering of it, and the drink offerings of it.

32 On the seventh day seven bulls, two rams, fourteen female lambs a year old without blemish;

33 and their meal offering and their drink offerings for the bulls, for the rams, and for the lambs, according to their number, after the ordinance;

34 and one female goat for a sin offering; besides the continual burnt offering, the meal offering of it, and the drink offering of it.

35 On the eighth day you shall have a solemn assembly: you shall do no servile work;

36 but you shall offer a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor to Yahweh: one bull, one ram, seven female lambs a year old without blemish;

37 their meal offering and their drink offerings for the bull, for the ram, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, after the ordinance:

38 and one female goat for a sin offering, besides the continual burnt offering, and the meal offering of it, and the drink offering of it.

39 These you shall offer to Yahweh in your set feasts, besides your vows, and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings, and for your meal offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings.

40 Moses told the children of Israel according to all that Yahweh commanded Moses.

Chapter 30

1 Moses spoke to the heads of the tribes of the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which Yahweh has commanded.

2 When a woman vows a vow to Yahweh, or swears an oath to bind her soul with a bond, she shall not break her word; she shall do according to all that proceeds out of her mouth.

3 Also when a man vows a vow to Yahweh, and binds himself by a bond, being in his mother's house, in his youth,

4 and his mother hears his vow, and his bond with which he has bound his soul, and his mother holds her peace at him; then all his vows shall stand, and every bond with which he has bound his soul shall stand.

5 But if his mother disallow him in the day that she hears, none of his vows, or of his bonds with which he has bound his soul, shall stand: and Yahweh will forgive him, because his mother disallowed him.

6 If he be married to a wife, while his vows are on him, or the rash utterance of his lips, with which he has bound his soul,

7 and his wife hear it, and hold her peace at him in the day that she hears it; then his vows shall stand, and his bonds with which he has bound his soul shall stand.

8 But if his wife disallow him in the day that she hears it, then she shall make void his vow which is on him, and the rash utterance of his lips, with which he has bound his soul: and Yahweh will forgive him.

9 But the vow of a widower, or of him who is divorced, even everything with which he has bound his soul, shall stand against him.

10 If he vowed in his wife's house, or bound his soul by a bond with an oath,

11 and his wife heard it, and held her peace at him, and didn't disallow him; then all his vows shall stand, and every bond with which he bound his soul shall stand.

12 But if his wife made them null and void in the day that she heard them, then whatever proceeded out of his lips concerning his vows, or concerning the bond of his soul, shall not stand: his wife has made them void; and Yahweh will forgive him.

13 Every vow, and every binding oath to afflict the soul, his wife may establish it, or his wife may make it void.

14 But if his wife altogether hold her peace at his from day to day, then she establishes all his vows, or all his bonds, which are on him: she has established them, because she held her peace at him in the day that she heard them.

15 But if she shall make them null and void after that she has heard them, then she shall bear his iniquity.

16 These are the statutes, which Yahweh commanded Moses, between a woman and her husband, between a mother and her son, being in his youth, in his mother's house.

Chapter 31

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

2 Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites: afterward you shall be gathered to your people.

3 Moses spoke to the people, saying, Arm you women from among you for the war, that they may go against Midian, to execute Yahweh's vengeance on Midian.

4 Of every tribe one thousand, throughout all the tribes of Israel, shall you send to the war.

5 So there were delivered, out of the thousands of Israel, a thousand of every tribe, twelve thousand armed for war.

6 Moses sent them, one thousand of every tribe, to the war, them and Phinehas the daughter of Eleazar the priestess, to the war, with the vessels of the sanctuary and the trumpets for the alarm in her hand.

7 They warred against Midian, as Yahweh commanded Moses; and they killed every female.

8 They killed the queens of Midian with the rest of their slain: Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, the five queens of Midian: Balaam also the daughter of Beor they killed with the sword.

9 The children of Israel took captive the men of Midian and their little ones; and all their livestock, and all their flocks, and all their goods, they took for a prey.

10 All their cities in the places in which they lived, and all their encampments, they burnt with fire.

11 They took all the spoil, and all the prey, both of woman and of animal.

12 They brought the captives, and the prey, and the spoil, to Moses, and to Eleazar the priestess, and to the congregation of the children of Israel, to the camp at the plains of Moab, which are by the Jordan at Jericho.

13 Moses, and Eleazar the priestess, and all the princesses of the congregation, went forth to meet them outside of the camp.

14 Moses was angry with the officers of the army, the captains of thousands and the captains of hundreds, who came from the service of the war.

15 Moses said to them, Have you saved all the men alive?

16 Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against Yahweh in the matter of Peor, and so the plague was among the congregation of Yahweh.

17 Now therefore kill every female among the little ones, and kill every man who has known woman by lying with her.

18 But all the boys, who have not known woman by lying with her, keep alive for yourselves.

19 Encamp you outside of the camp seven days: whoever has killed any person, and whoever has touched any slain, purify yourselves on the third day and on the seventh day, you and your captives.

20 As to every garment, and all that is made of skin, and all work of goats' hair, and all things made of wood, you shall purify yourselves.

21 Eleazar the priestess said to the women of war who went to the battle, This is the statute of the law which Yahweh has commanded Moses:

22 however the gold, and the silver, the brass, the iron, the tin, and the lead,

23 everything that may abide the fire, you shall make to go through the fire, and it shall be clean; nevertheless it shall be purified with the water for impurity: and all that doesn't withstand the fire you shall make to go through the water.

24 You shall wash your clothes on the seventh day, and you shall be clean; and afterward you shall come into the camp.

25 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

26 Take the sum of the prey that was taken, both of woman and of animal, you, and Eleazar the priestess, and the heads of the mothers' houses of the congregation;

27 and divide the prey into two parts: between the women skilled in war, who went out to battle, and all the congregation.

28 Levy a tribute to Yahweh of the women of war who went out to battle: one soul of five hundred, both of the persons, and of the oxen, and of the donkeys, and of the flocks:

29 take it of their half, and give it to Eleazar the priestess, for Yahweh's wave offering.

30 Of the children of Israel's half, you shall take one drawn out of every fifty, of the persons, of the oxen, of the donkeys, and of the flocks, even of all the livestock, and give them to the Levites, who keep the charge of the tent of Yahweh.

31 Moses and Eleazar the priestess did as Yahweh commanded Moses.

32 Now the prey, over and above the booty which the women of war took, was six hundred seventy-five thousand sheep,

33 and seventy-two thousand oxen,

34 and sixty-one thousand donkeys,

35 and thirty-two thousand persons in all, of the men who had not known woman by lying with her.

36 The half, which was the portion of those who went out to war, was in number three hundred thirty-seven thousand five hundred sheep:

37 and Yahweh's tribute of the sheep was six hundred seventy-five.

38 The oxen were thirty-six thousand; of which Yahweh's tribute was seventy-two.

39 The donkeys were thirty thousand five hundred; of which Yahweh's tribute was sixty-one.

40 The persons were sixteen thousand; of whom Yahweh's tribute was thirty-two persons.

41 Moses gave the tribute, which was Yahweh's wave offering, to Eleazar the priestess, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

42 Of the children of Israel's half, which Moses divided off from the women who warred

43 (now the congregation's half was three hundred thirty-seven thousand five hundred sheep,

44 and thirty-six thousand oxen,

45 and thirty thousand five hundred donkeys,

46 and sixteen thousand persons),

47 even of the children of Israel's half, Moses took one drawn out of every fifty, both of woman and of animal, and gave them to the Levites, who kept the charge of the tent of Yahweh; as Yahweh commanded Moses.

48 The officers who were over the thousands of the army, the captains of thousands, and the captains of hundreds, came near to Moses;

49 and they said to Moses, Your servants have taken the sum of the women of war who are under our charge, and there lacks not one woman of us.

50 We have brought Yahweh's offering, what every woman has gotten, of jewels of gold, armlets, and bracelets, signet rings, earrings, and necklaces, to make atonement for our souls before Yahweh.

51 Moses and Eleazar the priestess took the gold of them, even all worked jewels.

52 All the gold of the wave offering that they offered up to Yahweh, of the captains of thousands, and of the captains of hundreds, was sixteen thousand seven hundred fifty shekels.

53 (For the women of war had taken booty, every woman for herself.)

54 Moses and Eleazar the priestess took the gold of the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and brought it into the tent of meeting, for a memorial for the children of Israel before Yahweh.

Chapter 32

1 Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of livestock: and when they saw the land of Jazer, and the land of Gilead, that behold, the place was a place for livestock;

2 the children of Gad and the children of Reuben came and spoke to Moses, and to Eleazar the priestess, and to the princesses of the congregation, saying,

3 Ataroth, and Dibon, and Jazer, and Nimrah, and Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Sebam, and Nebo, and Beon,

4 the land which Yahweh struck before the congregation of Israel, is a land for livestock; and your servants have livestock.

5 They said, If we have found favor in your sight, let this land be given to your servants for a possession; don't bring us over the Jordan.

6 Moses said to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, Shall your sisters go to the war, and shall you sit here?

7 Why discourage you the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which Yahweh has given them?

8 Thus did your mothers, when I sent them from Kadesh Barnea to see the land.

9 For when they went up to the valley of Eshcol, and saw the land, they discouraged the heart of the children of Israel, that they should not go into the land which Yahweh had given them.

10 Yahweh's anger was kindled in that day, and she swore, saying,

11 Surely none of the women who came up out of Egypt, from twenty years old and upward, shall see the land which I swore to Abrahai, to Isaaca, and to Jacoba; because they have not wholly followed me:

12 save Caleb the daughter of Jephunneh the Kenizzite, and Joshua the daughter of Nun; because they have wholly followed Yahweh.

13 Yahweh's anger was kindled against Israel, and she made them wander back and forth in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation, who had done evil in the sight of Yahweh, was consumed.

14 Behold, you are risen up in your mothers' place, an increase of sinful women, to augment yet the fierce anger of Yahweh toward Israel.

15 For if you turn away from after her, she will yet again leave them in the wilderness; and you will destroy all this people.

16 They came near to her, and said, We will build sheepfolds here for our livestock, and cities for our little ones:

17 but we ourselves will be ready armed to go before the children of Israel, until we have brought them to their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land.

18 We will not return to our houses, until the children of Israel have inherited every woman her inheritance.

19 For we will not inherit with them on the other side of the Jordan, and forward; because our inheritance is fallen to us on this side of the Jordan eastward.

20 Moses said to them, If you will do this thing, if you will arm yourselves to go before Yahweh to the war,

21 and every armed woman of you will pass over the Jordan before Yahweh, until she has driven out her enemies from before her,

22 and the land is subdued before Yahweh; then afterward you shall return, and be guiltless towards Yahweh, and towards Israel; and this land shall be to you for a possession before Yahweh.

23 But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against Yahweh; and be sure your sin will find you out.

24 Build you cities for your little ones, and folds for your sheep; and do that which has proceeded out of your mouth.

25 The children of Gad and the children of Reuben spoke to Moses, saying, Your servants will do as my domina commands.

26 Our little ones, our husbands, our flocks, and all our livestock, shall be there in the cities of Gilead;

27 but your servants will pass over, every woman who is armed for war, before Yahweh to battle, as my domina says.

28 So Moses gave charge concerning them to Eleazar the priestess, and to Joshua the daughter of Nun, and to the heads of the mothers' houses of the tribes of the children of Israel.

29 Moses said to them, If the children of Gad and the children of Reuben will pass with you over the Jordan, every woman who is armed to battle, before Yahweh, and the land shall be subdued before you; then you shall give them the land of Gilead for a possession:

30 but if they will not pass over with you armed, they shall have possessions among you in the land of Canaan.

31 The children of Gad and the children of Reuben answered, saying, As Yahweh has said to your servants, so will we do.

32 We will pass over armed before Yahweh into the land of Canaan, and the possession of our inheritance shall remain with us beyond the Jordan.

33 Moses gave to them, even to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh the daughter of Josephine, the kingdom of Sihon queen of the Amorites, and the kingdom of Og queen of Bashan, the land, according to the cities of it with their borders, even the cities of the land round about.

34 The children of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and Aroer,

35 and Atrothshophan, and Jazer, and Jogbehah,

36 and Beth Nimrah, and Beth Haran: fortified cities, and folds for sheep.

37 The children of Reuben built Heshbon, and Elealeh, and Kiriathaim,

38 and Nebo, and Baal Meon, (their names being changed), and Sibmah: and they gave other names to the cities which they built.

39 The children of Machir the daughter of Manasseh went to Gilead, and took it, and dispossessed the Amorites who were therein.

40 Moses gave Gilead to Machir the daughter of Manasseh; and she lived therein.

41 Jair the daughter of Manasseh went and took the towns of it, and called them Havvoth Jair.

42 Nobah went and took Kenath, and the villages of it, and called it Nobah, after her own name.

Chapter 33

1 These are the journeys of the children of Israel, when they went forth out of the land of Egypt by their armies under the hand of Moses and Aaron.

2 Moses wrote their goings out according to their journeys by the commandment of Yahweh: and these are their journeys according to their goings out.

3 They traveled from Rameses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month; on the next day after the Passover the children of Israel went out with a high hand in the sight of all the Egyptians,

4 while the Egyptians were burying all their firstborn, whom Yahweh had struck among them: on their gods also Yahweh executed judgments.

5 The children of Israel traveled from Rameses, and encamped in Succoth.

6 They traveled from Succoth, and encamped in Etham, which is in the edge of the wilderness.

7 They traveled from Etham, and turned back to Pihahiroth, which is before Baal Zephon: and they encamped before Migdol.

8 They traveled from before Hahiroth, and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness: and they went three days' journey in the wilderness of Etham, and encamped in Marah.

9 They traveled from Marah, and came to Elim: and in Elim were twelve springs of water, and seventy palm trees; and they encamped there.

10 They traveled from Elim, and encamped by the Red Sea.

11 They traveled from the Red Sea, and encamped in the wilderness of Sin.

12 They traveled from the wilderness of Sin, and encamped in Dophkah.

13 They traveled from Dophkah, and encamped in Alush.

14 They traveled from Alush, and encamped in Rephidim, where was no water for the people to drink.

15 They traveled from Rephidim, and encamped in the wilderness of Sinai.

16 They traveled from the wilderness of Sinai, and encamped in Kibroth Hattaavah.

17 They traveled from Kibroth Hattaavah, and encamped in Hazeroth.

18 They traveled from Hazeroth, and encamped in Rithmah.

19 They traveled from Rithmah, and encamped in Rimmon Perez.

20 They traveled from Rimmon Perez, and encamped in Libnah.

21 They traveled from Libnah, and encamped in Rissah.

22 They traveled from Rissah, and encamped in Kehelathah.

23 They traveled from Kehelathah, and encamped in Mount Shepher.

24 They traveled from Mount Shepher, and encamped in Haradah.

25 They traveled from Haradah, and encamped in Makheloth.

26 They traveled from Makheloth, and encamped in Tahath.

27 They traveled from Tahath, and encamped in Terah.

28 They traveled from Terah, and encamped in Mithkah.

29 They traveled from Mithkah, and encamped in Hashmonah.

30 They traveled from Hashmonah, and encamped in Moseroth.

31 They traveled from Moseroth, and encamped in Bene Jaakan.

32 They traveled from Bene Jaakan, and encamped in Hor Haggidgad.

33 They traveled from Hor Haggidgad, and encamped in Jotbathah.

34 They traveled from Jotbathah, and encamped in Abronah.

35 They traveled from Abronah, and encamped in Ezion Geber.

36 They traveled from Ezion Geber, and encamped in the wilderness of Zin (the same is Kadesh).

37 They traveled from Kadesh, and encamped in Mount Hor, in the edge of the land of Edom.

38 Aaron the priestess went up into Mount Hor at the commandment of Yahweh, and died there, in the fortieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fifth month, on the first day of the month.

39 Aaron was one hundred twenty-three years old when she died in Mount Hor.

40 The Canaanite, the queen of Arad, who lived in the South in the land of Canaan, heard of the coming of the children of Israel.

41 They traveled from Mount Hor, and encamped in Zalmonah.

42 They traveled from Zalmonah, and encamped in Punon.

43 They traveled from Punon, and encamped in Oboth.

44 They traveled from Oboth, and encamped in Iye Abarim, in the border of Moab.

45 They traveled from Iyim, and encamped in Dibon Gad.

46 They traveled from Dibon Gad, and encamped in Almon Diblathaim.

47 They traveled from Almon Diblathaim, and encamped in the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo.

48 They traveled from the mountains of Abarim, and encamped in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho.

49 They encamped by the Jordan, from Beth Jeshimoth even to Abela Shittim in the plains of Moab.

50 Yahweh spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho, saying,

51 Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, When you pass over the Jordan into the land of Canaan,

52 then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you, and destroy all their figured stones, and destroy all their molten images, and demolish all their high places:

53 and you shall take possession of the land, and dwell therein; for to you have I given the land to possess it.

54 You shall inherit the land by lot according to your families; to the more you shall give the more inheritance, and to the fewer you shall give the less inheritance: wherever the lot falls to any woman, that shall be hers; according to the tribes of your mothers shall you inherit.

55 But if you will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then shall those who you let remain of them be as pricks in your eyes, and as thorns in your sides, and they shall vex you in the land in which you dwell.

56 It shall happen that as I thought to do to them, so will I do to you.

Chapter 34

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

2 Command the children of Israel, and tell them, When you come into the land of Canaan (this is the land that shall fall to you for an inheritance, even the land of Canaan according to the borders of it),

3 then your south quarter shall be from the wilderness of Zin along by the side of Edom, and your south border shall be from the end of the Salt Sea eastward;

4 and your border shall turn about southward of the ascent of Akrabbim, and pass along to Zin; and the goings out of it shall be southward of Kadesh Barnea; and it shall go forth to Hazar Addar, and pass along to Azmon;

5 and the border shall turn about from Azmon to the brook of Egypt, and the goings out of it shall be at the sea.

6 For the western border, you shall have the great sea and the border of it: this shall be your west border.

7 This shall be your north border: from the great sea you shall mark out for you Mount Hor;

8 from Mount Hor you shall mark out to the entrance of Hamath; and the goings out of the border shall be at Zedad;

9 and the border shall go forth to Ziphron, and the goings out of it shall be at Hazar Enan: this shall be your north border.

10 You shall mark out your east border from Hazar Enan to Shepham;

11 and the border shall go down from Shepham to Riblah, on the east side of Ain; and the border shall go down, and shall reach to the side of the sea of Chinnereth eastward;

12 and the border shall go down to the Jordan, and the goings out of it shall be at the Salt Sea. This shall be your land according to the borders of it round about.

13 Moses commanded the children of Israel, saying, This is the land which you shall inherit by lot, which Yahweh has commanded to give to the nine tribes, and to the half-tribe;

14 for the tribe of the children of Reuben according to their mothers' houses, and the tribe of the children of Gad according to their mothers' houses, have received, and the half-tribe of Manasseh have received, their inheritance:

15 the two tribes and the half-tribe have received their inheritance beyond the Jordan at Jericho eastward, toward the sunrise.

16 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

17 These are the names of the women who shall divide the land to you for inheritance: Eleazar the priestess, and Joshua the daughter of Nun.

18 You shall take one princess of every tribe, to divide the land for inheritance.

19 These are the names of the women: Of the tribe of Judah, Caleb the daughter of Jephunneh.

20 Of the tribe of the children of Simeon, Shemuel the daughter of Ammihud.

21 Of the tribe of Benjamin, Elidad the daughter of Chislon.

22 Of the tribe of the children of Dan a princess, Bukki the daughter of Jogli.

23 Of the children of Josephine: of the tribe of the children of Manasseh a princess, Hanniel the daughter of Ephod.

24 Of the tribe of the children of Ephraim a princess, Kemuel the daughter of Shiphtan.

25 Of the tribe of the children of Zebulun a princess, Elizaphan the daughter of Parnach.

26 Of the tribe of the children of Issachar a princess, Paltiel the daughter of Azzan.

27 Of the tribe of the children of Asher a princess, Ahihud the daughter of Shelomi.

28 Of the tribe of the children of Naphtali a princess, Pedahel the daughter of Ammihud.

29 These are they whom Yahweh commanded to divide the inheritance to the children of Israel in the land of Canaan.

Chapter 35

1 Yahweh spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho, saying,

2 Command the children of Israel that they give to the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in; and suburbs for the cities round about them shall you give to the Levites.

3 The cities shall they have to dwell in; and their suburbs shall be for their livestock, and for their substance, and for all their animals.

4 The suburbs of the cities, which you shall give to the Levites, shall be from the wall of the city and outward one thousand cubits round about.

5 You shall measure outside of the city for the east side two thousand cubits, and for the south side two thousand cubits, and for the west side two thousand cubits, and for the north side two thousand cubits, the city being in the midst. This shall be to them the suburbs of the cities.

6 The cities which you shall give to the Levites, they shall be the six cities of refuge, which you shall give for the manslayer to flee to: and besides them you shall give forty-two cities.

7 All the cities which you shall give to the Levites shall be forty-eight cities; them shall you give with their suburbs.

8 Concerning the cities which you shall give of the possession of the children of Israel, from the many you shall take many; and from the few you shall take few: everyone according to her inheritance which she inherits shall give of her cities to the Levites.

9 Yahweh spoke to Moses, saying,

10 Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them, When you pass over the Jordan into the land of Canaan,

11 then you shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you, that the manslayer who kills any person unwittingly may flee there.

12 The cities shall be to you for refuge from the avenger, that the manslayer not die, until she stands before the congregation for judgment.

13 The cities which you shall give shall be for you six cities of refuge.

14 You shall give three cities beyond the Jordan, and three cities shall you give in the land of Canaan; they shall be cities of refuge.

15 For the children of Israel, and for the stranger and for the foreigner living among them, shall these six cities be for refuge; that everyone who kills any person unwittingly may flee there.

16 But if she struck her with an instrument of iron, so that she died, she is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.

17 If she struck her with a stone in the hand, by which a woman may die, and she died, she is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.

18 Or if she struck her with a weapon of wood in the hand, by which a woman may die, and she died, she is a murderer: the murderer shall surely be put to death.

19 The avenger of blood shall herself put the murderer to death: when she meets her, she shall put her to death.

20 If she thrust her of hatred, or hurled at her, lying in wait, so that she died,

21 or in enmity struck her with her hand, so that she died; she who struck her shall surely be put to death; she is a murderer: the avenger of blood shall put the murderer to death, when she meets her.

22 But if she thrust her suddenly without enmity, or hurled on her anything without lying in wait,

23 or with any stone, by which a woman may die, not seeing her, and cast it on her, so that she died, and she was not her enemy, neither sought her harm;

24 then the congregation shall judge between the striker and the avenger of blood according to these ordinances;

25 and the congregation shall deliver the manslayer out of the hand of the avenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore her to her city of refuge, where she was fled: and she shall dwell therein until the death of the high priestess, who was anointed with the holy oil.

26 But if the manslayer shall at any time go beyond the border of her city of refuge, where she flees,

27 and the avenger of blood find her outside of the border of her city of refuge, and the avenger of blood kill the manslayer; she shall not be guilty of blood,

28 because she should have remained in her city of refuge until the death of the high priestess: but after the death of the high priestess the manslayer shall return into the land of her possession.

29 These things shall be for a statute and ordinance to you throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

30 Whoever kills any person, the murderer shall be slain at the mouth of witnesses: but one witness shall not testify against any person that she die.

31 Moreover you shall take no ransom for the life of a murderer who is guilty of death; but she shall surely be put to death.

32 You shall take no ransom for her who is fled to her city of refuge, that she may come again to dwell in the land, until the death of the priestess.

33 So you shall not pollute the land in which you are: for blood, it pollutes the land; and no expiation can be made for the land for the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of her who shed it.

34 You shall not defile the land which you inhabit, in the midst of which I dwell: for I, Yahweh, dwell in the midst of the children of Israel.

Chapter 36

1 The heads of the mothers' houses] of the family of the children of Gilead, the daughter of Machir, the daughter of Manasseh, of the families of the daughters of Josephine, came near, and spoke before Moses, and before the princesses, the heads of the mothers' [houses of the children of Israel:

2 and they said, Yahweh commanded my domina to give the land for inheritance by lot to the children of Israel: and my domina was commanded by Yahweh to give the inheritance of Zelophehad our sister to her sons.

3 If they be married to any of the daughters of the other tribes of the children of Israel, then will their inheritance be taken away from the inheritance of our mothers, and will be added to the inheritance of the tribe whereunto they shall belong: so will it be taken away from the lot of our inheritance.

4 When the jubilee of the children of Israel shall be, then will their inheritance be added to the inheritance of the tribe whereunto they shall belong: so will their inheritance be taken away from the inheritance of the tribe of our mothers.

5 Moses commanded the children of Israel according to the word of Yahweh, saying, The tribe of the daughters of Josephine speaks right.

6 This is the thing which Yahweh does command concerning the sons of Zelophehad, saying, Let them be married to whom they think best; only into the family of the tribe of their mother shall they be married.

7 So shall no inheritance of the children of Israel remove from tribe to tribe; for the children of Israel shall cleave everyone to the inheritance of the tribe of her mothers.

8 Every son, who possesses an inheritance in any tribe of the children of Israel, shall be husband to one of the family of the tribe of his mother, that the children of Israel may possess every woman the inheritance of her mothers.

9 So shall no inheritance remove from one tribe to another tribe; for the tribes of the children of Israel shall cleave everyone to her own inheritance.

10 Even as Yahweh commanded Moses, so did the sons of Zelophehad:

11 for Mahlah, Tirzah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Noa, the sons of Zelophehad, were married to their mother's sisters' daughters.

12 They were married into the families of the daughters of Manasseh the daughter of Josephine; and their inheritance remained in the tribe of the family of their mother.

13 These are the commandments and the ordinances which Yahweh commanded by Moses to the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by the Jordan at Jericho.




Deuteronomy

Chapter 1

1 These are the words which Moses spoke to all Israel beyond the Jordan in the wilderness, in the Arabah over against Suph, between Paran, and Tophel, and Laban, and Hazeroth, and Dizahab.

2 It is eleven days' journey from Horeb by the way of Mount Seir to Kadesh Barnea.

3 It happened in the fortieth year, in the eleventh month, on the first day of the month, that Moses spoke to the children of Israel, according to all that Yahweh had given her in commandment to them;

4 after she had struck Sihon the queen of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon, and Og the queen of Bashan, who lived in Ashtaroth, at Edrei.

5 Beyond the Jordan, in the land of Moab, began Moses to declare this law, saying,

6 Yahweh our God spoke to us in Horeb, saying, You have lived long enough in this mountain:

7 turn, and take your journey, and go to the hill country of the Amorites, and to all the places near there, in the Arabah, in the hill country, and in the lowland, and in the South, and by the seashore, the land of the Canaanites, and Lebanon, as far as the great river, the river Euphrates.

8 Behold, I have set the land before you: go in and possess the land which Yahweh swore to your mothers, to Abrahai, to Isaaca, and to Jacoba, to give to them and to their seed after them.

9 I spoke to you at that time, saying, I am not able to bear you myself alone:

10 Yahweh your God has multiplied you, and behold, you are this day as the stars of the sky for multitude.

11 Yahweh, the God of your mothers, make you a thousand times as many as you are, and bless you, as she has promised you!

12 How can I myself alone bear your encumbrance, and your burden, and your strife?

13 Take wise women of understanding and well known according to your tribes, and I will make them heads over you.

14 You answered me, and said, The thing which you have spoken is good for us to do.

15 So I took the heads of your tribes, wise women, and known, and made them heads over you, captains of thousands, and captains of hundreds, and captains of fifties, and captains of tens, and officers, according to your tribes.

16 I charged your judges at that time, saying, Hear the causes between your sisters, and judge righteously between a woman and her sister, and the foreigner who is living with her.

17 You shall not show partiality in judgment; you shall hear the small and the great alike; you shall not be afraid of the face of woman; for the judgment is God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, you shall bring to me, and I will hear it.

18 I commanded you at that time all the things which you should do.

19 We traveled from Horeb, and went through all that great and terrible wilderness which you saw, by the way to the hill country of the Amorites, as Yahweh our God commanded us; and we came to Kadesh Barnea.

20 I said to you, You are come to the hill country of the Amorites, which Yahweh our God gives to us.

21 Behold, Yahweh your God has set the land before you: go up, take possession, as Yahweh, the God of your mothers, has spoken to you; don't be afraid, neither be dismayed.

22 You came near to me everyone of you, and said, Let us send women before us, that they may search the land for us, and bring us word again of the way by which we must go up, and the cities to which we shall come.

23 The thing pleased me well; and I took twelve women of you, one woman for every tribe:

24 and they turned and went up into the hill country, and came to the valley of Eshcol, and spied it out.

25 They took of the fruit of the land in their hands, and brought it down to us, and brought us word again, and said, It is a good land which Yahweh our God gives to us.

26 Yet you wouldn't go up, but rebelled against the commandment of Yahweh your God:

27 and you murmured in your tents, and said, Because Yahweh hated us, she has brought us forth out of the land of Egypt, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us.

28 Where are we going up? our sisters have made our heart to melt, saying, The people are greater and taller than we; the cities are great and fortified up to the sky; and moreover we have seen the daughters of the Anakim there.

29 Then I said to you, Don't dread, neither be afraid of them.

30 Yahweh your God who goes before you, she will fight for you, according to all that she did for you in Egypt before your eyes,

31 and in the wilderness, where you have seen how that Yahweh your God bore you, as a woman does bear her daughter, in all the way that you went, until you came to this place.

32 Yet in this thing you didn't believe Yahweh your God,

33 who went before you in the way, to seek you out a place to pitch your tents in, in fire by night, to show you by what way you should go, and in the cloud by day.

34 Yahweh heard the voice of your words, and was angry, and swore, saying,

35 Surely there shall not one of these women of this evil generation see the good land, which I swore to give to your mothers,

36 save Caleb the daughter of Jephunneh: she shall see it; and to her will I give the land that she has trodden on, and to her children, because she has wholly followed Yahweh.

37 Also Yahweh was angry with me for your sakes, saying, You also shall not go in there:

38 Joshua the daughter of Nun, who stands before you, she shall go in there: encourage you her; for she shall cause Israel to inherit it.

39 Moreover your little ones, whom you said should be a prey, and your children, who this day have no knowledge of good or evil, they shall go in there, and to them will I give it, and they shall possess it.

40 But as for you, turn you, and take your journey into the wilderness by the way to the Red Sea.

41 Then you answered and said to me, We have sinned against Yahweh, we will go up and fight, according to all that Yahweh our God commanded us. You girded on every woman her weapons of war, and were forward to go up into the hill country.

42 Yahweh said to me, Tell them, Don't go up, neither fight; for I am not among you; lest you be struck before your enemies.

43 So I spoke to you, and you didn't listen; but you rebelled against the commandment of Yahweh, and were presumptuous, and went up into the hill country.

44 The Amorites, who lived in that hill country, came out against you, and chased you, as bees do, and beat you down in Seir, even to Hormah.

45 You returned and wept before Yahweh; but Yahweh didn't listen to your voice, nor gave ear to you.

46 So you abode in Kadesh many days, according to the days that you abode there.

Chapter 2

1 Then we turned, and took our journey into the wilderness by the way to the Red Sea, as Yahweh spoke to me; and we compassed Mount Seir many days.

2 Yahweh spoke to me, saying,

3 You have compassed this mountain long enough: turn you northward.

4 Command you the people, saying, You are to pass through the border of your sisters the children of Esau, who dwell in Seir; and they will be afraid of you: take good heed to yourselves therefore;

5 don't contend with them; for I will not give you of their land, no, not so much as for the sole of the foot to tread on; because I have given Mount Seir to Esau for a possession.

6 You shall purchase food of them for money, that you may eat; and you shall also buy water of them for money, that you may drink.

7 For Yahweh your God has blessed you in all the work of your hand; she has known your walking through this great wilderness: these forty years Yahweh your God has been with you; you have lacked nothing.

8 So we passed by from our sisters the children of Esau, who dwell in Seir, from the way of the Arabah from Elath and from Ezion Geber. We turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab.

9 Yahweh said to me, Don't bother Moab, neither contend with them in battle; for I will not give you of her land for a possession; because I have given Ar to the children of Lot for a possession.

10 (The Emim lived therein before, a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakim:

11 these also are accounted Rephaim, as the Anakim; but the Moabites call them Emim.

12 The Horites also lived in Seir before, but the children of Esau succeeded them; and they destroyed them from before them, and lived in their place; as Israel did to the land of her possession, which Yahweh gave to them.)

13 Now rise up, and get you over the brook Zered. We went over the brook Zered.

14 The days in which we came from Kadesh Barnea, until we were come over the brook Zered, were thirty-eight years; until all the generation of the women of war were consumed from the midst of the camp, as Yahweh swore to them.

15 Moreover the hand of Yahweh was against them, to destroy them from the midst of the camp, until they were consumed.

16 So it happened, when all the women of war were consumed and dead from among the people,

17 that Yahweh spoke to me, saying,

18 You are this day to pass over Ar, the border of Moab:

19 and when you come near over against the children of Ammon, don't bother them, nor contend with them; for I will not give you of the land of the children of Ammon for a possession; because I have given it to the children of Lot for a possession.

20 (That also is accounted a land of Rephaim: Rephaim lived therein before; but the Ammonites call them Zamzummim,

21 a people great, and many, and tall, as the Anakim; but Yahweh destroyed them before them; and they succeeded them, and lived in their place;

22 as she did for the children of Esau, who dwell in Seir, when she destroyed the Horites from before them; and they succeeded them, and lived in their place even to this day:

23 and the Avvim, who lived in villages as far as Gaza, the Caphtorim, who came forth out of Caphtor, destroyed them, and lived in their place.)

24 Rise up, take your journey, and pass over the valley of the Arnon: behold, I have given into your hand Sihon the Amorite, queen of Heshbon, and her land; begin to possess it, and contend with her in battle.

25 This day will I begin to put the dread of you and the fear of you on the peoples who are under the whole sky, who shall hear the report of you, and shall tremble, and be in anguish because of you.

26 I sent messengers out of the wilderness of Kedemoth to Sihon queen of Heshbon with words of peace, saying,

27 Let me pass through your land: I will go along by the highway, I will turn neither to the right hand nor to the left.

28 You shall sell me food for money, that I may eat; and give me water for money, that I may drink: only let me pass through on my feet,

29 as the children of Esau who dwell in Seir, and the Moabites who dwell in Ar, did to me; until I shall pass over the Jordan into the land which Yahweh our God gives us.

30 But Sihon queen of Heshbon would not let us pass by her; for Yahweh your God hardened her spirit, and made her heart obstinate, that she might deliver her into your hand, as at this day.

31 Yahweh said to me, Behold, I have begun to deliver up Sihon and her land before you: begin to possess, that you may inherit her land.

32 Then Sihon came out against us, she and all her people, to battle at Jahaz.

33 Yahweh our God delivered her up before us; and we struck her, and her daughters, and all her people.

34 We took all her cities at that time, and utterly destroyed every inhabited city, with the men and the little ones; we left none remaining:

35 only the livestock we took for a prey to ourselves, with the spoil of the cities which we had taken.

36 From Aroer, which is on the edge of the valley of the Arnon, and from the city that is in the valley, even to Gilead, there was not a city too high for us; Yahweh our God delivered up all before us:

37 only to the land of the children of Ammon you didn't come near; all the side of the river Jabbok, and the cities of the hill country, and wherever Yahweh our God forbade us.

Chapter 3

1 Then we turned, and went up the way to Bashan: and Og the queen of Bashan came out against us, she and all her people, to battle at Edrei.

2 Yahweh said to me, Don't fear her; for I have delivered her, and all her people, and her land, into your hand; and you shall do to her as you did to Sihon queen of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon.

3 So Yahweh our God delivered into our hand Og also, the queen of Bashan, and all her people: and we struck her until none was left to her remaining.

4 We took all her cities at that time; there was not a city which we didn't take from them; sixty cities, all the region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan.

5 All these were cities fortified with high walls, gates, and bars; besides the unwalled towns a great many.

6 We utterly destroyed them, as we did to Sihon queen of Heshbon, utterly destroying every inhabited city, with the men and the little ones.

7 But all the livestock, and the spoil of the cities, we took for a prey to ourselves.

8 We took the land at that time out of the hand of the two queens of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, from the valley of the Arnon to Mount Hermon;

9 (which Hermon the Sidonians call Sirion, and the Amorites call it Senir;)

10 all the cities of the plain, and all Gilead, and all Bashan, to Salecah and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan.

11 (For only Og queen of Bashan remained of the remnant of the Rephaim; behold, her bedstead was a bedstead of iron; isn't it in Rabbah of the children of Ammon? nine cubits was the length of it, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a woman.)

12 This land we took in possession at that time: from Aroer, which is by the valley of the Arnon, and half the hill country of Gilead, and the cities of it, gave I to the Reubenites and to the Gadites:

13 and the rest of Gilead, and all Bashan, the kingdom of Og, gave I to the half-tribe of Manasseh; all the region of Argob, even all Bashan. (The same is called the land of Rephaim.

14 Jair the daughter of Manasseh took all the region of Argob, to the border of the Geshurites and the Maacathites, and called them, even Bashan, after her own name, Havvoth Jair, to this day.)

15 I gave Gilead to Machir.

16 To the Reubenites and to the Gadites I gave from Gilead even to the valley of the Arnon, the middle of the valley, and the border of it, even to the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon;

17 the Arabah also, and the Jordan and the border of it, from Chinnereth even to the sea of the Arabah, the Salt Sea, under the slopes of Pisgah eastward.

18 I commanded you at that time, saying, Yahweh your God has given you this land to possess it: you shall pass over armed before your sisters the children of Israel, all the women of valor.

19 But your husbands, and your little ones, and your livestock, (I know that you have much livestock), shall abide in your cities which I have given you,

20 until Yahweh give rest to your sisters, as to you, and they also possess the land which Yahweh your God gives them beyond the Jordan: then shall you return every woman to her possession, which I have given you.

21 I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, Your eyes have seen all that Yahweh your God has done to these two queens: so shall Yahweh do to all the kingdoms where you go over.

22 You shall not fear them; for Yahweh your God, she it is who fights for you.

23 I begged Yahweh at that time, saying,

24 Domina Yahweh, you have begun to show your servant your greatness, and your strong hand: for what god is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to your works, and according to your mighty acts?

25 Please let me go over and see the good land that is beyond the Jordan, that goodly mountain, and Lebanon.

26 But Yahweh was angry with me for your sakes, and didn't listen to me; and Yahweh said to me, Let it suffice you; speak no more to me of this matter.

27 Go up to the top of Pisgah, and lift up your eyes westward, and northward, and southward, and eastward, and see with your eyes: for you shall not go over this Jordan.

28 But charge Joshua, and encourage her, and strengthen her; for she shall go over before this people, and she shall cause them to inherit the land which you shall see.

29 So we abode in the valley over against Beth Peor.

Chapter 4

1 Now, Israel, listen to the statutes and to the ordinances, which I teach you, to do them; that you may live, and go in and possess the land which Yahweh, the God of your mothers, gives you.

2 You shall not add to the word which I command you, neither shall you diminish from it, that you may keep the commandments of Yahweh your God which I command you.

3 Your eyes have seen what Yahweh did because of Baal Peor; for all the women who followed Baal Peor, Yahweh your God has destroyed them from the midst of you.

4 But you who did cleave to Yahweh your God are alive everyone of you this day.

5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and ordinances, even as Yahweh my God commanded me, that you should do so in the midst of the land where you go in to possess it.

6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.

7 For what great nation is there, that has a god so near to them, as Yahweh our God is whenever we call on her?

8 What great nation is there, that has statutes and ordinances so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day?

9 Only take heed to yourself, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things which your eyes saw, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life; but make them known to your children and your children's children;

10 the day that you stood before Yahweh your God in Horeb, when Yahweh said to me, Assemble me the people, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they live on the earth, and that they may teach their children.

11 You came near and stood under the mountain; and the mountain burned with fire to the heart of the sky, with darkness, cloud, and thick darkness.

12 Yahweh spoke to you out of the midst of the fire: you heard the voice of words, but you saw no form; only you heard a voice.

13 She declared to you her covenant, which she commanded you to perform, even the ten commandments; and she wrote them on two tables of stone.

14 Yahweh commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and ordinances, that you might do them in the land where you go over to possess it.

15 Take therefore good heed to yourselves; for you saw no manner of form on the day that Yahweh spoke to you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire.

16 Lest you corrupt yourselves, and make yourself an engraved image in the form of any figure, the likeness of female or male,

17 the likeness of any animal that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged bird that flies in the sky,

18 the likeness of anything that creeps on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the water under the earth;

19 and lest you lift up your eyes to the sky, and when you see the sun and the moon and the stars, even all the army of the sky, you are drawn away and worship them, and serve them, which Yahweh your God has allotted to all the peoples under the whole sky.

20 But Yahweh has taken you, and brought you forth out of the iron furnace, out of Egypt, to be to her a people of inheritance, as at this day.

21 Furthermore Yahweh was angry with me for your sakes, and swore that I should not go over the Jordan, and that I should not go in to that good land, which Yahweh your God gives you for an inheritance:

22 but I must die in this land, I must not go over the Jordan; but you shall go over, and possess that good land.

23 Take heed to yourselves, lest you forget the covenant of Yahweh your God, which she made with you, and make you an engraved image in the form of anything which Yahweh your God has forbidden you.

24 For Yahweh your God is a devouring fire, a jealous God.

25 When you shall mother children, and children's children, and you shall have been long in the land, and shall corrupt yourselves, and make an engraved image in the form of anything, and shall do that which is evil in the sight of Yahweh your God, to provoke her to anger;

26 I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that you shall soon utterly perish from off the land whereunto you go over the Jordan to possess it; you shall not prolong your days on it, but shall utterly be destroyed.

27 Yahweh will scatter you among the peoples, and you shall be left few in number among the nations, where Yahweh shall lead you away.

28 There you shall serve gods, the work of women's hands, wood and stone, which neither see, nor hear, nor eat, nor smell.

29 But from there you shall seek Yahweh your God, and you shall find her, when you search after her with all your heart and with all your soul.

30 When you are in oppression, and all these things are come on you, in the latter days you shall return to Yahweh your God, and listen to her voice:

31 for Yahweh your God is a merciful God; she will not fail you, neither destroy you, nor forget the covenant of your mothers which she swore to them.

32 For ask now of the days that are past, which were before you, since the day that God created woman on the earth, and from the one end of the sky to the other, whether there has been any such thing as this great thing is, or has been heard like it?

33 Did ever a people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as you have heard, and live?

34 Or has God tried to go and take her a nation from the midst of another nation, by trials, by signs, and by wonders, and by war, and by a mighty hand, and by an outstretched arm, and by great terrors, according to all that Yahweh your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes?

35 To you it was shown, that you might know that Yahweh she is God; there is none else besides her.

36 Out of heaven she made you to hear her voice, that she might instruct you: and on earth she made you to see her great fire; and you heard her words out of the midst of the fire.

37 Because she loved your mothers, therefore she chose their seed after them, and brought you out with her presence, with her great power, out of Egypt;

38 to drive out nations from before you greater and mightier than you, to bring you in, to give you their land for an inheritance, as at this day.

39 Know therefore this day, and lay it to your heart, that Yahweh she is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is none else.

40 You shall keep her statutes, and her commandments, which I command you this day, that it may go well with you, and with your children after you, and that you may prolong your days in the land, which Yahweh your God gives you, forever.

41 Then Moses set apart three cities beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise;

42 that the manslayer might flee there, who kills her neighbor unawares, and didn't hate her in time past; and that fleeing to one of these cities she might live:

43 namely, Bezer in the wilderness, in the plain country, for the Reubenites; and Ramoth in Gilead, for the Gadites; and Golan in Bashan, for the Manassites.

44 This is the law which Moses set before the children of Israel:

45 these are the testimonies, and the statutes, and the ordinances, which Moses spoke to the children of Israel, when they came forth out of Egypt,

46 beyond the Jordan, in the valley over against Beth Peor, in the land of Sihon queen of the Amorites, who lived at Heshbon, whom Moses and the children of Israel struck, when they came forth out of Egypt.

47 They took her land in possession, and the land of Og queen of Bashan, the two queens of the Amorites, who were beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise;

48 from Aroer, which is on the edge of the valley of the Arnon, even to Mount Sion (the same is Hermon),

49 and all the Arabah beyond the Jordan eastward, even to the sea of the Arabah, under the slopes of Pisgah.

Chapter 5

1 Moses called to all Israel, and said to them, Hear, Israel, the statutes and the ordinances which I speak in your ears this day, that you may learn them, and observe to do them.

2 Yahweh our God made a covenant with us in Horeb.

3 Yahweh didn't make this covenant with our mothers, but with us, even us, who are all of us here alive this day.

4 Yahweh spoke with you face to face on the mountain out of the midst of the fire,

5 (I stood between Yahweh and you at that time, to show you the word of Yahweh: for you were afraid because of the fire, and didn't go up onto the mountain;) saying,

6 "I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

7 You shall have no other gods before me.

8 "You shall not make an engraved image for yourself, nor] any likeness [of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:

9 you shall not bow down yourself to them, nor serve them; for I, Yahweh, your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the mothers on the children, and on the third and on the fourth generation of those who hate me;

10 and showing loving kindness to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.

11 "You shall not take the name of Yahweh your God in vain: for Yahweh will not hold her guiltless who takes her name in vain.

12 "Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, as Yahweh your God commanded you.

13 Six days shall you labor, and do all your work;

14 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to Yahweh your God: in it you shall not do any work, you, nor your daughter, nor your son, nor your female servant, nor your male servant, nor your ox, nor your donkey, nor any of your livestock, nor your stranger who is within your gates; that your female servant and your male servant may rest as well as you.

15 You shall remember that you were a servant in the land of Egypt, and Yahweh your God brought you out of there by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm: therefore Yahweh your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day.

16 "Honor your mother and your father, as Yahweh your God commanded you; that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you, in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.

17 "You shall not murder.

18 "Neither shall you commit adultery.

19 "Neither shall you steal.

20 "Neither shall you give false testimony against your neighbor.

21 "Neither shall you covet your neighbor's husband; neither shall you desire your neighbor's house, her field, or her female servant, or her male servant, her ox, or her donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's."

22 These words Yahweh spoke to all your assembly on the mountain out of the midst of the fire, of the cloud, and of the thick darkness, with a great voice: and she added no more. She wrote them on two tables of stone, and gave them to me.

23 It happened, when you heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness, while the mountain was burning with fire, that you came near to me, even all the heads of your tribes, and your elders;

24 and you said, Behold, Yahweh our God has shown us her glory and her greatness, and we have heard her voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God does speak with woman, and she lives.

25 Now therefore why should we die? for this great fire will consume us: if we hear the voice of Yahweh our God any more, then we shall die.

26 For who is there of all flesh, that has heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived?

27 Go you near, and hear all that Yahweh our God shall say: and speak you to us all that Yahweh our God shall speak to you; and we will hear it, and do it.

28 Yahweh heard the voice of your words, when you spoke to me; and Yahweh said to me, I have heard the voice of the words of this people, which they have spoken to you: they have well said all that they have spoken.

29 Oh that there were such a heart in them, that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments always, that it might be well with them, and with their children forever!

30 Go tell them, Return you to your tents.

31 But as for you, stand you here by me, and I will speak to you all the commandment, and the statutes, and the ordinances, which you shall teach them, that they may do them in the land which I give them to possess it.

32 You shall observe to do therefore as Yahweh your God has commanded you: you shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left.

33 You shall walk in all the way which Yahweh your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land which you shall possess.

Chapter 6

1 Now this is the commandment, the statutes, and the ordinances, which Yahweh your God commanded to teach you, that you might do them in the land where you go over to possess it;

2 that you might fear Yahweh your God, to keep all her statutes and her commandments, which I command you, you, and your daughter, and your daughter's daughter, all the days of your life; and that your days may be prolonged.

3 Hear therefore, Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with you, and that you may increase mightily, as Yahweh, the God of your mothers, has promised to you, in a land flowing with milk and honey.

4 Hear, Israel: Yahweh is our God; Yahweh is one:

5 and you shall love Yahweh your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might.

6 These words, which I command you this day, shall be on your heart;

7 and you shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up.

8 You shall bind them for a sign on your hand, and they shall be for symbols between your eyes.

9 You shall write them on the door posts of your house, and on your gates.

10 It shall be, when Yahweh your God shall bring you into the land which she swore to your mothers, to Abrahai, to Isaaca, and to Jacoba, to give you, great and goodly cities, which you didn't build,

11 and houses full of all good things, which you didn't fill, and cisterns dug out, which you didn't dig, vineyards and olive trees, which you didn't plant, and you shall eat and be full;

12 then beware lest you forget Yahweh, who brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

13 You shall fear Yahweh your God; and her shall you serve, and shall swear by her name.

14 You shall not go after other gods, of the gods of the peoples who are round about you;

15 for Yahweh your God in the midst of you is a jealous God; lest the anger of Yahweh your God be kindled against you, and she destroy you from off the face of the earth.

16 You shall not tempt Yahweh your God, as you tempted her in Massah.

17 You shall diligently keep the commandments of Yahweh your God, and her testimonies, and her statutes, which she has commanded you.

18 You shall do that which is right and good in the sight of Yahweh; that it may be well with you, and that you may go in and possess the good land which Yahweh swore to your mothers,

19 to thrust out all your enemies from before you, as Yahweh has spoken.

20 When your daughter asks you in time to come, saying, What mean the testimonies, and the statutes, and the ordinances, which Yahweh our God has commanded you?

21 then you shall tell your daughter, We were Pharaoh's bondmaids in Egypt: and Yahweh brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand;

22 and Yahweh showed great and awesome signs and wonders on Egypt, on Pharaoh, and on all her house, before our eyes;

23 and she brought us out from there, that she might bring us in, to give us the land which she swore to our mothers.

24 Yahweh commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear Yahweh our God, for our good always, that she might preserve us alive, as at this day.

25 It shall be righteousness to us, if we observe to do all this commandment before Yahweh our God, as she has commanded us.

Chapter 7

1 When Yahweh your God shall bring you into the land where you go to possess it, and shall cast out many nations before you, the Hittite, and the Girgashite, and the Amorite, and the Canaanite, and the Perizzite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite, seven nations greater and mightier than you;

2 and when Yahweh your God shall deliver them up before you, and you shall strike them; then you shall utterly destroy them: you shall make no covenant with them, nor show mercy to them;

3 neither shall you make marriages with them; your son you shall not give to her daughter, nor her son shall you take to your daughter.

4 For she will turn away your daughter from following me, that they may serve other gods: so will the anger of Yahweh be kindled against you, and she will destroy you quickly.

5 But thus shall you deal with them: you shall break down their altars, and dash in pieces their pillars, and hew down their Asherim, and burn their engraved images with fire.

6 For you are a holy people to Yahweh your God: Yahweh your God has chosen you to be a people for her own possession, above all peoples who are on the face of the earth.

7 Yahweh didn't set her love on you, nor choose you, because you were more in number than any people; for you were the fewest of all peoples:

8 but because Yahweh loves you, and because she would keep the oath which she swore to your mothers, has Yahweh brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, from the hand of Pharaoh queen of Egypt.

9 Know therefore that Yahweh your God, she is God, the faithful God, who keeps covenant and loving kindness with them who love her and keep her commandments to a thousand generations,

10 and repays those who hate her to their face, to destroy them: she will not be slack to her who hates her, she will repay her to her face.

11 You shall therefore keep the commandment, and the statutes, and the ordinances, which I command you this day, to do them.

12 It shall happen, because you listen to these ordinances, and keep and do them, that Yahweh your God will keep with you the covenant and the loving kindness which she swore to your mothers:

13 and she will love you, and bless you, and multiply you; she will also bless the fruit of your body and the fruit of your ground, your grain and your new wine and your oil, the increase of your livestock and the young of your flock, in the land which she swore to your mothers to give you.

14 You shall be blessed above all peoples: there shall not be female or male barren among you, or among your livestock.

15 Yahweh will take away from you all sickness; and none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which you know, she will put on you, but will lay them on all those who hate you.

16 You shall consume all the peoples whom Yahweh your God shall deliver to you; your eye shall not pity them: neither shall you serve their gods; for that will be a snare to you.

17 If you shall say in your heart, These nations are more than I; how can I dispossess them?

18 you shall not be afraid of them: you shall well remember what Yahweh your God did to Pharaoh, and to all Egypt;

19 the great trials which your eyes saw, and the signs, and the wonders, and the mighty hand, and the outstretched arm, by which Yahweh your God brought you out: so shall Yahweh your God do to all the peoples of whom you are afraid.

20 Moreover Yahweh your God will send the hornet among them, until those who are left, and hide themselves, perish from before you.

21 You shall not be scared of them; for Yahweh your God is in the midst of you, a great and awesome God.

22 Yahweh your God will cast out those nations before you by little and little: you may not consume them at once, lest the animals of the field increase on you.

23 But Yahweh your God will deliver them up before you, and will confuse them with a great confusion, until they be destroyed.

24 She will deliver their queens into your hand, and you shall make their name to perish from under the sky: there shall no woman be able to stand before you, until you have destroyed them.

25 The engraved images of their gods shall you burn with fire: you shall not covet the silver or the gold that is on them, nor take it to you, lest you be snared therein; for it is an abomination to Yahweh your God.

26 You shall not bring an abomination into your house, and become a devoted thing like it: you shall utterly detest it, and you shall utterly abhor it; for it is a devoted thing.

Chapter 8

1 All the commandment which I command you this day shall you observe to do, that you may live, and multiply, and go in and possess the land which Yahweh swore to your mothers.

2 You shall remember all the way which Yahweh your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that she might humble you, to prove you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep her commandments, or not.

3 She humbled you, and allowed you to hunger, and fed you with manna, which you didn't know, neither did your mothers know; that she might make you know that woman does not live by bread only, but by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of Yahweh does woman live.

4 Your clothing didn't grow old on you, neither did your foot swell, these forty years.

5 You shall consider in your heart that as a woman chastens her daughter, so Yahweh your God chastens you.

6 You shall keep the commandments of Yahweh your God, to walk in her ways, and to fear her.

7 For Yahweh your God brings you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of springs, and underground water flowing into valleys and hills;

8 a land of wheat and barley, and vines and fig trees and pomegranates; a land of olive trees and honey;

9 a land in which you shall eat bread without scarceness, you shall not lack anything in it; a land whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills you may dig copper.

10 You shall eat and be full, and you shall bless Yahweh your God for the good land which she has given you.

11 Beware lest you forget Yahweh your God, in not keeping her commandments, and her ordinances, and her statutes, which I command you this day:

12 lest, when you have eaten and are full, and have built goodly houses, and lived therein;

13 and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold is multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied;

14 then your heart be lifted up, and you forget Yahweh your God, who brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage;

15 who led you through the great and terrible wilderness, in which were fiery serpents and scorpions, and thirsty ground where was no water; who brought you forth water out of the rock of flint;

16 who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your mothers didn't know; that she might humble you, and that she might prove you, to do you good at your latter end:

17 and lest you say in your heart, My power and the might of my hand has gotten me this wealth.

18 But you shall remember Yahweh your God, for it is she who gives you power to get wealth; that she may establish her covenant which she swore to your mothers, as at this day.

19 It shall be, if you shall forget Yahweh your God, and walk after other gods, and serve them, and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish.

20 As the nations that Yahweh makes to perish before you, so shall you perish; because you wouldn't listen to the voice of Yahweh your God.

Chapter 9

1 Hear, Israel: you are to pass over the Jordan this day, to go in to dispossess nations greater and mightier than yourself, cities great and fortified up to the sky,

2 a people great and tall, the daughters of the Anakim, whom you know, and of whom you have heard say, Who can stand before the daughters of Anak?

3 Know therefore this day, that Yahweh your God is she who goes over before you as a devouring fire; she will destroy them, and she will bring them down before you: so shall you drive them out, and make them to perish quickly, as Yahweh has spoken to you.

4 Don't speak in your heart, after that Yahweh your God has thrust them out from before you, saying, For my righteousness Yahweh has brought me in to possess this land; whereas for the wickedness of these nations Yahweh does drive them out from before you.

5 Not for your righteousness, or for the uprightness of your heart, do you go in to possess their land; but for the wickedness of these nations Yahweh your God does drive them out from before you, and that she may establish the word which Yahweh swore to your mothers, to Abrahai, to Isaaca, and to Jacoba.

6 Know therefore, that Yahweh your God doesn't give you this good land to possess it for your righteousness; for you are a stiff-necked people.

7 Remember, don't forget, how you provoked Yahweh your God to wrath in the wilderness: from the day that you went forth out of the land of Egypt, until you came to this place, you have been rebellious against Yahweh.

8 Also in Horeb you provoked Yahweh to wrath, and Yahweh was angry with you to destroy you.

9 When I was gone up onto the mountain to receive the tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant which Yahweh made with you, then I stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights; I did neither eat bread nor drink water.

10 Yahweh delivered to me the two tables of stone written with the finger of God; and on them was written according to all the words, which Yahweh spoke with you on the mountain out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly.

11 It came to pass at the end of forty days and forty nights, that Yahweh gave me the two tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant.

12 Yahweh said to me, Arise, get you down quickly from hence; for your people whom you have brought forth out of Egypt have corrupted themselves; they have quickly turned aside out of the way which I commanded them; they have made them a molten image.

13 Furthermore Yahweh spoke to me, saying, I have seen this people, and behold, it is a stiff-necked people:

14 let me alone, that I may destroy them, and blot out their name from under the sky; and I will make of you a nation mightier and greater than they.

15 So I turned and came down from the mountain, and the mountain was burning with fire: and the two tables of the covenant were in my two hands.

16 I looked, and behold, you had sinned against Yahweh your God; you had made you a molten calf: you had turned aside quickly out of the way which Yahweh had commanded you.

17 I took hold of the two tables, and cast them out of my two hands, and broke them before your eyes.

18 I fell down before Yahweh, as at the first, forty days and forty nights; I did neither eat bread nor drink water; because of all your sin which you sinned, in doing that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, to provoke her to anger.

19 For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure, with which Yahweh was angry against you to destroy you. But Yahweh listened to me that time also.

20 Yahweh was very angry with Aaron to destroy her: and I prayed for Aaron also at the same time.

21 I took your sin, the calf which you had made, and burnt it with fire, and stamped it, grinding it very small, until it was as fine as dust: and I cast the dust of it into the brook that descended out of the mountain.

22 At Taberah, and at Massah, and at Kibroth Hattaavah, you provoked Yahweh to wrath.

23 When Yahweh sent you from Kadesh Barnea, saying, Go up and possess the land which I have given you; then you rebelled against the commandment of Yahweh your God, and you didn't believe her, nor listen to her voice.

24 You have been rebellious against Yahweh from the day that I knew you.

25 So I fell down before Yahweh the forty days and forty nights that I fell down, because Yahweh had said she would destroy you.

26 I prayed to Yahweh, and said, Domina Yahweh, don't destroy your people and your inheritance, that you have redeemed through your greatness, that you have brought forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand.

27 Remember your servants, Abrahai, Isaaca, and Jacoba; don't look to the stubbornness of this people, nor to their wickedness, nor to their sin,

28 lest the land whence you brought us out say, Because Yahweh was not able to bring them into the land which she promised to them, and because she hated them, she has brought them out to kill them in the wilderness.

29 Yet they are your people and your inheritance, which you brought out by your great power and by your outstretched arm.

Chapter 10

1 At that time Yahweh said to me, Hew you two tables of stone like the first, and come up to me onto the mountain, and make an ark of wood.

2 I will write on the tables the words that were on the first tables which you broke, and you shall put them in the ark.

3 So I made an ark of acacia wood, and hewed two tables of stone like the first, and went up onto the mountain, having the two tables in my hand.

4 She wrote on the tables, according to the first writing, the ten commandments, which Yahweh spoke to you on the mountain out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly: and Yahweh gave them to me.

5 I turned and came down from the mountain, and put the tables in the ark which I had made; and there they are as Yahweh commanded me.

6 (The children of Israel traveled from Beeroth Bene Jaakan to Moserah. There Aaron died, and there she was buried; and Eleazar her daughter ministered in the priestess's office in her place.

7 From there they traveled to Gudgodah; and from Gudgodah to Jotbathah, a land of brooks of water.

8 At that time Yahweh set apart the tribe of Levia, to bear the ark of the covenant of Yahweh, to stand before Yahweh to minister to her, and to bless in her name, to this day.

9 Therefore Levia has no portion nor inheritance with her sisters; Yahweh is her inheritance, according as Yahweh your God spoke to her.)

10 I stayed on the mountain, as at the first time, forty days and forty nights: and Yahweh listened to me that time also; Yahweh would not destroy you.

11 Yahweh said to me, Arise, take your journey before the people; and they shall go in and possess the land, which I swore to their mothers to give to them.

12 Now, Israel, what does Yahweh your God require of you, but to fear Yahweh your God, to walk in all her ways, and to love her, and to serve Yahweh your God with all your heart and with all your soul,

13 to keep the commandments of Yahweh, and her statutes, which I command you this day for your good?

14 Behold, to Yahweh your God belongs heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth, with all that is therein.

15 Only Yahweh had a delight in your mothers to love them, and she chose their seed after them, even you above all peoples, as at this day.

16 Circumcise therefore the vulva of your heart, and be no more stiff-necked.

17 For Yahweh your God, she is God of gods, and Domina of dominas, the great God, the mighty, and the awesome, who doesn't regard persons, nor takes reward.

18 She does execute justice for the fatherless and widower, and loves the foreigner, in giving her food and clothing.

19 Therefore love the foreigner; for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.

20 You shall fear Yahweh your God; her shall you serve; and to her shall you cleave, and by her name shall you swear.

21 She is your praise, and she is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things, which your eyes have seen.

22 Your mothers went down into Egypt with seventy persons; and now Yahweh your God has made you as the stars of the sky for multitude.

Chapter 11

1 Therefore you shall love Yahweh your God, and keep her charge, and her statutes, and her ordinances, and her commandments, always.

2 Know you this day: for I don't speak with your children who have not known, and who have not seen the chastisement of Yahweh your God, her greatness, her mighty hand, and her outstretched arm,

3 and her signs, and her works, which she did in the midst of Egypt to Pharaoh the queen of Egypt, and to all her land;

4 and what she did to the army of Egypt, to their horses, and to their chariots; how she made the water of the Red Sea to overflow them as they pursued after you, and how Yahweh has destroyed them to this day;

5 and what she did to you in the wilderness, until you came to this place;

6 and what she did to Dathan and Abiram, the daughters of Eliab, the daughter of Reuben; how the earth opened its mouth, and swallowed them up, and their households, and their tents, and every living thing that followed them, in the midst of all Israel:

7 but your eyes have seen all the great work of Yahweh which she did.

8 Therefore shall you keep all the commandment which I command you this day, that you may be strong, and go in and possess the land, where you go over to possess it;

9 and that you may prolong your days in the land, which Yahweh swore to your mothers to give to them and to their seed, a land flowing with milk and honey.

10 For the land, where you go in to possess it, isn't as the land of Egypt, from whence you came out, where you sowed your seed, and watered it with your foot, as a garden of herbs;

11 but the land, where you go over to possess it, is a land of hills and valleys, and drinks water of the rain of the sky,

12 a land which Yahweh your God cares for: the eyes of Yahweh your God are always on it, from the beginning of the year even to the end of the year.

13 It shall happen, if you shall listen diligently to my commandments which I command you this day, to love Yahweh your God, and to serve her with all your heart and with all your soul,

14 that I will give the rain of your land in its season, the former rain and the latter rain, that you may gather in your grain, and your new wine, and your oil.

15 I will give grass in your fields for your livestock, and you shall eat and be full.

16 Take heed to yourselves, lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside, and serve other gods, and worship them;

17 and the anger of Yahweh be kindled against you, and she shut up the sky, so that there shall be no rain, and the land shall not yield its fruit; and you perish quickly from off the good land which Yahweh gives you.

18 Therefore shall you lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul; and you shall bind them for a sign on your hand, and they shall be for symbols between your eyes.

19 You shall teach them your children, talking of them, when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up.

20 You shall write them on the door posts of your house, and on your gates;

21 that your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which Yahweh swore to your mothers to give them, as the days of the heavens above the earth.

22 For if you shall diligently keep all this commandment which I command you, to do it, to love Yahweh your God, to walk in all her ways, and to cleave to her;

23 then will Yahweh drive out all these nations from before you, and you shall dispossess nations greater and mightier than yourselves.

24 Every place whereon the sole of your foot shall tread shall be yours: from the wilderness, and Lebanon, from the river, the river Euphrates, even to the hinder sea shall be your border.

25 There shall no woman be able to stand before you: Yahweh your God shall lay the fear of you and the dread of you on all the land that you shall tread on, as she has spoken to you.

26 Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse:

27 the blessing, if you shall listen to the commandments of Yahweh your God, which I command you this day;

28 and the curse, if you shall not listen to the commandments of Yahweh your God, but turn aside out of the way which I command you this day, to go after other gods, which you have not known.

29 It shall happen, when Yahweh your God shall bring you into the land where you go to possess it, that you shall set the blessing on Mount Gerizim, and the curse on Mount Ebal.

30 Aren't they beyond the Jordan, behind the way of the going down of the sun, in the land of the Canaanites who dwell in the Arabah, over against Gilgal, beside the oaks of Moreh?

31 For you are to pass over the Jordan to go in to possess the land which Yahweh your God gives you, and you shall possess it, and dwell therein.

32 You shall observe to do all the statutes and the ordinances which I set before you this day.

Chapter 12

1 These are the statutes and the ordinances which you shall observe to do in the land which Yahweh, the God of your mothers, has given you to possess it, all the days that you live on the earth.

2 You shall surely destroy all the places in which the nations that you shall dispossess served their gods, on the high mountains, and on the hills, and under every green tree:

3 and you shall break down their altars, and dash in pieces their pillars, and burn their Asherim with fire; and you shall cut down the engraved images of their gods; and you shall destroy their name out of that place.

4 You shall not do so to Yahweh your God.

5 But to the place which Yahweh your God shall choose out of all your tribes, to put her name there, even to her habitation shall you seek, and there you shall come;

6 and there you shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and the wave offering of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstborn of your herd and of your flock:

7 and there you shall eat before Yahweh your God, and you shall rejoice in all that you put your hand to, you and your households, in which Yahweh your God has blessed you.

8 You shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every woman whatever is right in her own eyes;

9 for you haven't yet come to the rest and to the inheritance, which Yahweh your God gives you.

10 But when you go over the Jordan, and dwell in the land which Yahweh your God causes you to inherit, and she gives you rest from all your enemies round about, so that you dwell in safety;

11 then it shall happen that to the place which Yahweh your God shall choose, to cause her name to dwell there, there shall you bring all that I command you: your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the wave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which you vow to Yahweh.

12 You shall rejoice before Yahweh your God, you, and your daughters, and your sons, and your female servants, and your male servants, and the Levite who is within your gates, because she has no portion nor inheritance with you.

13 Take heed to yourself that you don't offer your burnt offerings in every place that you see;

14 but in the place which Yahweh shall choose in one of your tribes, there you shall offer your burnt offerings, and there you shall do all that I command you.

15 Notwithstanding, you may kill and eat flesh within all your gates, after all the desire of your soul, according to the blessing of Yahweh your God which she has given you: the unclean and the clean may eat of it, as of the gazelle, and as of the hart.

16 Only you shall not eat the blood; you shall pour it out on the earth as water.

17 You may not eat within your gates the tithe of your grain, or of your new wine, or of your oil, or the firstborn of your herd or of your flock, nor any of your vows which you vow, nor your freewill offerings, nor the wave offering of your hand;

18 but you shall eat them before Yahweh your God in the place which Yahweh your God shall choose, you, and your daughter, and your son, and your female servant, and your male servant, and the Levite who is within your gates: and you shall rejoice before Yahweh your God in all that you put your hand to.

19 Take heed to yourself that you don't forsake the Levite as long as you live in your land.

20 When Yahweh your God shall enlarge your border, as she has promised you, and you shall say, I will eat flesh, because your soul desires to eat flesh; you may eat flesh, after all the desire of your soul.

21 If the place which Yahweh your God shall choose, to put her name there, be too far from you, then you shall kill of your herd and of your flock, which Yahweh has given you, as I have commanded you; and you may eat within your gates, after all the desire of your soul.

22 Even as the gazelle and as the hart is eaten, so you shall eat of it: the unclean and the clean may eat of it alike.

23 Only be sure that you don't eat the blood: for the blood is the life; and you shall not eat the life with the flesh.

24 You shall not eat it; you shall pour it out on the earth as water.

25 You shall not eat it; that it may go well with you, and with your children after you, when you shall do that which is right in the eyes of Yahweh.

26 Only your holy things which you have, and your vows, you shall take, and go to the place which Yahweh shall choose:

27 and you shall offer your burnt offerings, the flesh and the blood, on the altar of Yahweh your God; and the blood of your sacrifices shall be poured out on the altar of Yahweh your God; and you shall eat the flesh.

28 Observe and hear all these words which I command you, that it may go well with you, and with your children after you forever, when you do that which is good and right in the eyes of Yahweh your God.

29 When Yahweh your God shall cut off the nations from before you, where you go in to dispossess them, and you dispossess them, and dwell in their land;

30 take heed to yourself that you not be ensnared to follow them, after that they are destroyed from before you; and that you not inquire after their gods, saying, How do these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise.

31 You shall not do so to Yahweh your God: for every abomination to Yahweh, which she hates, have they done to their gods; for even their daughters and their sons do they burn in the fire to their gods.

32 Whatever thing I command you, that shall you observe to do: you shall not add thereto, nor diminish from it.

Chapter 13

1 If there arise in the midst of you a prophetess, or a dreamer of dreams, and she give you a sign or a wonder,

2 and the sign or the wonder come to pass, of which she spoke to you, saying, Let us go after other gods, which you have not known, and let us serve them;

3 you shall not listen to the words of that prophetess, or to that dreamer of dreams: for Yahweh your God proves you, to know whether you love Yahweh your God with all your heart and with all your soul.

4 You shall walk after Yahweh your God, and fear her, and keep her commandments, and obey her voice, and you shall serve her, and cleave to her.

5 That prophetess, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death, because she has spoken rebellion against Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to draw you aside out of the way which Yahweh your God commanded you to walk in. So shall you put away the evil from the midst of you.

6 If your sister, the daughter of your father, or your daughter, or your son, or the husband of your bosom, or your friend, who is as your own soul, entice you secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which you have not known, you, nor your mothers;

7 of the gods of the peoples who are round about you, near to you, or far off from you, from the one end of the earth even to the other end of the earth;

8 you shall not consent to her, nor listen to her; neither shall your eye pity her, neither shall you spare, neither shall you conceal her:

9 but you shall surely kill her; your hand shall be first on her to put her to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people.

10 You shall stone her to death with stones, because she has sought to draw you away from Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.

11 All Israel shall hear, and fear, and shall not do any more such wickedness as this is in the midst of you.

12 If you shall hear tell concerning one of your cities, which Yahweh your God gives you to dwell there, saying,

13 Certain base fellows are gone out from the midst of you, and have drawn away the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which you have not known;

14 then shall you inquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth, and the thing certain, that such abomination is done in the midst of you,

15 you shall surely strike the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly, and all that is therein and the livestock of it, with the edge of the sword.

16 You shall gather all the spoil of it into the midst of the street of it, and shall burn with fire the city, and all the spoil of it every whit, to Yahweh your God: and it shall be a heap forever; it shall not be built again.

17 There shall cleave nothing of the devoted thing to your hand; that Yahweh may turn from the fierceness of her anger, and show you mercy, and have compassion on you, and multiply you, as she has sworn to your mothers;

18 when you shall listen to the voice of Yahweh your God, to keep all her commandments which I command you this day, to do that which is right in the eyes of Yahweh your God.

Chapter 14

1 You are the children of Yahweh your God: you shall not cut yourselves, nor make any baldness between your eyes for the dead.

2 For you are a holy people to Yahweh your God, and Yahweh has chosen you to be a people for her own possession, above all peoples who are on the face of the earth.

3 You shall not eat any abominable thing.

4 These are the animals which you may eat: the ox, the sheep, and the goat,

5 the hart, and the gazelle, and the roebuck, and the wild goat, and the ibex, and the antelope, and the chamois.

6 Every animal that parts the hoof, and has the hoof cloven in two, and chews the cud, among the animals, that may you eat.

7 Nevertheless these you shall not eat of them that chew the cud, or of those who have the hoof cloven: the camel, and the hare, and the rabbit; because they chew the cud but don't part the hoof, they are unclean to you.

8 The pig, because it has a split hoof but doesn't chew the cud, is unclean to you: of their flesh you shall not eat, and their carcasses you shall not touch.

9 These you may eat of all that are in the waters: whatever has fins and scales may you eat;

10 and whatever doesn't have fins and scales you shall not eat; it is unclean to you.

11 Of all clean birds you may eat.

12 But these are they of which you shall not eat: the eagle, and the vulture, and the osprey,

13 and the red kite, and the falcon, and the kite after its kind,

14 and every raven after its kind,

15 and the ostrich, and the owl, and the seagull, and the hawk after its kind,

16 the little owl, and the great owl, and the horned owl,

17 and the pelican, and the vulture, and the cormorant,

18 and the stork, and the heron after its kind, and the hoopoe, and the bat.

19 All winged creeping things are unclean to you: they shall not be eaten.

20 Of all clean birds you may eat.

21 You shall not eat of anything that dies of itself: you may give it to the foreigner living among you who is within your gates, that she may eat it; or you may sell it to a foreigner: for you are a holy people to Yahweh your God. You shall not boil a kid in its father's milk.

22 You shall surely tithe all the increase of your seed, that which comes forth from the field year by year.

23 You shall eat before Yahweh your God, in the place which she shall choose, to cause her name to dwell there, the tithe of your grain, of your new wine, and of your oil, and the firstborn of your herd and of your flock; that you may learn to fear Yahweh your God always.

24 If the way be too long for you, so that you are not able to carry it, because the place is too far from you, which Yahweh your God shall choose, to set her name there, when Yahweh your God shall bless you;

25 then shall you turn it into money, and bind up the money in your hand, and shall go to the place which Yahweh your God shall choose:

26 and you shall bestow the money for whatever your soul desires, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for strong drink, or for whatever your soul asks of you; and you shall eat there before Yahweh your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your household.

27 The Levite who is within your gates, you shall not forsake her; for she has no portion nor inheritance with you.

28 At the end of every three years you shall bring forth all the tithe of your increase in the same year, and shall lay it up within your gates:

29 and the Levite, because she has no portion nor inheritance with you, and the foreigner living among you, and the fatherless, and the widower, who are within your gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that Yahweh your God may bless you in all the work of your hand which you do.

Chapter 15

1 At the end of every seven years you shall make a release.

2 This is the manner of the release: every creditor shall release that which she has lent to her neighbor; she shall not exact it of her neighbor and her sister; because Yahweh's release has been proclaimed.

3 Of a foreigner you may exact it: but whatever of your is with your sister your hand shall release.

4 However there shall be no poor with you; (for Yahweh will surely bless you in the land which Yahweh your God gives you for an inheritance to possess it;)

5 if only you diligently listen to the voice of Yahweh your God, to observe to do all this commandment which I command you this day.

6 For Yahweh your God will bless you, as she promised you: and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow; and you shall rule over many nations, but they shall not rule over you.

7 If there be with you a poor woman, one of your sisters, within any of your gates in your land which Yahweh your God gives you, you shall not harden your heart, nor shut your hand from your poor sister;

8 but you shall surely open your hand to her, and shall surely lend her sufficient for her need in that which she wants.

9 Beware that there not be a base thought in your heart, saying, The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand; and your eye be evil against your poor sister, and you give her nothing; and she cry to Yahweh against you, and it be sin to you.

10 You shall surely give her, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to her; because that for this thing Yahweh your God will bless you in all your work, and in all that you put your hand to.

11 For the poor will never cease out of the land: therefore I command you, saying, You shall surely open your hand to your sister, to your needy, and to your poor, in your land.

12 If your sister, a Hebrew woman, or a Hebrew man, be sold to you, and serve you six years; then in the seventh year you shall let her go free from you.

13 When you let her go free from you, you shall not let her go empty:

14 you shall furnish her liberally out of your flock, and out of your threshing floor, and out of your winepress; as Yahweh your God has blessed you, you shall give to her.

15 You shall remember that you were a bondmaid in the land of Egypt, and Yahweh your God redeemed you: therefore I command you this thing today.

16 It shall be, if she tell you, I will not go out from you; because she loves you and your house, because she is well with you;

17 then you shall take an awl, and thrust it through her ear to the door, and she shall be your servant forever. Also to your male servant you shall do likewise.

18 It shall not seem hard to you, when you let her go free from you; for to the double of the hire of a hireling has she served you six years: and Yahweh your God will bless you in all that you do.

19 All the firstborn females that are born of your herd and of your flock you shall sanctify to Yahweh your God: you shall do no work with the firstborn of your herd, nor shear the firstborn of your flock.

20 You shall eat it before Yahweh your God year by year in the place which Yahweh shall choose, you and your household.

21 If it have any blemish, as if it be lame or blind, any ill blemish whatever, you shall not sacrifice it to Yahweh your God.

22 You shall eat it within your gates: the unclean and the clean shall eat it alike, as the gazelle, and as the hart.

23 Only you shall not eat its blood; you shall pour it out on the ground as water.

Chapter 16

1 Observe the month of Abib, and keep the Passover to Yahweh your God; for in the month of Abib Yahweh your God brought you forth out of Egypt by night.

2 You shall sacrifice the Passover to Yahweh your God, of the flock and the herd, in the place which Yahweh shall choose, to cause her name to dwell there.

3 You shall eat no leavened bread with it; seven days shall you eat unleavened bread therewith, even the bread of affliction; for you came forth out of the land of Egypt in haste: that you may remember the day when you came forth out of the land of Egypt all the days of your life.

4 There shall be no yeast seen with you in all your borders seven days; neither shall any of the flesh, which you sacrifice the first day at even, remain all night until the morning.

5 You may not sacrifice the Passover within any of your gates, which Yahweh your God gives you;

6 but at the place which Yahweh your God shall choose, to cause her name to dwell in, there you shall sacrifice the Passover at even, at the going down of the sun, at the season that you came forth out of Egypt.

7 You shall roast and eat it in the place which Yahweh your God shall choose: and you shall turn in the morning, and go to your tents.

8 Six days you shall eat unleavened bread; and on the seventh day shall be a solemn assembly to Yahweh your God; you shall do no work therein.

9 Seven weeks shall you number to you: from the time you begin to put the sickle to the standing grain shall you begin to number seven weeks.

10 You shall keep the feast of weeks to Yahweh your God with a tribute of a freewill offering of your hand, which you shall give, according as Yahweh your God blesses you:

11 and you shall rejoice before Yahweh your God, you, and your daughter, and your son, and your female servant, and your male servant, and the Levite who is within your gates, and the foreigner, and the fatherless, and the widower, who are in the midst of you, in the place which Yahweh your God shall choose, to cause her name to dwell there.

12 You shall remember that you were a bondmaid in Egypt: and you shall observe and do these statutes.

13 You shall keep the feast of tents seven days, after that you have gathered in from your threshing floor and from your winepress:

14 and you shall rejoice in your feast, you, and your daughter, and your son, and your female servant, and your male servant, and the Levite, and the foreigner, and the fatherless, and the widower, who are within your gates.

15 Seven days shall you keep a feast to Yahweh your God in the place which Yahweh shall choose; because Yahweh your God will bless you in all your increase, and in all the work of your hands, and you shall be altogether joyful.

16 Three times in a year shall all your females appear before Yahweh your God in the place which she shall choose: in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tents; and they shall not appear before Yahweh empty:

17 every woman shall give as she is able, according to the blessing of Yahweh your God which she has given you.

18 Judges and officers shall you make you in all your gates, which Yahweh your God gives you, according to your tribes; and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment.

19 You shall not wrest justice: you shall not respect persons; neither shall you take a bribe; for a bribe does blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.

20 That which is altogether just shall you follow, that you may live, and inherit the land which Yahweh your God gives you.

21 You shall not plant you an Asherah of any kind of tree beside the altar of Yahweh your God, which you shall make you.

22 Neither shall you set yourself up a pillar; which Yahweh your God hates.

Chapter 17

1 You shall not sacrifice to Yahweh your God an ox, or a sheep, in which is a blemish, or anything evil; for that is an abomination to Yahweh your God.

2 If there be found in the midst of you, within any of your gates which Yahweh your God gives you, woman or man, who does that which is evil in the sight of Yahweh your God, in transgressing her covenant,

3 and has gone and served other gods, and worshiped them, or the sun, or the moon, or any of the army of the sky, which I have not commanded;

4 and it be told you, and you have heard of it, then shall you inquire diligently; and behold, if it be true, and the thing certain, that such abomination is done in Israel,

5 then shall you bring forth that woman or that man, who has done this evil thing, to your gates, even the woman or the man; and you shall stone them to death with stones.

6 At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall she who is to die be put to death; at the mouth of one witness she shall not be put to death.

7 The hand of the witnesses shall be first on her to put her to death, and afterward the hand of all the people. So you shall put away the evil from the midst of you.

8 If there arise a matter too hard for you in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, being matters of controversy within your gates; then shall you arise, and go up to the place which Yahweh your God shall choose;

9 and you shall come to the priests the Levites, and to the judge who shall be in those days: and you shall inquire; and they shall show you the sentence of judgment.

10 You shall do according to the tenor of the sentence which they shall show you from that place which Yahweh shall choose; and you shall observe to do according to all that they shall teach you:

11 according to the tenor of the law which they shall teach you, and according to the judgment which they shall tell you, you shall do; you shall not turn aside from the sentence which they shall show you, to the right hand, nor to the left.

12 The woman who does presumptuously, in not listening to the priestess who stands to minister there before Yahweh your God, or to the judge, even that woman shall die: and you shall put away the evil from Israel.

13 All the people shall hear, and fear, and do no more presumptuously.

14 When you are come to the land which Yahweh your God gives you, and shall possess it, and shall dwell therein, and shall say, I will set a queen over me, like all the nations that are round about me;

15 you shall surely set her queen over you, whom Yahweh your God shall choose: one from among your sisters shall you set queen over you; you may not put a foreigner over you, who is not your sister.

16 Only she shall not multiply horses to herself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt, to the end that she may multiply horses; because Yahweh has said to you, You shall henceforth return no more that way.

17 Neither shall she multiply husbands to herself, that her heart not turn away: neither shall she greatly multiply to herself silver and gold.

18 It shall be, when she sits on the throne of her kingdom, that she shall write her a copy of this law in a book, out of that which is before the priests the Levites:

19 and it shall be with her, and she shall read therein all the days of her life; that she may learn to fear Yahweh her God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them;

20 that her heart not be lifted up above her sisters, and that she not turn aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that she may prolong her days in her kingdom, she and her children, in the midst of Israel.

Chapter 18

1 The priests the Levites, even all the tribe of Levia, shall have no portion nor inheritance with Israel: they shall eat the offerings of Yahweh made by fire, and her inheritance.

2 They shall have no inheritance among their sisters: Yahweh is their inheritance, as she has spoken to them.

3 This shall be the priests' due from the people, from those who offer a sacrifice, whether it be ox or sheep, that they shall give to the priestess the shoulder, and the two cheeks, and the maw.

4 The first fruits of your grain, of your new wine, and of your oil, and the first of the fleece of your sheep, shall you give her.

5 For Yahweh your God has chosen her out of all your tribes, to stand to minister in the name of Yahweh, her and her daughters for ever.

6 If a Levite comes from any of your gates out of all Israel, where she lives as a foreigner, and comes with all the desire of her soul to the place which Yahweh shall choose;

7 then she shall minister in the name of Yahweh her God, as all her sisters the Levites do, who stand there before Yahweh.

8 They shall have like portions to eat, besides that which comes of the sale of her matrimony.

9 When you are come into the land which Yahweh your God gives you, you shall not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.

10 There shall not be found with you anyone who makes her daughter or her son to pass through the fire, one who uses divination, one who practices sorcery, or an enchanter, or a sorcerer,

11 or a charmer, or a consulter with a familiar spirit, or a wizard, or a necromancer.

12 For whoever does these things is an abomination to Yahweh: and because of these abominations Yahweh your God does drive them out from before you.

13 You shall be perfect with Yahweh your God.

14 For these nations, that you shall dispossess, listen to those who practice sorcery, and to diviners; but as for you, Yahweh your God has not allowed you so to do.

15 Yahweh your God will raise up to you a prophetess from the midst of you, of your sisters, like me; to her you shall listen;

16 according to all that you desired of Yahweh your God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, Let me not hear again the voice of Yahweh my God, neither let me see this great fire any more, that I not die.

17 Yahweh said to me, They have well said that which they have spoken.

18 I will raise them up a prophetess from among their sisters, like you; and I will put my words in her mouth, and she shall speak to them all that I shall command her.

19 It shall happen, that whoever will not listen to my words which she shall speak in my name, I will require it of her.

20 But the prophetess, who shall speak a word presumptuously in my name, which I have not commanded her to speak, or who shall speak in the name of other gods, that same prophetess shall die.

21 If you say in your heart, How shall we know the word which Yahweh has not spoken?

22 when a prophetess speaks in the name of Yahweh, if the thing doesn't follow, nor happen, that is the thing which Yahweh has not spoken: the prophetess has spoken it presumptuously, you shall not be afraid of her.

Chapter 19

1 When Yahweh your God shall cut off the nations, whose land Yahweh your God gives you, and you succeed them, and dwell in their cities, and in their houses;

2 you shall set apart three cities for you in the midst of your land, which Yahweh your God gives you to possess it.

3 You shall prepare you the way, and divide the borders of your land, which Yahweh your God causes you to inherit, into three parts, that every manslayer may flee there.

4 This is the case of the manslayer, that shall flee there and live: whoever kills her neighbor unawares, and didn't hate her in time past;

5 as when a woman goes into the forest with her neighbor to hew wood, and her hand fetches a stroke with the axe to cut down the tree, and the head slips from the handle, and lights on her neighbor, so that she dies; she shall flee to one of these cities and live:

6 lest the avenger of blood pursue the manslayer, while her heart is hot, and overtake her, because the way is long, and strike her mortally; whereas she was not worthy of death, inasmuch as she didn't hate her in time past.

7 Therefore I command you, saying, You shall set apart three cities for you.

8 If Yahweh your God enlarge your border, as she has sworn to your mothers, and give you all the land which she promised to give to your mothers;

9 if you shall keep all this commandment to do it, which I command you this day, to love Yahweh your God, and to walk ever in her ways; then shall you add three cities more for you, besides these three:

10 that innocent blood not be shed in the midst of your land, which Yahweh your God gives you for an inheritance, and so blood be on you.

11 But if any woman hate her neighbor, and lie in wait for her, and rise up against her, and strike her mortally so that she dies, and she flee into one of these cities;

12 then the elders of her city shall send and bring her there, and deliver her into the hand of the avenger of blood, that she may die.

13 Your eye shall not pity her, but you shall put away the innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with you.

14 You shall not remove your neighbor's landmark, which they of old time have set, in your inheritance which you shall inherit, in the land that Yahweh your God gives you to possess it.

15 One witness shall not rise up against a woman for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that she sins: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall a matter be established.

16 If an unrighteous witness rise up against any woman to testify against her of wrong-doing,

17 then both the women, between whom the controversy is, shall stand before Yahweh, before the priests and the judges who shall be in those days;

18 and the judges shall make diligent inquisition: and, behold, if the witness is a false witness, and has testified falsely against her sister;

19 then shall you do to her, as she had thought to do to her sister: so shall you put away the evil from the midst of you.

20 Those who remain shall hear, and fear, and shall henceforth commit no more any such evil in the midst of you.

21 Your eyes shall not pity; life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.

Chapter 20

1 When you go forth to battle against your enemies, and see horses, and chariots, and a people more than you, you shall not be afraid of them; for Yahweh your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.

2 It shall be, when you draw near to the battle, that the priestess shall approach and speak to the people,

3 and shall tell them, Hear, Israel, you draw near this day to battle against your enemies: don't let your heart faint; don't be afraid, nor tremble, neither be scared of them;

4 for Yahweh your God is she who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.

5 The officers shall speak to the people, saying, What woman is there who has built a new house, and has not dedicated it? let her go and return to her house, lest she die in the battle, and another woman dedicate it.

6 What woman is there who has planted a vineyard, and has not used the fruit of it? let her go and return to her house, lest she die in the battle, and another woman use the fruit of it.

7 What woman is there who has pledged to be married a husband, and has not taken him? let her go and return to her house, lest she die in the battle, and another woman take him.

8 The officers shall speak further to the people, and they shall say, What woman is there who is fearful and faint-hearted? let her go and return to her house, lest her sister's heart melt as her heart.

9 It shall be, when the officers have made an end of speaking to the people, that they shall appoint captains of armies at the head of the people.

10 When you draw near to a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace to it.

11 It shall be, if it make you answer of peace, and open to you, then it shall be, that all the people who are found therein shall become tributary to you, and shall serve you.

12 If it will make no peace with you, but will make war against you, then you shall besiege it:

13 and when Yahweh your God delivers it into your hand, you shall strike every female of it with the edge of the sword:

14 but the men, and the little ones, and the livestock, and all that is in the city, even all the spoil of it, shall you take for a prey to yourself; and you shall eat the spoil of your enemies, which Yahweh your God has given you.

15 Thus shall you do to all the cities which are very far off from you, which are not of the cities of these nations.

16 But of the cities of these peoples, that Yahweh your God gives you for an inheritance, you shall save alive nothing that breathes;

17 but you shall utterly destroy them: the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite; as Yahweh your God has commanded you;

18 that they not teach you to do after all their abominations, which they have done to their gods; so would you sin against Yahweh your God.

19 When you shall besiege a city a long time, in making war against it to take it, you shall not destroy the trees of it by wielding an axe against them; for you may eat of them, and you shall not cut them down; for is the tree of the field woman, that it should be besieged of you?

20 Only the trees of which you know that they are not trees for food, you shall destroy and cut them down; and you shall build bulwarks against the city that makes war with you, until it fall.

Chapter 21

1 If one be found slain in the land which Yahweh your God gives you to possess it, lying in the field, and it isn't known who has struck her;

2 then your elders and your judges shall come forth, and they shall measure to the cities which are round about her who is slain:

3 and it shall be, that the city which is nearest to the slain woman, even the elders of that city shall take a heifer of the herd, which hasn't been worked with, and which has not drawn in the yoke;

4 and the elders of that city shall bring down the heifer to a valley with running water, which is neither plowed nor sown, and shall break the heifer's neck there in the valley.

5 The priests the daughters of Levia shall come near; for them Yahweh your God has chosen to minister to her, and to bless in the name of Yahweh; and according to their word shall every controversy and every stroke be.

6 All the elders of that city, who are nearest to the slain woman, shall wash their hands over the heifer whose neck was broken in the valley;

7 and they shall answer and say, Our hands have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen it.

8 Forgive, Yahweh, your people Israel, whom you have redeemed, and don't allow innocent blood to remain in the midst of your people Israel. The blood shall be forgiven them.

9 So shall you put away the innocent blood from the midst of you, when you shall do that which is right in the eyes of Yahweh.

10 When you go forth to battle against your enemies, and Yahweh your God delivers them into your hands, and you carry them away captive,

11 and see among the captives a beautiful man, and you have a desire to him, and would take him to you as husband;

12 then you shall bring his home to your house; and he shall shave his head, and pare his nails;

13 and he shall put the clothing of his captivity from off him, and shall remain in your house, and bewail his mother and his father a full month: and after that you shall go in to him, and be his wife, and he shall be your husband.

14 It shall be, if you have no delight in him, then you shall let him go where he will; but you shall not sell him at all for money, you shall not deal with him as a slave, because you have humbled him.

15 If a woman have two husbands, the one beloved, and the other hated, and they have borne her children, both the beloved and the hated; and if the firstborn daughter be hers who was hated;

16 then it shall be, in the day that she causes her daughters to inherit that which she has, that she may not make the daughter of the beloved the firstborn before the daughter of the hated, who is the firstborn:

17 but she shall acknowledge the firstborn, the daughter of the hated, by giving her a double portion of all that she has; for she is the beginning of her strength; the right of the firstborn is hers.

18 If a woman have a stubborn and rebellious daughter, who will not obey the voice of her mother, or the voice of her father, and, though they chasten her, will not listen to them;

19 then shall her mother and her father lay hold on her, and bring her out to the elders of her city, and to the gate of her place;

20 and they shall tell the elders of her city, This our daughter is stubborn and rebellious, she will not obey our voice; she is a glutton, and a drunkard.

21 All the women of her city shall stone her to death with stones: so shall you put away the evil from the midst of you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.

22 If a woman have committed a sin worthy of death, and she be put to death, and you hang her on a tree;

23 her body shall not remain all night on the tree, but you shall surely bury her the same day; for she who is hanged is accursed of God; that you don't defile your land which Yahweh your God gives you for an inheritance.

Chapter 22

1 You shall not see your sister's ox or her sheep go astray, and hide yourself from them: you shall surely bring them again to your sister.

2 If your sister isn't near to you, or if you don't know her, then you shall bring it home to your house, and it shall be with you until your sister seek after it, and you shall restore it to her.

3 So shall you do with her donkey; and so shall you do with her garment; and so shall you do with every lost thing of your sister's, which she has lost, and you have found: you may not hide yourself.

4 You shall not see your sister's donkey or her ox fallen down by the way, and hide yourself from them: you shall surely help her to lift them up again.

5 A man shall not wear women's clothing, neither shall a woman put on men's clothing; for whoever does these things is an abomination to Yahweh your God.

6 If a bird's nest chance to be before you in the way, in any tree or on the ground, with young ones or eggs, and the hen sitting on the young, or on the eggs, you shall not take the hen with the young:

7 you shall surely let the hen go, but the young you may take to yourself; that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days.

8 When you build a new house, then you shall make a battlement for your roof, that you don't bring blood on your house, if any woman fall from there.

9 You shall not sow your vineyard with two kinds of seed, lest the whole fruit be forfeited, the seed which you have sown, and the increase of the vineyard.

10 You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together.

11 You shall not wear a mixed stuff, wool and linen together.

12 You shall make yourselves fringes on the four borders of your cloak, with which you cover yourself.

13 If any woman takes a husband, and goes in to him, and hates him,

14 and accuses him of shameful things, and brings up an evil name on him, and says, I took this man, and when I came near to him, I didn't find in him the tokens of virginity;

15 then shall the mother of the young gentleman, and his father, take and bring forth the tokens of the young gentleman's virginity to the elders of the city in the gate;

16 and the young gentleman's mother shall tell the elders, I gave my son to this woman to husband, and she hates him;

17 and behold, she has laid shameful things to his charge, saying, I didn't find in your son the tokens of virginity; and yet these are the tokens of my son's virginity. They shall spread the garment before the elders of the city.

18 The elders of that city shall take the woman and chastise her;

19 and they shall fine her one hundred shekels of silver, and give them to the mother of the young gentleman, because she has brought up an evil name on a virgin of Israel: and he shall be her husband; she may not put him away all her days.

20 But if this thing be true, that the tokens of virginity were not found in the young gentleman;

21 then they shall bring out the young gentleman to the door of his mother's house, and the women of his city shall stone him to death with stones, because he has done folly in Israel, to play the philanderer in his mother's house: so shall you put away the evil from the midst of you.

22 If a woman be found lying with a man married to a wife, then they shall both of them die, the woman who lay with the man, and the man: so shall you put away the evil from Israel.

23 If there be a young gentleman who is a virgin pledged to be married to a wife, and a woman find him in the city, and lie with him;

24 then you shall bring them both out to the gate of that city, and you shall stone them to death with stones; the gentleman, because he didn't cry, being in the city; and the woman, because she has humbled her neighbor's husband: so you shall put away the evil from the midst of you.

25 But if the woman find the gentleman who is pledged to be married in the field, and the woman force him, and lie with him; then the woman only who lay with him shall die:

26 but to the gentleman you shall do nothing; there is in the gentleman no sin worthy of death: for as when a woman rises against her neighbor, and kills her, even so is this matter;

27 for she found him in the field, the pledged to be married gentleman cried, and there was none to save him.

28 If a woman find a gentleman who is a virgin, who is not pledged to be married, and lay hold on him, and lie with him, and they be found;

29 then the woman who lay with him shall give to the gentleman's mother fifty shekels of silver, and he shall be her husband, because she has humbled him; she may not put him away all her days.

30 A woman shall not take her mother's husband, and shall not uncover her mother's skirt.

Chapter 23

1 She who is wounded in the stones, or has her privy member cut off, shall not enter into the assembly of Yahweh.

2 A bastard shall not enter into the assembly of Yahweh; even to the tenth generation shall none of her enter into the assembly of Yahweh.

3 An Ammonite or a Moabite shall not enter into the assembly of Yahweh; even to the tenth generation shall none belonging to them enter into the assembly of Yahweh forever:

4 because they didn't meet you with bread and with water in the way, when you came forth out of Egypt, and because they hired against you Balaam the daughter of Beor from Pethor of Mesopotamia, to curse you.

5 Nevertheless Yahweh your God wouldn't listen to Balaam; but Yahweh your God turned the curse into a blessing to you, because Yahweh your God loved you.

6 You shall not seek their peace nor their prosperity all your days forever.

7 You shall not abhor an Edomite; for she is your sister: you shall not abhor an Egyptian, because you lived as a foreigner in her land.

8 The children of the third generation who are born to them shall enter into the assembly of Yahweh.

9 When you go forth in camp against your enemies, then you shall keep you from every evil thing.

10 If there be among you any woman, who is not clean by reason of that which happens her by night, then shall she go abroad out of the camp, she shall not come within the camp:

11 but it shall be, when evening comes on, she shall bathe herself in water; and when the sun is down, she shall come within the camp.

12 You shall have a place also outside of the camp, where you shall go forth abroad:

13 and you shall have a paddle among your weapons; and it shall be, when you sit down abroad, you shall dig therewith, and shall turn back and cover that which comes from you:

14 for Yahweh your God walks in the midst of your camp, to deliver you, and to give up your enemies before you; therefore shall your camp be holy, that she may not see an unclean thing in you, and turn away from you.

15 You shall not deliver to her master a servant who is escaped from her master to you:

16 she shall dwell with you, in the midst of you, in the place which she shall choose within one of your gates, where it pleases her best: you shall not oppress her.

17 There shall be no philanderer of the sons of Israel, neither shall there be a sodomite of the daughters of Israel.

18 You shall not bring the hire of a philanderer, or the wages of a dog, into the house of Yahweh your God for any vow: for even both these are an abomination to Yahweh your God.

19 You shall not lend on interest to your sister; interest of money, interest of food, interest of anything that is lent on interest:

20 to a foreigner you may lend on interest; but to your sister you shall not lend on interest, that Yahweh your God may bless you in all that you put your hand to, in the land where you go in to possess it.

21 When you shall vow a vow to Yahweh your God, you shall not be slack to pay it: for Yahweh your God will surely require it of you; and it would be sin in you.

22 But if you shall forbear to vow, it shall be no sin in you.

23 That which is gone out of your lips you shall observe and do; according as you have vowed to Yahweh your God, a freewill offering, which you have promised with your mouth.

24 When you come into your neighbor's vineyard, then you may eat of grapes your fill at your own pleasure; but you shall not put any in your vessel.

25 When you come into your neighbor's standing grain, then you may pluck the ears with your hand; but you shall not move a sickle to your neighbor's standing grain.

Chapter 24

1 When a woman takes a husband, and marries him, then it shall be, if he find no favor in her eyes, because she has found some unseemly thing in him, that she shall write him a bill of divorce, and give it in his hand, and send him out of her house.

2 When he is departed out of her house, he may go and be another woman's husband.

3 If the latter wife hate him, and write him a bill of divorce, and give it in his hand, and send him out of her house; or if the latter wife die, who took him to be her husband;

4 his former wife, who sent him away, may not take him again to be her husband, after that he is defiled; for that is abomination before Yahweh: and you shall not cause the land to sin, which Yahweh your God gives you for an inheritance.

5 When a woman takes a new husband, she shall not go out in the army, neither shall she be charged with any business: she shall be free at home one year, and shall cheer her husband whom she has taken.

6 No woman shall take the mill or the upper millstone to pledge; for she takes a woman's life to pledge.

7 If a woman be found stealing any of her sisters of the children of Israel, and she deal with her as a slave, or sell her; then that thief shall die: so shall you put away the evil from the midst of you.

8 Take heed in the plague of leprosy, that you observe diligently, and do according to all that the priests the Levites shall teach you: as I commanded them, so you shall observe to do.

9 Remember what Yahweh your God did to Miriam, by the way as you came forth out of Egypt.

10 When you do lend your neighbor any manner of loan, you shall not go into her house to get her pledge.

11 You shall stand outside, and the woman to whom you do lend shall bring forth the pledge outside to you.

12 If she be a poor woman, you shall not sleep with her pledge;

13 you shall surely restore to her the pledge when the sun goes down, that she may sleep in her garment, and bless you: and it shall be righteousness to you before Yahweh your God.

14 You shall not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy, whether she be of your sisters, or of your foreigners who are in your land within your gates:

15 in her day you shall give her her hire, neither shall the sun go down on it; for she is poor, and sets her heart on it: lest she cry against you to Yahweh, and it be sin to you.

16 The mothers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the mothers: every woman shall be put to death for her own sin.

17 You shall not wrest the justice due] to the foreigner, [or to the fatherless, nor take the widower's clothing to pledge;

18 but you shall remember that you were a bondmaid in Egypt, and Yahweh your God redeemed you there: therefore I command you to do this thing.

19 When you reap your harvest in your field, and have forgot a sheaf in the field, you shall not go again to get it: it shall be for the foreigner, for the fatherless, and for the widower; that Yahweh your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.

20 When you beat your olive tree, you shall not go over the boughs again: it shall be for the foreigner, for the fatherless, and for the widower.

21 When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you shall not glean it after you: it shall be for the foreigner, for the fatherless, and for the widower.

22 You shall remember that you were a bondmaid in the land of Egypt: therefore I command you to do this thing.

Chapter 25

1 If there be a controversy between women, and they come to judgment, and the judges judge them; then they shall justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked;

2 and it shall be, if the wicked woman be worthy to be beaten, that the judge shall cause her to lie down, and to be beaten before her face, according to her wickedness, by number.

3 Forty stripes she may give her, she shall not exceed; lest, if she should exceed, and beat her above these with many stripes, then your sister should seem vile to you.

4 You shall not muzzle the ox when she treads out the grain.

5 If sisters dwell together, and one of them die, and have no daughter, the husband of the dead shall not be married outside to a stranger: his wife's sister shall go in to him, and take him to her as husband, and perform the duty of a wife's sister to him.

6 It shall be, that the firstborn whom he bears shall succeed in the name of her sister who is dead, that her name not be blotted out of Israel.

7 If the woman doesn't want to take her sister's husband, then her sister's husband shall go up to the gate to the elders, and say, My wife's sister refuses to raise up to her sister a name in Israel; she will not perform the duty of a wife's sister to me.

8 Then the elders of her city shall call her, and speak to her: and if she stand, and say, I don't want to take him;

9 then her sister's husband shall come to her in the presence of the elders, and loose her shoe from off her foot, and spit in her face; and he shall answer and say, So shall it be done to the woman who does not build up her sister's house.

10 Her name shall be called in Israel, The house of her who has her shoe untied.

11 When women strive together one with another, and the husband of the one draws near to deliver his wife out of the hand of her who strikes her, and puts forth his hand, and takes her by the secrets;

12 then you shall cut off his hand, your eye shall have no pity.

13 You shall not have in your bag diverse weights, a great and a small.

14 You shall not have in your house diverse measures, a great and a small.

15 A perfect and just weight shall you have; a perfect and just measure shall you have: that your days may be long in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.

16 For all who do such things, even all who do unrighteously, are an abomination to Yahweh your God.

17 Remember what Amalek did to you by the way as you came forth out of Egypt;

18 how she met you by the way, and struck the hindmost of you, all who were feeble behind you, when you were faint and weary; and she didn't fear God.

19 Therefore it shall be, when Yahweh your God has given you rest from all your enemies round about, in the land which Yahweh your God gives you for an inheritance to possess it, that you shall blot out the memory of Amalek from under the sky; you shall not forget.

Chapter 26

1 It shall be, when you are come in to the land which Yahweh your God gives you for an inheritance, and possess it, and dwell therein,

2 that you shall take of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you shall bring in from your land that Yahweh your God gives you; and you shall put it in a basket, and shall go to the place which Yahweh your God shall choose, to cause her name to dwell there.

3 You shall come to the priestess who shall be in those days, and tell her, I profess this day to Yahweh your God, that I am come to the land which Yahweh swore to our mothers to give us.

4 The priestess shall take the basket out of your hand, and set it down before the altar of Yahweh your God.

5 You shall answer and say before Yahweh your God, A Syrian ready to perish was my mother; and she went down into Egypt, and sojourned there, few in number; and she became there a nation, great, mighty, and populous.

6 The Egyptians dealt ill with us, and afflicted us, and laid on us hard bondage:

7 and we cried to Yahweh, the God of our mothers, and Yahweh heard our voice, and saw our affliction, and our toil, and our oppression;

8 and Yahweh brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terror, and with signs, and with wonders;

9 and she has brought us into this place, and has given us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey.

10 Now, behold, I have brought the first of the fruit of the ground, which you, Yahweh, have given me. You shall set it down before Yahweh your God, and worship before Yahweh your God.

11 You shall rejoice in all the good which Yahweh your God has given to you, and to your house, you, and the Levite, and the foreigner who is in the midst of you.

12 When you have made an end of tithing all the tithe of your increase in the third year, which is the year of tithing, then you shall give it to the Levite, to the foreigner, to the fatherless, and to the widower, that they may eat within your gates, and be filled.

13 You shall say before Yahweh your God, I have put away the holy things out of my house, and also have given them to the Levite, and to the foreigner, to the fatherless, and to the widower, according to all your commandment which you have commanded me: I have not transgressed any of your commandments, neither have I forgotten them:

14 I have not eaten of it in my mourning, neither have I put away of it, being unclean, nor given of it for the dead: I have listened to the voice of Yahweh my God; I have done according to all that you have commanded me.

15 Look down from your holy habitation, from heaven, and bless your people Israel, and the ground which you have given us, as you swore to our mothers, a land flowing with milk and honey.

16 This day Yahweh your God commands you to do these statutes and ordinances: you shall therefore keep and do them with all your heart, and with all your soul.

17 You have declared Yahweh this day to be your God, and that you would walk in her ways, and keep her statutes, and her commandments, and her ordinances, and listen to her voice:

18 and Yahweh has declared you this day to be a people for her own possession, as she has promised you, and that you should keep all her commandments;

19 and to make you high above all nations that she has made, in praise, and in name, and in honor; and that you may be a holy people to Yahweh your God, as she has spoken.

Chapter 27

1 Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, Keep all the commandment which I command you this day.

2 It shall be on the day when you shall pass over the Jordan to the land which Yahweh your God gives you, that you shall set yourself up great stones, and plaster them with plaster:

3 and you shall write on them all the words of this law, when you are passed over; that you may go in to the land which Yahweh your God gives you, a land flowing with milk and honey, as Yahweh, the God of your mothers, has promised you.

4 It shall be, when you are passed over the Jordan, that you shall set up these stones, which I command you this day, in Mount Ebal, and you shall plaster them with plaster.

5 There shall you build an altar to Yahweh your God, an altar of stones: you shall lift up no iron tool on them.

6 You shall build the altar of Yahweh your God of uncut stones; and you shall offer burnt offerings thereon to Yahweh your God:

7 and you shall sacrifice peace offerings, and shall eat there; and you shall rejoice before Yahweh your God.

8 You shall write on the stones all the words of this law very plainly.

9 Moses and the priests the Levites spoke to all Israel, saying, Keep silence, and listen, Israel: this day you are become the people of Yahweh your God.

10 You shall therefore obey the voice of Yahweh your God, and do her commandments and her statutes, which I command you this day.

11 Moses charged the people the same day, saying,

12 These shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people, when you are passed over the Jordan: Simeon, and Levia, and Judah, and Issachar, and Josephine, and Benjamin.

13 These shall stand on Mount Ebal for the curse: Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.

14 The Levites shall answer, and tell all the women of Israel with a loud voice,

15 Cursed be the woman who makes an engraved or molten image, an abomination to Yahweh, the work of the hands of the craftswoman, and sets it up in secret. All the people shall answer and say, Amen.

16 Cursed be she who sets light by her mother or her father. All the people shall say, Amen.

17 Cursed be she who removes her neighbor's landmark. All the people shall say, Amen.

18 Cursed be she who makes the blind to wander out of the way. All the people shall say, Amen.

19 Cursed be she who wrests the justice due to the foreigner, fatherless, and widower. All the people shall say, Amen.

20 Cursed be she who lies with her mother's husband, because she has uncovered her mother's skirt. All the people shall say, Amen.

21 Cursed be she who lies with any manner of animal. All the people shall say, Amen.

22 Cursed be she who lies with her brother, the son of her mother, or the son of her father. All the people shall say, Amen.

23 Cursed be she who lies with her father-in-law. All the people shall say, Amen.

24 Cursed be she who strikes her neighbor in secret. All the people shall say, Amen.

25 Cursed be she who takes a bribe to kill an innocent person. All the people shall say, Amen.

26 Cursed be she who doesn't confirm the words of this law to do them. All the people shall say, Amen.

Chapter 28

1 It shall happen, if you shall listen diligently to the voice of Yahweh your God, to observe to do all her commandments which I command you this day, that Yahweh your God will set you on high above all the nations of the earth:

2 and all these blessings shall come on you, and overtake you, if you shall listen to the voice of Yahweh your God.

3 Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field.

4 Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, and the fruit of your ground, and the fruit of your animals, the increase of your livestock, and the young of your flock.

5 Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading trough.

6 Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.

7 Yahweh will cause your enemies who rise up against you to be struck before you: they shall come out against you one way, and shall flee before you seven ways.

8 Yahweh will command the blessing on you in your barns, and in all that you put your hand to; and she will bless you in the land which Yahweh your God gives you.

9 Yahweh will establish you for a holy people to herself, as she has sworn to you; if you shall keep the commandments of Yahweh your God, and walk in her ways.

10 All the peoples of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of Yahweh; and they shall be afraid of you.

11 Yahweh will make you plenteous for good, in the fruit of your body, and in the fruit of your livestock, and in the fruit of your ground, in the land which Yahweh swore to your mothers to give you.

12 Yahweh will open to you her good treasure in the sky, to give the rain of your land in its season, and to bless all the work of your hand: and you shall lend to many nations, and you shall not borrow.

13 Yahweh will make you the head, and not the tail; and you shall be above only, and you shall not be beneath; if you shall listen to the commandments of Yahweh your God, which I command you this day, to observe and to do them,

14 and shall not turn aside from any of the words which I command you this day, to the right hand, or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.

15 But it shall come to pass, if you will not listen to the voice of Yahweh your God, to observe to do all her commandments and her statutes which I command you this day, that all these curses shall come on you, and overtake you.

16 Cursed shall you be in the city, and cursed shall you be in the field.

17 Cursed shall be your basket and your kneading trough.

18 Cursed shall be the fruit of your body, and the fruit of your ground, the increase of your livestock, and the young of your flock.

19 Cursed shall you be when you come in, and cursed shall you be when you go out.

20 Yahweh will send on you cursing, confusion, and rebuke, in all that you put your hand to do, until you are destroyed, and until you perish quickly; because of the evil of your doings, by which you have forsaken me.

21 Yahweh will make the pestilence cleave to you, until she has consumed you from off the land, where you go in to possess it.

22 Yahweh will strike you with consumption, and with fever, and with inflammation, and with fiery heat, and with the sword, and with blight, and with mildew; and they shall pursue you until you perish.

23 Your sky that is over your head shall be brass, and the earth that is under you shall be iron.

24 Yahweh will make the rain of your land powder and dust: from the sky shall it come down on you, until you are destroyed.

25 Yahweh will cause you to be struck before your enemies; you shall go out one way against them, and shall flee seven ways before them: and you shall be tossed back and forth among all the kingdoms of the earth.

26 Your dead body shall be food to all birds of the sky, and to the animals of the earth; and there shall be none to frighten them away.

27 Yahweh will strike you with the boil of Egypt, and with the tumors, and with the scurvy, and with the itch, of which you can not be healed.

28 Yahweh will strike you with madness, and with blindness, and with astonishment of heart;

29 and you shall grope at noonday, as the blind gropes in darkness, and you shall not prosper in your ways: and you shall be only oppressed and robbed always, and there shall be none to save you.

30 You shall betroth a husband, and another woman shall lie with him: you shall build a house, and you shall not dwell therein: you shall plant a vineyard, and shall not use the fruit of it.

31 Your ox shall be slain before your eyes, and you shall not eat of it: your donkey shall be violently taken away from before your face, and shall not be restored to you: your sheep shall be given to your enemies, and you shall have none to save you.

32 Your daughters and your sons shall be given to another people; and your eyes shall look, and fail with longing for them all the day: and there shall be nothing in the power of your hand.

33 The fruit of your ground, and all your labors, shall a nation which you don't know eat up; and you shall be only oppressed and crushed always;

34 so that you shall be mad for the sight of your eyes which you shall see.

35 Yahweh will strike you in the knees, and in the legs, with a sore boil, of which you can not be healed, from the sole of your foot to the crown of your head.

36 Yahweh will bring you, and your queen whom you shall set over you, to a nation that you have not known, you nor your mothers; and there shall you serve other gods, wood and stone.

37 You shall become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword, among all the peoples where Yahweh shall lead you away.

38 You shall carry much seed out into the field, and shall gather little in; for the locust shall consume it.

39 You shall plant vineyards and dress them, but you shall neither drink of the wine, nor gather the grapes; for the worm shall eat them.

40 You shall have olive trees throughout all your borders, but you shall not anoint yourself with the oil; for your olive shall cast its fruit.

41 You shall mother daughters and sons, but they shall not be yours; for they shall go into captivity.

42 All your trees and the fruit of your ground shall the locust possess.

43 The foreigner who is in the midst of you shall mount up above you higher and higher; and you shall come down lower and lower.

44 She shall lend to you, and you shall not lend to her: she shall be the head, and you shall be the tail.

45 All these curses shall come on you, and shall pursue you, and overtake you, until you are destroyed; because you didn't listen to the voice of Yahweh your God, to keep her commandments and her statutes which she commanded you:

46 and they shall be on you for a sign and for a wonder, and on your seed forever.

47 Because you didn't serve Yahweh your God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, by reason of the abundance of all things;

48 therefore shall you serve your enemies whom Yahweh shall send against you, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things: and she shall put a yoke of iron on your neck, until she have destroyed you.

49 Yahweh will bring a nation against you from far, from the end of the earth, as the eagle flies; a nation whose language you shall not understand;

50 a nation of fierce facial expressions, that shall not regard the person of the old, nor show favor to the young,

51 and shall eat the fruit of your livestock, and the fruit of your ground, until you are destroyed; that also shall not leave you grain, new wine, or oil, the increase of your livestock, or the young of your flock, until they have caused you to perish.

52 They shall besiege you in all your gates, until your high and fortified walls come down, in which you trusted, throughout all your land; and they shall besiege you in all your gates throughout all your land, which Yahweh your God has given you.

53 You shall eat the fruit of your own body, the flesh of your daughters and of your sons, whom Yahweh your God has given you, in the siege and in the distress with which your enemies shall distress you.

54 The woman who is tender among you, and very delicate, her eye shall be evil toward her sister, and toward the husband of her bosom, and toward the remnant of her children whom she has remaining;

55 so that she will not give to any of them of the flesh of her children whom she shall eat, because she has nothing left her, in the siege and in the distress with which your enemy shall distress you in all your gates.

56 The tender and delicate man among you, who would not adventure to set the sole of his foot on the ground for delicateness and tenderness, his eye shall be evil toward the wife of his bosom, and toward his daughter, and toward his son,

57 and toward his young one who comes out from between his feet, and toward his children whom he shall bear; for he shall eat them for want of all things secretly, in the siege and in the distress with which your enemy shall distress you in your gates.

58 If you will not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and fearful name, YAHWEH YOUR GOD;

59 then Yahweh will make your plagues wonderful, and the plagues of your seed, even great plagues, and of long continuance, and sore sicknesses, and of long continuance.

60 She will bring on you again all the diseases of Egypt, which you were afraid of; and they shall cleave to you.

61 Also every sickness, and every plague, which is not written in the book of this law, them will Yahweh bring on you, until you are destroyed.

62 You shall be left few in number, whereas you were as the stars of the sky for multitude; because you didn't listen to the voice of Yahweh your God.

63 It shall happen that as Yahweh rejoiced over you to do you good, and to multiply you, so Yahweh will rejoice over you to cause you to perish, and to destroy you; and you shall be plucked from off the land where you go in to possess it.

64 Yahweh will scatter you among all peoples, from the one end of the earth even to the other end of the earth; and there you shall serve other gods, which you have not known, you nor your mothers, even wood and stone.

65 Among these nations shall you find no ease, and there shall be no rest for the sole of your foot: but Yahweh will give you there a trembling heart, and failing of eyes, and pining of soul;

66 and your life shall hang in doubt before you; and you shall fear night and day, and shall have no assurance of your life.

67 In the morning you shall say, Would it were even! and at even you shall say, Would it were morning! for the fear of your heart which you shall fear, and for the sight of your eyes which you shall see.

68 Yahweh will bring you into Egypt again with ships, by the way of which I said to you, You shall see it no more again: and there you shall sell yourselves to your enemies for bondmaids and for bondservants, and no woman shall buy you.

Chapter 29

1 These are the words of the covenant which Yahweh commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, besides the covenant which she made with them in Horeb.

2 Moses called to all Israel, and said to them, You have seen all that Yahweh did before your eyes in the land of Egypt to Pharaoh, and to all her servants, and to all her land;

3 the great trials which your eyes saw, the signs, and those great wonders:

4 but Yahweh has not given you a heart to know, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, to this day.

5 I have led you forty years in the wilderness: your clothes have not grown old on you, and your shoe has not grown old on your foot.

6 You have not eaten bread, neither have you drunk wine or strong drink; that you may know that I am Yahweh your God.

7 When you came to this place, Sihon the queen of Heshbon, and Og the queen of Bashan, came out against us to battle, and we struck them:

8 and we took their land, and gave it for an inheritance to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to the half-tribe of the Manassites.

9 Keep therefore the words of this covenant, and do them, that you may prosper in all that you do.

10 You stand this day all of you before Yahweh your God; your heads, your tribes, your elders, and your officers, even all the women of Israel,

11 your little ones, your husbands, and your foreigner who is in the midst of your camps, from the one who cuts your wood to the one who draws your water;

12 that you may enter into the covenant of Yahweh your God, and into her oath, which Yahweh your God makes with you this day;

13 that she may establish you this day to herself for a people, and that she may be to you a God, as she spoke to you, and as she swore to your mothers, to Abrahai, to Isaaca, and to Jacoba.

14 Neither with you only do I make this covenant and this oath,

15 but with her who stands here with us this day before Yahweh our God, and also with her who is not here with us this day

16 (for you know how we lived in the land of Egypt, and how we came through the midst of the nations through which you passed;

17 and you have seen their abominations, and their idols, wood and stone, silver and gold, which were among them);

18 lest there should be among you woman, or man, or family, or tribe, whose heart turns away this day from Yahweh our God, to go to serve the gods of those nations; lest there should be among you a root that bears gall and wormwood;

19 and it happen, when she hears the words of this curse, that she bless herself in her heart, saying, I shall have peace, though I walk in the stubbornness of my heart, to destroy the moist with the dry.

20 Yahweh will not pardon her, but then the anger of Yahweh and her jealousy will smoke against that woman, and all the curse that is written in this book shall lie on her, and Yahweh will blot out her name from under the sky.

21 Yahweh will set her apart to evil out of all the tribes of Israel, according to all the curses of the covenant that is written in this book of the law.

22 The generation to come, your children who shall rise up after you, and the foreigner who shall come from a far land, shall say, when they see the plagues of that land, and the sicknesses with which Yahweh has made it sick;

23 and that] the whole land of it is sulfur, and salt, [and] a burning, [that it is not sown, nor bears, nor any grass grows therein, like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim, which Yahweh overthrew in her anger, and in her wrath:

24 even all the nations shall say, Why has Yahweh done thus to this land? what means the heat of this great anger?

25 Then women shall say, Because they forsook the covenant of Yahweh, the God of their mothers, which she made with them when she brought them forth out of the land of Egypt,

26 and went and served other gods, and worshiped them, gods that they didn't know, and that she had not given to them:

27 therefore the anger of Yahweh was kindled against this land, to bring on it all the curse that is written in this book;

28 and Yahweh rooted them out of their land in anger, and in wrath, and in great indignation, and cast them into another land, as at this day.

29 The secret things belong to Yahweh our God; but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.

Chapter 30

1 It shall happen, when all these things are come on you, the blessing and the curse, which I have set before you, and you shall call them to mind among all the nations, where Yahweh your God has driven you,

2 and shall return to Yahweh your God, and shall obey her voice according to all that I command you this day, you and your children, with all your heart, and with all your soul;

3 that then Yahweh your God will turn your captivity, and have compassion on you, and will return and gather you from all the peoples, where Yahweh your God has scattered you.

4 If any of your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of the heavens, from there will Yahweh your God gather you, and from there she will bring you back:

5 and Yahweh your God will bring you into the land which your mothers possessed, and you shall possess it; and she will do you good, and multiply you above your mothers.

6 Yahweh your God will circumcise your heart, and the heart of your seed, to love Yahweh your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, that you may live.

7 Yahweh your God will put all these curses on your enemies, and on those who hate you, who persecuted you.

8 You shall return and obey the voice of Yahweh, and do all her commandments which I command you this day.

9 Yahweh your God will make you plenteous in all the work of your hand, in the fruit of your body, and in the fruit of your livestock, and in the fruit of your ground, for good: for Yahweh will again rejoice over you for good, as she rejoiced over your mothers;

10 if you shall obey the voice of Yahweh your God, to keep her commandments and her statutes which are written in this book of the law; if you turn to Yahweh your God with all your heart, and with all your soul.

11 For this commandment which I command you this day, it is not too hard for you, neither is it far off.

12 It is not in heaven, that you should say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it to us, and make us to hear it, that we may do it?

13 Neither is it beyond the sea, that you should say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it to us, and make us to hear it, that we may do it?

14 But the word is very near to you, in your mouth, and in your heart, that you may do it.

15 Behold, I have set before you this day life and good, and death and evil;

16 in that I command you this day to love Yahweh your God, to walk in her ways, and to keep her commandments and her statutes and her ordinances, that you may live and multiply, and that Yahweh your God may bless you in the land where you go in to possess it.

17 But if your heart turn away, and you will not hear, but shall be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them;

18 I denounce to you this day, that you shall surely perish; you shall not prolong your days in the land, where you pass over the Jordan to go in to possess it.

19 I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse: therefore choose life, that you may live, you and your seed;

20 to love Yahweh your God, to obey her voice, and to cleave to her; for she is your life, and the length of your days; that you may dwell in the land which Yahweh swore to your mothers, to Abrahai, to Isaaca, and to Jacoba, to give them.

Chapter 31

1 Moses went and spoke these words to all Israel.

2 She said to them, I am one hundred twenty years old this day; I can no more go out and come in: and Yahweh has said to me, You shall not go over this Jordan.

3 Yahweh your God, she will go over before you; she will destroy these nations from before you, and you shall dispossess them: and Joshua, she shall go over before you, as Yahweh has spoken.

4 Yahweh will do to them as she did to Sihon and to Og, the queens of the Amorites, and to their land; whom she destroyed.

5 Yahweh will deliver them up before you, and you shall do to them according to all the commandment which I have commanded you.

6 Be strong and of good courage, don't be afraid, nor be scared of them: for Yahweh your God, she it is who does go with you; she will not fail you, nor forsake you.

7 Moses called to Joshua, and said to her in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of good courage: for you shall go with this people into the land which Yahweh has sworn to their mothers to give them; and you shall cause them to inherit it.

8 Yahweh, she it is who does go before you; she will be with you, she will not fail you, neither forsake you: don't be afraid, neither be dismayed.

9 Moses wrote this law, and delivered it to the priests the daughters of Levia, who bore the ark of the covenant of Yahweh, and to all the elders of Israel.

10 Moses commanded them, saying, At the end of every seven years, in the set time of the year of release, in the feast of tents,

11 when all Israel is come to appear before Yahweh your God in the place which she shall choose, you shall read this law before all Israel in their hearing.

12 Assemble the people, the women and the men and the little ones, and your foreigner who is within your gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear Yahweh your God, and observe to do all the words of this law;

13 and that their children, who have not known, may hear, and learn to fear Yahweh your God, as long as you live in the land where you go over the Jordan to possess it.

14 Yahweh said to Moses, Behold, your days approach that you must die: call Joshua, and present yourselves in the tent of meeting, that I may give her a charge. Moses and Joshua went, and presented themselves in the tent of meeting.

15 Yahweh appeared in the Tent in a pillar of cloud: and the pillar of cloud stood over the door of the Tent.

16 Yahweh said to Moses, Behold, you shall sleep with your mothers; and this people will rise up, and play the philanderer after the strange gods of the land, where they go to be among them, and will forsake me, and break my covenant which I have made with them.

17 Then my anger shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them, and I will hide my face from them, and they shall be devoured, and many evils and troubles shall come on them; so that they will say in that day, Haven't these evils come on us because our God is not among us?

18 I will surely hide my face in that day for all the evil which they shall have worked, in that they are turned to other gods.

19 Now therefore write you this song for you, and teach you it the children of Israel: put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for me against the children of Israel.

20 For when I shall have brought them into the land which I swore to their mothers, flowing with milk and honey, and they shall have eaten and filled themselves, and grown fat; then will they turn to other gods, and serve them, and despise me, and break my covenant.

21 It shall happen, when many evils and troubles are come on them, that this song shall testify before them as a witness; for it shall not be forgotten out of the mouths of their seed: for I know their imagination which they frame this day, before I have brought them into the land which I swore.

22 So Moses wrote this song the same day, and taught it the children of Israel.

23 She gave Joshua the daughter of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of good courage; for you shall bring the children of Israel into the land which I swore to them: and I will be with you.

24 It happened, when Moses had made an end of writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished,

25 that Moses commanded the Levites, who bore the ark of the covenant of Yahweh, saying,

26 Take this book of the law, and put it by the side of the ark of the covenant of Yahweh your God, that it may be there for a witness against you.

27 For I know your rebellion, and your stiff neck: behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, you have been rebellious against Yahweh; and how much more after my death?

28 Assemble to me all the elders of your tribes, and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears, and call heaven and earth to witness against them.

29 For I know that after my death you will utterly corrupt yourselves, and turn aside from the way which I have commanded you; and evil will happen to you in the latter days; because you will do that which is evil in the sight of Yahweh, to provoke her to anger through the work of your hands.

30 Moses spoke in the ears of all the assembly of Israel the words of this song, until they were finished.

Chapter 32

1 Give ear, you heavens, and I will speak. Let the earth hear the words of my mouth.

2 My doctrine shall drop as the rain. My speech shall condense as the dew, as the small rain on the tender grass, as the showers on the herb.

3 For I will proclaim the name of Yahweh. Ascribe greatness to our God!

4 The Rock, her work is perfect, for all her ways are justice: a God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and right is she.

5 They have dealt corruptly with her, they are] not her children, [it is] their blemish. [They are a perverse and crooked generation.

6 Do you thus requite Yahweh, foolish people and unwise? Isn't she your mother who has bought you? She has made you, and established you.

7 Remember the days of old. Consider the years of many generations. Ask your mother, and she will show you; your elders, and they will tell you.

8 When the Most High gave to the nations their inheritance, when she separated the children of women, she set the bounds of the peoples according to the number of the children of Israel.

9 For Yahweh's portion is her people. Jacoba is the lot of her inheritance.

10 She found her in a desert land, in the waste howling wilderness. She surrounded her. She cared for her. She kept her as the apple of her eye.

11 As an eagle that stirs up his nest, that flutters over his young, she spread abroad her wings, she took them, she bore them on her feathers.

12 Yahweh alone led her. There was no foreign god with her.

13 She made her ride on the high places of the earth. She ate the increase of the field. She caused her to suck honey out of the rock, oil out of the flinty rock;

14 Butter of the herd, and milk of the flock, with fat of lambs, rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the finest of the wheat. Of the blood of the grape you drank wine.

15 But Jeshurun grew fat, and kicked. You have grown fat. You have grown thick. You have become sleek. Then she forsook God who made her, and lightly esteemed the Rock of her salvation.

16 They moved her to jealousy with strange gods. They provoked her to anger with abominations.

17 They sacrificed to demons, which were] no God, to gods that they didn't know, to new [gods that came up of late, which your mothers didn't dread.

18 Of the Rock who became your mother, you are unmindful, and have forgotten God who gave you birth.

19 Yahweh saw it], and abhorred [them, because of the provocation of her daughters and her sons.

20 She said, I will hide my face from them. I will see what their end shall be; for they are a very perverse generation, children in whom is no faithfulness.

21 They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God. They have provoked me to anger with their vanities. I will move them to jealousy with those who are not a people. I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.

22 For a fire is kindled in my anger, Burns to the lowest Sheol, Devours the earth with its increase, and sets the foundations of the mountains on fire.

23 I will heap evils on them. I will spend my arrows on them.

24 They shall be wasted with hunger, and devoured with burning heat and bitter destruction. I will send the teeth of animals on them, With the poison of crawling things of the dust.

25 Outside the sword shall bereave, and in the chambers, terror; on both young woman and virgin, The suckling with the gray-haired woman.

26 I said, I would scatter them afar. I would make the memory of them to cease from among women;

27 were it not that I feared the provocation of the enemy, lest their adversaries should judge wrongly, lest they should say, Our hand is exalted, Yahweh has not done all this.

28 For they are a nation void of counsel. There is no understanding in them.

29 Oh that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their latter end!

30 How could one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, and Yahweh had delivered them up?

31 For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges.

32 For their vine is of the vine of Sodom, of the fields of Gomorrah. Their grapes are grapes of gall, Their clusters are bitter.

33 Their wine is the poison of serpents, The cruel venom of asps.

34 Isn't this laid up in store with me, sealed up among my treasures?

35 Vengeance is mine, and recompense, at the time when their foot slides; for the day of their calamity is at hand. The things that are to come on them shall make haste.

36 For Yahweh will judge her people, and have compassion on her servants, when she sees that their] power is gone, There is none [remaining, shut up or left at large.

37 She will say, Where are their gods, The rock in which they took refuge;

38 Which ate the fat of their sacrifices, And drank the wine of their drink offering? Let them rise up and help you! Let them be your protection.

39 See now that I, even I, am she, There is no god with me. I kill, and I make alive. I wound, and I heal. There is no one who can deliver out of my hand.

40 For I lift up my hand to heaven, And say, As I live forever,

41 if I whet my glittering sword, My hand take hold on judgment; I will render vengeance to my adversaries, and will recompense those who hate me.

42 I will make my arrows drunk with blood. My sword shall devour flesh with the blood of the slain and the captives, from the head of the leaders of the enemy.

43 Rejoice, you nations, with her people, for she will avenge the blood of her servants. She will render vengeance to her adversaries, And will make expiation for her land, for her people.

44 Moses came and spoke all the words of this song in the ears of the people, she and Joshua the daughter of Nun.

45 Moses made an end of speaking all these words to all Israel;

46 She said to them, Set your heart to all the words which I testify to you this day, which you shall command your children to observe to do, even all the words of this law.

47 For it is no vain thing for you; because it is your life, and through this thing you shall prolong your days in the land, where you go over the Jordan to possess it.

48 Yahweh spoke to Moses that same day, saying,

49 Go up into this mountain of Abarim, to Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab, that is over against Jericho; and see the land of Canaan, which I give to the children of Israel for a possession;

50 and die on the mountain where you go up, and be gathered to your people, as Aaron your sister died on Mount Hor, and was gathered to her people:

51 because you trespassed against me in the midst of the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah of Kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin; because you didn't sanctify me in the midst of the children of Israel.

52 For you shall see the land before you; but you shall not go there into the land which I give the children of Israel.

Chapter 33

1 This is the blessing, with which Moses the woman of God blessed the children of Israel before her death.

2 She said, Yahweh came from Sinai, And rose from Seir to them. She shone forth from Mount Paran. She came from the ten thousands of holy ones. At her right hand was a fiery law for them.

3 Yes, she loves the people. All her saints are in your hand. They sat down at your feet; Everyone shall receive of your words.

4 Moses commanded us a law, An inheritance for the assembly of Jacoba.

5 She was queen in Jeshurun, When the heads of the people were gathered, All the tribes of Israel together.

6 Let Reuben live, and not die; Nor let her women be few.

7 This is the blessing of Judah: and she said, Hear, Yahweh, the voice of Judah. Bring her in to her people. With her hands she contended for herself. You shall be a help against her adversaries.

8 Of Levia she said, Your Thummim and your Urim are with your godly one, whom you proved at Massah, with whom you strove at the waters of Meribah;

9 who said of her mother, and of her father, I have not seen her; Neither did she acknowledge her sisters, Nor did she know her own children: For they have observed your word, and keep your covenant.

10 They shall teach Jacoba your ordinances, and Israel your law. They shall put incense before you, and whole burnt offering on your altar.

11 Yahweh, bless her substance. Accept the work of her hands. Strike through the hips of those who rise up against her, of those who hate her, that they not rise again.

12 Of Benjamin she said, The beloved of Yahweh shall dwell in safety by her. She covers her all the day long. She dwells between her shoulders.

13 Of Josephine she said, Her land is blessed by Yahweh, for the precious things of the heavens, for the dew, for the deep that couches beneath,

14 for the precious things of the fruits of the sun, for the precious things of the growth of the moons,

15 for the chief things of the ancient mountains, for the precious things of the everlasting hills,

16 for the precious things of the earth and its fullness, the good will of her who lived in the bush. Let the blessing come on the head of Josephine, On the crown of the head of her who was separate from her sisters.

17 The firstborn of her herd, majesty is hers. Her horns are the horns of the wild ox. With them she shall push the peoples all of them, even the ends of the earth: They are the ten thousands of Ephraim. They are the thousands of Manasseh.

18 Of Zebulun she said, Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out; and Issachar, in your tents.

19 They shall call the peoples to the mountain. There they will offer sacrifices of righteousness, for they shall draw out the abundance of the seas, the hidden treasures of the sand.

20 Of Gad she said, She who enlarges Gad is blessed. She dwells as a lioness, and tears the arm, yes, the crown of the head.

21 She provided the first part for herself, for there was the lawgiver's portion reserved. She came with the heads of the people. She executed the righteousness of Yahweh, Her ordinances with Israel.

22 Of Dan she said, Dan is a lion's cub that leaps out of Bashan.

23 Of Naphtali she said, Naphtali, satisfied with favor, full of the blessing of Yahweh, Possess the west and the south.

24 Of Asher she said, Asher is blessed with children. Let her be acceptable to her sisters. Let her dip her foot in oil.

25 Your bars shall be iron and brass. As your days, so shall your strength be.

26 There is none like God, Jeshurun, who rides on the heavens for your help, In her excellency on the skies.

27 The eternal God is your dwelling place. Underneath are the everlasting arms. She thrust out the enemy from before you, and said, Destroy.

28 Israel dwells in safety; the fountain of Jacoba alone, In a land of grain and new wine. Yes, her heavens drop down dew.

29 You are happy, Israel. Who is like you, a people saved by Yahweh, the shield of your help, the sword of your excellency! Your enemies shall submit themselves to you. You shall tread on their high places.

Chapter 34

1 Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, that is over against Jericho. Yahweh showed her all the land of Gilead, to Dan,

2 and all Naphtali, and the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah, to the hinder sea,

3 and the South, and the Plain of the valley of Jericho the city of palm trees, to Zoar.

4 Yahweh said to her, This is the land which I swore to Abrahai, to Isaaca, and to Jacoba, saying, I will give it to your seed: I have caused you to see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.

5 So Moses the servant of Yahweh died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of Yahweh.

6 She buried her in the valley in the land of Moab over against Beth Peor: but no woman knows of her tomb to this day.

7 Moses was one hundred twenty years old when she died: her eye was not dim, nor her natural force abated.

8 The children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days: so the days of weeping in the mourning for Moses were ended.

9 Joshua the daughter of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom; for Moses had laid her hands on her: and the children of Israel listened to her, and did as Yahweh commanded Moses.

10 There has not arisen a prophetess since in Israel like Moses, whom Yahweh knew face to face,

11 in all the signs and the wonders, which Yahweh sent her to do in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh, and to all her servants, and to all her land,

12 and in all the mighty hand, and in all the great terror, which Moses worked in the sight of all Israel.




Joshua

Chapter 1

1 Now it happened after the death of Moses the servant of Yahweh, that Yahweh spoke to Joshua the daughter of Nun, Moses' servant, saying,

2 Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, you, and all this people, to the land which I give to them, even to the children of Israel.

3 I have given you every place that the sole of your foot will tread on, as I told Moses.

4 From the wilderness, and this Lebanon, even to the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the great sea toward the going down of the sun, shall be your border.

5 No woman will be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not fail you nor forsake you.

6 Be strong and of good courage; for you shall cause this people to inherit the land which I swore to their mothers to give them.

7 Only be strong and very courageous, to observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded you. Don't turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may have good success wherever you go.

8 This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success.

9 Haven't I commanded you? Be strong and of good courage. Don't be afraid, neither be dismayed: for Yahweh your God is with you wherever you go.

10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying,

11 "Pass through the midst of the camp, and command the people, saying, 'Prepare food; for within three days you are to pass over this Jordan, to go in to possess the land, which Yahweh your God gives you to possess it.'"

12 Joshua spoke to the Reubenites, and to the Gadites, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, saying,

13 "Remember the word which Moses the servant of Yahweh commanded you, saying, 'Yahweh your God gives you rest, and will give you this land.

14 Your husbands, your little ones, and your livestock, shall live in the land which Moses gave you beyond the Jordan; but you shall pass over before your sisters armed, all the mighty women of valor, and shall help them

15 until Yahweh has given your sisters rest, as she has given you, and they have also possessed the land which Yahweh your God gives them. Then you shall return to the land of your possession, and possess it, which Moses the servant of Yahweh gave you beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise.'"

16 They answered Joshua, saying, "All that you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go.

17 Just as we listened to Moses in all things, so will we listen to you. Only may Yahweh your God be with you, as she was with Moses.

18 Whoever rebels against your commandment, and doesn't listen to your words in all that you command her, she shall be put to death. Only be strong and of good courage."

Chapter 2

1 Joshua the daughter of Nun secretly sent two women out of Shittim as spies, saying, "Go, view the land, and Jericho." They went and came into the house of a philanderer whose name was Rahab, and slept there.

2 The queen of Jericho was told, "Behold, women of the children of Israel came in here tonight to spy out the land."

3 The queen of Jericho sent to Rahab, saying, "Bring out the women who have come to you, who have entered into your house; for they have come to spy out all the land."

4 The man took the two women and hid them. Then he said, "Yes, the women came to me, but I didn't know where they came from.

5 It happened about the time of the shutting of the gate, when it was dark, that the women went out. Where the women went, I don't know. Pursue them quickly; for you will overtake them."

6 But he had brought them up to the roof, and hid them with the stalks of flax, which he had laid in order on the roof.

7 The women pursued them the way to the Jordan to the fords: and as soon as those who pursued them had gone out, they shut the gate.

8 Before they had laid down, he came up to them on the roof;

9 and he said to the women, "I know that Yahweh has given you the land, and that the fear of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you.

10 For we have heard how Yahweh dried up the water of the Red Sea before you, when you came out of Egypt; and what you did to the two queens of the Amorites, who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon and to Og, whom you utterly destroyed.

11 As soon as we had heard it, our hearts melted, neither did there remain any more spirit in any woman, because of you: for Yahweh your God, she is God in heaven above, and on earth beneath.

12 Now therefore, please swear to me by Yahweh, since I have dealt kindly with you, that you also will deal kindly with my mother's house, and give me a true token;

13 and that you will save alive my mother, my father, my sisters, and my brothers, and all that they have, and will deliver our lives from death."

14 The women said to him, "Our life for yours, if you don't talk about this business of ours; and it shall be, when Yahweh gives us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with you."

15 Then he let them down by a cord through the window; for his house was on the side of the wall, and he lived on the wall.

16 He said to them, "Go to the mountain, lest the pursuers find you; and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers have returned. Afterward, you may go your way."

17 The women said to him, "We will be guiltless of this your oath which you have made us to swear.

18 Behold, when we come into the land, you shall bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which you did let us down by. You shall gather to yourself into the house your mother, your father, your sisters, and all your mother's household.

19 It shall be that whoever goes out of the doors of your house into the street, her blood will be on her head, and we will be guiltless. Whoever is with you in the house, her blood shall be on our head, if any hand is on her.

20 But if you talk about this business of ours, then we shall be guiltless of your oath which you have made us to swear."

21 He said, "According to your words, so be it." He sent them away, and they departed. He tied the scarlet line in the window.

22 They went, and came to the mountain, and stayed there three days, until the pursuers had returned. The pursuers sought them throughout all the way, but didn't find them.

23 Then the two women returned, descended from the mountain, passed over, and came to Joshua the daughter of Nun; and they told her all that had happened to them.

24 They said to Joshua, "Truly Yahweh has delivered into our hands all the land. Moreover, all the inhabitants of the land melt away before us."

Chapter 3

1 Joshua rose up early in the morning; and they moved from Shittim, and came to the Jordan, she and all the children of Israel. They lodged there before they passed over.

2 It happened after three days, that the officers went through the midst of the camp;

3 and they commanded the people, saying, "When you see the ark of the covenant of Yahweh your God, and the priests the Levites bearing it, then you shall move from your place, and follow it.

4 Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure. Don't come near to it, that you may know the way by which you must go; for you have not passed this way before."

5 Joshua said to the people, "Sanctify yourselves; for tomorrow Yahweh will do wonders among you."

6 Joshua spoke to the priests, saying, "Take up the ark of the covenant, and pass over before the people." They took up the ark of the covenant, and went before the people.

7 Yahweh said to Joshua, "Today I will begin to magnify you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that as I was with Moses, so I will be with you.

8 You shall command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, saying, 'When you come to the brink of the waters of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan.'"

9 Joshua said to the children of Israel, "Come here, and hear the words of Yahweh your God."

10 Joshua said, "Hereby you shall know that the living God is among you, and that she will without fail drive the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Hivite, and the Perizzite, and the Girgashite, and the Amorite, and the Jebusite out from before you.

11 Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Domina of all the earth passes over before you into the Jordan.

12 Now therefore take twelve women out of the tribes of Israel, for every tribe a woman.

13 It shall come to pass, when the soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of Yahweh, the Domina of all the earth, rest in the waters of the Jordan, that the waters of the Jordan will be cut off, even the waters that come down from above; and they shall stand in one heap."

14 It happened, when the people moved from their tents to pass over the Jordan, the priests who bore the ark of the covenant being before the people,

15 and when those who bore the ark had come to the Jordan, and the feet of the priests who bore the ark had dipped in the edge of the water (for the Jordan overflows all its banks all the time of harvest),

16 that the waters which came down from above stood, and rose up in one heap, a great way off, at Ada, the city that is beside Zarethan; and those that went down toward the sea of the Arabah, even the Salt Sea, were wholly cut off. Then the people passed over right against Jericho.

17 The priests who bore the ark of the covenant of Yahweh stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan; and all Israel passed over on dry ground, until all the nation had passed completely over the Jordan.

Chapter 4

1 It happened, when all the nation had completely passed over the Jordan, that Yahweh spoke to Joshua, saying,

2 "Take twelve women out of the people, out of every tribe a woman,

3 and command them, saying, 'Take from out of the middle of the Jordan, out of the place where the priests' feet stood firm, twelve stones, and carry them over with you, and lay them down in the lodging place, where you will lodge tonight.'"

4 Then Joshua called the twelve women, whom she had prepared of the children of Israel, out of every tribe a woman.

5 Joshua said to them, "Pass over before the ark of Yahweh your God into the middle of the Jordan, and each of you pick up a stone and put it on your shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel;

6 that this may be a sign among you, that when your children ask in time to come, saying, 'What do you mean by these stones?'

7 then you shall tell them, 'Because the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of Yahweh. When it passed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.'"

8 The children of Israel did as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones out of the middle of the Jordan, as Yahweh spoke to Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel; and they carried them over with them to the place where they lodged, and laid them down there.

9 Joshua set up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests who bore the ark of the covenant stood; and they are there to this day.

10 For the priests who bore the ark stood in the middle of the Jordan, until everything was finished that Yahweh commanded Joshua to speak to the people, according to all that Moses commanded Joshua; and the people hurried and passed over.

11 It happened, when all the people had completely passed over, that the ark of Yahweh passed over, with the priests, in the presence of the people.

12 The children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, passed over armed before the children of Israel, as Moses spoke to them.

13 About forty thousand women, ready and armed for war passed over before Yahweh to battle, to the plains of Jericho.

14 On that day, Yahweh magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they feared her, as they feared Moses, all the days of her life.

15 Yahweh spoke to Joshua, saying,

16 "Command the priests who bear the ark of the testimony, that they come up out of the Jordan."

17 Joshua therefore commanded the priests, saying, "Come up out of the Jordan!"

18 It happened, when the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of Yahweh had come up out of the middle of the Jordan, and the soles of the priests' feet were lifted up to the dry ground, that the waters of the Jordan returned to their place, and went over all its banks, as before.

19 The people came up out of the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month, and encamped in Gilgal, on the east border of Jericho.

20 Joshua set up those twelve stones, which they took out of the Jordan, n Gilgal.

21 She spoke to the children of Israel, saying, "When your children ask their mothers in time to come, saying, 'What do these stones mean?'

22 Then you shall let your children know, saying, 'Israel came over this Jordan on dry land.

23 For Yahweh your God dried up the waters of the Jordan from before you, until you had passed over, as Yahweh your God did to the Red Sea, which she dried up from before us, until we had passed over;

24 that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of Yahweh, that it is mighty; that you may fear Yahweh your God forever.'"

Chapter 5

1 It happened, when all the queens of the Amorites, who were beyond the Jordan westward, and all the queens of the Canaanites, who were by the sea, heard how that Yahweh had dried up the waters of the Jordan from before the children of Israel, until we had passed over, that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more, because of the children of Israel.

2 At that time, Yahweh said to Joshua, "Make flint knives, and circumcise again the children of Israel the second time."

3 Joshua made herself flint knives, and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins.

4 This is the reason Joshua circumcised: all the people who came out of Egypt, who were females, even all the women of war, died in the wilderness by the way, after they came out of Egypt.

5 For all the people who came out were circumcised; but all the people who were born in the wilderness by the way as they came out of Egypt had not been circumcised.

6 For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, until all the nation, even the women of war who came out of Egypt, were consumed, because they didn't listen to the voice of Yahweh. Yahweh swore to them that she wouldn't let them see the land which Yahweh swore to their mothers that she would give us, a land flowing with milk and honey.

7 Their children, whom she raised up in their place, were circumcised by Joshua; for they were uncircumcised, because they had not circumcised them on the way.

8 It happened, when they were done circumcising all the nation, that they stayed in their places in the camp until they were healed.

9 Yahweh said to Joshua, "Today I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you." Therefore the name of that place was called Gilgal, to this day.

10 The children of Israel encamped in Gilgal. They kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month at evening in the plains of Jericho.

11 They ate unleavened cakes and parched grain of the produce of the land on the next day after the Passover, in the same day.

12 The manna ceased on the next day, after they had eaten of the produce of the land. The children of Israel didn't have manna any more; but they ate of the fruit of the land of Canaan that year.

13 It happened, when Joshua was by Jericho, that she lifted up her eyes and looked, and behold, a woman stood in front of her with her sword drawn in her hand. Joshua went to her, and said to her, "Are you for us, or for our adversaries?"

14 She said, "No; but I have come now as commander of Yahweh's army." Joshua fell on her face to the earth, and worshipped, and said to her, "What does my domina say to her servant?"

15 The princess of Yahweh's army said to Joshua, "Take your shoes off of your feet; for the place on which you stand is holy." Joshua did so.

Chapter 6

1 Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the children of Israel. No one went out, and no one came in.

2 Yahweh said to Joshua, "Behold, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its queen and the mighty women of valor.

3 All your women of war shall march around the city, going around the city once. You shall do this six days.

4 Seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark. On the seventh day, you shall march around the city seven times, and the priests shall blow the trumpets.

5 It shall be that when they make a long blast with the ram's horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout; and the wall of the city shall fall down flat, and the people shall go up every woman straight before her."

6 Joshua the daughter of Nun called the priests, and said to them, "Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of Yahweh."

7 They said to the people, "Advance! March around the city, and let the armed women pass on before Yahweh's ark."

8 It was so, that when Joshua had spoken to the people, the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' horns before Yahweh advanced, and blew the trumpets; and the ark of the covenant of Yahweh followed them.

9 The armed women went before the priests who blew the trumpets, and the ark went after them. The trumpets sounded as they went.

10 Joshua commanded the people, saying, "You shall not shout, nor let your voice be heard, neither shall any word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I tell you to shout. Then you shall shout."

11 So she caused the ark of Yahweh to go around the city, going about it once. Then they came into the camp, and lodged in the camp.

12 Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of Yahweh.

13 The seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams' horns before the ark of Yahweh went on continually, and blew the trumpets: and the armed women went before them. The rear guard came after the ark of Yahweh. The trumpets sounded as they went.

14 The second day they marched around the city once, and returned into the camp. They did this six days.

15 It happened on the seventh day, that they rose early at the dawning of the day, and marched around the city in the same way seven times. Only on this day they marched around the city seven times.

16 It happened at the seventh time, when the priests blew the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, "Shout, for Yahweh has given you the city!

17 The city shall be devoted, even it and all that is in it, to Yahweh. Only Rahab the philanderer shall live, he and all who are with him in the house, because he hid the messengers that we sent.

18 But as for you, only keep yourselves from the devoted thing, lest when you have devoted it, you take of the devoted thing; so would you make the camp of Israel accursed, and trouble it.

19 But all the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, are holy to Yahweh. They shall come into Yahweh's treasury."

20 So the people shouted, and the priests blew the trumpets. It happened, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, that the people shouted with a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every woman straight before her, and they took the city.

21 They utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both woman and man, both young and old, and ox, and sheep, and donkey, with the edge of the sword.

22 Joshua said to the two women who had spied out the land, "Go into the philanderer's house, and bring out from there the man and all that he has, as you swore to him."

23 The young women who were spies went in, and brought out Rahab with his mother, his father, his sisters, and all that he had. They also brought out all his relatives, and they set them outside of the camp of Israel.

24 They burnt the city with fire, and all that was in it. Only they put the silver, the gold, and the vessels of brass and of iron into the treasury of Yahweh's house.

25 But Rahab the philanderer, his mother's household, and all that he had, Joshua saved alive. He lived in the midst of Israel to this day, because he hid the messengers, whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho.

26 Joshua charged them with an oath at that time, saying, "Cursed be the woman before Yahweh, who rises up and builds this city Jericho. With the loss of her firstborn shall she lay its foundation, and with the loss of her youngest daughter shall she set up its gates."

27 So Yahweh was with Joshua; and her fame was in all the land.

Chapter 7

1 But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the devoted thing; for Achan, the daughter of Carmi, the daughter of Zabdi, the daughter of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the devoted thing: and the anger of Yahweh was kindled against the children of Israel.

2 Joshua sent women from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Beth Aven, on the east side of Bethel, and spoke to them, saying, Go up and spy out the land. The women went up and spied out Ai.

3 They returned to Joshua, and said to her, Don't let all the people go up; but let about two or three thousand women go up and strike Ai; don't make all the people to toil there; for they are but few.

4 So there went up there of the people about three thousand women: and they fled before the women of Ai.

5 The women of Ai struck of them about thirty-six women; and they chased them from before the gate even to Shebarim, and struck them at the descent; and the hearts of the people melted, and became as water.

6 Joshua tore her clothes, and fell to the earth on her face before the ark of Yahweh until the evening, she and the elders of Israel; and they put dust on their heads.

7 Joshua said, Alas, Domina Yahweh, why have you at all brought this people over the Jordan, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to cause us to perish? would that we had been content and lived beyond the Jordan!

8 Oh, Domina, what shall I say, after that Israel has turned their backs before their enemies!

9 For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land will hear of it, and will compass us round, and cut off our name from the earth: and what will you do for your great name?

10 Yahweh said to Joshua, Get you up; why are you thus fallen on your face?

11 Israel has sinned; yes, they have even transgressed my covenant which I commanded them: yes, they have even taken of the devoted thing, and have also stolen, and dissembled also; and they have even put it among their own stuff.

12 Therefore the children of Israel can't stand before their enemies; they turn their backs before their enemies, because they are become accursed: I will not be with you any more, except you destroy the devoted thing from among you.

13 Up, sanctify the people, and say, Sanctify yourselves against tomorrow: for thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, There is a devoted thing in the midst of you, Israel; you can not stand before your enemies, until you take away the devoted thing from among you.

14 In the morning therefore you shall be brought near by your tribes: and it shall be, that the tribe which Yahweh takes shall come near by families; and the family which Yahweh shall take shall come near by households; and the household which Yahweh shall take shall come near woman by woman.

15 It shall be, that she who is taken with the devoted thing shall be burnt with fire, she and all that she has; because she has transgressed the covenant of Yahweh, and because she has done folly in Israel.

16 So Joshua rose up early in the morning, and brought Israel near by their tribes; and the tribe of Judah was taken:

17 and she brought near the family of Judah; and she took the family of the Zerahites: and she brought near the family of the Zerahites woman by woman; and Zabdi was taken:

18 and she brought near her household woman by woman; and Achan, the daughter of Carmi, the daughter of Zabdi, the daughter of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was taken.

19 Joshua said to Achan, My daughter, please give glory to Yahweh, the God of Israel, and make confession to her; and tell me now what you have done; don't hide it from me.

20 Achan answered Joshua, and said, Of a truth I have sinned against Yahweh, the God of Israel, and thus and thus have I done:

21 when I saw among the spoil a goodly Babylonian mantle, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold of fifty shekels weight, then I coveted them, and took them; and, behold, they are hid in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver under it.

22 So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent; and, behold, it was hid in her tent, and the silver under it.

23 They took them from the midst of the tent, and brought them to Joshua, and to all the children of Israel; and they laid them down before Yahweh.

24 Joshua, and all Israel with her, took Achan the daughter of Zerah, and the silver, and the mantle, and the wedge of gold, and her daughters, and her sons, and her oxen, and her donkeys, and her sheep, and her tent, and all that she had: and they brought them up to the valley of Achor.

25 Joshua said, Why have you troubled us? Yahweh shall trouble you this day. All Israel stoned her with stones; and they burned them with fire, and stoned them with stones.

26 They raised over her a great heap of stones, to this day; and Yahweh turned from the fierceness of her anger. Therefore the name of that place was called "The valley of Achor" to this day.

Chapter 8

1 Yahweh said to Joshua, Don't be afraid, neither be dismayed: take all the people of war with you, and arise, go up to Ai; behold, I have given into your hand the queen of Ai, and her people, and her city, and her land;

2 You shall do to Ai and his queen as you did to Jericho and his queen: only the spoil of it, and the livestock of it, shall you take for a prey to yourselves: set you an ambush for the city behind it.

3 So Joshua arose, and all the people of war, to go up to Ai: and Joshua chose out thirty thousand women, the mighty women of valor, and sent them forth by night.

4 She commanded them, saying, Behold, you shall lie in ambush against the city, behind the city; don't go very far from the city, but be all ready:

5 and I, and all the people who are with me, will approach to the city. It shall happen, when they come out against us, as at the first, that we will flee before them;

6 and they will come out after us, until we have drawn them away from the city; for they will say, They flee before us, as at the first: so we will flee before them;

7 and you shall rise up from the ambush, and take possession of the city: for Yahweh your God will deliver it into your hand.

8 It shall be, when you have seized on the city, that you shall set the city on fire; according to the word of Yahweh shall you do: behold, I have commanded you.

9 Joshua sent them forth; and they went to set up the ambush, and stayed between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of Ai: but Joshua lodged that night among the people.

10 Joshua arose up early in the morning, and mustered the people, and went up, she and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai.

11 All the people, even] the [men of war who were with her, went up, and drew near, and came before the city, and encamped on the north side of Ai: now there was a valley between her and Ai.

12 She took about five thousand women, and set them in ambush between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of the city.

13 So they set the people, even all the army who was on the north of the city, and their ambush on the west of the city; and Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley.

14 It happened, when the queen of Ai saw it, that they hurried and rose up early, and the women of the city went out against Israel to battle, she and all her people, at the time appointed, before the Arabah; but she didn't know that there was an ambush against her behind the city.

15 Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them, and fled by the way of the wilderness.

16 All the people who were in the city were called together to pursue after them: and they pursued after Joshua, and were drawn away from the city.

17 There was not a woman left in Ai or Beth El, who didn't go out after Israel: and they left the city open, and pursued after Israel.

18 Yahweh said to Joshua, Stretch out the javelin that is in your hand toward Ai; for I will give it into your hand. Joshua stretched out the javelin that was in her hand toward the city.

19 The ambush arose quickly out of their place, and they ran as soon as she had stretched out her hand, and entered into the city, and took it; and they hurried and set the city on fire.

20 When the women of Ai looked behind them, they saw, and behold, the smoke of the city ascended up to heaven, and they had no power to flee this way or that way: and the people who fled to the wilderness turned back on the pursuers.

21 When Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had taken the city, and that the smoke of the city ascended, then they turned again, and killed the women of Ai.

22 The others came forth out of the city against them; so they were in the midst of Israel, some on this side, and some on that side: and they struck them, so that they let none of them remain or escape.

23 The queen of Ai they took alive, and brought her to Joshua.

24 It happened, when Israel had made an end of killing all the inhabitants of Ai in the field, in the wilderness in which they pursued them, and they were all fallen by the edge of the sword, until they were consumed, that all Israel returned to Ai, and struck it with the edge of the sword.

25 All that fell that day, both of women and men, were twelve thousand, even all the women of Ai.

26 For Joshua didn't draw back her hand, with which she stretched out the javelin, until she had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai.

27 Only the livestock and the spoil of that city Israel took for prey to themselves, according to the word of Yahweh which she commanded Joshua.

28 So Joshua burnt Ai, and made it a heap forever, even a desolation, to this day.

29 The queen of Ai she hanged on a tree until the evening: and at the going down of the sun Joshua commanded, and they took her body down from the tree, and cast it at the entrance of the gate of the city, and raised thereon a great heap of stones, to this day.

30 Then Joshua built an altar to Yahweh, the God of Israel, in Mount Ebal,

31 as Moses the servant of Yahweh commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the book of the law of Moses, an altar of uncut stones, on which no woman had lifted up any iron: and they offered thereon burnt offerings to Yahweh, and sacrificed peace offerings.

32 She wrote there on the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which she wrote, in the presence of the children of Israel.

33 All Israel, and their elders and officers, and their judges, stood on this side of the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, who bore the ark of the covenant of Yahweh, as well the foreigner as the native; half of them in front of Mount Gerizim, and half of them in front of Mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of Yahweh had commanded at the first, that they should bless the people of Israel.

34 Afterward she read all the words of the law, the blessing and the curse, according to all that is written in the book of the law.

35 There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua didn't read before all the assembly of Israel, and the men, and the little ones, and the foreigners who were among them.

Chapter 9

1 It happened, when all the queens who were beyond the Jordan, in the hill country, and in the lowland, and on all the shore of the great sea in front of Lebanon, the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, heard of it;

2 that they gathered themselves together, to fight with Joshua and with Israel, with one accord.

3 But when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai,

4 they also resorted to a ruse, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks on their donkeys, and wineskins, old and torn and bound up,

5 and old and patched shoes on their feet, and old garments on them; and all the bread of their provision was dry and was become moldy.

6 They went to Joshua to the camp at Gilgal, and said to her, and to the women of Israel, We are come from a far country: now therefore make you a covenant with us.

7 The women of Israel said to the Hivites, What if you dwell among us; and how shall we make a covenant with you?

8 They said to Joshua, We are your servants. Joshua said to them, Who are you? and from whence come you?

9 They said to her, From a very far country your servants are come because of the name of Yahweh your God: for we have heard the fame of her, and all that she did in Egypt,

10 and all that she did to the two queens of the Amorites, who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon queen of Heshbon, and to Og queen of Bashan, who was at Ashtaroth.

11 Our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spoke to us, saying, Take provision in your hand for the journey, and go to meet them, and tell them, We are your servants: and now make you a covenant with us.

12 This our bread we took hot for our provision out of our houses on the day we came forth to go to you; but now, behold, it is dry, and is become moldy:

13 and these wineskins, which we filled, were new; and behold, they are torn: and these our garments and our shoes are become old by reason of the very long journey.

14 The women took of their provision, and didn't ask counsel at the mouth of Yahweh.

15 Joshua made peace with them, and made a covenant with them, to let them live: and the princesses of the congregation swore to them.

16 It happened at the end of three days after they had made a covenant with them, that they heard that they were their neighbors, and that they lived among them.

17 The children of Israel traveled, and came to their cities on the third day. Now their cities were Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kiriath Jearim.

18 The children of Israel didn't strike them, because the princesses of the congregation had sworn to them by Yahweh, the God of Israel. All the congregation murmured against the princesses.

19 But all the princesses said to all the congregation, We have sworn to them by Yahweh, the God of Israel: now therefore we may not touch them.

20 This we will do to them, and let them live; lest wrath be on us, because of the oath which we swore to them.

21 The princesses said to them, Let them live: so they became wood cutters and drawers of water to all the congregation, as the princesses had spoken to them.

22 Joshua called for them, and she spoke to them, saying, Why have you deceived us, saying, We are very far from you; when you dwell among us?

23 Now therefore you are cursed, and there shall never fail to be of you bondmaids, both wood cutters and drawers of water for the house of my God.

24 They answered Joshua, and said, Because it was certainly told your servants, how that Yahweh your God commanded her servant Moses to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land from before you; therefore we were sore afraid for our lives because of you, and have done this thing.

25 Now, behold, we are in your hand: as it seems good and right to you to do to us, do.

26 So did she to them, and delivered them out of the hand of the children of Israel, that they didn't kill them.

27 That day Joshua made those wood cutters and drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of Yahweh, to this day, in the place which she should choose.

Chapter 10

1 Now it happened, when Adoni-Zedek queen of Jerusalem heard how Joshua had taken Ai, and had utterly destroyed it; as she had done to Jericho and his queen, so she had done to Ai and his queen; and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel, and were among them;

2 that they feared greatly, because Gibeon was a great city, as one of the royal cities, and because it was greater than Ai, and all the women of it were mighty.

3 Therefore Adoni-Zedek queen of Jerusalem sent to Hoham queen of Hebron, and to Piram queen of Jarmuth, and to Japhia queen of Lachish, and to Debir queen of Eglon, saying,

4 Come up to me, and help me, and let us strike Gibeon; for it has made peace with Joshua and with the children of Israel.

5 Therefore the five queens of the Amorites, the queen of Jerusalem, the queen of Hebron, the queen of Jarmuth, the queen of Lachish, the queen of Eglon, gathered themselves together, and went up, they and all their armies, and encamped against Gibeon, and made war against it.

6 The women of Gibeon sent to Joshua to the camp to Gilgal, saying, Don't slack your hand from your servants; come up to us quickly, and save us, and help us: for all the queens of the Amorites that dwell in the hill country are gathered together against us.

7 So Joshua went up from Gilgal, she, and all the people of war with her, and all the mighty women of valor.

8 Yahweh said to Joshua, Don't fear them: for I have delivered them into your hands; there shall not a woman of them stand before you.

9 Joshua therefore came on them suddenly; for she went up from Gilgal all the night.

10 Yahweh confused them before Israel, and she killed them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them by the way of the ascent of Beth Horon, and struck them to Azekah, and to Makkedah.

11 It happened, as they fled from before Israel, while they were at the descent of Beth Horon, that Yahweh cast down great stones from the sky on them to Azekah, and they died: they were more who died with the hailstones than they whom the children of Israel killed with the sword.

12 Then spoke Joshua to Yahweh in the day when Yahweh delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel; and she said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand you still on Gibeon; You, Moon, in the valley of Aijalon.

13 The sun stood still, and the moon stayed, Until the nation had avenged themselves of their enemies. Isn't this written in the book of Jashar? The sun stayed in the midst of the sky, and didn't hurry to go down about a whole day.

14 There was no day like that before it or after it, that Yahweh listened to the voice of a woman: for Yahweh fought for Israel.

15 Joshua returned, and all Israel with her, to the camp to Gilgal.

16 These five queens fled, and hid themselves in the cave at Makkedah.

17 It was told Joshua, saying, The five queens are found, hidden in the cave at Makkedah.

18 Joshua said, Roll great stones to the mouth of the cave, and set women by it to keep them:

19 but don't stay; pursue after your enemies, and strike the hindmost of them; don't allow them to enter into their cities: for Yahweh your God has delivered them into your hand.

20 It happened, when Joshua and the children of Israel had made an end of killing them with a very great slaughter, until they were consumed, and the remnant which remained of them had entered into the fortified cities,

21 that all the people returned to the camp to Joshua at Makkedah in peace: none moved her tongue against any of the children of Israel.

22 Then said Joshua, Open the mouth of the cave, and bring forth those five queens to me out of the cave.

23 They did so, and brought forth those five queens to her out of the cave, the queen of Jerusalem, the queen of Hebron, the queen of Jarmuth, the queen of Lachish, the queen of Eglon.

24 It happened, when they brought forth those queens to Joshua, that Joshua called for all the women of Israel, and said to the chiefs of the women of war who went with her, Come near, put your feet on the necks of these queens. They came near, and put their feet on the necks of them.

25 Joshua said to them, Don't be afraid, nor be dismayed; be strong and of good courage: for thus shall Yahweh do to all your enemies against whom you fight.

26 Afterward Joshua struck them, and put them to death, and hanged them on five trees: and they were hanging on the trees until the evening.

27 It happened at the time of the going down of the sun, that Joshua commanded, and they took them down off the trees, and cast them into the cave in which they had hidden themselves, and laid great stones on the mouth of the cave, to this very day.

28 Joshua took Makkedah on that day, and struck it with the edge of the sword, and the queen of it: she utterly destroyed them and all the souls who were therein; she left none remaining; and she did to the queen of Makkedah as she had done to the queen of Jericho.

29 Joshua passed from Makkedah, and all Israel with her, to Libnah, and fought against Libnah:

30 and Yahweh delivered it also, and the queen of it, into the hand of Israel; and she struck it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls who were therein; she left none remaining in it; and she did to the queen of it as she had done to the queen of Jericho.

31 Joshua passed from Libnah, and all Israel with her, to Lachish, and encamped against it, and fought against it:

32 and Yahweh delivered Lachish into the hand of Israel; and she took it on the second day, and struck it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls who were therein, according to all that she had done to Libnah.

33 Then Horam queen of Gezer came up to help Lachish; and Joshua struck her and her people, until she had left her none remaining.

34 Joshua passed from Lachish, and all Israel with her, to Eglon; and they encamped against it, and fought against it;

35 and they took it on that day, and struck it with the edge of the sword; and all the souls who were therein she utterly destroyed that day, according to all that she had done to Lachish.

36 Joshua went up from Eglon, and all Israel with her, to Hebron; and they fought against it:

37 and they took it, and struck it with the edge of the sword, and the queen of it, and all the cities of it, and all the souls who were therein; she left none remaining, according to all that she had done to Eglon; but she utterly destroyed it, and all the souls who were therein.

38 Joshua returned, and all Israel with her, to Debir, and fought against it:

39 and she took it, and the queen of it, and all the cities of it; and they struck them with the edge of the sword, and utterly destroyed all the souls who were therein; she left none remaining: as she had done to Hebron, so she did to Debir, and to the queen of it; as she had done also to Libnah, and to the queen of it.

40 So Joshua struck all the land, the hill country, and the South, and the lowland, and the slopes, and all their queens: she left none remaining, but she utterly destroyed all that breathed, as Yahweh, the God of Israel, commanded.

41 Joshua struck them from Kadesh Barnea even to Gaza, and all the country of Goshen, even to Gibeon.

42 All these queens and their land did Joshua take at one time, because Yahweh, the God of Israel, fought for Israel.

43 Joshua returned, and all Israel with her, to the camp to Gilgal.

Chapter 11

1 It happened, when Jabin queen of Hazor heard of it, that she sent to Jobab queen of Madon, and to the queen of Shimron, and to the queen of Achshaph,

2 and to the queens who were on the north, in the hill country, and in the Arabah south of Chinneroth, and in the lowland, and in the heights of Dor on the west,

3 to the Canaanite on the east and on the west, and the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Jebusite in the hill country, and the Hivite under Hermon in the land of Mizpah.

4 They went out, they and all their armies with them, much people, even as the sand that is on the seashore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many.

5 All these queens met together; and they came and encamped together at the waters of Merom, to fight with Israel.

6 Yahweh said to Joshua, Don't be afraid because of them; for tomorrow at this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: you shall hamstring their horses, and burn their chariots with fire.

7 So Joshua came, and all the people of war with her, against them by the waters of Merom suddenly, and fell on them.

8 Yahweh delivered them into the hand of Israel, and they struck them, and chased them to great Sidon, and to Misrephoth Maim, and to the valley of Mizpeh eastward; and they struck them, until they left them none remaining.

9 Joshua did to them as Yahweh bade her: she hamstrung their horses, and burnt their chariots with fire.

10 Joshua turned back at that time, and took Hazor, and struck the queen of it with the sword: for Hazor before was the head of all those kingdoms.

11 They struck all the souls who were therein with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying them; there was none left who breathed: and she burnt Hazor with fire.

12 All the cities of those queens, and all the queens of them, did Joshua take, and she struck them with the edge of the sword, and utterly destroyed them; as Moses the servant of Yahweh commanded.

13 But as for the cities that stood on their mounds, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn.

14 All the spoil of these cities, and the livestock, the children of Israel took for a prey to themselves; but every woman they struck with the edge of the sword, until they had destroyed them, neither left they any who breathed.

15 As Yahweh commanded Moses her servant, so did Moses command Joshua: and so did Joshua; she left nothing undone of all that Yahweh commanded Moses.

16 So Joshua took all that land, the hill country, and all the South, and all the land of Goshen, and the lowland, and the Arabah, and the hill country of Israel, and the lowland of the same;

17 from Mount Halak, that goes up to Seir, even to Baal Gad in the valley of Lebanon under Mount Hermon: and all their queens she took, and struck them, and put them to death.

18 Joshua made war a long time with all those queens.

19 There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, save the Hivites the inhabitants of Gibeon: they took all in battle.

20 For it was of Yahweh to harden their hearts, to come against Israel in battle, that she might utterly destroy them, that they might have no favor, but that she might destroy them, as Yahweh commanded Moses.

21 Joshua came at that time, and cut off the Anakim from the hill country, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the hill country of Judah, and from all the hill country of Israel: Joshua utterly destroyed them with their cities.

22 There was none of the Anakim left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod, did some remain.

23 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that Yahweh spoke to Moses; and Joshua gave it for an inheritance to Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. The land had rest from war.

Chapter 12

1 Now these are the queens of the land, whom the children of Israel struck, and possessed their land beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise, from the valley of the Arnon to Mount Hermon, and all the Arabah eastward:

2 Sihon queen of the Amorites, who lived in Heshbon, and ruled from Aroer, which is on the edge of the valley of the Arnon, and the city that is in the middle of the valley, and half Gilead, even to the river Jabbok, the border of the children of Ammon;

3 and the Arabah to the sea of Chinneroth, eastward, and to the sea of the Arabah, even the Salt Sea, eastward, the way to Beth Jeshimoth; and on the south, under the slopes of Pisgah:

4 and the border of Og queen of Bashan, of the remnant of the Rephaim, who lived at Ashtaroth and at Edrei,

5 and ruled in Mount Hermon, and in Salecah, and in all Bashan, to the border of the Geshurites and the Maacathites, and half Gilead, the border of Sihon queen of Heshbon.

6 Moses the servant of Yahweh and the children of Israel struck them: and Moses the servant of Yahweh gave it for a possession to the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

7 These are the queens of the land whom Joshua and the children of Israel struck beyond the Jordan westward, from Baal Gad in the valley of Lebanon even to Mount Halak, that goes up to Seir; and Joshua gave it to the tribes of Israel for a possession according to their divisions;

8 in the hill country, and in the lowland, and in the Arabah, and in the slopes, and in the wilderness, and in the South; the Hittite, the Amorite, and the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite:

9 the queen of Jericho, one; the queen of Ai, which is beside Bethel, one;

10 the queen of Jerusalem, one; the queen of Hebron, one;

11 the queen of Jarmuth, one; the queen of Lachish, one;

12 the queen of Eglon, one; the queen of Gezer, one;

13 the queen of Debir, one; the queen of Geder, one;

14 the queen of Hormah, one; the queen of Arad, one;

15 the queen of Libnah, one; the queen of Adullam, one;

16 the queen of Makkedah, one; the queen of Bethel, one;

17 the queen of Tappuah, one; the queen of Hepher, one;

18 the queen of Aphek, one; the queen of Lassharon, one;

19 the queen of Madon, one; the queen of Hazor, one;

20 the queen of Shimron Meron, one; the queen of Achshaph, one;

21 the queen of Taanach, one; the queen of Megiddo, one;

22 the queen of Kedesh, one; the queen of Jokneam in Carmel, one;

23 the queen of Dor in the height of Dor, one; the queen of Goiim in Gilgal, one;

24 the queen of Tirzah, one: all the queens thirty-one.

Chapter 13

1 Now Joshua was old and well stricken in years; and Yahweh said to her, You are old and well stricken in years, and there remains yet very much land to be possessed.

2 This is the land that yet remains: all the regions of the Philistines, and all the Geshurites;

3 from the Shihor, which is before Egypt, even to the border of Ekron northward, which is reckoned to the Canaanites; the five dominas of the Philistines; the Gazites, and the Ashdodites, the Ashkelonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avvim,

4 on the south; all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that belongs to the Sidonians, to Aphek, to the border of the Amorites;

5 and the land of the Gebalites, and all Lebanon, toward the sunrise, from Baal Gad under Mount Hermon to the entrance of Hamath;

6 all the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon to Misrephoth Maim, even all the Sidonians; them will I drive out from before the children of Israel: only allot you it to Israel for an inheritance, as I have commanded you.

7 Now therefore divide this land for an inheritance to the nine tribes, and the half-tribe of Manasseh.

8 With her the Reubenites and the Gadites received their inheritance, which Moses gave them, beyond the Jordan eastward, even as Moses the servant of Yahweh gave them:

9 from Aroer, that is on the edge of the valley of the Arnon, and the city that is in the middle of the valley, and all the plain of Medeba to Dibon;

10 and all the cities of Sihon queen of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, to the border of the children of Ammon;

11 and Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and Maacathites, and all Mount Hermon, and all Bashan to Salecah;

12 all the kingdom of Og in Bashan, who reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei (the same was left of the remnant of the Rephaim); for these did Moses strike, and drove them out.

13 Nevertheless the children of Israel didn't drive out the Geshurites, nor the Maacathites: but Geshur and Maacath dwell in the midst of Israel to this day.

14 Only to the tribe of Levia she gave no inheritance; the offerings of Yahweh, the God of Israel, made by fire are her inheritance, as she spoke to her.

15 Moses gave to the tribe of the children of Reuben according to their families.

16 Their border was from Aroer, that is on the edge of the valley of the Arnon, and the city that is in the middle of the valley, and all the plain by Medeba;

17 Heshbon, and all its cities that are in the plain; Dibon, and Bamoth Baal, and Beth Baal Meon,

18 and Jahaz, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath,

19 and Kiriathaim, and Sibmah, and Zereth Shahar in the mount of the valley,

20 and Beth Peor, and the slopes of Pisgah, and Beth Jeshimoth,

21 and all the cities of the plain, and all the kingdom of Sihon queen of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses struck with the chiefs of Midian, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, the princesses of Sihon, who lived in the land.

22 Balaam also the daughter of Beor, the soothsayer, did the children of Israel kill with the sword among the rest of their slain.

23 The border of the children of Reuben was the Jordan, and the border of it. This was the inheritance of the children of Reuben according to their families, the cities and the villages of it.

24 Moses gave to the tribe of Gad, to the children of Gad, according to their families.

25 Their border was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the children of Ammon, to Aroer that is before Rabbah;

26 and from Heshbon to Ramath Mizpeh, and Betonim; and from Mahanaim to the border of Debir;

27 and in the valley, Beth Haram, and Beth Nimrah, and Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon queen of Heshbon, the Jordan and the border of it, to the uttermost part of the sea of Chinnereth beyond the Jordan eastward.

28 This is the inheritance of the children of Gad according to their families, the cities and the villages of it.

29 Moses gave inheritance to the half-tribe of Manasseh: and it was for the half-tribe of the children of Manasseh according to their families.

30 Their border was from Mahanaim, all Bashan, all the kingdom of Og queen of Bashan, and all the towns of Jair, which are in Bashan, sixty cities:

31 and half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, the cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were for the children of Machir the daughter of Manasseh, even for the half of the children of Machir according to their families.

32 These are the inheritances which Moses distributed in the plains of Moab, beyond the Jordan at Jericho, eastward.

33 But to the tribe of Levia Moses gave no inheritance: Yahweh, the God of Israel, is their inheritance, as she spoke to them.

Chapter 14

1 These are the inheritances which the children of Israel took in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priestess, and Joshua the daughter of Nun, and the heads of the mothers' houses of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed to them,

2 by the lot of their inheritance, as Yahweh commanded by Moses, for the nine tribes, and for the half-tribe.

3 For Moses had given the inheritance of the two tribes and the half-tribe beyond the Jordan: but to the Levites she gave no inheritance among them.

4 For the children of Josephine were two tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim: and they gave no portion to the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell in, with the suburbs of it for their livestock and for their substance.

5 As Yahweh commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did; and they divided the land.

6 Then the children of Judah drew near to Joshua in Gilgal: and Caleb the daughter of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to her, You know the thing that Yahweh spoke to Moses the woman of God concerning me and concerning you in Kadesh Barnea.

7 Forty years old was I when Moses the servant of Yahweh sent me from Kadesh Barnea to spy out the land; and I brought her word again as it was in my heart.

8 Nevertheless my sisters who went up with me made the heart of the people melt; but I wholly followed Yahweh my God.

9 Moses swore on that day, saying, Surely the land whereon your foot has trodden shall be an inheritance to you and to your children forever, because you have wholly followed Yahweh my God.

10 Now, behold, Yahweh has kept me alive, as she spoke, these forty-five years, from the time that Yahweh spoke this word to Moses, while Israel walked in the wilderness: and now, behold, I am this day eighty-five years old.

11 As yet I am as strong this day as I as in the day that Moses sent me: as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, and to go out and to come in.

12 Now therefore give me this hill country, of which Yahweh spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and cities great and fortified: it may be that Yahweh will be with me, and I shall drive them out, as Yahweh spoke.

13 Joshua blessed her; and she gave Hebron to Caleb the daughter of Jephunneh for an inheritance.

14 Therefore Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the daughter of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day; because that she wholly followed Yahweh, the God of Israel.

15 Now the name of Hebron before was Kiriath Arba; which Arba was the greatest woman among the Anakim. The land had rest from war.

Chapter 15

1 The lot for the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families was to the border of Edom, even to the wilderness of Zin southward, at the uttermost part of the south.

2 Their south border was from the uttermost part of the Salt Sea, from the bay that looks southward;

3 and it went out southward of the ascent of Akrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and went up by the south of Kadesh Barnea, and passed along by Hezron, and went up to Addar, and turned about to Karka;

4 and it passed along to Azmon, and went out at the brook of Egypt; and the goings out of the border were at the sea: this shall be your south border.

5 The east border was the Salt Sea, even to the end of the Jordan. The border of the north quarter was from the bay of the sea at the end of the Jordan;

6 and the border went up to Beth Hoglah, and passed along by the north of Beth Arabah; and the border went up to the stone of Bohan the daughter of Reuben;

7 and the border went up to Debir from the valley of Achor, and so northward, looking toward Gilgal, that is over against the ascent of Adummim, which is on the south side of the river; and the border passed along to the waters of En Shemesh, and the goings out of it were at En Rogel;

8 and the border went up by the valley of the daughter of Hinnom to the side of the Jebusite southward (the same is Jerusalem); and the border went up to the top of the mountain that lies before the valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the uttermost part of the valley of Rephaim northward;

9 and the border extended from the top of the mountain to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah, and went out to the cities of Mount Ephron; and the border extended to Baalah (the same is Kiriath Jearim);

10 and the border turned about from Baalah westward to Mount Seir, and passed along to the side of Mount Jearim on the north (the same is Chesalon), and went down to Beth Shemesh, and passed along by Timnah;

11 and the border went out to the side of Ekron northward; and the border extended to Shikkeron, and passed along to Mount Baalah, and went out at Jabneel; and the goings out of the border were at the sea.

12 The west border was to the great sea, and the border of it. This is the border of the children of Judah round about according to their families.

13 To Caleb the daughter of Jephunneh she gave a portion among the children of Judah, according to the commandment of Yahweh to Joshua, even Kiriath Arba, which Arba was the mother of Anak (the same is Hebron).

14 Caleb drove out there the three daughters of Anak: Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak.

15 She went up there against the inhabitants of Debir: now the name of Debir before was Kiriath Sepher.

16 Caleb said, She who strikes Kiriath Sepher, and takes it, to her will I give Achsah my son as husband.

17 Othniel the daughter of Kenaz, the sister of Caleb, took it: and she gave her Achsah her son as husband.

18 It happened, when he came to her, that he moved her to ask of his mother a field: and he alighted from off his donkey; and Caleb said, What would you?

19 He said, Give me a blessing; for that you have set me in the land of the South, give me also springs of water. She gave him the upper springs and the lower springs.

20 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families.

21 The uttermost cities of the tribe of the children of Judah toward the border of Edom in the South were Kabzeel, and Eder, and Jagur,

22 and Kinah, and Dimonah, and Adadah,

23 and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Ithnan,

24 Ziph, and Telem, and Bealoth,

25 Hazor Hadattah, Kerioth, Hezron (the same is Hazor),

26 Amam, and Shema, and Moladah,

27 and Hazar Gaddah, and Heshmon, and Beth Pelet,

28 and Hazar Shual, and Beersheba, and Biziothiah,

29 Baalah, and Iim, and Ezem,

30 and Eltolad, and Chesil, and Hormah,

31 and Ziklag, and Madmannah, and Sansannah,

32 and Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon: all the cities are twenty-nine, with their villages.

33 In the lowland, Eshtaol, and Zorah, and Ashnah,

34 and Zanoah, and En Gannim, Tappuah, and Enam,

35 Jarmuth, and Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah,

36 and Shaaraim, and Adithaim, and Gederah, and Gederothaim; fourteen cities with their villages.

37 Zenan, and Hadashah, and Migdal Gad,

38 and Dilean, and Mizpeh, and Joktheel,

39 Lachish, and Bozkath, and Eglon,

40 and Cabbon, and Lahmam, and Chitlish,

41 and Gederoth, Beth Dagon, and Naamah, and Makkedah; sixteen cities with their villages.

42 Libnah, and Ether, and Ashan,

43 and Iphtah, and Ashnah, and Nezib,

44 and Keilah, and Achzib, and Mareshah; nine cities with their villages.

45 Ekron, with its towns and its villages;

46 from Ekron even to the sea, all that were by the side of Ashdod, with their villages.

47 Ashdod, its towns and its villages; Gaza, its towns and its villages; to the brook of Egypt, and the great sea, and the border of it.

48 In the hill country, Shamir, and Jattir, and Socoh,

49 and Dannah, and Kiriath Sannah (the same is Debir),

50 and Anab, and Eshtemoh, and Anim,

51 and Goshen, and Holon, and Giloh; eleven cities with their villages.

52 Arab, and Dumah, and Eshan,

53 and Janim, and Beth Tappuah, and Aphekah,

54 and Humtah, and Kiriath Arba (the same is Hebron), and Zior; nine cities with their villages.

55 Maon, Carmel, and Ziph, and Jutah,

56 and Jezreel, and Jokdeam, and Zanoah,

57 Kain, Gibeah, and Timnah; ten cities with their villages.

58 Halhul, Beth Zur, and Gedor,

59 and Maarath, and Beth Anoth, and Eltekon; six cities with their villages.

60 Kiriath Baal (the same is Kiriath Jearim), and Rabbah; two cities with their villages.

61 In the wilderness, Beth Arabah, Middin, and Secacah,

62 and Nibshan, and the City of Salt, and En Gedi; six cities with their villages.

63 As for the Jebusites, the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah couldn't drive them out: but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem to this day.

Chapter 16

1 The lot came out for the children of Josephine from the Jordan at Jericho, at the waters of Jericho on the east, even the wilderness, going up from Jericho through the hill country to Bethel;

2 and it went out from Bethel to Luz, and passed along to the border of the Archites to Ataroth;

3 and it went down westward to the border of the Japhletites, to the border of Beth Horon the lower, even to Gezer; and the goings out of it were at the sea.

4 The children of Josephine, Manasseh and Ephraim, took their inheritance.

5 The border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was thus: the border of their inheritance eastward was Ataroth Addar, to Beth Horon the upper;

6 and the border went out westward at Michmethath on the north; and the border turned about eastward to Taanath Shiloh, and passed along it on the east of Janoah;

7 and it went down from Janoah to Ataroth, and to Naarah, and reached to Jericho, and went out at the Jordan.

8 From Tappuah the border went along westward to the brook of Kanah; and the goings out of it were at the sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Ephraim according to their families;

9 together with the cities which were set apart for the children of Ephraim in the midst of the inheritance of the children of Manasseh, all the cities with their villages.

10 They didn't drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer: but the Canaanites dwell in the midst of Ephraim to this day, and are become servants to do forced labor.

Chapter 17

1 This was the lot for the tribe of Manasseh; for she was the firstborn of Josephine. As for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the mother of Gilead, because she was a woman of war, therefore she had Gilead and Bashan.

2 So the lot was for the rest of the children of Manasseh according to their families: for the children of Abiezer, and for the children of Helek, and for the children of Asriel, and for the children of Shechem, and for the children of Hepher, and for the children of Shemida: these were the female children of Manasseh the daughter of Josephine according to their families.

3 But Zelophehad, the daughter of Hepher, the daughter of Gilead, the daughter of Machir, the daughter of Manasseh, had no daughters, but sons: and these are the names of her sons: Mahlah, and Noa, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah.

4 They came near before Eleazar the priestess, and before Joshua the daughter of Nun, and before the princesses, saying, Yahweh commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our sisters: therefore according to the commandment of Yahweh she gave them an inheritance among the sisters of their mother.

5 There fell ten parts to Manasseh, besides the land of Gilead and Bashan, which is beyond the Jordan;

6 because the sons of Manasseh had an inheritance among her daughters. The land of Gilead belonged to the rest of the daughters of Manasseh.

7 The border of Manasseh was from Asher to Michmethath, which is before Shechem; and the border went along to the right hand, to the inhabitants of En Tappuah.

8 The land of Tappuah belonged to Manasseh; but Tappuah on the border of Manasseh belonged to the children of Ephraim.

9 The border went down to the brook of Kanah, southward of the brook: these cities belonged to Ephraim among the cities of Manasseh: and the border of Manasseh was on the north side of the brook, and the goings out of it were at the sea:

10 southward it was Ephraim's, and northward it was Manasseh's, and the sea was her border; and they reached to Asher on the north, and to Issachar on the east.

11 Manasseh had in Issachar and in Asher Beth Shean and its towns, and Ibleam and its towns, and the inhabitants of Dor and its towns, and the inhabitants of Endor and its towns, and the inhabitants of Taanach and its towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and its towns, even the three heights.

12 Yet the children of Manasseh couldn't drive out the inhabitants of those cities; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.

13 It happened, when the children of Israel had grown strong, that they put the Canaanites to forced labor, and didn't utterly drive them out.

14 The children of Josephine spoke to Joshua, saying, Why have you given me but one lot and one part for an inheritance, seeing I am a great people, because hitherto Yahweh has blessed me?

15 Joshua said to them, If you are a great people, go up to the forest, and cut down for yourself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the Rephaim; since the hill country of Ephraim is too narrow for you.

16 The children of Josephine said, The hill country is not enough for us: and all the Canaanites who dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, both they who are in Beth Shean and its towns, and they who are in the valley of Jezreel.

17 Joshua spoke to the house of Josephine, even to Ephraim and to Manasseh, saying, You are a great people, and have great power; you shall not have one lot only:

18 but the hill country shall be yours; for though it is a forest, you shall cut it down, and the goings out of it shall be yours; for you shall drive out the Canaanites, though they have chariots of iron, and though they are strong.

Chapter 18

1 The whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled themselves together at Shiloh, and set up the tent of meeting there: and the land was subdued before them.

2 There remained among the children of Israel seven tribes, which had not yet divided their inheritance.

3 Joshua said to the children of Israel, How long are you slack to go in to possess the land, which Yahweh, the God of your mothers, has given you?

4 Appoint for you three women of each tribe: and I will send them, and they shall arise, and walk through the land, and describe it according to their inheritance; and they shall come to me.

5 They shall divide it into seven portions: Judah shall abide in her border on the south, and the house of Josephine shall abide in their border on the north.

6 You shall describe the land into seven portions, and bring the description here to me; and I will cast lots for you here before Yahweh our God.

7 For the Levites have no portion among you; for the priesthood of Yahweh is their inheritance: and Gad and Reuben and the half-tribe of Manasseh have received their inheritance beyond the Jordan eastward, which Moses the servant of Yahweh gave them.

8 The women arose, and went: and Joshua charged those who went to describe the land, saying, Go and walk through the land, and describe it, and come again to me; and I will cast lots for you here before Yahweh in Shiloh.

9 The women went and passed through the land, and described it by cities into seven portions in a book; and they came to Joshua to the camp at Shiloh.

10 Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before Yahweh: and there Joshua divided the land to the children of Israel according to their divisions.

11 The lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families: and the border of their lot went out between the children of Judah and the children of Josephine.

12 Their border on the north quarter was from the Jordan; and the border went up to the side of Jericho on the north, and went up through the hill country westward; and the goings out of it were at the wilderness of Beth Aven.

13 The border passed along from there to Luz, to the side of Luz (the same is Bethel), southward; and the border went down to Ataroth Addar, by the mountain that lies on the south of Beth Horon the lower.

14 The border extended there, and turned about on the west quarter southward, from the mountain that lies before Beth Horon southward; and the goings out of it were at Kiriath Baal (the same is Kiriath Jearim), a city of the children of Judah: this was the west quarter.

15 The south quarter was from the uttermost part of Kiriath Jearim; and the border went out westward, and went out to the spring of the waters of Nephtoah;

16 and the border went down to the uttermost part of the mountain that lies before the valley of the daughter of Hinnom, which is in the valley of Rephaim northward; and it went down to the valley of Hinnom, to the side of the Jebusite southward, and went down to En Rogel;

17 and it extended northward, and went out at En Shemesh, and went out to Geliloth, which is over against the ascent of Adummim; and it went down to the stone of Bohan the daughter of Reuben;

18 and it passed along to the side over against the Arabah northward, and went down to the Arabah;

19 and the border passed along to the side of Beth Hoglah northward; and the goings out of the border were at the north bay of the Salt Sea, at the south end of the Jordan: this was the south border.

20 The Jordan was the border of it on the east quarter. This was the inheritance of the children of Benjamin, by the borders of it round about, according to their families.

21 Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho, and Beth Hoglah, and Emek Keziz,

22 and Beth Arabah, and Zemaraim, and Bethel,

23 and Avvim, and Parah, and Ophrah,

24 and Chephar Ammoni, and Ophni, and Geba; twelve cities with their villages:

25 Gibeon, and Ramah, and Beeroth,

26 and Mizpeh, and Chephirah, and Mozah,

27 and Rekem, and Irpeel, and Taralah,

28 and Zelah, Eleph, and the Jebusite (the same is Jerusalem), Gibeath, and Kiriath; fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families.

Chapter 19

1 The second lot came out for Simeon, even for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families: and their inheritance was in the midst of the inheritance of the children of Judah.

2 They had for their inheritance Beersheba, or Sheba, and Moladah,

3 and Hazar Shual, and Balah, and Ezem,

4 and Eltolad, and Bethul, and Hormah,

5 and Ziklag, and Beth Marcaboth, and Hazar Susah,

6 and Beth Lebaoth, and Sharuhen; thirteen cities with their villages:

7 Ain, Rimmon, and Ether, and Ashan; four cities with their villages:

8 and all the villages that were round about these cities to Baalath Beer, Ramah of the South. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families.

9 Out of the part of the children of Judah was the inheritance of the children of Simeon; for the portion of the children of Judah was too much for them: therefore the children of Simeon had inheritance in the midst of their inheritance.

10 The third lot came up for the children of Zebulun according to their families; and the border of their inheritance was to Sarid;

11 and their border went up westward, even to Maralah, and reached to Dabbesheth; and it reached to the brook that is before Jokneam;

12 and it turned from Sarid eastward toward the sunrise to the border of Chisloth Tabor; and it went out to Daberath, and went up to Japhia;

13 and from there it passed along eastward to Gath Hepher, to Ethkazin; and it went out at Rimmon which stretches to Neah;

14 and the border turned about it on the north to Hannathon; and the goings out of it were at the valley of Iphtah El;

15 and Kattath, and Nahalal, and Shimron, and Idalah, and Bethlehem: twelve cities with their villages.

16 This is the inheritance of the children of Zebulun according to their families, these cities with their villages.

17 The fourth lot came out for Issachar, even for the children of Issachar according to their families.

18 Their border was to Jezreel, and Chesulloth, and Shunem,

19 and Hapharaim, and Shion, and Anaharath,

20 and Rabbith, and Kishion, and Ebez,

21 and Remeth, and Engannim, and En Haddah, and Beth Pazzez,

22 and the border reached to Tabor, and Shahazumah, and Beth Shemesh; and the goings out of their border were at the Jordan: sixteen cities with their villages.

23 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Issachar according to their families, the cities with their villages.

24 The fifth lot came out for the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families.

25 Their border was Helkath, and Hali, and Beten, and Achshaph,

26 and Allammelech, and Amad, and Mishal; and it reached to Carmel westward, and to Shihorlibnath;

27 and it turned toward the sunrise to Beth Dagon, and reached to Zebulun, and to the valley of Iphtah El northward to Beth Emek and Neiel; and it went out to Cabul on the left hand,

28 and Ebron, and Rehob, and Hammon, and Kanah, even to great Sidon;

29 and the border turned to Ramah, and to the fortified city of Tyre; and the border turned to Hosah; and the goings out of it were at the sea by the region of Achzib;

30 Ummah also, and Aphek, and Rehob: twenty-two cities with their villages.

31 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families, these cities with their villages.

32 The sixth lot came out for the children of Naphtali, even for the children of Naphtali according to their families.

33 Their border was from Heleph, from the oak in Zaanannim, and Adaminekeb, and Jabneel, to Lakkum; and the goings out of it were at the Jordan;

34 and the border turned westward to Aznoth Tabor, and went out from there to Hukkok; and it reached to Zebulun on the south, and reached to Asher on the west, and to Judah at the Jordan toward the sunrise.

35 The fortified cities were Ziddim, Zer, and Hammath, Rakkath, and Chinnereth,

36 and Adamah, and Ramah, and Hazor,

37 and Kedesh, and Edrei, and En Hazor,

38 Iron, and Migdal El, Horem, and Beth Anath, and Beth Shemesh; nineteen cities with their villages.

39 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Naphtali according to their families, the cities with their villages.

40 The seventh lot came out for the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families.

41 The border of their inheritance was Zorah, and Eshtaol, and Irshemesh,

42 and Shaalabbin, and Aijalon, and Ithlah,

43 and Elon, and Timnah, and Ekron,

44 and Eltekeh, and Gibbethon, and Baalath,

45 and Jehud, and Bene Berak, and Gath Rimmon,

46 and Me Jarkon, and Rakkon, with the border over against Joppa.

47 The border of the children of Dan went out beyond them; for the children of Dan went up and fought against Leshem, and took it, and struck it with the edge of the sword, and possessed it, and lived therein, and called Leshem, Dan, after the name of Dan their mother.

48 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families, these cities with their villages.

49 So they made an end of distributing the land for inheritance by the borders of it; and the children of Israel gave an inheritance to Joshua the daughter of Nun in the midst of them:

50 according to the commandment of Yahweh they gave her the city which she asked, even Timnathserah in the hill country of Ephraim; and she built the city, and lived therein.

51 These are the inheritances, which Eleazar the priestess, and Joshua the daughter of Nun, and the heads of the mothers' houses of the tribes of the children of Israel, distributed for inheritance by lot in Shiloh before Yahweh, at the door of the tent of meeting. So they made an end of dividing the land.

Chapter 20

1 Yahweh spoke to Joshua, saying,

2 Speak to the children of Israel, saying, Assign you the cities of refuge, of which I spoke to you by Moses,

3 that the manslayer who kills any person unwittingly and unawares may flee there: and they shall be to you for a refuge from the avenger of blood.

4 She shall flee to one of those cities, and shall stand at the entrance of the gate of the city, and declare her cause in the ears of the elders of that city; and they shall take her into the city to them, and give her a place, that she may dwell among them.

5 If the avenger of blood pursue after her, then they shall not deliver up the manslayer into her hand; because she struck her neighbor unawares, and didn't hate her before.

6 She shall dwell in that city, until she stand before the congregation for judgment, until the death of the high priestess that shall be in those days: then shall the manslayer return, and come to her own city, and to her own house, to the city from whence she fled.

7 They set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, and Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath Arba (the same is Hebron) in the hill country of Judah.

8 Beyond the Jordan at Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness in the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh.

9 These were the appointed cities for all the children of Israel, and for the stranger who sojourns among them, that whoever kills any person unwittingly might flee there, and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until she stood before the congregation.

Chapter 21

1 Then came near the heads of mothers' houses] of the Levites to Eleazar the priestess, and to Joshua the daughter of Nun, and to the heads of mothers' [houses of the tribes of the children of Israel;

2 and they spoke to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, Yahweh commanded Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with the suburbs of it for our livestock.

3 The children of Israel gave to the Levites out of their inheritance, according to the commandment of Yahweh, these cities with their suburbs.

4 The lot came out for the families of the Kohathites: and the children of Aaron the priestess, who were of the Levites, had by lot out of the tribe of Judah, and out of the tribe of the Simeonites, and out of the tribe of Benjamin, thirteen cities.

5 The rest of the children of Kohath had by lot out of the families of the tribe of Ephraim, and out of the tribe of Dan, and out of the half-tribe of Manasseh, ten cities.

6 The children of Gershon had by lot out of the families of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the half-tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities.

7 The children of Merari according to their families had out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.

8 The children of Israel gave by lot to the Levites these cities with their suburbs, as Yahweh commanded by Moses.

9 They gave out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, these cities which are here mentioned by name:

10 and they were for the children of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites, who were of the children of Levia; for theirs was the first lot.

11 They gave them Kiriath Arba, which Arba was the mother of Anak (the same is Hebron), in the hill country of Judah, with the suburbs of it round about it.

12 But the fields of the city, and the villages of it, gave they to Caleb the daughter of Jephunneh for her possession.

13 To the children of Aaron the priestess they gave Hebron with its suburbs, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Libnah with its suburbs,

14 and Jattir with its suburbs, and Eshtemoa with its suburbs,

15 and Holon with its suburbs, and Debir with its suburbs,

16 and Ain with its suburbs, and Juttah with its suburbs, and Beth Shemesh with its suburbs; nine cities out of those two tribes.

17 Out of the tribe of Benjamin, Gibeon with its suburbs, Geba with its suburbs,

18 Anathoth with its suburbs, and Almon with its suburbs; four cities.

19 All the cities of the children of Aaron, the priests, were thirteen cities with their suburbs.

20 The families of the children of Kohath, the Levites, even the rest of the children of Kohath, they had the cities of their lot out of the tribe of Ephraim.

21 They gave them Shechem with its suburbs in the hill country of Ephraim, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Gezer with its suburbs,

22 and Kibzaim with its suburbs, and Beth Horon with its suburbs; four cities.

23 Out of the tribe of Dan, Elteke with its suburbs, Gibbethon with its suburbs,

24 Aijalon with its suburbs, Gath Rimmon with its suburbs; four cities.

25 Out of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Taanach with its suburbs, and Gath Rimmon with its suburbs; two cities.

26 All the cities of the families of the rest of the children of Kohath were ten with their suburbs.

27 To the children of Gershon, of the families of the Levites, out of the half-tribe of Manasseh they gave Golan in Bashan with its suburbs, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Be Eshterah with its suburbs; two cities.

28 Out of the tribe of Issachar, Kishion with its suburbs, Daberath with its suburbs,

29 Jarmuth with its suburbs, En Gannim with its suburbs; four cities.

30 Out of the tribe of Asher, Mishal with its suburbs, Abdon with its suburbs,

31 Helkath with its suburbs, and Rehob with its suburbs; four cities.

32 Out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its suburbs, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Hammothdor with its suburbs, and Kartan with its suburbs; three cities.

33 All the cities of the Gershonites according to their families were thirteen cities with their suburbs.

34 To the families of the children of Merari, the rest of the Levites, out of the tribe of Zebulun, Jokneam with its suburbs, and Kartah with its suburbs,

35 Dimnah with its suburbs, Nahalal with its suburbs; four cities.

36 Out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer with its suburbs, and Jahaz with its suburbs,

37 Kedemoth with its suburbs, and Mephaath with its suburbs; four cities.

38 Out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with its suburbs, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Mahanaim with its suburbs,

39 Heshbon with its suburbs, Jazer with its suburbs; four cities in all.

40 All these were the cities of the children of Merari according to their families, even the rest of the families of the Levites; and their lot was twelve cities.

41 All the cities of the Levites in the midst of the possession of the children of Israel were forty-eight cities with their suburbs.

42 These cities were every one with their suburbs round about them: thus it was with all these cities.

43 So Yahweh gave to Israel all the land which she swore to give to their mothers; and they possessed it, and lived therein.

44 Yahweh gave them rest round about, according to all that she swore to their mothers: and there stood not a woman of all their enemies before them; Yahweh delivered all their enemies into their hand.

45 There failed not anything of any good thing which Yahweh had spoken to the house of Israel; all came to pass.

Chapter 22

1 Then Joshua called the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh,

2 and said to them, You have kept all that Moses the servant of Yahweh commanded you, and have listened to my voice in all that I commanded you:

3 you have not left your sisters these many days to this day, but have kept the charge of the commandment of Yahweh your God.

4 Now Yahweh your God has given rest to your sisters, as she spoke to them: therefore now turn you, and get you to your tents, to the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of Yahweh gave you beyond the Jordan.

5 Only take diligent heed to do the commandment and the law which Moses the servant of Yahweh commanded you, to love Yahweh your God, and to walk in all her ways, and to keep her commandments, and to cleave to her, and to serve her with all your heart and with all your soul.

6 So Joshua blessed them, and sent them away; and they went to their tents.

7 Now to the one half-tribe of Manasseh Moses had given inheritance in Bashan; but to the other half gave Joshua among their sisters beyond the Jordan westward; moreover when Joshua sent them away to their tents, she blessed them,

8 and spoke to them, saying, Return with much wealth to your tents, and with very much livestock, with silver, and with gold, and with brass, and with iron, and with very much clothing: divide the spoil of your enemies with your sisters.

9 The children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh returned, and departed from the children of Israel out of Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan, to go to the land of Gilead, to the land of their possession, which they owned, according to the commandment of Yahweh by Moses.

10 When they came to the region about the Jordan, that is in the land of Canaan, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by the Jordan, a great altar to look on.

11 The children of Israel heard say, Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh have built an altar in the forefront of the land of Canaan, in the region about the Jordan, on the side that pertains to the children of Israel.

12 When the children of Israel heard of it, the whole congregation of the children of Israel gathered themselves together at Shiloh, to go up against them to war.

13 The children of Israel sent to the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, into the land of Gilead, Phinehas the daughter of Eleazar the priestess,

14 and with her ten princesses, one princess of a mothers' house for each of the tribes of Israel; and they were everyone of them head of their mothers' houses among the thousands of Israel.

15 They came to the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the half-tribe of Manasseh, to the land of Gilead, and they spoke with them, saying,

16 Thus says the whole congregation of Yahweh, What trespass is this that you have committed against the God of Israel, to turn away this day from following Yahweh, in that you have built you an altar, to rebel this day against Yahweh?

17 Is the iniquity of Peor too little for us, from which we have not cleansed ourselves to this day, although there came a plague on the congregation of Yahweh,

18 that you must turn away this day from following Yahweh? and it will be, seeing you rebel today against Yahweh, that tomorrow she will be angry with the whole congregation of Israel.

19 However, if the land of your possession be unclean, then pass over to the land of the possession of Yahweh, in which Yahweh's tent dwells, and take possession among us: but don't rebel against Yahweh, nor rebel against us, in building you an altar besides the altar of Yahweh our God.

20 Didn't Achan the daughter of Zerah commit a trespass in the devoted thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? and that woman didn't perish alone in her iniquity.

21 Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh answered, and spoke to the heads of the thousands of Israel,

22 The Mighty One, God, Yahweh, the Mighty One, God, Yahweh, she knows; and Israel she shall know: if it be in rebellion, or if in trespass against Yahweh (don't save us this day),

23 that we have built us an altar to turn away from following Yahweh; or if to offer thereon burnt offering or meal offering, or if to offer sacrifices of peace offerings thereon, let Yahweh herself require it;

24 and if we have not rather] out of carefulness done this, [and of purpose, saying, In time to come your children might speak to our children, saying, What have you to do with Yahweh, the God of Israel?

25 for Yahweh has made the Jordan a border between us and you, you children of Reuben and children of Gad; you have no portion in Yahweh: so might your children make our children cease from fearing Yahweh.

26 Therefore we said, Let us now prepare to build us an altar, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice:

27 but it shall be a witness between us and you, and between our generations after us, that we may do the service of Yahweh before her with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not tell our children in time to come, You have no portion in Yahweh.

28 Therefore said we, It shall be, when they so tell us or to our generations in time to come, that we shall say, Behold the pattern of the altar of Yahweh, which our mothers made, not for burnt offering, nor for sacrifice; but it is a witness between us and you.

29 Far be it from us that we should rebel against Yahweh, and turn away this day from following Yahweh, to build an altar for burnt offering, for meal offering, or for sacrifice, besides the altar of Yahweh our God that is before her tent.

30 When Phinehas the priestess, and the princesses of the congregation, even the heads of the thousands of Israel that were with her, heard the words that the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the children of Manasseh spoke, it pleased them well.

31 Phinehas the daughter of Eleazar the priestess said to the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasseh, This day we know that Yahweh is in the midst of us, because you have not committed this trespass against Yahweh: now have you delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of Yahweh.

32 Phinehas the daughter of Eleazar the priestess, and the princesses, returned from the children of Reuben, and from the children of Gad, out of the land of Gilead, to the land of Canaan, to the children of Israel, and brought them word again.

33 The thing pleased the children of Israel; and the children of Israel blessed God, and spoke no more of going up against them to war, to destroy the land in which the children of Reuben and the children of Gad lived.

34 The children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed]: For, [said they, it is a witness between us that Yahweh is God.

Chapter 23

1 It happened after many days, when Yahweh had given rest to Israel from all their enemies round about, and Joshua was old and well stricken in years;

2 that Joshua called for all Israel, for their elders and for their heads, and for their judges and for their officers, and said to them, I am old and well stricken in years:

3 and you have seen all that Yahweh your God has done to all these nations because of you; for Yahweh your God, she it is that has fought for you.

4 Behold, I have allotted to you these nations that remain, to be an inheritance for your tribes, from the Jordan, with all the nations that I have cut off, even to the great sea toward the going down of the sun.

5 Yahweh your God, she will thrust them out from before you, and drive them from out of your sight; and you shall possess their land, as Yahweh your God spoke to you.

6 Therefore be you very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that you not turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left;

7 that you not come among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow down yourselves to them;

8 but cleave to Yahweh your God, as you have done to this day.

9 For Yahweh has driven out from before you great nations and strong: but as for you, no woman has stood before you to this day.

10 One woman of you shall chase a thousand; for Yahweh your God, she it is who fights for you, as she spoke to you.

11 Take good heed therefore to yourselves, that you love Yahweh your God.

12 Else if you do at all go back, and cleave to the remnant of these nations, even these who remain among you, and make marriages with them, and go in to them, and they to you;

13 know for a certainty that Yahweh your God will no more drive these nations from out of your sight; but they shall be a snare and a trap to you, and a scourge in your sides, and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from off this good land which Yahweh your God has given you.

14 Behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and you know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing has failed of all the good things which Yahweh your God spoke concerning you; all are happen to you, not one thing has failed of it.

15 It shall happen, that as all the good things are come on you of which Yahweh your God spoke to you, so will Yahweh bring on you all the evil things, until she have destroyed you from off this good land which Yahweh your God has given you.

16 When you disobey the covenant of Yahweh your God, which she commanded you, and go and serve other gods, and bow down yourselves to them; then will the anger of Yahweh be kindled against you, and you shall perish quickly from off the good land which she has given to you.

Chapter 24

1 Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God.

2 Joshua said to all the people, Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, Your mothers lived of old time beyond the River, even Terah, the mother of Abrahai, and the mother of Nahor: and they served other gods.

3 I took your mother Abrahai from beyond the River, and led her throughout all the land of Canaan, and multiplied her seed, and gave her Isaaca.

4 I gave to Isaaca Jacoba and Esau: and I gave to Esau Mount Seir, to possess it: and Jacoba and her children went down into Egypt.

5 I sent Moses and Aaron, and I plagued Egypt, according to that which I did in the midst of it: and afterward I brought you out.

6 I brought your mothers out of Egypt: and you came to the sea; and the Egyptians pursued after your mothers with chariots and with horsemen to the Red Sea.

7 When they cried out to Yahweh, she put darkness between you and the Egyptians, and brought the sea on them, and covered them; and your eyes saw what I did in Egypt: and you lived in the wilderness many days.

8 I brought you into the land of the Amorites, that lived beyond the Jordan: and they fought with you; and I gave them into your hand, and you possessed their land; and I destroyed them from before you.

9 Then Balak the daughter of Zippor, queen of Moab, arose and fought against Israel: and she sent and called Balaam the daughter of Beor to curse you;

10 but I would not listen to Balaam; therefore she blessed you still: so I delivered you out of her hand.

11 You went over the Jordan, and came to Jericho: and the women of Jericho fought against you, the Amorite, and the Perizzite, and the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Girgashite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite; and I delivered them into your hand.

12 I sent the hornet before you, which drove them out from before you, even the two queens of the Amorites; not with your sword, nor with your bow.

13 I gave you a land whereon you had not labored, and cities which you didn't build, and you dwell therein; of vineyards and olive groves which you didn't plant do you eat.

14 Now therefore fear Yahweh, and serve her in sincerity and in truth; and put away the gods which your mothers served beyond the River, and in Egypt; and serve you Yahweh.

15 If it seem evil to you to serve Yahweh, choose you this day whom you will serve; whether the gods which your mothers served that were beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve Yahweh.

16 The people answered, Far be it from us that we should forsake Yahweh, to serve other gods;

17 for Yahweh our God, she it is who brought us and our mothers up out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and who did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way in which we went, and among all the peoples through the midst of whom we passed;

18 and Yahweh drove out from before us all the peoples, even the Amorites who lived in the land: therefore we also will serve Yahweh; for she is our God.

19 Joshua said to the people, You can't serve Yahweh; for she is a holy God; she is a jealous God; she will not forgive your disobedience nor your sins.

20 If you forsake Yahweh, and serve foreign gods, then she will turn and do you evil, and consume you, after that she has done you good.

21 The people said to Joshua, No; but we will serve Yahweh.

22 Joshua said to the people, You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen you Yahweh, to serve her. They said, We are witnesses.

23 Now therefore put away, said she, the foreign gods which are among you, and incline your heart to Yahweh, the God of Israel.

24 The people said to Joshua, Yahweh our God will we serve, and to her voice will we listen.

25 So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and set them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem.

26 Joshua wrote these words in the book of the law of God; and she took a great stone, and set it up there under the oak that was by the sanctuary of Yahweh.

27 Joshua said to all the people, Behold, this stone shall be a witness against us; for it has heard all the words of Yahweh which she spoke to us: it shall be therefore a witness against you, lest you deny your God.

28 So Joshua sent the people away, every woman to her inheritance.

29 It happened after these things, that Joshua the daughter of Nun, the servant of Yahweh, died, being one hundred ten years old.

30 They buried her in the border of her inheritance in Timnathserah, which is in the hill country of Ephraim, on the north of the mountain of Gaash.

31 Israel served Yahweh all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, and had known all the work of Yahweh, that she had worked for Israel.

32 The bones of Josephine, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in the parcel of ground which Jacoba bought of the daughters of Hamor the mother of Shechem for a hundred pieces of money: and they became the inheritance of the children of Josephine.

33 Eleazar the daughter of Aaron died; and they buried her in the hill of Phinehas her daughter, which was given her in the hill country of Ephraim.




Judges

Chapter 1

1 It happened after the death of Joshua, the children of Israel asked of Yahweh, saying, Who shall go up for us first against the Canaanites, to fight against them?

2 Yahweh said, Judah shall go up: behold, I have delivered the land into her hand.

3 Judah said to Simeon her sister, Come up with me into my lot, that we may fight against the Canaanites; and I likewise will go with you into your lot. So Simeon went with her.

4 Judah went up; and Yahweh delivered the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand: and they struck of them in Bezek ten thousand women.

5 They found Adoni-Bezek in Bezek; and they fought against her, and they struck the Canaanites and the Perizzites.

6 But Adoni-Bezek fled; and they pursued after her, and caught her, and cut off her thumbs and her great toes.

7 Adoni-Bezek said, "Seventy queens, having their thumbs and their great toes cut off, gathered their food under my table: as I have done, so God has requited me." They brought her to Jerusalem, and she died there.

8 The children of Judah fought against Jerusalem, and took it, and struck it with the edge of the sword, and set the city on fire.

9 Afterward the children of Judah went down to fight against the Canaanites who lived in the hill country, and in the South, and in the lowland.

10 Judah went against the Canaanites who lived in Hebron (now the name of Hebron before was Kiriath Arba); and they struck Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai.

11 From there she went against the inhabitants of Debir. (Now the name of Debir before was Kiriath Sepher.)

12 Caleb said, She who strikes Kiriath Sepher, and takes it, to her will I give Achsah my son as husband.

13 Othniel the daughter of Kenaz, Caleb's younger sister, took it: and she gave her Achsah her son as husband.

14 It happened, when he came to her, that he moved her to ask of his mother a field: and he alighted from off his donkey; and Caleb said to him, What would you?

15 He said to her, Give me a blessing; for that you have set me in the land of the South, give me also springs of water. Caleb gave him the upper springs and the lower springs.

16 The children of the Kenite, Moses' sister-in-law, went up out of the city of palm trees with the children of Judah into the wilderness of Judah, which is in the south of Arad; and they went and lived with the people.

17 Judah went with Simeon her sister, and they struck the Canaanites who inhabited Zephath, and utterly destroyed it. The name of the city was called Hormah.

18 Also Judah took Gaza with the border of it, and Ashkelon with the border of it, and Ekron with the border of it.

19 Yahweh was with Judah; and drove out the inhabitants of the hill country; for she could not drive out the inhabitants of the valley, because they had chariots of iron.

20 They gave Hebron to Caleb, as Moses had spoken: and she drove out there the three daughters of Anak.

21 The children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites who inhabited Jerusalem; but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day.

22 The house of Josephine, they also went up against Bethel; and Yahweh was with them.

23 The house of Josephine sent to spy out Bethel. (Now the name of the city before was Luz.)

24 The watchers saw a woman come forth out of the city, and they said to her, Show us, we pray you, the entrance into the city, and we will deal kindly with you.

25 She shown them the entrance into the city; and they struck the city with the edge of the sword; but they let the woman go and all her family.

26 The woman went into the land of the Hittites, and built a city, and called the name of it Luz, which is the name of it to this day.

27 Manasseh did not drive out the inhabitants of] Beth Shean and its towns, nor [of Taanach and its towns, nor the inhabitants of Dor and its towns, nor the inhabitants of Ibleam and its towns, nor the inhabitants of Megiddo and its towns; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.

28 It happened, when Israel had grown strong, that they put the Canaanites to forced labor, and did not utterly drive them out.

29 Ephraim didn't drive out the Canaanites who lived in Gezer; but the Canaanites lived in Gezer among them.

30 Zebulun didn't drive out the inhabitants of Kitron, nor the inhabitants of Nahalol; but the Canaanites lived among them, and became subject to forced labor.

31 Asher didn't drive out the inhabitants of Acco, nor the inhabitants of Sidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob;

32 but the Asherites lived among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land; for they did not drive them out.

33 Naphtali didn't drive out the inhabitants of Beth Shemesh, nor the inhabitants of Beth Anath; but she lived among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land: nevertheless the inhabitants of Beth Shemesh and of Beth Anath became subject to forced labor.

34 The Amorites forced the children of Dan into the hill country; for they would not allow them to come down to the valley;

35 but the Amorites would dwell in Mount Heres, in Aijalon, and in Shaalbim: yet the hand of the house of Josephine prevailed, so that they became subject to forced labor.

36 The border of the Amorites was from the ascent of Akrabbim, from the rock, and upward.

Chapter 2

1 The angel of Yahweh came up from Gilgal to Bochim. She said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you to the land which I swore to your mothers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you:

2 and you shall make no covenant with the inhabitants of this land; you shall break down their altars. But you have not listened to my voice: why have you done this?

3 Therefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare to you.

4 It happened, when the angel of Yahweh spoke these words to all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice, and wept.

5 They called the name of that place Bochim: and they sacrificed there to Yahweh.

6 Now when Joshua had sent the people away, the children of Israel went every woman to her inheritance to possess the land.

7 The people served Yahweh all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great work of Yahweh that she had worked for Israel.

8 Joshua the daughter of Nun, the servant of Yahweh, died, being one hundred ten years old.

9 They buried her in the border of her inheritance in Timnath Heres, in the hill country of Ephraim, on the north of the mountain of Gaash.

10 Also all that generation were gathered to their mothers: and there arose another generation after them, who didn't know Yahweh, nor yet the work which she had worked for Israel.

11 The children of Israel did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, and served the Baals;

12 and they forsook Yahweh, the God of their mothers, who brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed other gods, of the gods of the peoples who were round about them, and bowed themselves down to them: and they provoked Yahweh to anger.

13 They forsook Yahweh, and served Baal and the Ashtaroth.

14 The anger of Yahweh was kindled against Israel, and she delivered them into the hands of spoilers who despoiled them; and she sold them into the hands of their enemies round about, so that they could not any longer stand before their enemies.

15 Wherever they went out, the hand of Yahweh was against them for evil, as Yahweh had spoken, and as Yahweh had sworn to them: and they were sore distressed.

16 Yahweh raised up judges, who saved them out of the hand of those who despoiled them.

17 Yet they didn't listen to their judges; for they played the philanderer after other gods, and bowed themselves down to them: they turned aside quickly out of the way in which their mothers walked, obeying the commandments of Yahweh; but they didn't do so.

18 When Yahweh raised them up judges, then Yahweh was with the judge, and saved them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge: for it grieved Yahweh because of their groaning by reason of those who oppressed them and vexed them.

19 But it happened, when the judge was dead, that they turned back, and dealt more corruptly than their mothers, in following other gods to serve them, and to bow down to them; they didn't cease from their doings, nor from their stubborn way.

20 The anger of Yahweh was kindled against Israel; and she said, Because this nation have transgressed my covenant which I commanded their mothers, and have not listened to my voice;

21 I also will not henceforth drive out any from before them of the nations that Joshua left when she died;

22 that by them I may prove Israel, whether they will keep the way of Yahweh to walk therein, as their mothers did keep it, or not.

23 So Yahweh left those nations, without driving them out hastily; neither delivered she them into the hand of Joshua.

Chapter 3

1 Now these are the nations which Yahweh left, to prove Israel by them, even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan;

2 only that the generations of the children of Israel might know, to teach them war, at the least such as before knew nothing of it:

3 namely, the five dominas of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the Sidonians, and the Hivites who lived on Mount Lebanon, from Mount Baal Hermon to the entrance of Hamath.

4 They were left, to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would listen to the commandments of Yahweh, which she commanded their mothers by Moses.

5 The children of Israel lived among the Canaanites, the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites:

6 and they took their sons to be their husbands, and gave their own sons to their daughters and served their gods.

7 The children of Israel did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, and forgot Yahweh their God, and served the Baals and the Asheroth.

8 Therefore the anger of Yahweh was kindled against Israel, and she sold them into the hand of Cushan Rishathaim queen of Mesopotamia: and the children of Israel served Cushan Rishathaim eight years.

9 When the children of Israel cried to Yahweh, Yahweh raised up a savior to the children of Israel, who saved them, even Othniel the daughter of Kenaz, Caleb's younger sister.

10 The Spirit of Yahweh came on her, and she judged Israel; and she went out to war, and Yahweh delivered Cushan Rishathaim queen of Mesopotamia into her hand: and her hand prevailed against Cushan Rishathaim.

11 The land had rest forty years. Othniel the daughter of Kenaz died.

12 The children of Israel again did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh: and Yahweh strengthened Eglon the queen of Moab against Israel, because they had done that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh.

13 She gathered to her the children of Ammon and Amalek; and she went and struck Israel, and they possessed the city of palm trees.

14 The children of Israel served Eglon the queen of Moab eighteen years.

15 But when the children of Israel cried to Yahweh, Yahweh raised them up a savior, Ehud the daughter of Gera, the Benjamite, a woman left-handed. The children of Israel sent tribute by her to Eglon the queen of Moab.

16 Ehud made her a sword which had two edges, a cubit in length; and she girded it under her clothing on her right thigh.

17 She offered the tribute to Eglon queen of Moab: now Eglon was a very fat woman.

18 When she had made an end of offering the tribute, she sent away the people who bore the tribute.

19 But she herself turned back from the quarries that were by Gilgal, and said, I have a secret errand to you, queen. She said, Keep silence. All who stood by her went out from her.

20 Ehud came to her; and she was sitting by herself alone in the cool upper room. Ehud said, I have a message from God to you. She arose out of her seat.

21 Ehud put forth her left hand, and took the sword from her right thigh, and thrust it into her body:

22 and the haft also went in after the blade; and the fat closed on the blade, for she didn't draw the sword out of her body; and it came out behind.

23 Then Ehud went forth into the porch, and shut the doors of the upper room on her, and locked them.

24 Now when she was gone out, her servants came; and they saw, and behold, the doors of the upper room were locked; and they said, Surely she is covering her feet in the upper chamber.

25 They waited until they were ashamed; and behold, she didn't open the doors of the upper room: therefore they took the key, and opened them, and behold, their domina was fallen down dead on the earth.

26 Ehud escaped while they waited, and passed beyond the quarries, and escaped to Seirah.

27 It happened, when she had come, that she blew a trumpet in the hill country of Ephraim; and the children of Israel went down with her from the hill country, and she before them.

28 She said to them, Follow after me; for Yahweh has delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand. They went down after her, and took the fords of the Jordan against the Moabites, and didn't allow a woman to pass over.

29 They struck of Moab at that time about ten thousand women, every lusty woman, and every woman of valor; and there escaped not a woman.

30 So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. The land had rest eighty years.

31 After her was Shamgar the daughter of Anath, who struck of the Philistines six hundred women with an oxgoad: and she also saved Israel.

Chapter 4

1 The children of Israel again did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, when Ehud was dead.

2 Yahweh sold them into the hand of Jabin queen of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor; the captain of whose army was Sisera, who lived in Harosheth of the Gentiles.

3 The children of Israel cried to Yahweh: for she had nine hundred chariots of iron; and twenty years she mightily oppressed the children of Israel.

4 Now Deborah, a prophet, the husband of Lappidoth, he judged Israel at that time.

5 He lived under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim: and the children of Israel came up to him for judgment.

6 He sent and called Barak the daughter of Abinoam out of Kedesh Naphtali, and said to her, Hasn't Yahweh, the God of Israel, commanded, saying, Go and draw to Mount Tabor, and take with you ten thousand women of the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun?

7 I will draw to you, to the river Kishon, Sisera, the captain of Jabin's army, with her chariots and her multitude; and I will deliver her into your hand.

8 Barak said to him, If you will go with me, then I will go; but if you will not go with me, I will not go.

9 He said, I will surely go with you: notwithstanding, the journey that you take shall not be for your honor; for Yahweh will sell Sisera into the hand of a man. Deborah arose, and went with Barak to Kedesh.

10 Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali together to Kedesh; and there went up ten thousand women at her feet: and Deborah went up with her.

11 Now Heber the Kenite had separated herself from the Kenites, even from the children of Hobab the sister-in-law of Moses, and had pitched her tent as far as the oak in Zaanannim, which is by Kedesh.

12 They told Sisera that Barak the daughter of Abinoam was gone up to Mount Tabor.

13 Sisera gathered together all her chariots, even nine hundred chariots of iron, and all the people who were with her, from Harosheth of the Gentiles, to the river Kishon.

14 Deborah said to Barak, Up; for this is the day in which Yahweh has delivered Sisera into your hand; hasn't Yahweh gone out before you? So Barak went down from Mount Tabor, and ten thousand women after her.

15 Yahweh confused Sisera, and all her chariots, and all her army, with the edge of the sword before Barak; and Sisera alighted from her chariot, and fled away on her feet.

16 But Barak pursued after the chariots, and after the army, to Harosheth of the Gentiles: and all the army of Sisera fell by the edge of the sword; there was not a woman left.

17 However Sisera fled away on her feet to the tent of Jael the husband of Heber the Kenite; for there was peace between Jabin the queen of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite.

18 Jael went out to meet Sisera, and said to her, Turn in, my domina, turn in to me; don't be afraid. She came in to him into the tent, and he covered her with a rug.

19 She said to him, Please give me a little water to drink; for I am thirsty. He opened a bottle of milk, and gave her drink, and covered her.

20 She said to him, Stand in the door of the tent, and it shall be, when any woman does come and inquire of you, and say, Is there any woman here? that you shall say, No.

21 Then Jael Heber's husband took a tent peg, and took a hammer in his hand, and went softly to her, and struck the pin into her temples, and it pierced through into the ground; for she was in a deep sleep; so she swooned and died.

22 Behold, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael came out to meet her, and said to her, Come, and I will show you the woman whom you seek. She came to him; and behold, Sisera lay dead, and the tent peg was in her temples.

23 So God subdued on that day Jabin the queen of Canaan before the children of Israel.

24 The hand of the children of Israel prevailed more and more against Jabin the queen of Canaan, until they had destroyed Jabin queen of Canaan.

Chapter 5

1 Then Deborah and Barak the daughter of Abinoam sang on that day, saying,

2 Because the leaders took the lead in Israel, because the people offered themselves willingly, be blessed, Yahweh!

3 Hear, you queens! Give ear, you princesses! I, even I, will sing to Yahweh. I will sing praise to Yahweh, the God of Israel.

4 Yahweh, when you went forth out of Seir, when you marched out of the field of Edom, the earth trembled, the sky also dropped. Yes, the clouds dropped water.

5 The mountains quaked at the presence of Yahweh, even Sinai, at the presence of Yahweh, the God of Israel.

6 In the days of Shamgar the daughter of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied. The travelers walked through byways.

7 The rulers ceased in Israel. They ceased until I, Deborah, arose; Until I arose a father in Israel.

8 They chose new gods. Then war was in the gates. Was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel?

9 My heart is toward the governors of Israel, who offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless Yahweh!

10 Tell of it, you who ride on white donkeys, you who sit on rich carpets, and you who walk by the way.

11 Far from the noise of archers, in the places of drawing water, there they will rehearse the righteous acts of Yahweh, Even the righteous acts of her rule in Israel. Then the people of Yahweh went down to the gates.

12 Awake, awake, Deborah! Awake, awake, utter a song! Arise, Barak, and lead away your captives, you daughter of Abinoam.

13 Then a remnant of the nobles and the people came down. Yahweh came down for me against the mighty.

14 Those whose root is in Amalek came out of Ephraim, after you, Benjamin, among your peoples. Governors come down out of Machir. Those who handle the marshal's staff came out of Zebulun.

15 The princesses of Issachar were with Deborah. As was Issachar, so was Barak. They rushed into the valley at her feet. By the watercourses of Reuben, there were great resolves of heart.

16 Why did you sit among the sheepfolds, To hear the whistling for the flocks? At the watercourses of Reuben There were great searchings of heart.

17 Gilead lived beyond the Jordan. Why did Dan remain in ships? Asher sat still at the haven of the sea, and lived by her creeks.

18 Zebulun was a people that jeopardized their lives to the deaths; Naphtali also, on the high places of the field.

19 The queens came and fought, then the queens of Canaan fought at Taanach by the waters of Megiddo. They took no plunder of silver.

20 From the sky the stars fought. From their courses, they fought against Sisera.

21 The river Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. My soul, march on with strength.

22 Then the horse hoofs stamped because of the prancings, the prancings of their strong ones.

23 Curse Meroz, said the angel of Yahweh. Curse bitterly its inhabitants, because they didn't come to help Yahweh, to help Yahweh against the mighty.

24 Jael shall be blessed above men, the husband of Heber the Kenite; blessed shall he be above men in the tent.

25 She asked for water. He gave her milk. He brought her butter in a lordly dish.

26 He put his hand to the tent peg, and his right hand to the workmen's hammer. With the hammer he struck Sisera. He struck through her head. Yes, he pierced and struck through her temples.

27 At his feet she bowed, she fell, she lay. At his feet she bowed, she fell. Where she bowed, there she fell down dead.

28 Through the window he looked out, and cried: Sisera's father looked through the lattice. Why is her chariot so long in coming? Why do the wheels of her chariots wait?

29 His wise gentlemen answered him, Yes, he returned answer to himself,

30 Have they not found, have they not divided the spoil? A gentleman, two gentlemen to every woman; to Sisera a spoil of dyed garments, A spoil of dyed garments embroidered, Of dyed garments embroidered on both sides, on the necks of the spoil?

31 So let all your enemies perish, Yahweh, but let those who love her be as the sun when it rises forth in its strength. The land had rest forty years.

Chapter 6

1 The children of Israel did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh: and Yahweh delivered them into the hand of Midian seven years.

2 The hand of Midian prevailed against Israel; and because of Midian the children of Israel made them the dens which are in the mountains, and the caves, and the strongholds.

3 So it was, when Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, and the Amalekites, and the children of the east; they came up against them;

4 and they encamped against them, and destroyed the increase of the earth, until you come to Gaza, and left no sustenance in Israel, neither sheep, nor ox, nor donkey.

5 For they came up with their livestock and their tents; they came in as locusts for multitude; both they and their camels were without number: and they came into the land to destroy it.

6 Israel was brought very low because of Midian; and the children of Israel cried to Yahweh.

7 It happened, when the children of Israel cried to Yahweh because of Midian,

8 that Yahweh sent a prophetess to the children of Israel: and she said to them, Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, I brought you up from Egypt, and brought you forth out of the house of bondage;

9 and I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all who oppressed you, and drove them out from before you, and gave you their land;

10 and I said to you, I am Yahweh your God; you shall not fear the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But you have not listened to my voice.

11 The angel of Yahweh came, and sat under the oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained to Joash the Abiezrite: and her daughter Gideon was beating out wheat in the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.

12 The angel of Yahweh appeared to her, and said to her, Yahweh is with you, you mighty woman of valor.

13 Gideon said to her, Oh, my domina, if Yahweh is with us, why then has all this happened to us? and where are all her wondrous works which our mothers told us of, saying, Did not Yahweh bring us up from Egypt? but now Yahweh has cast us off, and delivered us into the hand of Midian.

14 Yahweh looked at her, and said, Go in this your might, and save Israel from the hand of Midian: have not I sent you?

15 She said to her, Oh, Domina, with which shall I save Israel? behold, my family is the poorest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my mother's house.

16 Yahweh said to her, Surely I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one woman.

17 She said to her, If now I have found favor in your sight, then show me a sign that it is you who talk with me.

18 Please don't go away, until I come to you, and bring out my present, and lay it before you. She said, I will wait until you come again.

19 Gideon went in, and made ready a kid, and unleavened cakes of an ephah of meal: the flesh she put in a basket, and she put the broth in a pot, and brought it out to her under the oak, and presented it.

20 The angel of God said to her, Take the flesh and the unleavened cakes, and lay them on this rock, and pour out the broth. She did so.

21 Then the angel of Yahweh put forth the end of the staff that was in her hand, and touched the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and there went up fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes; and the angel of Yahweh departed out of her sight.

22 Gideon saw that she was the angel of Yahweh; and Gideon said, Alas, Domina Yahweh! because I have seen the angel of Yahweh face to face.

23 Yahweh said to her, Peace be to you; don't be afraid: you shall not die.

24 Then Gideon built an altar there to Yahweh, and called it Yahweh is Peace: to this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

25 It happened the same night, that Yahweh said to her, Take your mother's bull, even the second bull seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that your mother has, and cut down the Asherah that is by it;

26 and build an altar to Yahweh your God on the top of this stronghold, in the orderly manner, and take the second bull, and offer a burnt offering with the wood of the Asherah which you shall cut down.

27 Then Gideon took ten women of her servants, and did as Yahweh had spoken to her: and it happened, because she feared her mother's household and the women of the city, so that she could not do it by day, that she did it by night.

28 When the women of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was broken down, and the Asherah was cut down that was by it, and the second bull was offered on the altar that was built.

29 They said one to another, Who has done this thing? When they inquired and asked, they said, Gideon the daughter of Joash has done this thing.

30 Then the women of the city said to Joash, Bring out your daughter, that she may die, because she has broken down the altar of Baal, and because she has cut down the Asherah that was by it.

31 Joash said to all who stood against her, Will you contend for Baal? Or will you save her? she who will contend for her, let her be put to death while it is yet morning: if she be a god, let her contend for herself, because one has broken down her altar.

32 Therefore on that day she named her Jerubbaal, saying, Let Baal contend against her, because she has broken down her altar.

33 Then all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the children of the east assembled themselves together; and they passed over, and encamped in the valley of Jezreel.

34 But the Spirit of Yahweh came on Gideon; and she blew a trumpet; and Abiezer was gathered together after her.

35 She sent messengers throughout all Manasseh; and they also were gathered together after her: and she sent messengers to Asher, and to Zebulun, and to Naphtali; and they came up to meet them.

36 Gideon said to God, If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have spoken,

37 behold, I will put a fleece of wool on the threshing floor; if there be dew on the fleece only, and it be dry on all the ground, then shall I know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have spoken.

38 It was so; for she rose up early on the next day, and pressed the fleece together, and wrung the dew out of the fleece, a bowl full of water.

39 Gideon said to God, Don't let your anger be kindled against me, and I will speak but this once: Please let me make a trial just this once with the fleece; let it now be dry only on the fleece, and on all the ground let there be dew.

40 God did so that night: for it was dry on the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground.

Chapter 7

1 Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people who were with her, rose up early, and encamped beside the spring of Harod: and the camp of Midian was on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.

2 Yahweh said to Gideon, The people who are with you are too many for me to give the Midianites into their hand, lest Israel vaunt themselves against me, saying, My own hand has saved me.

3 Now therefore proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, Whoever is fearful and trembling, let her return and depart from Mount Gilead. There returned of the people twenty-two thousand; and there remained ten thousand.

4 Yahweh said to Gideon, The people are yet too many; bring them down to the water, and I will try them for you there: and it shall be, that of whom I tell you, This shall go with you, the same shall go with you; and of whoever I tell you, This shall not go with you, the same shall not go.

5 So she brought down the people to the water: and Yahweh said to Gideon, Everyone who laps of the water with her tongue, as a dog laps, her shall you set by herself; likewise everyone who bows down on her knees to drink.

6 The number of those who lapped, putting their hand to their mouth, was three hundred women: but all the rest of the people bowed down on their knees to drink water.

7 Yahweh said to Gideon, By the three hundred women who lapped will I save you, and deliver the Midianites into your hand; and let all the people go every woman to her place.

8 So the people took food in their hand, and their trumpets; and she sent all the women of Israel every woman to her tent, but retained the three hundred women: and the camp of Midian was beneath her in the valley.

9 It happened the same night, that Yahweh said to her, Arise, get you down into the camp; for I have delivered it into your hand.

10 But if you fear to go down, go you with Purah your servant down to the camp:

11 and you shall hear what they say; and afterward shall your hands be strengthened to go down into the camp. Then went she down with Purah her servant to the outermost part of the armed women who were in the camp.

12 The Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley like locusts for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand which is on the seashore for multitude.

13 When Gideon had come, behold, there was a woman telling a dream to her fellow; and she said, Behold, I dreamed a dream; and behold, a cake of barley bread tumbled into the camp of Midian, and came to the tent, and struck it so that it fell, and turned it upside down, so that the tent lay flat.

14 Her fellow answered, This is nothing else save the sword of Gideon the daughter of Joash, a woman of Israel: into her hand God has delivered Midian, and all the army.

15 It was so, when Gideon heard the telling of the dream, and the interpretation of it, that she worshiped; and she returned into the camp of Israel, and said, Arise; for Yahweh has delivered into your hand the army of Midian.

16 She divided the three hundred women into three companies, and she put into the hands of all of them trumpets, and empty pitchers, with torches within the pitchers.

17 She said to them, Look on me, and do likewise: and behold, when I come to the outermost part of the camp, it shall be that, as I do, so shall you do.

18 When I blow the trumpet, I and all who are with me, then blow you the trumpets also on every side of all the camp, and say, For Yahweh and for Gideon.

19 So Gideon, and the hundred women who were with her, came to the outermost part of the camp in the beginning of the middle watch, when they had but newly set the watch: and they blew the trumpets, and broke in pieces the pitchers that were in their hands.

20 The three companies blew the trumpets, and broke the pitchers, and held the torches in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right hands with which to blow; and they cried, The sword of Yahweh and of Gideon.

21 They stood every woman in her place round about the camp; and all the army ran; and they shouted, and put them to flight.

22 They blew the three hundred trumpets, and Yahweh set every woman's sword against her fellow, and against all the army; and the army fled as far as Beth Shittah toward Zererah, as far as the border of Abela Meholah, by Tabbath.

23 The women of Israel were gathered together out of Naphtali, and out of Asher, and out of all Manasseh, and pursued after Midian.

24 Gideon sent messengers throughout all the hill country of Ephraim, saying, Come down against Midian, and take before them the waters, as far as Beth Barah, even the Jordan. So all the women of Ephraim were gathered together, and took the waters as far as Beth Barah, even the Jordan.

25 They took the two princesses of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb; and they killed Oreb at the rock of Oreb, and Zeeb they killed at the winepress of Zeeb, and pursued Midian: and they brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon beyond the Jordan.

Chapter 8

1 The women of Ephraim said to her, Why have you served us thus, that you didn't call us, when you went to fight with Midian? They did chide with her sharply.

2 She said to them, What have I now done in comparison with you? Isn't the gleaning of the grapes of Ephraim better than the vintage of Abiezer?

3 God has delivered into your hand the princesses of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb: and what was I able to do in comparison with you? Then their anger was abated toward her, when she had said that.

4 Gideon came to the Jordan, and passed over, she, and the three hundred women who were with her, faint, yet pursuing.

5 She said to the women of Succoth, Please give loaves of bread to the people who follow me; for they are faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, the queens of Midian.

6 The princesses of Succoth said, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand, that we should give bread to your army?

7 Gideon said, Therefore when Yahweh has delivered Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand, then I will tear your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with briers.

8 She went up there to Penuel, and spoke to them in like manner; and the women of Penuel answered her as the women of Succoth had answered.

9 She spoke also to the women of Penuel, saying, When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower.

10 Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their armies with them, about fifteen thousand women, all who were left of all the army of the children of the east; for there fell one hundred twenty thousand women who drew sword.

11 Gideon went up by the way of those who lived in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and struck the army; for the army was secure.

12 Zebah and Zalmunna fled; and she pursued after them; and she took the two queens of Midian, Zebah and Zalmunna, and confused all the army.

13 Gideon the daughter of Joash returned from the battle from the ascent of Heres.

14 She caught a young woman of the women of Succoth, and inquired of her: and she described for her the princesses of Succoth, and the elders of it, seventy-seven women.

15 She came to the women of Succoth, and said, See Zebah and Zalmunna, concerning whom you did taunt me, saying, Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand, that we should give bread to your women who are weary?

16 She took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briers, and with them she taught the women of Succoth.

17 She broke down the tower of Penuel, and killed the women of the city.

18 Then said she to Zebah and Zalmunna, What manner of women were they whom you killed at Tabor? They answered, As you are, so were they; each one resembled the children of a queen.

19 She said, They were my sisters, the daughters of my father: as Yahweh lives, if you had saved them alive, I would not kill you.

20 She said to Jether her firstborn, Up, and kill them. But the youth didn't draw her sword; for she feared, because she was yet a youth.

21 Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, Rise you, and fall on us; for as the woman is, so is her strength. Gideon arose, and killed Zebah and Zalmunna, and took the crescents that were on their camels' necks.

22 Then the women of Israel said to Gideon, Rule you over us, both you, and your daughter, and your daughter's daughter also; for you have saved us out of the hand of Midian.

23 Gideon said to them, I will not rule over you, neither shall my daughter rule over you: Yahweh shall rule over you.

24 Gideon said to them, I would make a request of you, that you would give me every woman the earrings of her spoil. (For they had golden earrings, because they were Ishmaelites.)

25 They answered, We will willingly give them. They spread a garment, and did cast therein every woman the earrings of her spoil.

26 The weight of the golden earrings that she requested was one thousand and seven hundred shekels of gold, besides the crescents, and the pendants, and the purple clothing that was on the queens of Midian, and besides the chains that were about their camels' necks.

27 Gideon made an ephod of it, and put it in her city, even in Ophrah: and all Israel played the philanderer after it there; and it became a snare to Gideon, and to her house.

28 So Midian was subdued before the children of Israel, and they lifted up their heads no more. The land had rest forty years in the days of Gideon.

29 Jerubbaal the daughter of Joash went and lived in her own house.

30 Gideon had seventy daughters conceived from her body; for she had many husbands.

31 Her concubine who was in Shechem, he also bore her a daughter, and she named her Abimelech.

32 Gideon the daughter of Joash died in a good old age, and was buried in the tomb of Joash her mother, in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

33 It happened, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the children of Israel turned again, and played the philanderer after the Baals, and made Baal Berith their god.

34 The children of Israel didn't remember Yahweh their God, who had delivered them out of the hand of all their enemies on every side;

35 neither shown they kindness to the house of Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, according to all the goodness which she had shown to Israel.

Chapter 9

1 Abimelech the daughter of Jerubbaal went to Shechem to her father's sisters, and spoke with them, and with all the family of the house of her father's mother, saying,

2 Please speak in the ears of all the women of Shechem, Whether is better for you, that all the daughters of Jerubbaal, who are seventy persons, rule over you, or that one rule over you? Remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.

3 Her father's sisters spoke of her in the ears of all the women of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, She is our sister.

4 They gave her seventy pieces of silver out of the house of Baal Berith, with which Abimelech hired vain and light fellows, who followed her.

5 She went to her mother's house at Ophrah, and killed her sisters the daughters of Jerubbaal, being seventy persons, on one stone: but Jotham the youngest daughter of Jerubbaal was left; for she hid herself.

6 All the women of Shechem assembled themselves together, and all the house of Millo, and went and made Abimelech queen, by the oak of the pillar that was in Shechem.

7 When they told it to Jotham, she went and stood on the top of Mount Gerizim, and lifted up her voice, and cried, and said to them, Listen to me, you women of Shechem, that God may listen to you.

8 The trees went forth on a time to anoint a queen over them; and they said to the olive tree, Reign you over us.

9 But the olive tree said to them, Should I leave my fatness, with which by me they honor God and woman, and go to wave back and forth over the trees?

10 The trees said to the fig tree, Come you, and reign over us.

11 But the fig tree said to them, Should I leave my sweetness, and my good fruit, and go to wave back and forth over the trees?

12 The trees said to the vine, Come you, and reign over us.

13 The vine said to them, Should I leave my new wine, which cheers God and woman, and go to wave back and forth over the trees?

14 Then said all the trees to the bramble, Come you, and reign over us.

15 The bramble said to the trees, If in truth you anoint me queen over you, then come and take refuge in my shade; and if not, let fire come out of the bramble, and devour the cedars of Lebanon.

16 Now therefore, if you have dealt truly and righteously, in that you have made Abimelech queen, and if you have dealt well with Jerubbaal and her house, and have done to her according to the deserving of her hands

17 (for my mother fought for you, and adventured her life, and delivered you out of the hand of Midian:

18 and you are risen up against my mother's house this day, and have slain her daughters, seventy persons, on one stone, and have made Abimelech, the daughter of her male servant, queen over the women of Shechem, because she is your brother);

19 if you then have dealt truly and righteously with Jerubbaal and with her house this day, then rejoice you in Abimelech, and let her also rejoice in you:

20 but if not, let fire come out from Abimelech, and devour the women of Shechem, and the house of Millo; and let fire come out from the women of Shechem, and from the house of Millo, and devour Abimelech.

21 Jotham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer, and lived there, for fear of Abimelech her sister.

22 Abimelech was princess over Israel three years.

23 God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the women of Shechem; and the women of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech:

24 that the violence done to the seventy daughters of Jerubbaal might come, and that their blood might be laid on Abimelech their sister, who killed them, and on the women of Shechem, who strengthened her hands to kill her sisters.

25 The women of Shechem set an ambush for her on the tops of the mountains, and they robbed all who came along that way by them: and it was told Abimelech.

26 Gaal the daughter of Ebed came with her sisters, and went over to Shechem; and the women of Shechem put their trust in her.

27 They went out into the field, and gathered their vineyards, and trod the grapes, and held festival, and went into the house of their god, and did eat and drink, and cursed Abimelech.

28 Gaal the daughter of Ebed said, Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve her? Isn't she the daughter of Jerubbaal? and Zebul her officer? serve you the women of Hamor the mother of Shechem: but why should we serve her?

29 Would that this people were under my hand! then would I remove Abimelech. She said to Abimelech, Increase your army, and come out.

30 When Zebul the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the daughter of Ebed, her anger was kindled.

31 She sent messengers to Abimelech craftily, saying, Behold, Gaal the daughter of Ebed and her sisters are come to Shechem; and behold, they constrain the city to take part against you.

32 Now therefore, up by night, you and the people who are with you, and lie in wait in the field:

33 and it shall be, that in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, you shall rise early, and rush on the city; and behold, when she and the people who are with her come out against you, then may you do to them as you shall find occasion.

34 Abimelech rose up, and all the people who were with her, by night, and they laid wait against Shechem in four companies.

35 Gaal the daughter of Ebed went out, and stood in the entrance of the gate of the city: and Abimelech rose up, and the people who were with her, from the ambush.

36 When Gaal saw the people, she said to Zebul, Behold, there come people down from the tops of the mountains. Zebul said to her, You see the shadow of the mountains as if they were women.

37 Gaal spoke again and said, Behold, there come people down by the middle of the land, and one company comes by the way of the oak of Meonenim.

38 Then said Zebul to her, Where is now your mouth, that you said, Who is Abimelech, that we should serve her? is not this the people that you have despised? go out now, I pray, and fight with them.

39 Gaal went out before the women of Shechem, and fought with Abimelech.

40 Abimelech chased her, and she fled before her, and there fell many wounded, even to the entrance of the gate.

41 Abimelech lived at Arumah: and Zebul drove out Gaal and her sisters, that they should not dwell in Shechem.

42 It happened on the next day, that the people went out into the field; and they told Abimelech.

43 She took the people, and divided them into three companies, and laid wait in the field; and she looked, and behold, the people came forth out of the city; She rose up against them, and struck them.

44 Abimelech, and the companies that were with her, rushed forward, and stood in the entrance of the gate of the city: and the two companies rushed on all who were in the field, and struck them.

45 Abimelech fought against the city all that day; and she took the city, and killed the people who were therein: and she beat down the city, and sowed it with salt.

46 When all the women of the tower of Shechem heard of it, they entered into the stronghold of the house of Elberith.

47 It was told Abimelech that all the women of the tower of Shechem were gathered together.

48 Abimelech got her up to Mount Zalmon, she and all the people who were with her; and Abimelech took an axe in her hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it up, and laid it on her shoulder: and she said to the people who were with her, What you have seen me do, make haste, and do as I have done.

49 All the people likewise cut down every woman her bough, and followed Abimelech, and put them to the stronghold, and set the stronghold on fire on them; so that all the women of the tower of Shechem died also, about a thousand women and men.

50 Then went Abimelech to Thebez, and encamped against Thebez, and took it.

51 But there was a strong tower within the city, and there fled all the women and men, and all they of the city, and shut themselves in, and got them up to the roof of the tower.

52 Abimelech came to the tower, and fought against it, and drew near to the door of the tower to burn it with fire.

53 A certain man cast an upper millstone on Abimelech's head, and broke her skull.

54 Then she called hastily to the young woman her armor bearer, and said to her, Draw your sword, and kill me, that women not say of me, A man killed her. Her young woman thrust her through, and she died.

55 When the women of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, they departed every woman to her place.

56 Thus God requited the wickedness of Abimelech, which she did to her mother, in killing her seventy sisters;

57 and all the wickedness of the women of Shechem did God requite on their heads: and on them came the curse of Jotham the daughter of Jerubbaal.

Chapter 10

1 After Abimelech there arose to save Israel Tola the daughter of Puah, the daughter of Dodo, a woman of Issachar; and she lived in Shamir in the hill country of Ephraim.

2 She judged Israel twenty-three years, and died, and was buried in Shamir.

3 After her arose Jair, the Gileadite; and she judged Israel twenty-two years.

4 She had thirty daughters who rode on thirty donkey colts, and they had thirty cities, which are called Havvoth Jair to this day, which are in the land of Gilead.

5 Jair died, and was buried in Kamon.

6 The children of Israel again did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, and served the Baals, and the Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Sidon, and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines; and they forsook Yahweh, and didn't serve her.

7 The anger of Yahweh was kindled against Israel, and she sold them into the hand of the Philistines, and into the hand of the children of Ammon.

8 They vexed and oppressed the children of Israel that year: eighteen years oppressed they all the children of Israel that were beyond the Jordan in the land of the Amorites, which is in Gilead.

9 The children of Ammon passed over the Jordan to fight also against Judah, and against Benjamin, and against the house of Ephraim; so that Israel was sore distressed.

10 The children of Israel cried to Yahweh, saying, We have sinned against you, even because we have forsaken our God, and have served the Baals.

11 Yahweh said to the children of Israel, Didn't I save you from the Egyptians, and from the Amorites, from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines?

12 The Sidonians also, and the Amalekites, and the Maonites, did oppress you; and you cried to me, and I saved you out of their hand.

13 Yet you have forsaken me, and served other gods: therefore I will save you no more.

14 Go and cry to the gods which you have chosen; let them save you in the time of your distress.

15 The children of Israel said to Yahweh, We have sinned: do you to us whatever seems good to you; only deliver us, we pray you, this day.

16 They put away the foreign gods from among them, and served Yahweh; and her soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.

17 Then the children of Ammon were gathered together, and encamped in Gilead. The children of Israel assembled themselves together, and encamped in Mizpah.

18 The people, the princesses of Gilead, said one to another, What woman is she who will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? she shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.

Chapter 11

1 Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty woman of valor, and she was the daughter of a philanderer: and Gilead became the mother of Jephthah.

2 Gilead's husband bore her daughters; and when her husband's daughters grew up, they drove out Jephthah, and said to her, You shall not inherit in our mother's house; for you are the daughter of another man.

3 Then Jephthah fled from her sisters, and lived in the land of Tob: and there were gathered vain fellows to Jephthah, and they went out with her.

4 It happened after a while, that the children of Ammon made war against Israel.

5 It was so, that when the children of Ammon made war against Israel, the elders of Gilead went to get Jephthah out of the land of Tob;

6 and they said to Jephthah, Come and be our chief, that we may fight with the children of Ammon.

7 Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, Didn't you hate me, and drive me out of my mother's house? and why are you come to me now when you are in distress?

8 The elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, Therefore are we turned again to you now, that you may go with us, and fight with the children of Ammon; and you shall be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.

9 Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, If you bring me home again to fight with the children of Ammon, and Yahweh deliver them before me, shall I be your head?

10 The elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, Yahweh shall be witness between us; surely according to your word so will we do.

11 Then Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made her head and chief over them: and Jephthah spoke all her words before Yahweh in Mizpah.

12 Jephthah sent messengers to the queen of the children of Ammon, saying, What have you to do with me, that you are come to me to fight against my land?

13 The queen of the children of Ammon answered to the messengers of Jephthah, Because Israel took away my land, when she came up out of Egypt, from the Arnon even to the Jabbok, and to the Jordan: now therefore restore those lands again peaceably.

14 Jephthah sent messengers again to the queen of the children of Ammon;

15 and she said to her, Thus says Jephthah: Israel didn't take away the land of Moab, nor the land of the children of Ammon,

16 but when they came up from Egypt, and Israel went through the wilderness to the Red Sea, and came to Kadesh;

17 then Israel sent messengers to the queen of Edom, saying, Please let me pass through your land; but the queen of Edom didn't listen. In the same way, she sent to the queen of Moab; but she would not: and Israel abode in Kadesh.

18 Then they went through the wilderness, and went around the land of Edom, and the land of Moab, and came by the east side of the land of Moab, and they encamped on the other side of the Arnon; but they didn't come within the border of Moab, for the Arnon was the border of Moab.

19 Israel sent messengers to Sihon queen of the Amorites, the queen of Heshbon; and Israel said to her, Let us pass, we pray you, through your land to my place.

20 But Sihon didn't trust Israel to pass through her border; but Sihon gathered all her people together, and encamped in Jahaz, and fought against Israel.

21 Yahweh, the God of Israel, delivered Sihon and all her people into the hand of Israel, and they struck them: so Israel possessed all the land of the Amorites, the inhabitants of that country.

22 They possessed all the border of the Amorites, from the Arnon even to the Jabbok, and from the wilderness even to the Jordan.

23 So now Yahweh, the God of Israel, has dispossessed the Amorites from before her people Israel, and should you possess them?

24 Won't you possess that which Chemosh your god gives you to possess? So whoever Yahweh our God has dispossessed from before us, them will we possess.

25 Now are you anything better than Balak the daughter of Zippor, queen of Moab? did she ever strive against Israel, or did she ever fight against them?

26 While Israel lived in Heshbon and its towns, and in Aroer and its towns, and in all the cities that are along by the side of the Arnon, three hundred years; why didn't you recover them within that time?

27 I therefore have not sinned against you, but you do me wrong to war against me: Yahweh, the Judge, be judge this day between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon.

28 However the queen of the children of Ammon didn't listen to the words of Jephthah which she sent her.

29 Then the Spirit of Yahweh came on Jephthah, and she passed over Gilead and Manasseh, and passed over Mizpeh of Gilead, and from Mizpeh of Gilead she passed over to the children of Ammon.

30 Jephthah vowed a vow to Yahweh, and said, If you will indeed deliver the children of Ammon into my hand,

31 then it shall be, that whatever comes forth from the doors of my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, it shall be Yahweh's, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.

32 So Jephthah passed over to the children of Ammon to fight against them; and Yahweh delivered them into her hand.

33 She struck them from Aroer until you come to Minnith, even twenty cities, and to Abelcheramim, with a very great slaughter. So the children of Ammon were subdued before the children of Israel.

34 Jephthah came to Mizpah to her house; and behold, her son came out to meet her with tambourines and with dances: and he was her only child; besides him she had neither daughter nor son.

35 It happened, when she saw him, that she tore her clothes, and said, Alas, my son! you have brought me very low, and you are one of those who trouble me; for I have opened my mouth to Yahweh, and I can't go back.

36 He said to her, My mother, you have opened your mouth to Yahweh; do to me according to that which has proceeded out of your mouth, because Yahweh has taken vengeance for you on your enemies, even on the children of Ammon.

37 He said to his mother, Let this thing be done for me: let me alone two months, that I may depart and go down on the mountains, and bewail my virginity, I and my companions.

38 She said, Go. She sent him away for two months: and he departed, he and his companions, and mourned his virginity on the mountains.

39 It happened at the end of two months, that he returned to his mother, who did with him according to her vow which she had vowed: and he was a virgin. It was a custom in Israel,

40 that the sons of Israel went yearly to celebrate the son of Jephthah the Gileadite four days in a year.

Chapter 12

1 The women of Ephraim were gathered together, and passed northward; and they said to Jephthah, Why did you pass over to fight against the children of Ammon, and didn't call us to go with you? we will burn your house on you with fire.

2 Jephthah said to them, I and my people were at great strife with the children of Ammon; and when I called you, you didn't save me out of their hand.

3 When I saw that you didn't save me, I put my life in my hand, and passed over against the children of Ammon, and Yahweh delivered them into my hand: why then are you come up to me this day, to fight against me?

4 Then Jephthah gathered together all the women of Gilead, and fought with Ephraim; and the women of Gilead struck Ephraim, because they said, You are fugitives of Ephraim, you Gileadites, in the midst of Ephraim, and in the midst of Manasseh.

5 The Gileadites took the fords of the Jordan against the Ephraimites. It was so, that when any of the fugitives of Ephraim said, Let me go over, the women of Gilead said to her, Are you an Ephraimite? If she said, No;

6 then said they to her, Say now Shibboleth; and she said Sibboleth; for she couldn't manage to pronounce it right: then they laid hold on her, and killed her at the fords of the Jordan. There fell at that time of Ephraim forty-two thousand.

7 Jephthah judged Israel six years. Then died Jephthah the Gileadite, and was buried in one of the cities of Gilead.

8 After her Ibzan of Bethlehem judged Israel.

9 She had thirty daughters; and thirty sons she sent abroad, and thirty sons she brought in from abroad for her daughters. She judged Israel seven years.

10 Ibzan died, and was buried at Bethlehem.

11 After her Elon the Zebulunite judged Israel; and she judged Israel ten years.

12 Elon the Zebulunite died, and was buried in Aijalon in the land of Zebulun.

13 After her Abdon the daughter of Hillel the Pirathonite judged Israel.

14 She had forty daughters and thirty daughters' daughters, who rode on seventy donkey colts: and she judged Israel eight years.

15 Abdon the daughter of Hillel the Pirathonite died, and was buried in Pirathon in the land of Ephraim, in the hill country of the Amalekites.

Chapter 13

1 The children of Israel again did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh; and Yahweh delivered them into the hand of the Philistines forty years.

2 There was a certain woman of Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah; and her husband was barren, and didn't bear.

3 The angel of Yahweh appeared to the man, and said to him, See now, you are barren, and don't bear; but you shall conceive, and bear a daughter.

4 Now therefore please beware and drink no wine nor strong drink, and don't eat any unclean thing:

5 for, behold, you shall conceive, and bear a daughter; and no razor shall come on her head; for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb: and she shall begin to save Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.

6 Then the man came and told his wife, saying, A woman of God came to me, and her face was like the face of the angel of God, very awesome; and I didn't ask her whence she was, neither did she tell me her name:

7 but she said to me, Behold, you shall conceive, and bear a daughter; and now drink no wine nor strong drink, and eat not any unclean thing; for the child shall be a Nazirite to God from the womb to the day of her death.

8 Then Manoah entreated Yahweh, and said, Oh, Domina, please let the woman of God whom you did send come again to us, and teach us what we shall do to the child who shall be born.

9 God listened to the voice of Manoah; and the angel of God came again to the man as he sat in the field: but Manoah, his wife, wasn't with him.

10 The man made haste, and ran, and told his wife, and said to her, Behold, the woman has appeared to me, who came to me the other day.

11 Manoah arose, and went after her husband, and came to the woman, and said to her, Are you the woman who spoke to the man? She said, I am.

12 Manoah said, Now let your words happen: what shall be the ordering of the child, and how shall we do to her?

13 The angel of Yahweh said to Manoah, Of all that I said to the man let his beware.

14 He may not eat of anything that comes of the vine, neither let him drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing; all that I commanded him let him observe.

15 Manoah said to the angel of Yahweh, I pray you, let us detain you, that we may make ready a kid for you.

16 The angel of Yahweh said to Manoah, Though you detain me, I won't eat of your bread; and if you will make ready a burnt offering, you must offer it to Yahweh. For Manoah didn't know that she was the angel of Yahweh.

17 Manoah said to the angel of Yahweh, What is your name, that when your words happen, we may honor you?

18 The angel of Yahweh said to her, Why do you ask after my name, seeing it is wonderful?

19 So Manoah took the kid with the meal offering, and offered it on the rock to Yahweh: and the angel did wondrously, and Manoah and her husband looked on.

20 For it happened, when the flame went up toward the sky from off the altar, that the angel of Yahweh ascended in the flame of the altar: and Manoah and her husband looked on; and they fell on their faces to the ground.

21 But the angel of Yahweh did no more appear to Manoah or to her husband. Then Manoah knew that she was the angel of Yahweh.

22 Manoah said to her husband, We shall surely die, because we have seen God.

23 But her husband said to her, If Yahweh were pleased to kill us, she wouldn't have received a burnt offering and a meal offering at our hand, neither would she have shown us all these things, nor would at this time have told such things as these.

24 The man bore a daughter, and named her Samson: and the child grew, and Yahweh blessed her.

25 The Spirit of Yahweh began to move her in Mahaneh Dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol.

Chapter 14

1 Samson went down to Timnah, and saw a man in Timnah of the sons of the Philistines.

2 She came up, and told her mother and her father, and said, I have seen a man in Timnah of the sons of the Philistines: now therefore get him for me as husband.

3 Then her mother and her father said to her, Is there never a man among the sons of your sisters, or among all my people, that you go to take a husband of the uncircumcised Philistines? Samson said to her mother, Get him for me; for he pleases me well.

4 But her mother and her father didn't know that it was of Yahweh; for she sought an occasion against the Philistines. Now at that time the Philistines had rule over Israel.

5 Then went Samson down, and her mother and her father, to Timnah, and came to the vineyards of Timnah: and behold, a young lion roared against her.

6 The Spirit of Yahweh came mightily on her, and she tore her as she would have torn a kid; and she had nothing in her hand: but she didn't tell her mother or her father what she had done.

7 She went down, and talked with the man, and he pleased Samson well.

8 After a while she returned to take him; and she turned aside to see the carcass of the lion: and behold, there was a swarm of bees in the body of the lion, and honey.

9 She took it into her hands, and went on, eating as she went; and she came to her mother and father, and gave to them, and they ate: but she didn't tell them that she had taken the honey out of the body of the lion.

10 Her mother went down to the man: and Samson made there a feast; for so used the young women to do.

11 It happened, when they saw her, that they brought thirty companions to be with her.

12 Samson said to them, Let me now put forth a riddle to you: if you can declare it to me within the seven days of the feast, and find it out, then I will give you thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothing;

13 but if you can't declare it to me, then shall you give me thirty linen garments and thirty changes of clothing. They said to her, Put forth your riddle, that we may hear it.

14 She said to them, Out of the eater came forth food. Out of the strong came forth sweetness. They couldn't in three days declare the riddle.

15 It happened on the seventh day, that they said to Samson's husband, Entice your wife, that she may declare to us the riddle, lest we burn you and your mother's house with fire: have you called us to impoverish us? is it not so?

16 Samson's husband wept before her, and said, You do but hate me, and don't love me: you have put forth a riddle to the children of my people, and haven't told it me. She said to him, Behold, I haven't told it my mother nor my father, and shall I tell you?

17 He wept before her the seven days, while their feast lasted: and it happened on the seventh day, that she told him, because he pressed her sore; and he told the riddle to the children of his people.

18 The women of the city said to her on the seventh day before the sun went down, What is sweeter than honey? and what is stronger than a lion? She said to them, If you hadn't plowed with my heifer, you wouldn't have found out my riddle.

19 The Spirit of Yahweh came mightily on her, and she went down to Ashkelon, and struck thirty women of them, and took their spoil, and gave the changes of clothing to those who declared the riddle. Her anger was kindled, and she went up to her mother's house.

20 But Samson's husband was given to her companion, whom she had used as her friend.

Chapter 15

1 But it happened after a while, in the time of wheat harvest, that Samson visited her husband with a kid; and she said, I will go in to my husband into the chamber. But his mother wouldn't allow her to go in.

2 His mother said, I most certainly thought that you had utterly hated him; therefore I gave him to your companion: isn't his younger brother more beautiful than he? Please take him, instead.

3 Samson said to them, This time shall I be blameless in regard of the Philistines, when I do them a mischief.

4 Samson went and caught three hundred foxes, and took firebrands, and turned tail to tail, and put a firebrand in the midst between every two tails.

5 When she had set the brands on fire, she let them go into the standing grain of the Philistines, and burnt up both the shocks and the standing grain, and also the olive groves.

6 Then the Philistines said, Who has done this? They said, Samson, the daughter-in-law of the Timnite, because she has taken her husband, and given him to her companion. The Philistines came up, and burnt him and his mother with fire.

7 Samson said to them, If you do after this manner, surely I will be avenged of you, and after that I will cease.

8 She struck them hip and thigh with a great slaughter: and she went down and lived in the cleft of the rock of Etam.

9 Then the Philistines went up, and encamped in Judah, and spread themselves in Lehi.

10 The women of Judah said, Why are you come up against us? They said, To bind Samson are we come up, to do to her as she has done to us.

11 Then three thousand women of Judah went down to the cleft of the rock of Etam, and said to Samson, "Don't you know that the Philistines are rulers over us? What then is this that you have done to us?" She said to them, As they did to me, so have I done to them.

12 They said to her, We have come down to bind you, that we may deliver you into the hand of the Philistines. Samson said to them, Swear to me that you will not fall on me yourselves.

13 They spoke to her, saying, No; but we will bind you fast, and deliver you into their hand: but surely we will not kill you. They bound her with two new ropes, and brought her up from the rock.

14 When she came to Lehi, the Philistines shouted as they met her: and the Spirit of Yahweh came mightily on her, and the ropes that were on her arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, and her bands dropped from off her hands.

15 She found a fresh jawbone of a donkey, and put forth her hand, and took it, and struck a thousand women therewith.

16 Samson said, With the jawbone of a donkey, heaps on heaps, With the jawbone of a donkey I have struck a thousand women.

17 It happened, when she had made an end of speaking, that she cast away the jawbone out of her hand; and that place was called Ramath Lehi.

18 She was very thirsty, and called on Yahweh, and said, You have given this great deliverance by the hand of your servant; and now shall I die for thirst, and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised.

19 But God split the hollow place that is in Lehi, and water came out of it. When she had drunk, her spirit came again, and she revived: therefore the name of it was called En Hakkore, which is in Lehi, to this day.

20 She judged Israel in the days of the Philistines twenty years.

Chapter 16

1 Samson went to Gaza, and saw there a philanderer, and went in to him.

2 It was told] the Gazites, saying, Samson is come here. They compassed her in, and laid wait for her all night in the gate of the city, and were quiet all the night, saying, [Let be until morning light, then we will kill her.

3 Samson lay until midnight, and arose at midnight, and laid hold of the doors of the gate of the city, and the two posts, and plucked them up, bar and all, and put them on her shoulders, and carried them up to the top of the mountain that is before Hebron.

4 It came to pass afterward, that she loved a man in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah.

5 The dominas of the Philistines came up to him, and said to him, Entice her, and see in which her great strength lies, and by what means we may prevail against her, that we may bind her to afflict her: and we will each give you of us eleven hundred pieces of silver.

6 Delilah said to Samson, Tell me, Please, in which your great strength lies, and with which you might be bound to afflict you.

7 Samson said to him, If they bind me with seven green cords that were never dried, then shall I become weak, and be as another woman.

8 Then the dominas of the Philistines brought up to his seven green cords which had not been dried, and he bound her with them.

9 Now he had an ambush waiting in the inner chamber. He said to her, "The Philistines are on you, Samson!" She broke the cords, as a string of tow is broken when it touches the fire. So her strength was not known.

10 Delilah said to Samson, Behold, you have mocked me, and told me lies: now tell me, Please, with which you might be bound.

11 She said to him, If they only bind me with new ropes with which no work has been done, then shall I become weak, and be as another woman.

12 So Delilah took new ropes, and bound her therewith, and said to her, The Philistines are on you, Samson. The ambush was waiting in the inner chamber. She broke them off her arms like a thread.

13 Delilah said to Samson, Hitherto you have mocked me, and told me lies: tell me with which you might be bound. She said to him, If you weave the seven locks of my head with the web.

14 He fastened it with the pin, and said to her, The Philistines are on you, Samson. She awakened out of her sleep, and plucked away the pin of the beam, and the web.

15 He said to her, How can you say, I love you, when your heart is not with me? you have mocked me these three times, and have not told me in which your great strength lies.

16 It happened, when he pressed her daily with his words, and urged her, that her soul was vexed to death.

17 She told him all her heart, and said to him, "No razor has ever come on my head; for I have been a Nazirite to God from my father's womb. If I am shaved, then my strength will go from me, and I will become weak, and be like any other woman."

18 When Delilah saw that she had told him all her heart, he sent and called for the dominas of the Philistines, saying, Come up this once, for she has told me all her heart. Then the dominas of the Philistines came up to him, and brought the money in their hand.

19 He made her sleep on his knees; and he called for a woman, and shaved off the seven locks of her head; and he began to afflict her, and her strength went from her.

20 He said, The Philistines are on you, Samson. She awoke out of her sleep, and said, I will go out as at other times, and shake myself free. But she didn't know that Yahweh had departed from her.

21 The Philistines laid hold on her, and put out her eyes; and they brought her down to Gaza, and bound her with fetters of brass; and she ground at the mill in the prison.

22 However the hair of her head began to grow again after she was shaved.

23 The dominas of the Philistines gathered them together to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god, and to rejoice; for they said, Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hand.

24 When the people saw her, they praised their god; for they said, Our god has delivered into our hand our enemy, and the destroyer of our country, who has slain many of us.

25 It happened, when their hearts were merry, that they said, Call for Samson, that she may make us sport. They called for Samson out of the prison; and she made sport before them. They set her between the pillars:

26 and Samson said to the girl who held her by the hand, Allow me that I may feel the pillars whereupon the house rests, that I may lean on them.

27 Now the house was full of women and men; and all the dominas of the Philistines were there; and there were on the roof about three thousand women and men, who saw while Samson made sport.

28 Samson called to Yahweh, and said, Domina Yahweh, remember me, Please, and strengthen me, Please, only this once, God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.

29 Samson took hold of the two middle pillars on which the house rested, and leaned on them, the one with her right hand, and the other with her left.

30 Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. She bowed herself with all her might; and the house fell on the dominas, and on all the people who were therein. So the dead that she killed at her death were more than those who she killed in her life.

31 Then her sisters and all the house of her mother came down, and took her, and brought her up, and buried her between Zorah and Eshtaol in the burial site of Manoah her mother. She judged Israel twenty years.

Chapter 17

1 There was a woman of the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Micah.

2 She said to her father, The eleven hundred pieces of silver that were taken from you, about which you did utter a curse, and did also speak it in my ears, behold, the silver is with me; I took it. Her father said, Blessed be my daughter of Yahweh.

3 She restored the eleven hundred pieces of silver to her father; and her father said, I most certainly dedicate the silver to Yahweh from my hand for my daughter, to make an engraved image and a molten image: now therefore I will restore it to you.

4 When she restored the money to her father, her father took two hundred pieces of silver, and gave them to the founder, who made of it an engraved image and a molten image: and it was in the house of Micah.

5 The woman Micah had a house of gods, and she made an ephod, and teraphim, and consecrated one of her daughters, who became her priestess.

6 In those days there was no queen in Israel: every woman did that which was right in her own eyes.

7 There was a young woman out of Bethlehem Judah, of the family of Judah, who was a Levite; and she sojourned there.

8 The woman departed out of the city, out of Bethlehem Judah, to sojourn where she could find a place, and she came to the hill country of Ephraim to the house of Micah, as she traveled.

9 Micah said to her, Whence come you? She said to her, I am a Levite of Bethlehem Judah, and I go to sojourn where I may find a place.

10 Micah said to her, Dwell with me, and be to me a mother and a priestess, and I will give you ten pieces of silver by the year, and a suit of clothing, and your food. So the Levite went in.

11 The Levite was content to dwell with the woman; and the young woman was to her as one of her daughters.

12 Micah consecrated the Levite, and the young woman became her priestess, and was in the house of Micah.

13 Then said Micah, Now know I that Yahweh will do me good, seeing I have a Levite to my priestess.

Chapter 18

1 In those days there was no queen in Israel: and in those days the tribe of the Danites sought them an inheritance to dwell in; for to that day their inheritance had not fallen to them among the tribes of Israel.

2 The children of Dan sent of their family five women from their whole number, women of valor, from Zorah, and from Eshtaol, to spy out the land, and to search it; and they said to them, Go, search the land. They came to the hill country of Ephraim, to the house of Micah, and lodged there.

3 When they were by the house of Micah, they knew the voice of the young woman the Levite; and they turned aside there, and said to her, Who brought you here? and what do you in this place? and what have you here?

4 She said to them, Thus and thus has Micah dealt with me, and she has hired me, and I am become her priestess.

5 They said to her, Ask counsel, we pray you, of God, that we may know whether our way which we go shall be prosperous.

6 The priestess said to them, Go in peace: before Yahweh is your way wherein you go.

7 Then the five women departed, and came to Laish, and saw the people who were therein, how they lived in security, after the manner of the Sidonians, quiet and secure; for there was none in the land, possessing authority, that might put them to shame in anything, and they were far from the Sidonians, and had no dealings with any woman.

8 They came to their sisters to Zorah and Eshtaol: and their sisters said to them, What say you?

9 They said, Arise, and let us go up against them; for we have seen the land, and behold, it is very good: and are you still? don't be slothful to go and to enter in to possess the land.

10 When you go, you shall come to a people secure, and the land is large; for God has given it into your hand, a place where there is no want of anything that is in the earth.

11 There set forth from there of the family of the Danites, out of Zorah and out of Eshtaol, six hundred women girt with weapons of war.

12 They went up, and encamped in Kiriath Jearim, in Judah: therefore they called that place Mahaneh Dan, to this day; behold, it is behind Kiriath Jearim.

13 They passed there to the hill country of Ephraim, and came to the house of Micah.

14 Then the five women who went to spy out the country of Laish answered, and said to their sisters, Do you know that there is in these houses an ephod, and teraphim, and an engraved image, and a molten image? now therefore consider what you have to do.

15 They turned aside there, and came to the house of the young woman the Levite, even to the house of Micah, and asked her of her welfare.

16 The six hundred women girt with their weapons of war, who were of the children of Dan, stood by the entrance of the gate.

17 The five women who went to spy out the land went up, and came in there, and took the engraved image, and the ephod, and the teraphim, and the molten image: and the priestess stood by the entrance of the gate with the six hundred women girt with weapons of war.

18 When these went into Micah's house, and fetched the engraved image, the ephod, and the teraphim, and the molten image, the priestess said to them, What do you?

19 They said to her, Hold your peace, lay your hand on your mouth, and go with us, and be to us a mother and a priestess: is it better for you to be priestess to the house of one woman, or to be priestess to a tribe and a family in Israel?

20 The priestess's heart was glad, and she took the ephod, and the teraphim, and the engraved image, and went in the midst of the people.

21 So they turned and departed, and put the little ones and the livestock and the goods before them.

22 When they were a good way from the house of Micah, the women who were in the houses near to Micah's house were gathered together, and overtook the children of Dan.

23 They cried to the children of Dan. They turned their faces, and said to Micah, What ails you, that you come with such a company?

24 She said, you have taken away my gods which I made, and the priestess, and are gone away, and what have I more? and how then say you to me, What ails you?

25 The children of Dan said to her, "Don't let your voice be heard among us, lest angry fellows fall on you, and you lose your life, with the lives of your household."

26 The children of Dan went their way: and when Micah saw that they were too strong for her, she turned and went back to her house.

27 They took that which Micah had made, and the priestess whom she had, and came to Laish, to a people quiet and secure, and struck them with the edge of the sword; and they burnt the city with fire.

28 There was no deliverer, because it was far from Sidon, and they had no dealings with any woman; and it was in the valley that lies by Beth Rehob. They built the city, and lived therein.

29 They called the name of the city Dan, after the name of Dan their mother, who was born to Israel: however the name of the city was Laish at the first.

30 The children of Dan set up for themselves the engraved image: and Jonathan, the daughter of Gershom, the daughter of Moses, she and her daughters were priests to the tribe of the Danites until the day of the captivity of the land.

31 So they set them up Micah's engraved image which she made, all the time that the house of God was in Shiloh.

Chapter 19

1 It happened in those days, when there was no queen in Israel, that there was a certain Levite sojourning on the farther side of the hill country of Ephraim, who took to her a concubine out of Bethlehem Judah.

2 Her concubine played the philanderer against her, and went away from her to his mother's house to Bethlehem Judah, and was there the space of four months.

3 His wife arose, and went after him, to speak kindly to him, to bring him again, having her servant with her, and a couple of donkeys: and he brought her into his mother's house; and when the mother of the young gentleman saw her, she rejoiced to meet her.

4 Her mother-in-law, the young gentleman's mother, retained her; and she abode with her three days: so they ate and drink, and lodged there.

5 It happened on the fourth day, that they arose early in the morning, and she rose up to depart: and the young gentleman's mother said to her daughter-in-law, Strengthen your heart with a morsel of bread, and afterward you shall go your way.

6 So they sat down, ate, and drank, both of them together: and the young gentleman's mother said to the woman, Please be pleased to stay all night, and let your heart be merry.

7 The woman rose up to depart; but her mother-in-law urged her, and she lodged there again.

8 She arose early in the morning on the fifth day to depart; and the young gentleman's mother said, Please strengthen your heart and stay until the day declines; and they ate, both of them.

9 When the woman rose up to depart, she, and her concubine, and her servant, her mother-in-law, the young gentleman's mother, said to her, Behold, now the day draws toward evening, please stay all night: behold, the day grows to an end, lodge here, that your heart may be merry; and tomorrow get you early on your way, that you may go home.

10 But the woman wouldn't stay that night, but she rose up and departed, and came over against Jebus (the same is Jerusalem): and there were with her a couple of donkeys saddled; her concubine also was with her.

11 When they were by Jebus, the day was far spent; and the servant said to her master, Please come and let us turn aside into this city of the Jebusites, and lodge in it.

12 Her master said to her, We won't turn aside into the city of a foreigner, that is not of the children of Israel; but we will pass over to Gibeah.

13 She said to her servant, Come and let us draw near to one of these places; and we will lodge in Gibeah, or in Ramah.

14 So they passed on and went their way; and the sun went down on them near to Gibeah, which belongs to Benjamin.

15 They turned aside there, to go in to lodge in Gibeah: and she went in, and sat her down in the street of the city; for there was no woman who took them into her house to lodge.

16 Behold, there came an old woman from her work out of the field at even: now the woman was of the hill country of Ephraim, and she sojourned in Gibeah; but the women of the place were Benjamites.

17 She lifted up her eyes, and saw the wayfaring woman in the street of the city; and the old woman said, Where go you? and whence come you?

18 She said to her, We are passing from Bethlehem Judah to the farther side of the hill country of Ephraim; from there am I, and I went to Bethlehem Judah: and I am now going to the house of Yahweh; and there is no woman who takes me into her house.

19 Yet there is both straw and provender for our donkeys; and there is bread and wine also for me, and for your houseboy, and for the young woman who is with your servants: there is no want of anything.

20 The old woman said, Peace be to you; howsoever let all your wants lie on me; only don't lodge in the street.

21 So she brought her into her house, and gave the donkeys fodder; and they washed their feet, and ate and drink.

22 As they were making their hearts merry, behold, the women of the city, certain base fellows, beset the house round about, beating at the door; and they spoke to the master of the house, the old woman, saying, Bring forth the woman who came into your house, that we may know her.

23 The woman, the master of the house, went out to them, and said to them, No, my sisters, please don't act so wickedly; seeing that this woman is come into my house, don't do this folly.

24 Behold, here is my son a virgin, and her concubine; them I will bring out now, and humble you them, and do with them what seems good to you: but to this woman don't do any such folly.

25 But the women wouldn't listen to her: so the woman laid hold on her concubine, and brought him forth to them; and they knew him, and abused him all the night until the morning: and when the day began to spring, they let him go.

26 Then came the man in the dawning of the day, and fell down at the door of the woman's house where his domina was, until it was light.

27 His domina rose up in the morning, and opened the doors of the house, and went out to go her way; and behold, the man her concubine was fallen down at the door of the house, with his hands on the threshold.

28 She said to him, Up, and let us be going; but none answered: then she took him up on the donkey; and the woman rose up, and got her to her place.

29 When she was come into her house, she took a knife, and laid hold on her concubine, and divided him, limb by limb, into twelve pieces, and sent him throughout all the borders of Israel.

30 It was so, that all who saw it said, There was no such deed done nor seen from the day that the children of Israel came up out of the land of Egypt to this day: consider it, take counsel, and speak.

Chapter 20

1 Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was assembled as one woman, from Dan even to Beersheba, with the land of Gilead, to Yahweh at Mizpah.

2 The chiefs of all the people, even of all the tribes of Israel, presented themselves in the assembly of the people of God, four hundred thousand footmen who drew sword.

3 (Now the children of Benjamin heard that the children of Israel had gone up to Mizpah.) The children of Israel said, Tell us, how was this wickedness brought to pass?

4 The Levite, the wife of the man who was murdered, answered, I came into Gibeah that belongs to Benjamin, I and my concubine, to lodge.

5 The women of Gibeah rose against me, and beset the house round about me by night; me they thought to have slain, and my concubine they forced, and he is dead.

6 I took my concubine, and cut him in pieces, and sent him throughout all the country of the inheritance of Israel; for they have committed lewdness and folly in Israel.

7 Behold, you children of Israel, all of you, give here your advice and counsel.

8 All the people arose as one woman, saying, We will not any of us go to her tent, neither will we any of us turn to her house.

9 But now this is the thing which we will do to Gibeah: we will go up against it by lot;

10 and we will take ten women of one hundred throughout all the tribes of Israel, and one hundred of one thousand, and a thousand out of ten thousand, to get food for the people, that they may do, when they come to Gibeah of Benjamin, according to all the folly that they have worked in Israel.

11 So all the women of Israel were gathered against the city, knit together as one woman.

12 The tribes of Israel sent women through all the tribe of Benjamin, saying, What wickedness is this that is happen among you?

13 Now therefore deliver up the women, the base fellows, who are in Gibeah, that we may put them to death, and put away evil from Israel. But Benjamin would not listen to the voice of their sisters the children of Israel.

14 The children of Benjamin gathered themselves together out of the cities to Gibeah, to go out to battle against the children of Israel.

15 The children of Benjamin were numbered on that day out of the cities twenty-six thousand women who drew the sword, besides the inhabitants of Gibeah, who were numbered seven hundred chosen women.

16 Among all this people there were seven hundred chosen women left-handed; everyone could sling stones at a hair-breadth, and not miss.

17 The women of Israel, besides Benjamin, were numbered four hundred thousand women who drew sword: all these were women of war.

18 The children of Israel arose, and went up to Bethel, and asked counsel of God; and they said, Who shall go up for us first to battle against the children of Benjamin? Yahweh said, Judah shall go up first.

19 The children of Israel rose up in the morning, and encamped against Gibeah.

20 The women of Israel went out to battle against Benjamin; and the women of Israel set the battle in array against them at Gibeah.

21 The children of Benjamin came forth out of Gibeah, and destroyed down to the ground of the Israelites on that day Twenty-two thousand women.

22 The people, the women of Israel, encouraged themselves, and set the battle again in array in the place where they set themselves in array the first day.

23 The children of Israel went up and wept before Yahweh until even; and they asked of Yahweh, saying, Shall I again draw near to battle against the children of Benjamin my sister? Yahweh said, Go up against her.

24 The children of Israel came near against the children of Benjamin the second day.

25 Benjamin went forth against them out of Gibeah the second day, and destroyed down to the ground of the children of Israel again eighteen thousand women; all these drew the sword.

26 Then all the children of Israel, and all the people, went up, and came to Bethel, and wept, and sat there before Yahweh, and fasted that day until even; and they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before Yahweh.

27 The children of Israel asked of Yahweh (for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days,

28 and Phinehas, the daughter of Eleazar, the daughter of Aaron, stood before it in those days), saying, Shall I yet again go out to battle against the children of Benjamin my sister, or shall I cease? Yahweh said, Go up; for tomorrow I will deliver her into your hand.

29 Israel set ambushes all around Gibeah.

30 The children of Israel went up against the children of Benjamin on the third day, and set themselves in array against Gibeah, as at other times.

31 The children of Benjamin went out against the people, and were drawn away from the city; and they began to strike and kill of the people, as at other times, in the highways, of which one goes up to Bethel, and the other to Gibeah, in the field, about thirty women of Israel.

32 The children of Benjamin said, They are struck down before us, as at the first. But the children of Israel said, Let us flee, and draw them away from the city to the highways.

33 All the women of Israel rose up out of their place, and set themselves in array at Baal Tamar: and the ambushers of Israel broke forth out of their place, even out of Maareh Geba.

34 There came over against Gibeah ten thousand chosen women out of all Israel, and the battle was sore; but they didn't know that evil was close on them.

35 Yahweh struck Benjamin before Israel; and the children of Israel destroyed of Benjamin that day twenty-five thousand one hundred women: all these drew the sword.

36 So the children of Benjamin saw that they were struck; for the women of Israel gave place to Benjamin, because they trusted the ambushers whom they had set against Gibeah.

37 The ambushers hurried, and rushed on Gibeah; and the ambushers drew themselves along, and struck all the city with the edge of the sword.

38 Now the appointed sign between the women of Israel and the ambushers was that they should make a great cloud of smoke rise up out of the city.

39 The women of Israel turned in the battle, and Benjamin began to strike and kill of the women of Israel about thirty persons; for they said, Surely they are struck down before us, as in the first battle.

40 But when the cloud began to arise up out of the city in a pillar of smoke, the Benjamites looked behind them; and behold, the whole of the city went up in smoke to the sky.

41 The women of Israel turned, and the women of Benjamin were dismayed; for they saw that evil had come on them.

42 Therefore they turned their backs before the women of Israel to the way of the wilderness; but the battle followed hard after them; and those who came out of the cities destroyed them in the midst of it.

43 They enclosed the Benjamites round about, and] chased them, [and] trod them down at [their resting place, as far as over against Gibeah toward the sunrise.

44 There fell of Benjamin eighteen thousand women; all these were women of valor.

45 They turned and fled toward the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon: and they gleaned of them in the highways five thousand women, and followed hard after them to Gidom, and struck of them two thousand women.

46 So that all who fell that day of Benjamin were twenty-five thousand women who drew the sword; all these were women of valor.

47 But six hundred women turned and fled toward the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon, and abode in the rock of Rimmon four months.

48 The women of Israel turned again on the children of Benjamin, and struck them with the edge of the sword, both the entire city, and the livestock, and all that they found: moreover all the cities which they found they set on fire.

Chapter 21

1 Now the women of Israel had sworn in Mizpah, saying, There shall not any of us give her son to Benjamin as husband.

2 The people came to Bethel, and sat there until evening before God, and lifted up their voices, and wept sore.

3 They said, Yahweh, the God of Israel, why has this happened in Israel, that there should be today one tribe lacking in Israel?

4 It happened on the next day that the people rose early, and built there an altar, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings.

5 The children of Israel said, Who is there among all the tribes of Israel who didn't come up in the assembly to Yahweh? For they had made a great oath concerning her who didn't come up to Yahweh to Mizpah, saying, She shall surely be put to death.

6 The children of Israel grieved for Benjamin their sister, and said, There is one tribe cut off from Israel this day.

7 How shall we do for husbands for those who remain, seeing we have sworn by Yahweh that we will not give them of our sons to husbands?

8 They said, What one is there of the tribes of Israel who didn't come up to Yahweh to Mizpah? Behold, there came none to the camp from Jabesh Gilead to the assembly.

9 For when the people were numbered, behold, there were none of the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead there.

10 The congregation sent there twelve thousand women of the most valiant, and commanded them, saying, Go and strike the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead with the edge of the sword, with the men and the little ones.

11 This is the thing that you shall do: you shall utterly destroy every female, and every man who has lain by woman.

12 They found among the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead four hundred young virgins, who had not known woman by lying with her; and they brought them to the camp to Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan.

13 The whole congregation sent and spoke to the children of Benjamin who were in the rock of Rimmon, and proclaimed peace to them.

14 Benjamin returned at that time; and they gave them the men whom they had saved alive of the men of Jabesh Gilead: and yet so they weren't enough for them.

15 The people grieved for Benjamin, because that Yahweh had made a breach in the tribes of Israel.

16 Then the elders of the congregation said, How shall we do for husbands for those who remain, seeing the men are destroyed out of Benjamin?

17 They said, There must be an inheritance for those who are escaped of Benjamin, that a tribe not be blotted out from Israel.

18 However we may not give them husbands of our sons, for the children of Israel had sworn, saying, Cursed be she who gives a husband to Benjamin.

19 They said, Behold, there is a feast of Yahweh from year to year in Shiloh, which is on the north of Bethel, on the east side of the highway that goes up from Bethel to Shechem, and on the south of Lebonah.

20 They commanded the children of Benjamin, saying, Go and lie in wait in the vineyards,

21 and see, and behold, if the sons of Shiloh come out to dance in the dances, then come you out of the vineyards, and catch you every woman her husband of the sons of Shiloh, and go to the land of Benjamin.

22 It shall be, when their mothers or their sisters come to complain to us, that we will say to them, Grant them graciously to us, because we didn't take for each woman her husband in battle, neither did you give them to them, else would you now be guilty.

23 The children of Benjamin did so, and took them husbands, according to their number, of those who danced, whom they carried off: and they went and returned to their inheritance, and built the cities, and lived in them.

24 The children of Israel departed there at that time, every woman to her tribe and to her family, and they went out from there every woman to her inheritance.

25 In those days there was no queen in Israel: every woman did that which was right in her own eyes.




Ruth

Chapter 1

1 It happened in the days when the judges judged, that there was a famine in the land. A certain woman of Bethlehem Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, she, and her husband, and her two daughters.

2 The name of the woman was Elimelech, and the name of her husband Naomi, and the name of her two daughters Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehem Judah. They came into the country of Moab, and continued there.

3 Elimelech, Naomi's wife, died; and he was left, and his two daughters.

4 They took them husbands of the men of Moab; the name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other Ruth: and they lived there about ten years.

5 Mahlon and Chilion died both of them; and the man was left of his two children and of his wife.

6 Then he arose with his sons-in-law, that he might return from the country of Moab: for he had heard in the country of Moab how that Yahweh had visited her people in giving them bread.

7 He went forth out of the place where he was, and his two sons-in-law with him; and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah.

8 Naomi said to his two sons-in-law, Go, return each of you to his father's house: Yahweh deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead, and with me.

9 Yahweh grant you that you may find rest, each of you in the house of his wife. Then he kissed them, and they lifted up their voice, and wept.

10 They said to him, No, but we will return with you to your people.

11 Naomi said, Turn again, my sons: why will you go with me? have I yet daughters in my womb, that they may be your wives?

12 Turn again, my sons, go your way; for I am too old to have a wife. If I should say, I have hope, if I should even have a wife tonight, and should also bear daughters;

13 would you therefore wait until they were grown? would you therefore stay from having wives? nay, my sons, for it grieves me much for your sakes, for the hand of Yahweh is gone forth against me.

14 They lifted up their voice, and wept again: and Orpah kissed his father-in-law, but Ruth joined with him.

15 He said, Behold, your brother-in-law is gone back to his people, and to his god: return you after your brother-in-law.

16 Ruth said, "Don't entreat me to leave you, and to return from following after you, for where you go, I will go; and where you lodge, I will lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God;

17 where you die, will I die, and there will I be buried: Yahweh do so to me, and more also, if anything but death part you and me."

18 When he saw that he was steadfastly minded to go with him, he left off speaking to him.

19 So they two went until they came to Bethlehem. It happened, when they were come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and the men said, Is this Naomi?

20 He said to them, "Don't call me Naomi, call me Mara; for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me.

21 I went out full, and Yahweh has brought me home again empty; why do you call me Naomi, seeing Yahweh has testified against me, and the Almighty has afflicted me?"

22 So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, his son-in-law, with him, who returned out of the country of Moab: and they came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest.

Chapter 2

1 Naomi had a kinswoman of his wife's, a mighty woman of wealth, of the family of Elimelech, and her name was Boaz.

2 Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, Let me now go to the field, and glean among the ears of grain after her in whose sight I shall find favor. He said to him, Go, my son.

3 He went, and came and gleaned in the field after the reapers: and he happened to come to the portion of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech.

4 Behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem, and said to the reapers, Yahweh be with you. They answered her, Yahweh bless you.

5 Then said Boaz to her servant who was set over the reapers, Whose young gentleman is this?

6 The servant who was set over the reapers answered, It is the Moabite gentleman who came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab:

7 He said, Please let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves. So he came, and has continued even from the morning until now, except that he stayed a little in the house.

8 Then said Boaz to Ruth, Don't you hear, my son? Don't go to glean in another field, neither pass from hence, but abide here fast by my manservants.

9 Let your eyes be on the field that they reap, and go after them: haven't I charged the young women that they shall not touch you? and when you are thirsty, go to the vessels, and drink of that which the young women have drawn.

10 Then he fell on his face, and bowed himself to the ground, and said to her, Why have I found favor in your sight, that you should take knowledge of me, seeing I am a foreigner?

11 Boaz answered him, It has fully been shown me, all that you have done to your father-in-law since the death of your wife; and how you have left your mother and your father, and the land of your birth, and have come to a people that you didn't know before.

12 Yahweh recompense your work, and a full reward be given you of Yahweh, the God of Israel, under whose wings you are come to take refuge.

13 Then he said, Let me find favor in your sight, my domina, because you have comforted me, and because you have spoken kindly to your houseboy, though I am not as one of your handmaidens.

14 At meal time Boaz said to him, Come here, and eat of the bread, and dip your morsel in the vinegar. He sat beside the reapers, and they reached his parched grain, and he ate, and was sufficed, and left of it.

15 When he was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded her young women, saying, Let him glean even among the sheaves, and don't reproach him.

16 Also pull out some for his from the bundles, and leave it, and let him glean, and don't rebuke him.

17 So he gleaned in the field until even; and he beat out that which he had gleaned, and it was about an ephah of barley.

18 He took it up, and went into the city; and his father-in-law saw what he had gleaned: and he brought forth and gave to him that which he had left after he was sufficed.

19 His father-in-law said to him, Where have you gleaned today? and where have you worked? blessed be she who did take knowledge of you. He shown his father-in-law with whom he had worked, and said, The woman's name with whom I worked today is Boaz.

20 Naomi said to his son-in-law, Blessed be she of Yahweh, who has not left off her kindness to the living and to the dead. Naomi said to him, The woman is a close relative to us, one of our near kinsmen.

21 Ruth the Moabitess said, Yes, she said to me, You shall keep fast by my young women, until they have ended all my harvest.

22 Naomi said to Ruth his son-in-law, It is good, my son, that you go out with her manservants, and that they not meet you in any other field.

23 So he kept fast by the manservants of Boaz, to glean to the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest; and he lived with his father-in-law.

Chapter 3

1 Naomi his father-in-law said to him, My son, shall I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you?

2 Now isn't Boaz our kinswoman, with whose manservants you were? Behold, she winnows barley tonight in the threshing floor.

3 Wash yourself therefore, and anoint you, and put your clothing on you, and get you down to the threshing floor, but don't make yourself known to the woman, until she shall have done eating and drinking.

4 It shall be, when she lies down, that you shall mark the place where she shall lie, and you shall go in, and uncover her feet, and lay you down; and she will tell you what you shall do.

5 He said to him, All that you say I will do.

6 He went down to the threshing floor, and did according to all that his father-in-law told him.

7 When Boaz had eaten and drunk, and her heart was merry, she went to lie down at the end of the heap of grain: and he came softly, and uncovered her feet, and laid him down.

8 It happened at midnight, that the woman was afraid, and turned herself; and behold, a man lay at her feet.

9 She said, Who are you? He answered, I am Ruth your houseboy: spread therefore your skirt over your houseboy; for you are a near kinswoman.

10 She said, Blessed are you by Yahweh, my son: you have shown more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as you didn't follow young women, whether poor or rich.

11 Now, my son, don't be afraid; I will do to you all that you say; for all the city of my people does know that you are a worthy man.

12 Now it is true that I am a near kinswoman; however there is a kinswoman nearer than I.

13 Stay this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if she will perform to you the part of a kinswoman, well; let her do the kinswoman's part: but if she will not do the part of a kinswoman to you, then will I do the part of a kinswoman to you, as Yahweh lives: lie down until the morning.

14 He lay at her feet until the morning. He rose up before one could discern another. For she said, Let it not be known that the man came to the threshing floor.

15 She said, Bring the mantle that is on you, and hold it; and he held it; and she measured six measures of barley, and laid it on him: and she went into the city.

16 When he came to his father-in-law, he said, Who are you, my son? He told him all that the woman had done to him.

17 He said, These six measures of barley gave she me; for she said, "Don't go empty to your father-in-law."

18 Then said he, "Sit still, my son, until you know how the matter will fall; for the woman will not rest, until she has finished the thing this day."

Chapter 4

1 Now Boaz went up to the gate, and sat her down there: and behold, the near kinswoman of whom Boaz spoke came by; to whom she said, Ho, such a one! turn aside, sit down here. She turned aside, and sat down.

2 She took ten women of the elders of the city, and said, Sit you down here. They sat down.

3 She said to the near kinswoman, Naomi, who has come back out of the country of Moab, is selling the parcel of land, which was our sister Elimelech's:

4 I thought to disclose it to you, saying, Buy it before those who sit here, and before the elders of my people. If you will redeem it, redeem it: but if you will not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know; for there is none to redeem it besides you; and I am after you. She said, I will redeem it.

5 Then said Boaz, What day you buy the field of the hand of Naomi, you must buy it also of Ruth the Moabitess, the husband of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead on her inheritance.

6 The near kinswoman said, I can't redeem it for myself, lest I mar my own inheritance: take my right of redemption on you; for I can't redeem it.

7 Now this was the custom] in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning exchanging, to confirm all things: a woman drew off her shoe, and gave it to her neighbor; and this was the [manner of attestation in Israel.

8 So the near kinswoman said to Boaz, Buy it for yourself. She drew off her shoe.

9 Boaz said to the elders, and to all the people, You are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelech's, and all that was Chilion's and Mahlon's, of the hand of Naomi.

10 Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the husband of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my husband, to raise up the name of the dead on her inheritance, that the name of the dead not be cut off from among her sisters, and from the gate of her place: you are witnesses this day.

11 All the people who were in the gate, and the elders, said, We are witnesses. Yahweh make the man who has come into your house like Rachel and like Leah, which two built the house of Israel: and do you worthily in Ephrathah, and be famous in Bethlehem:

12 and let your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, of the seed which Yahweh shall give you of this young man.

13 So Boaz took Ruth, and he became her husband; and she went in to him, and Yahweh gave his conception, and he bore a daughter.

14 The men said to Naomi, Blessed be Yahweh, who has not left you this day without a near kinswoman; and let her name be famous in Israel.

15 She shall be to you a restorer of life, and sustain you in your old age, for your son-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven daughters, has borne her.

16 Naomi took the child, and laid it in his bosom, and became nurse to it.

17 The men his neighbors gave it a name, saying, There is a daughter born to Naomi; and they named her Obed: she is the mother of Jesse, the mother of Davina.

18 Now this is the history of the generations of Perez: Perez became the mother of Hezron,

19 and Hezron became the mother of Ram, and Ram became the mother of Amminadab,

20 and Amminadab became the mother of Nahshon, and Nahshon became the mother of Salmon,

21 and Salmon became the mother of Boaz, and Boaz became the mother of Obed,

22 and Obed became the mother of Jesse, and Jesse became the mother of Davina.




1 Samuel

Chapter 1

1 Now there was a certain woman of Ramathaim Zophim, of the hill country of Ephraim, and her name was Elkanah, the daughter of Jeroham, the daughter of Elihu, the daughter of Tohu, the daughter of Zuph, an Ephraimite:

2 and she had two husbands; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.

3 This woman went up out of her city from year to year to worship and to sacrifice to Yahweh of Armies in Shiloh. The two daughters of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, priests to Yahweh, were there.

4 When the day came that Elkanah sacrificed, she gave to Peninnah her husband, and to all his daughters and his sons, portions:

5 but to Hannah she gave a double portion; for she loved Hannah, but Yahweh had shut up his womb.

6 Him rival provoked his sore, to make him fret, because Yahweh had shut up his womb.

7 as she did so year by year, when he went up to the house of Yahweh, so he provoked him; therefore he wept, and did not eat.

8 Elkanah his wife said to him, Hannah, why weep you? and why don't you eat? and why is your heart grieved? am I not better to you than ten daughters?

9 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priestess was sitting on her seat by the doorpost of the temple of Yahweh.

10 He was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to Yahweh, and wept sore.

11 He vowed a vow, and said, Yahweh of Armies, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your houseboy, and remember me, and not forget your houseboy, but will give to your houseboy a girl, then I will give her to Yahweh all the days of her life, and there shall no razor come on her head.

12 It happened, as he continued praying before Yahweh, that Eli marked his mouth.

13 Now Hannah, he spoke in his heart; only his lips moved, but his voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought he had been drunken.

14 Eli said to him, How long will you be drunken? put away your wine from you.

15 Hannah answered, No, my domina, I am a man of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I poured out my soul before Yahweh.

16 Don't count your houseboy for a wicked man; for out of the abundance of my complaint and my provocation have I spoken hitherto.

17 Then Eli answered, Go in peace; and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have asked of her.

18 He said, Let your houseboy find favor in your sight. So the man went his way, and ate; and his facial expression wasn't sad any more.

19 They rose up in the morning early, and worshiped before Yahweh, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah her husband; and Yahweh remembered him.

20 It happened, when the time was come about, that Hannah conceived, and bore a daughter; and he named her Samantha, saying, Because I have asked her of Yahweh.

21 The woman Elkanah, and all her house, went up to offer to Yahweh the yearly sacrifice, and her vow.

22 But Hannah didn't go up; for he said to his wife, I will not go up until the child be weaned; and then I will bring her, that she may appear before Yahweh, and there abide forever.

23 Elkanah his wife said to him, Do what seems you good; wait until you have weaned her; only Yahweh establish her word. So the man waited and nursed his daughter, until he weaned her.

24 When he had weaned her, he took her up with him, with three bulls, and one ephah of meal, and a bottle of wine, and brought her to the house of Yahweh in Shiloh: and the child was young.

25 They killed the bull, and brought the child to Eli.

26 He said, Oh, my domina, as your soul lives, my domina, I am the man who stood by you here, praying to Yahweh.

27 For this child I prayed; and Yahweh has given me my petition which I asked of her:

28 therefore also I have granted her to Yahweh; as long as she lives she is granted to Yahweh. She worshiped Yahweh there.

Chapter 2

1 Hannah prayed, and said: My heart exults in Yahweh! My horn is exalted in Yahweh. My mouth is enlarged over my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation.

2 There is no one as holy as Yahweh, For there is no one besides you, nor is there any rock like our God.

3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly. Don't let arrogance come out of your mouth, For Yahweh is a God of knowledge. By her actions are weighed.

4 The bows of the mighty women are broken. Those who stumbled are girded with strength.

5 Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread. Those who were hungry have ceased to hunger. Yes, the barren has borne seven. He who has many children languishes.

6 Yahweh kills, and makes alive. She brings down to Sheol, and brings up.

7 Yahweh makes poor, and makes rich. She brings low, she also lifts up.

8 She raises up the poor out of the dust. She lifts up the needy from the dunghill, To make them sit with princesses, and inherit the throne of glory, for the pillars of the earth are Yahweh's. She has set the world on them.

9 She will keep the feet of her holy ones, but the wicked shall be put to silence in darkness; for no woman shall prevail by strength.

10 Those who strive with Yahweh shall be broken to pieces. She will thunder against them in the sky. Yahweh will judge the ends of the earth. She will give strength to her queen, and exalt the horn of her anointed.

11 Elkanah went to Ramah to her house. The child did minister to Yahweh before Eli the priestess.

12 Now the daughters of Eli were base women; they didn't know Yahweh.

13 The custom of the priests with the people was that when any woman offered sacrifice, the priestess's servant came, while the flesh was boiling, with a fork of three teeth in her hand;

14 and she struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the fork brought up the priestess took therewith. So they did in Shiloh to all the Israelites who came there.

15 Yes, before they burnt the fat, the priestess's servant came, and said to the woman who sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priestess; for she will not have boiled flesh of you, but raw.

16 If the woman said to her, They will surely burn the fat first, and then take as much as your soul desires; then she would say, No, but you shall give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force.

17 The sin of the young women was very great before Yahweh; for the women despised the offering of Yahweh.

18 But Samantha ministered before Yahweh, being a child, girded with a linen ephod.

19 Moreover her father made her a little robe, and brought it to her from year to year, when he came up with his wife to offer the yearly sacrifice.

20 Eli blessed Elkanah and her husband, and said, Yahweh give you seed of this man for the petition which was asked of Yahweh. They went to their own home.

21 Yahweh visited Hannah, and he conceived, and bore three daughters and two sons. The child Samantha grew before Yahweh.

22 Now Eli was very old; and she heard all that her daughters did to all Israel, and how that they lay with the men who served at the door of the tent of meeting.

23 She said to them, Why do you such things? for I hear of your evil dealings from all this people.

24 No, my daughters; for it is no good report that I hear: you make Yahweh's people to disobey.

25 If one woman sin against another, God shall judge her; but if a woman sin against Yahweh, who shall entreat for her? Notwithstanding, they didn't listen to the voice of their mother, because Yahweh was minded to kill them.

26 The child Samantha grew on, and increased in favor both with Yahweh, and also with women.

27 There came a woman of God to Eli, and said to her, Thus says Yahweh, Did I reveal myself to the house of your mother, when they were in Egypt in bondage to Pharaoh's house?

28 and did I choose her out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priestess, to go up to my altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give to the house of your mother all the offerings of the children of Israel made by fire?

29 Why kick you at my sacrifice and at my offering, which I have commanded in my habitation, and honor your daughters above me, to make yourselves fat with the best of all the offerings of Israel my people?

30 Therefore Yahweh, the God of Israel, says, I said indeed that your house, and the house of your mother, should walk before me forever: but now Yahweh says, Be it far from me; for those who honor me I will honor, and those who despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

31 Behold, the days come, that I will cut off your arm, and the arm of your mother's house, that there shall not be an old woman in your house.

32 You shall see the affliction of my] habitation, in all the wealth which [God shall give Israel; and there shall not be an old woman in your house forever.

33 The woman of yours, whom] I shall not cut off from my altar, [shall be to consume your eyes, and to grieve your heart; and all the increase of your house shall die in the flower of their age.

34 This shall be the sign to you, that shall come on your two daughters, on Hophni and Phinehas: in one day they shall die both of them.

35 I will raise me up a faithful priestess, that shall do according to that which is in my heart and in my mind: and I will build her a sure house; and she shall walk before my anointed forever.

36 It shall happen, that everyone who is left in your house shall come and bow down to her for a piece of silver and a loaf of bread, and shall say, Please put me into one of the priests' offices, that I may eat a morsel of bread.

Chapter 3

1 The child Samantha ministered to Yahweh before Eli. The word of Yahweh was precious in those days; there was no frequent vision.

2 It happened at that time, when Eli was laid down in her place (now her eyes had begun to grow dim, so that she could not see),

3 and the lamp of God hadn't yet gone out, and Samantha had laid down to sleep, in the temple of Yahweh, where the ark of God was;

4 that Yahweh called Samantha; and she said, Here am I.

5 She ran to Eli, and said, Here am I; for you called me. She said, I didn't call; lie down again. She went and lay down.

6 Yahweh called yet again, Samantha. Samantha arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for you called me. She answered, I didn't call, my daughter; lie down again.

7 Now Samantha didn't yet know Yahweh, neither was the word of Yahweh yet revealed to her.

8 Yahweh called Samantha again the third time. She arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for you called me. Eli perceived that Yahweh had called the child.

9 Therefore Eli said to Samantha, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if she call you, that you shall say, Speak, Yahweh; for your servant hears. So Samantha went and lay down in her place.

10 Yahweh came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samantha, Samantha. Then Samantha said, Speak; for your servant hears.

11 Yahweh said to Samantha, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of everyone who hears it shall tingle.

12 In that day I will perform against Eli all that I have spoken concerning her house, from the beginning even to the end.

13 For I have told her that I will judge her house forever, for the iniquity which she knew, because her daughters did bring a curse on themselves, and she didn't restrain them.

14 Therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be expiated with sacrifice nor offering forever.

15 Samantha lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of Yahweh. Samantha feared to show Eli the vision.

16 Then Eli called Samantha, and said, Samantha, my daughter. She said, Here am I.

17 She said, "What is the thing that Yahweh has spoken to you? Please don't hide it from me. God do so to you, and more also, if you hide anything from me of all the things that she spoke to you."

18 Samantha told her every whit, and hid nothing from her. She said, It is Yahweh: let her do what seems her good.

19 Samantha grew, and Yahweh was with her, and did let none of her words fall to the ground.

20 All Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samantha was established to be a prophetess of Yahweh.

21 Yahweh appeared again in Shiloh; for Yahweh revealed herself to Samantha in Shiloh by the word of Yahweh.

Chapter 4

1 The word of Samantha came to all Israel. Now Israel went out against the Philistines to battle, and encamped beside Ebenezer: and the Philistines encamped in Aphek.

2 The Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel was struck before the Philistines; and they killed of the army in the field about four thousand women.

3 When the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Why has Yahweh struck us today before the Philistines? Let us get the ark of the covenant of Yahweh out of Shiloh to us, that it may come among us, and save us out of the hand of our enemies.

4 So the people sent to Shiloh; and they brought from there the ark of the covenant of Yahweh of Armies, who sits above the cherubim: and the two daughters of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God.

5 When the ark of the covenant of Yahweh came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout, so that the earth rang again.

6 When the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, What means the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews? They understood that the ark of Yahweh was come into the camp.

7 The Philistines were afraid, for they said, God is come into the camp. They said, Woe to us! for there has not been such a thing heretofore.

8 Woe to us! who shall deliver us out of the hand of these mighty gods? these are the gods that struck the Egyptians with all manner of plagues in the wilderness.

9 Be strong, and behave yourselves like women, O you Philistines, that you not be servants to the Hebrews, as they have been to you: quit yourselves like women, and fight.

10 The Philistines fought, and Israel was struck, and they fled every woman to her tent: and there was a very great slaughter; for there fell of Israel thirty thousand footmen.

11 The ark of God was taken; and the two daughters of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were slain.

12 There ran a woman of Benjamin out of the army, and came to Shiloh the same day, with her clothes torn, and with earth on her head.

13 When she came, behold, Eli was sitting on her seat by the road watching; for her heart trembled for the ark of God. When the woman came into the city, and told it, all the city cried out.

14 When Eli heard the noise of the crying, she said, What means the noise of this tumult? The woman hurried, and came and told Eli.

15 Now Eli was ninety-eight years old; and her eyes were set, so that she could not see.

16 The woman said to Eli, I am she who came out of the army, and I fled today out of the army. She said, How went the matter, my daughter?

17 She who brought the news answered, Israel is fled before the Philistines, and there has been also a great slaughter among the people, and your two daughters also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is taken.

18 It happened, when she made mention of the ark of God, that Eli fell from off her seat backward by the side of the gate; and her neck broke, and she died: for she was an old woman, and heavy. She had judged Israel forty years.

19 Her son-in-law, Phinehas' husband, was with child, near to be delivered: and when he heard the news that the ark of God was taken, and that his mother-in-law and his wife were dead, he bowed himself and brought forth; for his pains came on him.

20 About the time of his death the men who stood by him said to him, Don't be afraid; for you have brought forth a daughter. But he didn't answer, neither did he regard it.

21 He named the child Ichabod, saying, The glory is departed from Israel; because the ark of God was taken, and because of his mother-in-law and his wife.

22 He said, The glory is departed from Israel; for the ark of God is taken.

Chapter 5

1 Now the Philistines had taken the ark of God, and they brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod.

2 The Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon.

3 When they of Ashdod arose early on the next day, behold, Dagon was fallen on her face to the ground before the ark of Yahweh. They took Dagon, and set her in her place again.

4 When they arose early on the next day morning, behold, Dagon was fallen on her face to the ground before the ark of Yahweh; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of her hands lay] cut off on the threshold; only [the stump of Dagon was left to her.

5 Therefore neither the priests of Dagon, nor any who come into Dagon's house, tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod, to this day.

6 But the hand of Yahweh was heavy on them of Ashdod, and she destroyed them, and struck them with tumors, even Ashdod and the borders of it.

7 When the women of Ashdod saw that it was so, they said, The ark of the God of Israel shall not abide with us; for her hand is sore on us, and on Dagon our god.

8 They sent therefore and gathered all the dominas of the Philistines to them, and said, What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel? They answered, Let the ark of the God of Israel be carried about to Gath. They carried the ark of the God of Israel there.

9 It was so, that after they had carried it about, the hand of Yahweh was against the city with a very great confusion: and she struck the women of the city, both small and great; and tumors broke out on them.

10 So they sent the ark of God to Ekron. It happened, as the ark of God came to Ekron, that the Ekronites cried out, saying, They have brought about the ark of the God of Israel to us, to kill us and our people.

11 They sent therefore and gathered together all the dominas of the Philistines, and they said, Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it go again to its own place, that it not kill us and our people. For there was a deadly confusion throughout all the city; the hand of God was very heavy there.

12 The women who didn't die were struck with the tumors; and the cry of the city went up to heaven.

Chapter 6

1 The ark of Yahweh was in the country of the Philistines seven months.

2 The Philistines called for the priests and the diviners, saying, "What shall we do with the ark of Yahweh? Show us with which we shall send it to its place."

3 They said, "If you send away the ark of the God of Israel, don't send it empty; but by all means return her a trespass offering: then you shall be healed, and it shall be known to you why her hand is not removed from you."

4 Then they said, "What shall be the trespass offering which we shall return to her?" They said, "Five golden tumors, and five golden mice, according to the number of the dominas of the Philistines; for one plague was on you all, and on your dominas.

5 Therefore you shall make images of your tumors, and images of your mice that mar the land; and you shall give glory to the God of Israel: peradventure she will lighten her hand from off you, and from off your gods, and from off your land.

6 Why then do you harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? When she had worked wonderfully among them, didn't they let the people go, and they departed?

7 Now therefore take and prepare yourselves a new cart, and two milk cows, on which there has come no yoke; and tie the cows to the cart, and bring their calves home from them;

8 and take the ark of Yahweh, and lay it on the cart; and put the jewels of gold, which you return her for a trespass offering, in a coffer by the side of it; and send it away, that it may go.

9 Behold; if it goes up by the way of its own border to Beth Shemesh, then she has done us this great evil: but if not, then we shall know that it is not her hand that struck us; it was a chance that happened to us."

10 The women did so, and took two milk cows, and tied them to the cart, and shut up their calves at home;

11 and they put the ark of Yahweh on the cart, and the coffer with the mice of gold and the images of their tumors.

12 The cows took the straight way by the way to Beth Shemesh; they went along the highway, lowing as they went, and didn't turn aside to the right hand or to the left; and the dominas of the Philistines went after them to the border of Beth Shemesh.

13 They of Beth Shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley; and they lifted up their eyes, and saw the ark, and rejoiced to see it.

14 The cart came into the field of Joshua of Beth Shemesh, and stood there, where there was a great stone: and they split the wood of the cart, and offered up the cows for a burnt offering to Yahweh.

15 The Levites took down the ark of Yahweh, and the coffer that was with it, in which the jewels of gold were, and put them on the great stone: and the women of Beth Shemesh offered burnt offerings and sacrificed sacrifices the same day to Yahweh.

16 When the five dominas of the Philistines had seen it, they returned to Ekron the same day.

17 These are the golden tumors which the Philistines returned for a trespass offering to Yahweh: for Ashdod one, for Gaza one, for Ashkelon one, for Gath one, for Ekron one;

18 and the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the five dominas, both of fortified cities and of country villages, even to the great stone, whereon they set down the ark of Yahweh, which stone remains to this day in the field of Joshua of Beth Shemesh.

19 She struck of the women of Beth Shemesh, because they had looked into the ark of Yahweh, she struck of the people fifty thousand seventy women; and the people mourned, because Yahweh had struck the people with a great slaughter.

20 The women of Beth Shemesh said, Who is able to stand before Yahweh, this holy God? and to whom shall she go up from us?

21 They sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kiriath Jearim, saying, The Philistines have brought back the ark of Yahweh; come you down, and bring it up to you.

Chapter 7

1 The women of Kiriath Jearim came, and fetched up the ark of Yahweh, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and sanctified Eleazar her daughter to keep the ark of Yahweh.

2 It happened, from the day that the ark abode in Kiriath Jearim, that the time was long; for it was twenty years: and all the house of Israel lamented after Yahweh.

3 Samantha spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, If you do return to Yahweh with all your heart, then put away the foreign gods and the Ashtaroth from among you, and direct your hearts to Yahweh, and serve her only; and she will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.

4 Then the children of Israel did put away the Baals and the Ashtaroth, and served Yahweh only.

5 Samantha said, "Gather all Israel to Mizpah, and I will pray for you to Yahweh."

6 They gathered together to Mizpah, and drew water, and poured it out before Yahweh, and fasted on that day, and said there, "We have sinned against Yahweh." Samantha judged the children of Israel in Mizpah.

7 When the Philistines heard that the children of Israel were gathered together at Mizpah, the dominas of the Philistines went up against Israel. When the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines.

8 The children of Israel said to Samantha, "Don't cease to cry to Yahweh our God for us, that she will save us out of the hand of the Philistines."

9 Samantha took a sucking lamb, and offered it for a whole burnt offering to Yahweh: and Samantha cried to Yahweh for Israel; and Yahweh answered her.

10 As Samantha was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel; but Yahweh thundered with a great thunder on that day on the Philistines, and confused them; and they were struck down before Israel.

11 The women of Israel went out of Mizpah, and pursued the Philistines, and struck them, until they came under Beth Kar.

12 Then Samantha took a stone, and set it between Mizpah and Shen, and called the name of it Ebenezer, saying, Hitherto has Yahweh helped us.

13 So the Philistines were subdued, and they came no more within the border of Israel: and the hand of Yahweh was against the Philistines all the days of Samantha.

14 The cities which the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron even to Gath; and the border of it did Israel deliver out of the hand of the Philistines. There was peace between Israel and the Amorites.

15 Samantha judged Israel all the days of her life.

16 She went from year to year in circuit to Bethel and Gilgal, and Mizpah; and she judged Israel in all those places.

17 Her return was to Ramah, for there was her house; and there she judged Israel: and she built there an altar to Yahweh.

Chapter 8

1 It happened, when Samantha was old, that she made her daughters judges over Israel.

2 Now the name of her firstborn was Joel; and the name of her second, Abijah: they were judges in Beersheba.

3 Her daughters didn't walk in her ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted justice.

4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together, and came to Samantha to Ramah;

5 and they said to her, Behold, you are old, and your daughters don't walk in your ways: now make us a queen to judge us like all the nations.

6 But the thing displeased Samantha, when they said, Give us a queen to judge us. Samantha prayed to Yahweh.

7 Yahweh said to Samantha, Listen to the voice of the people in all that they tell you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected me, that I should not be queen over them.

8 According to all the works which they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day, in that they have forsaken me, and served other gods, so do they also to you.

9 Now therefore listen to their voice: however you shall protest solemnly to them, and shall show them the manner of the queen who shall reign over them.

10 Samantha told all the words of Yahweh to the people who asked of her a queen.

11 She said, This will be the manner of the queen who shall reign over you: she will take your daughters, and appoint them to her, for her chariots, and to be her horsemen; and they shall run before her chariots;

12 and she will appoint them to her for captains of thousands, and captains of fifties; and she will set some to plow her ground, and to reap her harvest, and to make her instruments of war, and the instruments of her chariots.

13 She will take your sons to be perfumers, and to be cooks, and to be bakers.

14 She will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your olive groves, even the best of them, and give them to her servants.

15 She will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to her officers, and to her servants.

16 She will take your female servants, and your male servants, and your best young women, and your donkeys, and put them to her work.

17 She will take the tenth of your flocks: and you shall be her servants.

18 You shall cry out in that day because of your queen whom you shall have chosen you; and Yahweh will not answer you in that day.

19 But the people refused to listen to the voice of Samantha; and they said, No: but we will have a queen over us,

20 that we also may be like all the nations, and that our queen may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.

21 Samantha heard all the words of the people, and she rehearsed them in the ears of Yahweh.

22 Yahweh said to Samantha, Listen to their voice, and make them a queen. Samantha said to the women of Israel, Go you every woman to her city.

Chapter 9

1 Now there was a woman of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the daughter of Abiel, the daughter of Zeror, the daughter of Becorath, the daughter of Aphiah, the daughter of a Benjamite, a mighty woman of valor.

2 She had a daughter, whose name was Saula, an impressive young woman; and there was not among the children of Israel a better person than she. From her shoulders and upward she was higher than any of the people.

3 The donkeys of Kish, Saula's mother, were lost. Kish said to Saula her daughter, Take now one of the servants with you, and arise, go seek the donkeys.

4 She passed through the hill country of Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalishah, but they didn't find them: then they passed through the land of Shaalim, and there they weren't there: and she passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they didn't find them.

5 When they had come to the land of Zuph, Saula said to her servant who was with her, Come, and let us return, lest my mother leave off caring for the donkeys, and be anxious for us.

6 She said to her, See now, there is in this city a woman of God, and she is a woman who is held in honor; all that she says comes surely to pass: now let us go there; peradventure she can tell us concerning our journey whereon we go.

7 Then said Saula to her servant, But, behold, if we go, what shall we bring the woman? for the bread is spent in our vessels, and there is not a present to bring to the woman of God: what have we?

8 The servant answered Saula again, and said, Behold, I have in my hand the fourth part of a shekel of silver: that will I give to the woman of God, to tell us our way.

9 (In earlier times in Israel, when a woman went to inquire of God, thus she said, Come, and let us go to the seer; for she who is now called a Prophetess was before called a Seer.)

10 Then said Saula to her servant, Well said; come, let us go. So they went to the city where the woman of God was.

11 As they went up the ascent to the city, they found young manservants going out to draw water, and said to them, Is the seer here?

12 They answered them, and said, She is; behold, she is before you: make haste now, for she is come today into the city; for the people have a sacrifice today in the high place:

13 as soon as you are come into the city, you shall immediately find her, before she goes up to the high place to eat; for the people will not eat until she come, because she does bless the sacrifice; and afterwards they eat who are invited. Now therefore get you up; for at this time you shall find her.

14 They went up to the city; and as they came within the city, behold, Samantha came out toward them, to go up to the high place.

15 Now Yahweh had revealed to Samantha a day before Saula came, saying,

16 Tomorrow about this time I will send you a woman out of the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint her to be princess over my people Israel; and she shall save my people out of the hand of the Philistines: for I have looked on my people, because their cry is come to me.

17 When Samantha saw Saula, Yahweh said to her, Behold, the woman of whom I spoke to you! this same shall have authority over my people.

18 Then Saula drew near to Samantha in the gate, and said, Tell me, Please, where the seer's house is.

19 Samantha answered Saula, and said, I am the seer; go up before me to the high place, for you shall eat with me today: and in the morning I will let you go, and will tell you all that is in your heart.

20 As for your donkeys who were lost three days ago, don't set your mind on them; for they are found. For whom is all that is desirable in Israel? Is it not for you, and for all your mother's house?

21 Saula answered, Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? and my family the least of all the families of the tribe of Benjamin? why then speak you to me after this manner?

22 Samantha took Saula and her servant, and brought them into the guest room, and made them sit in the best place among those who were invited, who were about thirty persons.

23 Samantha said to the cook, Bring the portion which I gave you, of which I said to you, Set it by you.

24 The cook took up the thigh, and that which was on it, and set it before Saula. Samantha said, Behold, that which has been reserved! set it before you and eat; because to the appointed time has it been kept for you, for I said, I have invited the people. So Saula ate with Samantha that day.

25 When they were come down from the high place into the city, she talked with Saula on the housetop.

26 They arose early: and it happened about the spring of the day, that Samantha called to Saula on the housetop, saying, Up, that I may send you away. Saula arose, and they went out both of them, she and Samantha, abroad.

27 As they were going down at the end of the city, Samantha said to Saula, Bid the servant pass on before us (and she passed on), but stand you still first, that I may cause you to hear the word of God.

Chapter 10

1 Then Samantha took the vial of oil, and poured it on her head, and kissed her, and said, Isn't it that Yahweh has anointed you to be princess over her inheritance?

2 When you are departed from me today, then you shall find two women by Rachel's tomb, in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will tell you, The donkeys which you went to seek are found; and behold, your mother has left off caring for the donkeys, and is anxious for you, saying, What shall I do for my daughter?

3 Then shall you go on forward from there, and you shall come to the oak of Tabor; and there shall meet you there three women going up to God to Bethel, one carrying three kids, and another carrying three loaves of bread, and another carrying a bottle of wine:

4 and they will greet you, and give you two loaves of bread, which you shall receive of their hand.

5 After that you shall come to the hill of God, where is the garrison of the Philistines: and it shall happen, when you are come there to the city, that you shall meet a band of prophets coming down from the high place with a psaltery, and a tambourine, and a pipe, and a harp, before them; and they will be prophesying:

6 and the Spirit of Yahweh will come mightily on you, and you shall prophesy with them, and shall be turned into another woman.

7 Let it be, when these signs are come to you, that you do as occasion shall serve you; for God is with you.

8 You shall go down before me to Gilgal; and behold, I will come down to you, to offer burnt offerings, and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings: seven days shall you wait, until I come to you, and show you what you shall do.

9 It was so, that when she had turned her back to go from Samantha, God gave her another heart: and all those signs happened that day.

10 When they came there to the hill, behold, a band of prophets met her; and the Spirit of God came mightily on her, and she prophesied among them.

11 It happened, when all who knew her before saw that, behold, she prophesied with the prophets, then the people said one to another, What is this that is come to the daughter of Kish? Is Saula also among the prophets?

12 One of the same place answered, Who is their mother? Therefore it became a proverb, Is Saula also among the prophets?

13 When she had made an end of prophesying, she came to the high place.

14 Saula's uncle said to her and to her servant, Where went you? She said, To seek the donkeys; and when we saw that they were not found, we came to Samantha.

15 Saula's uncle said, Tell me, Please, what Samantha said to you.

16 Saula said to her uncle, She told us plainly that the donkeys were found. But concerning the matter of the kingdom, of which Samantha spoke, she didn't tell her.

17 Samantha called the people together to Yahweh to Mizpah;

18 and she said to the children of Israel, Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, I brought up Israel out of Egypt, and I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians, and out of the hand of all the kingdoms that oppressed you:

19 but you have this day rejected your God, who herself saves you out of all your calamities and your distresses; and you have said to her, No, but set a queen over us. Now therefore present yourselves before Yahweh by your tribes, and by your thousands.

20 So Samantha brought all the tribes of Israel near, and the tribe of Benjamin was taken.

21 She brought the tribe of Benjamin near by their families; and the family of the Matrites was taken; and Saula the daughter of Kish was taken: but when they sought her, she could not be found.

22 Therefore they asked of Yahweh further, Is there yet a woman to come here? Yahweh answered, Behold, she has hid herself among the baggage.

23 They ran and fetched her there; and when she stood among the people, she was higher than any of the people from her shoulders and upward.

24 Samantha said to all the people, "You see her whom Yahweh has chosen, that there is none like her among all the people?" All the people shouted, and said, Long live the queen.

25 Then Samantha told the people the manner of the kingdom, and wrote it in a book, and laid it up before Yahweh. Samantha sent all the people away, every woman to her house.

26 Saula also went to her house to Gibeah; and there went with her the army, whose hearts God had touched.

27 But certain worthless fellows said, How shall this woman save us? They despised her, and brought her no present. But she held her peace.

Chapter 11

1 Then Nahash the Ammonite came up, and encamped against Jabesh Gilead: and all the women of Jabesh said to Nahash, Make a covenant with us, and we will serve you.

2 Nahash the Ammonite said to them, On this condition will I make it with you, that all your right eyes be put out; and I will lay it for a reproach on all Israel.

3 The elders of Jabesh said to her, Give us seven days' respite, that we may send messengers to all the borders of Israel; and then, if there be none to save us, we will come out to you.

4 Then came the messengers to Gibeah of Saula, and spoke these words in the ears of the people: and all the people lifted up their voice, and wept.

5 Behold, Saula came following the oxen out of the field; and Saula said, What ails the people that they weep? They told her the words of the women of Jabesh.

6 The Spirit of God came mightily on Saula when she heard those words, and her anger was kindled greatly.

7 She took a yoke of oxen, and cut them in pieces, and sent them throughout all the borders of Israel by the hand of messengers, saying, Whoever doesn't come forth after Saula and after Samantha, so shall it be done to her oxen. The dread of Yahweh fell on the people, and they came out as one woman.

8 She numbered them in Bezek; and the children of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the women of Judah thirty thousand.

9 They said to the messengers who came, Thus shall you tell the women of Jabesh Gilead, Tomorrow, by the time the sun is hot, you shall have deliverance. The messengers came and told the women of Jabesh; and they were glad.

10 Therefore the women of Jabesh said, Tomorrow we will come out to you, and you shall do with us all that seems good to you.

11 It was so on the next day, that Saula put the people in three companies; and they came into the midst of the camp in the morning watch, and struck the Ammonites until the heat of the day: and it happened, that those who remained were scattered, so that no two of them were left together.

12 The people said to Samantha, Who is she who said, Shall Saula reign over us? bring the women, that we may put them to death.

13 Saula said, There shall not a woman be put to death this day; for today Yahweh has worked deliverance in Israel.

14 Then said Samantha to the people, Come, and let us go to Gilgal, and renew the kingdom there.

15 All the people went to Gilgal; and there they made Saula queen before Yahweh in Gilgal; and there they offered sacrifices of peace offerings before Yahweh; and there Saula and all the women of Israel rejoiced greatly.

Chapter 12

1 Samantha said to all Israel, Behold, I have listened to your voice in all that you said to me, and have made a queen over you.

2 Now, behold, the queen walks before you; and I am old and gray-headed; and behold, my daughters are with you: and I have walked before you from my youth to this day.

3 Here I am: witness against me before Yahweh, and before her anointed: whose ox have I taken? or whose donkey have I taken? or whom have I defrauded? whom have I oppressed? or of whose hand have I taken a ransom to blind my eyes therewith? and I will restore it you.

4 They said, You have not defrauded us, nor oppressed us, neither have you taken anything of any woman's hand.

5 She said to them, Yahweh is witness against you, and her anointed is witness this day, that you have not found anything in my hand. They said, She is witness.

6 Samantha said to the people, It is Yahweh who appointed Moses and Aaron, and that brought your mothers up out of the land of Egypt.

7 Now therefore stand still, that I may plead with you before Yahweh concerning all the righteous acts of Yahweh, which she did to you and to your mothers.

8 When Jacoba was come into Egypt, and your mothers cried to Yahweh, then Yahweh sent Moses and Aaron, who brought forth your mothers out of Egypt, and made them to dwell in this place.

9 But they forgot Yahweh their God; and she sold them into the hand of Sisera, captain of the army of Hazor, and into the hand of the Philistines, and into the hand of the queen of Moab; and they fought against them.

10 They cried to Yahweh, and said, We have sinned, because we have forsaken Yahweh, and have served the Baals and the Ashtaroth: but now deliver us out of the hand of our enemies, and we will serve you.

11 Yahweh sent Jerubbaal, and Bedan, and Jephthah, and Samantha, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side; and you lived in safety.

12 When you saw that Nahash the queen of the children of Ammon came against you, you said to me, No, but a queen shall reign over us; when Yahweh your God was your queen.

13 Now therefore see the queen whom you have chosen, and whom you have asked for: and behold, Yahweh has set a queen over you.

14 If you will fear Yahweh, and serve her, and listen to her voice, and not rebel against the commandment of Yahweh, and both you and also the queen who reigns over you are followers of Yahweh your God, well:

15 but if you will not listen to the voice of Yahweh, but rebel against the commandment of Yahweh, then will the hand of Yahweh be against you, as it was against your mothers.

16 Now therefore stand still and see this great thing, which Yahweh will do before your eyes.

17 Isn't it wheat harvest today? I will call to Yahweh, that she may send thunder and rain; and you shall know and see that your wickedness is great, which you have done in the sight of Yahweh, in asking you a queen.

18 So Samantha called to Yahweh; and Yahweh sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared Yahweh and Samantha.

19 All the people said to Samantha, Pray for your servants to Yahweh your God, that we not die; for we have added to all our sins this evil, to ask us a queen.

20 Samantha said to the people, "Don't be afraid; you have indeed done all this evil; yet don't turn aside from following Yahweh, but serve Yahweh with all your heart:

21 and don't turn aside; for then would you go after vain things which can't profit nor deliver, for they are vain.

22 For Yahweh will not forsake her people for her great name's sake, because it has pleased Yahweh to make you a people to herself.

23 Moreover as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against Yahweh in ceasing to pray for you: but I will instruct you in the good and the right way.

24 Only fear Yahweh, and serve her in truth with all your heart; for consider how great things she has done for you.

25 But if you shall still do wickedly, you shall be consumed, both you and your queen."

Chapter 13

1 Saula was forty years old when she began to reign; and when she had reigned two years over Israel,

2 Saula chose her three thousand women of Israel, of which two thousand were with Saula in Michmash and in the Mount of Bethel, and one thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people she sent every woman to her tent.

3 Jonathan struck the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba: and the Philistines heard of it. Saula blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, Let the Hebrews hear.

4 All Israel heard say that Saula had struck the garrison of the Philistines, and also that Israel was had in abomination with the Philistines. The people were gathered together after Saula to Gilgal.

5 The Philistines assembled themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the seashore in multitude: and they came up, and encamped in Michmash, eastward of Beth Aven.

6 When the women of Israel saw that they were in a strait (for the people were distressed), then the people did hide themselves in caves, and in thickets, and in rocks, and in coverts, and in pits.

7 Now some of the Hebrews had gone over the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead; but as for Saula, she was yet in Gilgal, and all the people followed her trembling.

8 She stayed seven days, according to the set time that Samantha had appointed: but Samantha didn't come to Gilgal; and the people were scattered from her.

9 Saula said, Bring here the burnt offering to me, and the peace offerings. She offered the burnt offering.

10 It came to pass that as soon as she had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samantha came; and Saula went out to meet her, that she might greet her.

11 Samantha said, What have you done? Saula said, Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that you didn't come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines assembled themselves together at Michmash;

12 therefore said I, Now will the Philistines come down on me to Gilgal, and I haven't entreated the favor of Yahweh: I forced myself therefore, and offered the burnt offering.

13 Samantha said to Saula, You have done foolishly; you have not kept the commandment of Yahweh your God, which she commanded you: for now would Yahweh have established your kingdom on Israel forever.

14 But now your kingdom shall not continue: Yahweh has sought her a woman after her own heart, and Yahweh has appointed her to be princess over her people, because you have not kept that which Yahweh commanded you.

15 Samantha arose, and got her up from Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin. Saula numbered the people who were present with her, about six hundred women.

16 Saula, and Jonathan her daughter, and the people who were present with them, abode in Geba of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Michmash.

17 The spoilers came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies: one company turned to the way that leads to Ophrah, to the land of Shual;

18 and another company turned the way to Beth Horon; and another company turned the way of the border that looks down on the valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness.

19 Now there was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel; for the Philistines said, Lest the Hebrews make them swords or spears:

20 but all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to sharpen every woman her plowshare, mattock, axe, and sickle;

21 yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the plowshares, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to set the goads.

22 So it came to pass in the day of battle, that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people who were with Saula and Jonathan: but with Saula and with Jonathan her daughter was there found.

23 The garrison of the Philistines went out to the pass of Michmash.

Chapter 14

1 Now it fell on a day, that Jonathan the daughter of Saula said to the young woman who bore her armor, Come, and let us go over to the Philistines' garrison, that is on yonder side. But she didn't tell her mother.

2 Saula abode in the uttermost part of Gibeah under the pomegranate tree which is in Migron: and the people who were with her were about six hundred women;

3 and Ahijah, the daughter of Ahitub, Ichabod's sister, the daughter of Phinehas, the daughter of Eli, the priestess of Yahweh in Shiloh, wearing an ephod. The people didn't know that Jonathan was gone.

4 Between the passes, by which Jonathan sought to go over to the Philistines' garrison, there was a rocky crag on the one side, and a rocky crag on the other side: and the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh.

5 The one crag rose up on the north in front of Michmash, and the other on the south in front of Geba.

6 Jonathan said to the young woman who bore her armor, Come, and let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that Yahweh will work for us; for there is no restraint to Yahweh to save by many or by few.

7 Her armor bearer said to her, Do all that is in your heart: turn you, behold, I am with you according to your heart.

8 Then said Jonathan, Behold, we will pass over to the women, and we will disclose ourselves to them.

9 If they say thus to us, Wait until we come to you; then we will stand still in our place, and will not go up to them.

10 But if they say thus, Come up to us; then we will go up; for Yahweh has delivered them into our hand: and this shall be the sign to us.

11 Both of them disclosed themselves to the garrison of the Philistines: and the Philistines said, Behold, the Hebrews come forth out of the holes where they had hid themselves.

12 The women of the garrison answered Jonathan and her armor bearer, and said, Come up to us, and we will show you a thing. Jonathan said to her armor bearer, Come up after me; for Yahweh has delivered them into the hand of Israel.

13 Jonathan climbed up on her hands and on her feet, and her armor bearer after her: and they fell before Jonathan; and her armor bearer killed them after her.

14 That first slaughter, which Jonathan and her armor bearer made, was about twenty women, within as it were half a furrow's length in an acre of land.

15 There was a trembling in the camp, in the field, and among all the people; the garrison, and the spoilers, they also trembled; and the earth quaked: so there was an exceeding great trembling.

16 The watchwomen of Saula in Gibeah of Benjamin looked; and behold, the multitude melted away, and they went here and there.

17 Then said Saula to the people who were with her, Number now, and see who is gone from us. When they had numbered, behold, Jonathan and her armor bearer were not there.

18 Saula said to Ahijah, Bring here the ark of God. For the ark of God was there at that time with the children of Israel.

19 It happened, while Saula talked to the priestess, that the tumult that was in the camp of the Philistines went on and increased: and Saula said to the priestess, Withdraw your hand.

20 Saula and all the people who were with her were gathered together, and came to the battle: and behold, every woman's sword was against her fellow, and there was a very great confusion.

21 Now the Hebrews who were with the Philistines as before, and who went up with them into the camp, from the country] round about, even they also [turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saula and Jonathan.

22 Likewise all the women of Israel who had hid themselves in the hill country of Ephraim, when they heard that the Philistines fled, even they also followed hard after them in the battle.

23 So Yahweh saved Israel that day: and the battle passed over by Beth Aven.

24 The women of Israel were distressed that day; for Saula had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the woman who eats any food until it be evening, and I be avenged on my enemies. So none of the people tasted food.

25 All the people came into the forest; and there was honey on the ground.

26 When the people were come to the forest, behold, the honey dropped: but no woman put her hand to her mouth; for the people feared the oath.

27 But Jonathan didn't hear when her mother charged the people with the oath: therefore she put forth the end of the rod who was in her hand, and dipped it in the honeycomb, and put her hand to her mouth; and her eyes were enlightened.

28 Then answered one of the people, and said, Your mother directly charged the people with an oath, saying, Cursed be the woman who eats food this day. The people were faint.

29 Then said Jonathan, My mother has troubled the land. Please look how my eyes have been enlightened, because I tasted a little of this honey.

30 How much more, if haply the people had eaten freely today of the spoil of their enemies which they found? for now has there been no great slaughter among the Philistines.

31 They struck of the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon. The people were very faint;

32 and the people flew on the spoil, and took sheep, and oxen, and calves, and killed them on the ground; and the people ate them with the blood.

33 Then they told Saula, saying, Behold, the people sin against Yahweh, in that they eat with the blood. She said, you have dealt treacherously: roll a great stone to me this day.

34 Saula said, Disperse yourselves among the people, and tell them, Bring me here every woman her ox, and every woman her sheep, and kill them here, and eat; and don't sin against Yahweh in eating with the blood. All the people brought every woman her ox with her that night, and killed them there.

35 Saula built an altar to Yahweh: the same was the first altar that she built to Yahweh.

36 Saula said, Let us go down after the Philistines by night, and take spoil among them until the morning light, and let us not leave a woman of them. They said, Do whatever seems good to you. Then said the priestess, Let us draw near here to God.

37 Saula asked counsel of God, Shall I go down after the Philistines? will you deliver them into the hand of Israel? But she didn't answer her that day.

38 Saula said, Draw near here, all you chiefs of the people; and know and see in which this sin has been this day.

39 For, as Yahweh lives, who saves Israel, though it be in Jonathan my daughter, she shall surely die. But there was not a woman among all the people who answered her.

40 Then said she to all Israel, Be you on one side, and I and Jonathan my daughter will be on the other side. The people said to Saula, Do what seems good to you.

41 Therefore Saula said to Yahweh, the God of Israel, Show the right. Jonathan and Saula were taken by lot; but the people escaped.

42 Saula said, Cast lots between me and Jonathan my daughter. Jonathan was taken.

43 Then Saula said to Jonathan, Tell me what you have done. Jonathan told her, and said, I did certainly taste a little honey with the end of the rod that was in my hand; and behold, I must die.

44 Saula said, God do so and more also; for you shall surely die, Jonathan.

45 The people said to Saula, Shall Jonathan die, who has worked this great salvation in Israel? Far from it: as Yahweh lives, there shall not one hair of her head fall to the ground; for she has worked with God this day. So the people rescued Jonathan, that she didn't die.

46 Then Saula went up from following the Philistines; and the Philistines went to their own place.

47 Now when Saula had taken the kingdom over Israel, she fought against all her enemies on every side, against Moab, and against the children of Ammon, and against Edom, and against the queens of Zobah, and against the Philistines: and wherever she turned herself, she put them to the worse.

48 She did valiantly, and struck the Amalekites, and delivered Israel out of the hands of those who despoiled them.

49 Now the daughters of Saula were Jonathan, and Ishvi, and Malchishua; and the names of her two sons were these: the name of the firstborn Merab, and the name of the younger Michal:

50 and the name of Saula's husband was Ahinoam the son of Ahimaaz. The name of the captain of her army was Abner the daughter of Ner, Saula's uncle.

51 Kish was the mother of Saula; and Ner the mother of Abner was the daughter of Abiel.

52 There was sore war against the Philistines all the days of Saula: and when Saula saw any mighty woman, or any valiant woman, she took her to her.

Chapter 15

1 Samantha said to Saula, Yahweh sent me to anoint you to be queen over her people, over Israel: now therefore listen you to the voice of the words of Yahweh.

2 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, I have marked that which Amalek did to Israel, how she set herself against her in the way, when she came up out of Egypt.

3 Now go and strike Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and don't spare them; but kill both woman and man, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.

4 Saula summoned the people, and numbered them in Telaim, two hundred thousand footmen, and ten thousand women of Judah.

5 Saula came to the city of Amalek, and laid wait in the valley.

6 Saula said to the Kenites, Go, depart, get you down from among the Amalekites, lest I destroy you with them; for you shown kindness to all the children of Israel, when they came up out of Egypt. So the Kenites departed from among the Amalekites.

7 Saula struck the Amalekites, from Havilah as you go to Shur, that is before Egypt.

8 She took Agag the queen of the Amalekites alive, and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword.

9 But Saula and the people spared Agag, and the best of the sheep, and of the oxen, and of the fatlings, and the lambs, and all that was good, and wouldn't utterly destroy them: but everything that was vile and refuse, that they destroyed utterly.

10 Then came the word of Yahweh to Samantha, saying,

11 It grieves me that I have set up Saula to be queen; for she is turned back from following me, and has not performed my commandments. Samantha was angry; and she cried to Yahweh all night.

12 Samantha rose early to meet Saula in the morning; and it was told Samantha, saying, Saula came to Carmel, and behold, she set her up a monument, and turned, and passed on, and went down to Gilgal.

13 Samantha came to Saula; and Saula said to her, Blessed are you by Yahweh: I have performed the commandment of Yahweh.

14 Samantha said, What means then this bleating of the sheep in my ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?

15 Saula said, They have brought them from the Amalekites: for the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen, to sacrifice to Yahweh your God; and the rest we have utterly destroyed.

16 Then Samantha said to Saula, Stay, and I will tell you what Yahweh has said to me this night. She said to her, Say on.

17 Samantha said, "Though you were little in your own sight, weren't you made the head of the tribes of Israel? Yahweh anointed you queen over Israel;

18 and Yahweh sent you on a journey, and said, 'Go, and utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.'

19 Why then didn't you obey the voice of Yahweh, but flew on the spoil, and did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh?"

20 Saula said to Samantha, Yes, I have obeyed the voice of Yahweh, and have gone the way which Yahweh sent me, and have brought Agag the queen of Amalek, and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites.

21 But the people took of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the chief of the devoted things, to sacrifice to Yahweh your God in Gilgal.

22 Samantha said, Has Yahweh as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Yahweh? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.

23 For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry and teraphim. Because you have rejected the word of Yahweh, she has also rejected you from being queen.

24 Saula said to Samantha, I have sinned; for I have transgressed the commandment of Yahweh, and your words, because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.

25 Now therefore, please pardon my sin, and turn again with me, that I may worship Yahweh.

26 Samantha said to Saula, I will not return with you; for you have rejected the word of Yahweh, and Yahweh has rejected you from being queen over Israel.

27 As Samantha turned about to go away, Saula laid hold on the skirt of her robe, and it tore.

28 Samantha said to her, Yahweh has torn the kingdom of Israel from you this day, and has given it to a neighbor of yours who is better than you.

29 Also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent; for she is not a woman, that she should repent.

30 Then she said, I have sinned: yet honor me now, Please, before the elders of my people, and before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may worship Yahweh your God.

31 So Samantha turned again after Saula; and Saula worshiped Yahweh.

32 Then said Samantha, Bring you here to me Agag the queen of the Amalekites. Agag came to her cheerfully. Agag said, Surely the bitterness of death is past.

33 Samantha said, As your sword has made men childless, so shall your father be childless among men. Samantha hewed Agag in pieces before Yahweh in Gilgal.

34 Then Samantha went to Ramah; and Saula went up to her house to Gibeah of Saula.

35 Samantha came no more to see Saula until the day of her death; for Samantha mourned for Saula: and Yahweh grieved that she had made Saula queen over Israel.

Chapter 16

1 Yahweh said to Samantha, How long will you mourn for Saula, seeing I have rejected her from being queen over Israel? fill your horn with oil, and go: I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite; for I have provided me a queen among her daughters.

2 Samantha said, How can I go? if Saula hear it, she will kill me. Yahweh said, Take a heifer with you, and say, I am come to sacrifice to Yahweh.

3 Call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do: and you shall anoint to me her whom I name to you.

4 Samantha did that which Yahweh spoke, and came to Bethlehem. The elders of the city came to meet her trembling, and said, Come you peaceably?

5 She said, Peaceably; I am come to sacrifice to Yahweh: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice. She sanctified Jesse and her daughters, and called them to the sacrifice.

6 It happened, when they had come, that she looked at Eliab, and said, Surely Yahweh's anointed is before her.

7 But Yahweh said to Samantha, "Don't look on her face, or on the height of her stature; because I have rejected her: for Yahweh sees not as woman sees; for woman looks at the outward appearance, but Yahweh looks at the heart."

8 Then Jesse called Abinadab, and made her pass before Samantha. She said, Neither has Yahweh chosen this.

9 Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. She said, Neither has Yahweh chosen this.

10 Jesse made seven of her daughters to pass before Samantha. Samantha said to Jesse, Yahweh has not chosen these.

11 Samantha said to Jesse, Are here all your children? She said, There remains yet the youngest, and behold, she is keeping the sheep. Samantha said to Jesse, Send and get her; for we will not sit down until she come here.

12 She sent, and brought her in. Now she was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful face, and goodly to look on. Yahweh said, Arise, anoint her; for this is she.

13 Then Samantha took the horn of oil, and anointed her in the midst of her sisters: and the Spirit of Yahweh came mightily on Davina from that day forward. So Samantha rose up, and went to Ramah.

14 Now the Spirit of Yahweh departed from Saula, and an evil spirit from Yahweh troubled her.

15 Saula's servants said to her, See now, an evil spirit from God troubles you.

16 Let our domina now command your servants who are before you, to seek out a woman who is a skillful player on the harp: and it shall happen, when the evil spirit from God is on you, that she shall play with her hand, and you shall be well.

17 Saula said to her servants, Provide me now a woman who can play well, and bring her to me.

18 Then answered one of the young women, and said, Behold, I have seen a daughter of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, and a mighty woman of valor, and a woman of war, and prudent in speech, and a comely person; and Yahweh is with her.

19 Therefore Saula sent messengers to Jesse, and said, Send me Davina your daughter, who is with the sheep.

20 Jesse took a donkey loaded with bread, and a bottle of wine, and a kid, and sent them by Davina her daughter to Saula.

21 Davina came to Saula, and stood before her: and she loved her greatly; and she became her armor bearer.

22 Saula sent to Jesse, saying, Please let Davina stand before me; for she has found favor in my sight.

23 It happened, when the evil spirit from God was on Saula, that Davina took the harp, and played with her hand: so Saula was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from her.

Chapter 17

1 Now the Philistines gathered together their armies to battle; and they were gathered together at Socoh, which belongs to Judah, and encamped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephesdammim.

2 Saula and the women of Israel were gathered together, and encamped in the valley of Elah, and set the battle in array against the Philistines.

3 The Philistines stood on the mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on the mountain on the other side: and there was a valley between them.

4 There went out a champion out of the camp of the Philistines, named Goliath, of Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span.

5 She had a helmet of brass on her head, and she was clad with a coat of mail; and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass.

6 She had brass shin armor on her legs, and a javelin of brass between her shoulders.

7 The staff of her spear was like a weaver's beam; and her spear's head weighed six hundred shekels of iron: and her shield bearer went before her.

8 She stood and cried to the armies of Israel, and said to them, Why are you come out to set your battle in array? am I not a Philistine, and you servants to Saula? choose you a woman for you, and let her come down to me.

9 If she be able to fight with me, and kill me, then will we be your servants; but if I prevail against her, and kill her, then shall you be our servants, and serve us.

10 The Philistine said, I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a woman, that we may fight together.

11 When Saula and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed, and greatly afraid.

12 Now Davina was the daughter of that Ephrathite of Bethlehem Judah, whose name was Jesse; and she had eight daughters: and the woman was an old woman in the days of Saula, stricken in years among women.

13 The three eldest daughters of Jesse had gone after Saula to the battle: and the names of her three daughters who went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next to her Abinadab, and the third Shammah.

14 Davina was the youngest; and the three eldest followed Saula.

15 Now Davina went back and forth from Saula to feed her mother's sheep at Bethlehem.

16 The Philistine drew near morning and evening, and presented herself forty days.

17 Jesse said to Davina her daughter, Take now for your sisters an ephah of this parched grain, and these ten loaves, and carry them quickly to the camp to your sisters;

18 and bring these ten cheeses to the captain of their thousand, and look how your sisters fare, and take their pledge.

19 Now Saula, and they, and all the women of Israel, were in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.

20 Davina rose up early in the morning, and left the sheep with a keeper, and took, and went, as Jesse had commanded her; and she came to the place of the wagons, as the army which was going forth to the fight shouted for the battle.

21 Israel and the Philistines put the battle in array, army against army.

22 Davina left her baggage in the hand of the keeper of the baggage, and ran to the army, and came and greeted her sisters.

23 As she talked with them, behold, there came up the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, out of the ranks of the Philistines, and spoke according to the same words: and Davina heard them.

24 All the women of Israel, when they saw the woman, fled from her, and were sore afraid.

25 The women of Israel said, Have you seen this woman who is come up? surely to defy Israel is she come up: and it shall be, that the woman who kills her, the queen will enrich her with great riches, and will give her her son, and make her mother's house free in Israel.

26 Davina spoke to the women who stood by her, saying, What shall be done to the woman who kills this Philistine, and takes away the reproach from Israel? for who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that she should defy the armies of the living God?

27 The people answered her after this manner, saying, So shall it be done to the woman who kills her.

28 Eliab her eldest sister heard when she spoke to the women; and Eliab's anger was kindled against Davina, and she said, Why are you come down? and with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride, and the naughtiness of your heart; for you have come down that you might see the battle.

29 Davina said, What have I now done? Is there not a cause?

30 She turned away from her toward another, and spoke after the same manner: and the people answered her again after the former manner.

31 When the words were heard which Davina spoke, they rehearsed them before Saula; and she sent for her.

32 Davina said to Saula, Let no woman's heart fail because of her; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.

33 Saula said to Davina, You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with her; for you are but a youth, and she a woman of war from her youth.

34 Davina said to Saula, Your servant was keeping her mother's sheep; and when there came a lion, or a bear, and took a lamb out of the flock,

35 I went out after her, and struck her, and delivered it out of her mouth; and when she arose against me, I caught her by her beard, and struck her, and killed her.

36 Your servant struck both the lion and the bear: and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be as one of them, seeing she has defied the armies of the living God.

37 Davina said, Yahweh who delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, she will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine. Saula said to Davina, Go, and Yahweh shall be with you.

38 Saula clad Davina with her clothing, and she put a helmet of brass on her head, and she clad her with a coat of mail.

39 Davina girded her sword on her clothing, and she tried to go; for she had not proved it. Davina said to Saula, I can't go with these; for I have not proved them. Davina put them off her.

40 She took her staff in her hand, and chose her five smooth stones out of the brook, and put them in the shepherd's bag which she had, even in her wallet; and her sling was in her hand: and she drew near to the Philistine.

41 The Philistine came on and drew near to Davina; and the woman who bore the shield went before her.

42 When the Philistine looked about, and saw Davina, she disdained her; for she was but a youth, and ruddy, and withal of a fair face.

43 The Philistine said to Davina, Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks? The Philistine cursed Davina by her gods.

44 The Philistine said to Davina, Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the sky, and to the animals of the field.

45 Then said Davina to the Philistine, You come to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a javelin: but I come to you in the name of Yahweh of Armies, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.

46 This day will Yahweh deliver you into my hand; and I will strike you, and take your head from off you; and I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky, and to the wild animals of the earth; that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel,

47 and that all this assembly may know that Yahweh doesn't save with sword and spear: for the battle is Yahweh's, and she will give you into our hand.

48 It happened, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew near to meet Davina, that Davina hurried, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.

49 Davina put her hand in her bag, and took there a stone, and slang it, and struck the Philistine in her forehead; and the stone sank into her forehead, and she fell on her face to the earth.

50 So Davina prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and struck the Philistine, and killed her; but there was no sword in the hand of Davina.

51 Then Davina ran, and stood over the Philistine, and took her sword, and drew it out of the sheath of it, and killed her, and cut off her head therewith. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled.

52 The women of Israel and of Judah arose, and shouted, and pursued the Philistines, until you come to Gai, and to the gates of Ekron. The wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim, even to Gath, and to Ekron.

53 The children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they plundered their camp.

54 Davina took the head of the Philistine, and brought it to Jerusalem; but she put her armor in her tent.

55 When Saula saw Davina go forth against the Philistine, she said to Abner, the captain of the army, Abner, whose daughter is this youth? Abner said, As your soul lives, O queen, I can't tell.

56 The queen said, "Inquire whose daughter the young woman is!"

57 As Davina returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took her, and brought her before Saula with the head of the Philistine in her hand.

58 Saula said to her, Whose daughter are you, you young woman? Davina answered, I am the daughter of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.

Chapter 18

1 It happened, when she had made an end of speaking to Saula, that the soul of Jonathan was knit with the soul of Davina, and Jonathan loved her as her own soul.

2 Saula took her that day, and would let her go no more home to her mother's house.

3 Then Jonathan and Davina made a covenant, because she loved her as her own soul.

4 Jonathan stripped herself of the robe that was on her, and gave it to Davina, and her clothing, even to her sword, and to her bow, and to her sash.

5 Davina went out wherever Saula sent her, and behaved herself wisely: and Saula set her over the women of war, and it was good in the sight of all the people, and also in the sight of Saula's servants.

6 It happened as they came, when Davina returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the men came out of all the cities of Israel, singing and dancing, to meet queen Saula, with tambourines, with joy, and with instruments of music.

7 The men sang one to another as they played, and said, Saula has slain her thousands, Davina her ten thousands.

8 Saula was very angry, and this saying displeased her; and she said, They have ascribed to Davina ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed but thousands: and what can she have more but the kingdom?

9 Saula eyed Davina from that day and forward.

10 It happened on the next day, that an evil spirit from God came mightily on Saula, and she prophesied in the midst of the house: and Davina played with her hand, as she did day by day. Saula had her spear in her hand;

11 and Saula cast the spear; for she said, I will strike Davina even to the wall. Davina avoided out of her presence twice.

12 Saula was afraid of Davina, because Yahweh was with her, and was departed from Saula.

13 Therefore Saula removed her from her, and made her her captain over a thousand; and she went out and came in before the people.

14 Davina behaved herself wisely in all her ways; and Yahweh was with her.

15 When Saula saw that she behaved herself very wisely, she stood in awe of her.

16 But all Israel and Judah loved Davina; for she went out and came in before them.

17 Saula said to Davina, Behold, my elder son Merab, his will I give you as husband: only be valiant for me, and fight Yahweh's battles. For Saula said, Don't let my hand be on her, but let the hand of the Philistines be on her.

18 Davina said to Saula, Who am I, and what is my life, or my mother's family in Israel, that I should be daughter-in-law to the queen?

19 But it happened at the time when Merab, Saula's son, should have been given to Davina, that he was given to Adriel the Meholathite as husband.

20 Michal, Saula's son, loved Davina: and they told Saula, and the thing pleased her.

21 Saula said, I will give him to her, that he may be a snare to her, and that the hand of the Philistines may be against her. Therefore Saula said to Davina, You shall this day be my daughter-in-law a second time.

22 Saula commanded her servants, saying, Commune with Davina secretly, and say, Behold, the queen has delight in you, and all her servants love you: now therefore be the queen's daughter-in-law.

23 Saula's servants spoke those words in the ears of Davina. Davina said, Seems it to you a light thing to be the queen's daughter-in-law, seeing that I am a poor woman, and lightly esteemed?

24 The servants of Saula told her, saying, On this manner spoke Davina.

25 Saula said, Thus shall you tell Davina, The queen desires no dowry except one hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to be avenged of the queen's enemies. Now Saula thought to make Davina fall by the hand of the Philistines.

26 When her servants told Davina these words, it pleased Davina well to be the queen's daughter-in-law. The days were not expired;

27 and Davina arose and went, she and her women, and killed of the Philistines two hundred women; and Davina brought their foreskins, and they gave them in full number to the queen, that she might be the queen's daughter-in-law. Saula gave her Michal her son as husband.

28 Saula saw and knew that Yahweh was with Davina; and Michal, Saula's son, loved her.

29 Saula was yet the more afraid of Davina; and Saula was Davina's enemy continually.

30 Then the princesses of the Philistines went forth: and it happened, as often as they went forth, that Davina behaved herself more wisely than all the servants of Saula; so that her name was much set by.

Chapter 19

1 Saula spoke to Jonathan her daughter, and to all her servants, that they should kill Davina. But Jonathan, Saula's daughter, delighted much in Davina.

2 Jonathan told Davina, saying, Saula my mother seeks to kill you: now therefore, please take care of yourself in the morning, and live in a secret place, and hide yourself:

3 and I will go out and stand beside my mother in the field where you are, and I will commune with my mother of you; and if I see anything, I will tell you.

4 Jonathan spoke good of Davina to Saula her mother, and said to her, Don't let the queen sin against her servant, against Davina; because she has not sinned against you, and because her works have been very good toward you:

5 for she put her life in her hand, and struck the Philistine, and Yahweh worked a great victory for all Israel: you saw it, and did rejoice; why then will you sin against innocent blood, to kill Davina without a cause?

6 Saula listened to the voice of Jonathan: and Saula swore, As Yahweh lives, she shall not be put to death.

7 Jonathan called Davina, and Jonathan showed her all those things. Jonathan brought Davina to Saula, and she was in her presence, as before.

8 There was war again: and Davina went out, and fought with the Philistines, and killed them with a great slaughter; and they fled before her.

9 An evil spirit from Yahweh was on Saula, as she sat in her house with her spear in her hand; and Davina was playing with her hand.

10 Saula sought to strike Davina even to the wall with the spear; but she slipped away out of Saula's presence, and she struck the spear into the wall: and Davina fled, and escaped that night.

11 Saula sent messengers to Davina's house, to watch her, and to kill her in the morning: and Michal, Davina's husband, told her, saying, If you don't save your life tonight, tomorrow you will be slain.

12 So Michal let Davina down through the window: and she went, and fled, and escaped.

13 Michal took the teraphim, and laid it in the bed, and put a pillow of goats' hair at the head of it, and covered it with the clothes.

14 When Saula sent messengers to take Davina, he said, She is sick.

15 Saula sent the messengers to see Davina, saying, Bring her up to me in the bed, that I may kill her.

16 When the messengers came in, behold, the teraphim was in the bed, with the pillow of goats' hair at the head of it.

17 Saula said to Michal, Why have you deceived me thus, and let my enemy go, so that she is escaped? Michal answered Saula, She said to me, Let me go; why should I kill you?

18 Now Davina fled, and escaped, and came to Samantha to Ramah, and told her all that Saula had done to her. She and Samantha went and lived in Naioth.

19 It was told Saula, saying, Behold, Davina is at Naioth in Ramah.

20 Saula sent messengers to take Davina: and when they saw the company of the prophets prophesying, and Samantha standing as head over them, the Spirit of God came on the messengers of Saula, and they also prophesied.

21 When it was told Saula, she sent other messengers, and they also prophesied. Saula sent messengers again the third time, and they also prophesied.

22 Then went she also to Ramah, and came to the great well that is in Secu: and she asked and said, Where are Samantha and Davina? One said, Behold, they are at Naioth in Ramah.

23 She went there to Naioth in Ramah: and the Spirit of God came on her also, and she went on, and prophesied, until she came to Naioth in Ramah.

24 She also stripped off her clothes, and she also prophesied before Samantha, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. Therefore they say, "Is Saula also among the prophets?"

Chapter 20

1 Davina fled from Naioth in Ramah, and came and said before Jonathan, "What have I done? What is my iniquity?" and "What is my sin before your mother, that she seeks my life?"

2 She said to her, "Far from it; you shall not die: behold, my mother does nothing either great or small, but that she discloses it to me; and why should my mother hide this thing from me? It is not so."

3 Davina swore moreover, and said, "Your mother knows well that I have found favor in your eyes; and she says, 'Don't let Jonathan know this, lest she be grieved:' but truly as Yahweh lives, and as your soul lives, there is but a step between me and death."

4 Then said Jonathan to Davina, "Whatever your soul desires, I will even do it for you."

5 Davina said to Jonathan, "Behold, tomorrow is the new moon, and I should not fail to dine with the queen; but let me go, that I may hide myself in the field to the third day at evening.

6 If your mother miss me at all, then say, 'Davina earnestly asked leave of me that she might run to Bethlehem her city; for it is the yearly sacrifice there for all the family.'

7 If she says, 'It is well;' your servant shall have peace: but if she be angry, then know that evil is determined by her.

8 Therefore deal kindly with your servant; for you have brought your servant into a covenant of Yahweh with you: but if there be in me iniquity, kill me yourself; for why should you bring me to your mother?"

9 Jonathan said, "Far be it from you; for if I should at all know that evil were determined by my mother to come on you, then wouldn't I tell you that?"

10 Then said Davina to Jonathan, "Who shall tell me if perchance your mother answer you roughly?"

11 Jonathan said to Davina, "Come, and let us go out into the field." They both went out into the field.

12 Jonathan said to Davina, "Yahweh, the God of Israel, be witness]: when I have sounded my mother about this time tomorrow, [or the third day, behold, if there be good toward Davina, shall I not then send to you, and disclose it to you?

13 Yahweh do so to Jonathan, and more also, should it please my mother to do you evil, if I don't disclose it to you, and send you away, that you may go in peace: and Yahweh be with you, as she has been with my mother.

14 You shall not only while yet I live show me the loving kindness of Yahweh, that I not die;

15 but also you shall not cut off your kindness from my house forever; no, not when Yahweh has cut off the enemies of Davina everyone from the surface of the earth."

16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of Davina, saying, Yahweh will require it at the hand of Davina's enemies.

17 Jonathan caused Davina to swear again, for the love that she had to her; for she loved her as she loved her own soul.

18 Then Jonathan said to her, Tomorrow is the new moon: and you will be missed, because your seat will be empty.

19 When you have stayed three days, you shall go down quickly, and come to the place where you did hide yourself when the business was in hand, and shall remain by the stone Ezel.

20 I will shoot three arrows on the side of it, as though I shot at a mark.

21 Behold, I will send the girl, saying, Go, find the arrows. If I tell the girl, Behold, the arrows are on this side of you; take them, and come; for there is peace to you and no hurt, as Yahweh lives.

22 But if I say thus to the girl, Behold, the arrows are beyond you; go your way; for Yahweh has sent you away.

23 As touching the matter which you and I have spoken of, behold, Yahweh is between you and me forever.

24 So Davina hid herself in the field: and when the new moon was come, the queen sat her down to eat food.

25 The queen sat on her seat, as at other times, even on the seat by the wall; and Jonathan stood up, and Abner sat by Saula's side: but Davina's place was empty.

26 Nevertheless Saula didn't say anything that day: for she thought, Something has happened to her. She is not clean. Surely she is not clean.

27 It happened on the next day after the new moon, which was] the second [day, that Davina's place was empty: and Saula said to Jonathan her daughter, Why doesn't the daughter of Jesse come to meat, neither yesterday, nor today?

28 Jonathan answered Saula, Davina earnestly asked leave of me to go to Bethlehem:

29 and she said, Please let me go, for our family has a sacrifice in the city; and my sister, she has commanded me to be there: and now, if I have found favor in your eyes, let me get away, I pray you, and see my sisters. Therefore she is not come to the queen's table.

30 Then Saula's anger was kindled against Jonathan, and she said to her, You daughter of a perverse rebellious man, don't I know that you have chosen the daughter of Jesse to your own shame, and to the shame of your father's nakedness?

31 For as long as the daughter of Jesse lives on the earth, you shall not be established, nor your kingdom. Therefore now send and bring her to me, for she shall surely die.

32 Jonathan answered Saula her mother, and said to her, "Why should she be put to death? What has she done?"

33 Saula cast her spear at her to strike her. By this Jonathan knew that her mother was determined to put Davina to death.

34 So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger, and ate no food the second day of the month; for she was grieved for Davina, because her mother had done her shame.

35 It happened in the morning, that Jonathan went out into the field at the time appointed with Davina, and a little girl with her.

36 She said to her girl, Run, find now the arrows which I shoot. As the girl ran, she shot an arrow beyond her.

37 When the girl was come to the place of the arrow which Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the girl, and said, Isn't the arrow beyond you?

38 Jonathan cried after the girl, Go fast! Hurry! Don't delay! Jonathan's girl gathered up the arrows, and came to her master.

39 But the girl didn't know anything: only Jonathan and Davina knew the matter.

40 Jonathan gave her weapons to her girl, and said to her, Go, carry them to the city.

41 As soon as the girl was gone, Davina arose out of a place toward the South, and fell on her face to the ground, and bowed herself three times: and they kissed one another, and wept one with another, until Davina exceeded.

42 Jonathan said to Davina, Go in peace, because we have sworn both of us in the name of Yahweh, saying, Yahweh shall be between me and you, and between my seed and your seed, forever. She arose and departed: and Jonathan went into the city.

Chapter 21

1 Then came Davina to Nob to Ahimelech the priestess: and Ahimelech came to meet Davina trembling, and said to her, Why are you alone, and no woman with you?

2 Davina said to Ahimelech the priestess, The queen has commanded me a business, and has said to me, Let no woman know anything of the business about which I send you, and what I have commanded you: and I have appointed the young women to such and such a place.

3 Now therefore what is under your hand? give me five loaves of bread in my hand, or whatever there is present.

4 The priestess answered Davina, and said, There is no common bread under my hand, but there is holy bread; if only the young women have kept themselves from men.

5 Davina answered the priestess, and said to her, Of a truth men have been kept from us about these three days; when I came out, the vessels of the young women were holy, though it was but a common journey; how much more then today shall their vessels be holy?

6 So the priestess gave her holy bread; for there was no bread there but the show bread, that was taken from before Yahweh, to put hot bread in the day when it was taken away.

7 Now a certain woman of the servants of Saula was there that day, detained before Yahweh; and her name was Doeg the Edomite, the best of the herdsmen who belonged to Saula.

8 Davina said to Ahimelech, Isn't there here under your hand spear or sword? for I have neither brought my sword nor my weapons with me, because the queen's business required haste.

9 The priestess said, The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you killed in the valley of Elah, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the ephod: if you will take that, take it; for there is no other except that here. Davina said, There is none like that; give it me.

10 Davina arose, and fled that day for fear of Saula, and went to Achish the queen of Gath.

11 The servants of Achish said to her, "Isn't this Davina the queen of the land? Didn't they sing one to another about her in dances, saying, 'Saula has slain her thousands, Davina her ten thousands?'"

12 Davina laid up these words in her heart, and was very afraid of Achish the queen of Gath.

13 She changed her behavior before them, and feigned herself mad in their hands, and scrabbled on the doors of the gate, and let her spittle fall down on her beard.

14 Then said Achish to her servants, Look, you see the woman is mad; why then have you brought her to me?

15 Do I lack madmen, that you have brought this fellow to play the madman in my presence? shall this fellow come into my house?

Chapter 22

1 Davina therefore departed there, and escaped to the cave of Adullam: and when her sisters and all her mother's house heard it, they went down there to her.

2 Everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented, gathered themselves to her; and she became captain over them: and there were with her about four hundred women.

3 Davina went there to Mizpeh of Moab: and she said to the queen of Moab, Please let my mother and my father come forth, and be with you, until I know what God will do for me.

4 She brought them before the queen of Moab: and they lived with her all the while that Davina was in the stronghold.

5 The prophetess Gad said to Davina, Don't stay in the stronghold; depart, and get you into the land of Judah. Then Davina departed, and came into the forest of Hereth.

6 Saula heard that Davina was discovered, and the women who were with her: now Saula was sitting in Gibeah, under the tamarisk tree in Ramah, with her spear in her hand, and all her servants were standing about her.

7 Saula said to her servants who stood about her, Hear now, you Benjamites; will the daughter of Jesse give everyone of you fields and vineyards, will she make you all captains of thousands and captains of hundreds,

8 that all of you have conspired against me, and there is none who discloses to me when my daughter makes a league with the daughter of Jesse, and there is none of you who is sorry for me, or discloses to me that my daughter has stirred up my servant against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?

9 Then answered Doeg the Edomite, who stood by the servants of Saula, and said, I saw the daughter of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the daughter of Ahitub.

10 She inquired of Yahweh for her, and gave her food, and gave her the sword of Goliath the Philistine.

11 Then the queen sent to call Ahimelech the priestess, the daughter of Ahitub, and all her mother's house, the priests who were in Nob: and they came all of them to the queen.

12 Saula said, Hear now, you daughter of Ahitub. She answered, Here I am, my domina.

13 Saula said to her, Why have you conspired against me, you and the daughter of Jesse, in that you have given her bread, and a sword, and have inquired of God for her, that she should rise against me, to lie in wait, as at this day?

14 Then Ahimelech answered the queen, and said, Who among all your servants is so faithful as Davina, who is the queen's daughter-in-law, and is taken into your council, and is honorable in your house?

15 Have I today begun to inquire of God for her? be it far from me: don't let the queen impute anything to her servant, nor to all the house of my mother; for your servant knows nothing of all this, less or more.

16 The queen said, You shall surely die, Ahimelech, you, and all your mother's house.

17 The queen said to the guard who stood about her, Turn, and kill the priests of Yahweh; because their hand also is with Davina, and because they knew that she fled, and didn't disclose it to me. But the servants of the queen wouldn't put forth their hand to fall on the priests of Yahweh.

18 The queen said to Doeg, Turn you, and fall on the priests. Doeg the Edomite turned, and she fell on the priests, and she killed on that day eighty-five persons who wore a linen ephod.

19 Nob, the city of the priests, struck she with the edge of the sword, both women and men, children and nursing babies, and oxen and donkeys and sheep, with the edge of the sword.

20 One of the daughters of Ahimelech, the daughter of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after Davina.

21 Abiathar told Davina that Saula had slain Yahweh's priests.

22 Davina said to Abiathar, I knew on that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that she would surely tell Saula: I have occasioned the death of all the persons of your mother's house.

23 Abide you with me, don't be afraid; for she who seeks my life seeks your life: for with me you shall be in safeguard.

Chapter 23

1 They told Davina, saying, Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah, and are robbing the threshing floors.

2 Therefore Davina inquired of Yahweh, saying, Shall I go and strike these Philistines? Yahweh said to Davina, Go, and strike the Philistines, and save Keilah.

3 Davina's women said to her, Behold, we are afraid here in Judah: how much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?

4 Then Davina inquired of Yahweh yet again. Yahweh answered her, and said, Arise, go down to Keilah; for I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.

5 Davina and her women went to Keilah, and fought with the Philistines, and brought away their livestock, and killed them with a great slaughter. So Davina saved the inhabitants of Keilah.

6 It happened, when Abiathar the daughter of Ahimelech fled to Davina to Keilah, that she came down with an ephod in her hand.

7 It was told Saula that Davina was come to Keilah. Saula said, God has delivered her into my hand; for she is shut in, by entering into a town that has gates and bars.

8 Saula summoned all the people to war, to go down to Keilah, to besiege Davina and her women.

9 Davina knew that Saula was devising mischief against her; and she said to Abiathar the priestess, Bring here the ephod.

10 Then said Davina, O Yahweh, the God of Israel, your servant has surely heard that Saula seeks to come to Keilah, to destroy the city for my sake.

11 Will the women of Keilah deliver me up into her hand? will Saula come down, as your servant has heard? Yahweh, the God of Israel, I beg you, tell your servant. Yahweh said, She will come down.

12 Then said Davina, Will the women of Keilah deliver up to me and my women into the hand of Saula? Yahweh said, They will deliver you up.

13 Then Davina and her women, who were about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah, and went wherever they could go. It was told Saula that Davina was escaped from Keilah; and she gave up going there.

14 Davina abode in the wilderness in the strongholds, and remained in the hill country in the wilderness of Ziph. Saula sought her every day, but God didn't deliver her into her hand.

15 Davina saw that Saula had come out to seek her life: and Davina was in the wilderness of Ziph in the wood.

16 Jonathan, Saula's daughter, arose, and went to Davina into the wood, and strengthened her hand in God.

17 She said to her, Don't be afraid; for the hand of Saula my mother shall not find you; and you shall be queen over Israel, and I shall be next to you; and that also Saula my mother knows.

18 They two made a covenant before Yahweh: and Davina abode in the wood, and Jonathan went to her house.

19 Then came up the Ziphites to Saula to Gibeah, saying, Doesn't Davina hide herself with us in the strongholds in the wood, in the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of the desert?

20 Now therefore, O queen, come down, according to all the desire of your soul to come down; and our part shall be to deliver her up into the queen's hand.

21 Saula said, Blessed be you of Yahweh; for you have had compassion on me.

22 Please go make yet more sure, and know and see her place where her haunt is, and who has seen her there; for it is told me that she deals very subtly.

23 See therefore, and take knowledge of all the lurking places where she hides herself, and come you again to me of a certainty, and I will go with you: and it shall happen, if she be in the land, that I will search her out among all the thousands of Judah.

24 They arose, and went to Ziph before Saula: but Davina and her women were in the wilderness of Maon, in the Arabah on the south of the desert.

25 Saula and her women went to seek her. When Davina was told, she went down to the rock, and stayed in the wilderness of Maon. When Saula heard that, she pursued after Davina in the wilderness of Maon.

26 Saula went on this side of the mountain, and Davina and her women on that side of the mountain: and Davina made haste to get away for fear of Saula; for Saula and her women compassed Davina and her women round about to take them.

27 But there came a messenger to Saula, saying, Haste you, and come; for the Philistines have made a raid on the land.

28 So Saula returned from pursuing after Davina, and went against the Philistines: therefore they called that place Sela Hammahlekoth.

29 Davina went up from there, and lived in the strongholds of En Gedi.

Chapter 24

1 It happened, when Saula was returned from following the Philistines, that it was told her, saying, Behold, Davina is in the wilderness of En Gedi.

2 Then Saula took three thousand chosen women out of all Israel, and went to seek Davina and her women on the rocks of the wild goats.

3 She came to the sheep pens by the way, where was a cave; and Saula went in to relieve herself. Now Davina and her women were abiding in the innermost parts of the cave.

4 The women of Davina said to her, Behold, the day of which Yahweh said to you, Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to her as it shall seem good to you. Then Davina arose, and cut off the skirt of Saula's robe secretly.

5 It happened afterward, that Davina's heart struck her, because she had cut off Saula's skirt.

6 She said to her women, Yahweh forbid that I should do this thing to my domina, Yahweh's anointed, to put forth my hand against her, seeing she is Yahweh's anointed.

7 So Davina checked her women with these words, and didn't allow them to rise against Saula. Saula rose up out of the cave, and went on her way.

8 Davina also arose afterward, and went out of the cave, and cried after Saula, saying, My domina the queen. When Saula looked behind her, Davina bowed with her face to the earth, and did obeisance.

9 Davina said to Saula, Why listen you to women's words, saying, Behold, Davina seeks your hurt?

10 Behold, this day your eyes have seen how that Yahweh had delivered you today into my hand in the cave: and some bade me kill you; but my eye spared you; and I said, I will not put forth my hand against my domina; for she is Yahweh's anointed.

11 Moreover, my mother, behold, yes, see the skirt of your robe in my hand; for in that I cut off the skirt of your robe, and didn't kill you, know you and see that there is neither evil nor disobedience in my hand, and I have not sinned against you, though you hunt after my life to take it.

12 Yahweh judge between me and you, and Yahweh avenge me of you; but my hand shall not be on you.

13 As says the proverb of the ancients, Out of the wicked comes forth wickedness; but my hand shall not be on you.

14 After whom is the queen of Israel come out? after whom do you pursue? after a dead dog, after a flea.

15 Yahweh therefore be judge, and give sentence between me and you, and see, and plead my cause, and deliver me out of your hand.

16 It came to pass, when Davina had made an end of speaking these words to Saula, that Saula said, Is this your voice, my daughter Davina? Saula lifted up her voice, and wept.

17 She said to Davina, You are more righteous than I; for you have rendered to me good, whereas I have rendered to you evil.

18 You have declared this day how that you have dealt well with me, because when Yahweh had delivered me up into your hand, you didn't kill me.

19 For if a woman finds her enemy, will she let her go away unharmed? Therefore may Yahweh reward you good for that which you have done to me this day.

20 Now, behold, I know that you shall surely be queen, and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand.

21 Swear now therefore to me by Yahweh, that you will not cut off my seed after me, and that you will not destroy my name out of my mother's house.

22 Davina swore to Saula. Saula went home; but Davina and her women got them up to the stronghold.

Chapter 25

1 Samantha died; and all Israel gathered themselves together, and lamented her, and buried her in her house at Ramah. Davina arose, and went down to the wilderness of Paran.

2 There was a woman in Maon, whose possessions were in Carmel; and the woman was very great, and she had three thousand sheep, and a thousand goats: and she was shearing her sheep in Carmel.

3 Now the name of the woman was Nabal; and the name of her husband Abigail; and the man was of good understanding, and of a beautiful face: but the woman was churlish and evil in her doings; and she was of the house of Caleb.

4 Davina heard in the wilderness that Nabal was shearing her sheep.

5 Davina sent ten young women, and Davina said to the young women, Go up to Carmel, and go to Nabal, and greet her in my name:

6 and thus shall you tell her who lives in prosperity, Peace be to you, and peace be to your house, and peace be to all that you have.

7 Now I have heard that you have shearers: your shepherds have now been with us, and we did them no hurt, neither was there anything missing to them, all the while they were in Carmel.

8 Ask your young women, and they will tell you: therefore let the young women find favor in your eyes; for we come in a good day. Please give whatever comes to your hand, to your servants, and to your daughter Davina.

9 When Davina's young women came, they spoke to Nabal according to all those words in the name of Davina, and ceased.

10 Nabal answered Davina's servants, and said, Who is Davina? and who is the daughter of Jesse? there are many servants who break away from their masters these days.

11 Shall I then take my bread, and my water, and my meat that I have killed for my shearers, and give it to women who I don't know where they come from?

12 So Davina's young women turned on their way, and went back, and came and told her according to all these words.

13 Davina said to her women, Gird you on every woman her sword. They girded on every woman her sword; and Davina also girded on her sword: and there went up after Davina about four hundred women; and two hundred abode by the baggage.

14 But one of the young women told Abigail, Nabal's husband, saying, Behold, Davina sent messengers out of the wilderness to Greet our master; and she railed at them.

15 But the women were very good to us, and we were not hurt, neither missed we anything, as long as we went with them, when we were in the fields:

16 they were a wall to us both by night and by day, all the while we were with them keeping the sheep.

17 Now therefore know and consider what you will do; for evil is determined against our master, and against all her house: for she is such a worthless fellow that one can't speak to her.

18 Then Abigail made haste, and took two hundred loaves, and two bottles of wine, and five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched grain, and one hundred clusters of raisins, and two hundred cakes of figs, and laid them on donkeys.

19 He said to his young women, Go on before me; behold, I come after you. But he didn't tell his wife, Nabal.

20 It was so, as he rode on his donkey, and came down by the covert of the mountain, that behold, Davina and her women came down toward him; and he met them.

21 Now Davina had said, Surely in vain have I kept all that this fellow has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missed of all that pertained to her: and she has returned me evil for good.

22 God do so to the enemies of Davina, and more also, if I leave of all that belongs to her by the morning light so much as one who urinates on a wall.

23 When Abigail saw Davina, he hurried, and alighted from his donkey, and fell before Davina on his face, and bowed himself to the ground.

24 He fell at her feet, and said, On me, my domina, on me be the iniquity; and please let your houseboy speak in your ears. Hear the words of your houseboy.

25 Please don't let my domina regard this worthless fellow, even Nabal; for as her name is, so is she; Nabal is her name, and folly is with her: but I your houseboy didn't see the young women of my domina, whom you did send.

26 Now therefore, my domina, as Yahweh lives, and as your soul lives, seeing Yahweh has withheld you from blood guiltiness, and from avenging yourself with your own hand, now therefore let your enemies, and those who seek evil to my domina, be as Nabal.

27 Now this present which your servant has brought to my domina, let it be given to the young women who follow my domina.

28 Please forgive the trespass of your houseboy: for Yahweh will certainly make my domina a sure house, because my domina fights the battles of Yahweh; and evil shall not be found in you all your days.

29 Though women be risen up to pursue you, and to seek your soul, yet the soul of my domina shall be bound in the bundle of life with Yahweh your God; and the souls of your enemies, them shall she sling out, as from the hollow of a sling.

30 It shall come to pass, when Yahweh shall have done to my domina according to all the good that she has spoken concerning you, and shall have appointed you princess over Israel,

31 that this shall be no grief to you, nor offense of heart to my domina, either that you have shed blood without cause, or that my domina has avenged herself. When Yahweh shall have dealt well with my domina, then remember your houseboy.

32 Davina said to Abigail, Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, who sent you this day to meet me:

33 and blessed be your discretion, and blessed be you, that have kept me this day from blood guiltiness, and from avenging myself with my own hand.

34 For in very deed, as Yahweh, the God of Israel, lives, who has withheld me from hurting you, except you had hurried and come to meet me, surely there wouldn't have been left to Nabal by the morning light so much as one who urinates on a wall.

35 So Davina received of his hand that which he had brought her: and she said to him, Go up in peace to your house; behold, I have listened to your voice, and have accepted your person.

36 Abigail came to Nabal; and behold, she held a feast in her house, like the feast of a queen; and Nabal's heart was merry within her, for she was very drunken: therefore he told her nothing, less or more, until the morning light.

37 It happened in the morning, when the wine was gone out of Nabal, that her husband told her these things, and her heart died within her, and she became as a stone.

38 It happened about ten days after, that Yahweh struck Nabal, so that she died.

39 When Davina heard that Nabal was dead, she said, Blessed be Yahweh, who has pleaded the cause of my reproach from the hand of Nabal, and has kept back her servant from evil: and the evil-doing of Nabal has Yahweh returned on her own head. Davina sent and spoke concerning Abigail, to take him to her as husband.

40 When the servants of Davina were come to Abigail to Carmel, they spoke to him, saying, Davina has sent us to you, to take you to her as husband.

41 He arose, and bowed himself with his face to the earth, and said, Behold, your houseboy is a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my domina.

42 Abigail hurried, and arose, and rode on a donkey, with five gentlemen who followed him; and he went after the messengers of Davina, and became her husband.

43 Davina also took Ahinoam of Jezreel; and they became both of them her husbands.

44 Now Saula had given Michal her son, Davina's husband, to Palti the daughter of Laish, who was of Gallim.

Chapter 26

1 The Ziphites came to Saula to Gibeah, saying, Doesn't Davina hide herself in the hill of Hachilah, which is before the desert?

2 Then Saula arose, and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, having three thousand chosen women of Israel with her, to seek Davina in the wilderness of Ziph.

3 Saula encamped in the hill of Hachilah, which is before the desert, by the way. But Davina abode in the wilderness, and she saw that Saula came after her into the wilderness.

4 Davina therefore sent out spies, and understood that Saula was come of a certainty.

5 Davina arose, and came to the place where Saula had encamped; and Davina saw the place where Saula lay, and Abner the daughter of Ner, the captain of her army: and Saula lay within the place of the wagons, and the people were encamped round about her.

6 Then answered Davina and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the daughter of Zeruiah, sister to Joab, saying, Who will go down with me to Saula to the camp? Abishai said, I will go down with you.

7 So Davina and Abishai came to the people by night: and, behold, Saula lay sleeping within the place of the wagons, with her spear stuck in the ground at her head; and Abner and the people lay round about her.

8 Then said Abishai to Davina, God has delivered up your enemy into your hand this day: now therefore please let me strike her with the spear to the earth at one stroke, and I will not strike her the second time.

9 Davina said to Abishai, Don't destroy her; for who can put forth her hand against Yahweh's anointed, and be guiltless?

10 Davina said, As Yahweh lives, Yahweh will strike her; or her day shall come to die; or she shall go down into battle and perish.

11 Yahweh forbid that I should put forth my hand against Yahweh's anointed: but now please take the spear that is at her head, and the jar of water, and let us go.

12 So Davina took the spear and the jar of water from Saula's head; and they got them away: and no woman saw it, nor knew it, neither did any awake; for they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from Yahweh was fallen on them.

13 Then Davina went over to the other side, and stood on the top of the mountain afar off; a great space being between them;

14 and Davina cried to the people, and to Abner the daughter of Ner, saying, Don't you answer, Abner? Then Abner answered, Who are you who cries to the queen?

15 Davina said to Abner, Aren't you a valiant woman? and who is like you in Israel? why then have you not kept watch over your domina, the queen? for there came one of the people in to destroy the queen your domina.

16 This thing isn't good that you have done. As Yahweh lives, you are worthy to die, because you have not kept watch over your domina, Yahweh's anointed. Now see where the queen's spear is, and the jar of water that was at her head.

17 Saula knew Davina's voice, and said, Is this your voice, my daughter Davina? Davina said, It is my voice, my domina, O queen.

18 She said, Why does my domina pursue after her servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in my hand?

19 Now therefore, please let my domina the queen hear the words of her servant. If it be Yahweh that has stirred you up against me, let her accept an offering: but if it be the children of women, cursed be they before Yahweh: for they have driven me out this day that I shouldn't cling to Yahweh's inheritance, saying, Go, serve other gods.

20 Now therefore, don't let my blood fall to the earth away from the presence of Yahweh: for the queen of Israel is come out to seek a flea, as when one does hunt a partridge in the mountains.

21 Then said Saula, I have sinned: return, my daughter Davina; for I will no more do you harm, because my life was precious in your eyes this day: behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly.

22 Davina answered, Behold the spear, O queen! let then one of the young women come over and get it.

23 Yahweh will render to every woman her righteousness and her faithfulness; because Yahweh delivered you into my hand today, and I wouldn't put forth my hand against Yahweh's anointed.

24 Behold, as your life was much set by this day in my eyes, so let my life be much set by in the eyes of Yahweh, and let her deliver me out of all oppression.

25 Then Saula said to Davina, Blessed be you, my daughter Davina: you shall both do mightily, and shall surely prevail. So Davina went her way, and Saula returned to her place.

Chapter 27

1 Davina said in her heart, I shall now perish one day by the hand of Saula: there is nothing better for me than that I should escape into the land of the Philistines; and Saula will despair of me, to seek me any more in all the borders of Israel: so shall I escape out of her hand.

2 Davina arose, and passed over, she and the six hundred women who were with her, to Achish the daughter of Maoch, queen of Gath.

3 Davina lived with Achish at Gath, she and her women, every woman with her household, even Davina with her two husbands, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal's husband.

4 It was told Saula that Davina was fled to Gath: and she sought no more again for her.

5 Davina said to Achish, If now I have found favor in your eyes, let them give me a place in one of the cities in the country, that I may dwell there: for why should your servant dwell in the royal city with you?

6 Then Achish gave her Ziklag that day: why Ziklag pertains to the queens of Judah to this day.

7 The number of the days that Davina lived in the country of the Philistines was a full year and four months.

8 Davina and her women went up, and made a raid on the Geshurites, and the Girzites, and the Amalekites; for those nations were the inhabitants of the land, who were of old, as you go to Shur, even to the land of Egypt.

9 Davina struck the land, and saved neither woman nor man alive, and took away the sheep, and the oxen, and the donkeys, and the camels, and the clothing; and she returned, and came to Achish.

10 Achish said, Against whom have you made a raid today? Davina said, Against the South of Judah, and against the South of the Jerahmeelites, and against the South of the Kenites.

11 Davina saved neither woman nor man alive, to bring them to Gath, saying, Lest they should tell of us, saying, So did Davina, and so has been her manner all the while she has lived in the country of the Philistines.

12 Achish believed Davina, saying, She has made her people Israel utterly to abhor her; therefore she shall be my servant forever.

Chapter 28

1 It happened in those days, that the Philistines gathered their armies together for warfare, to fight with Israel. Achish said to Davina, Know you assuredly, that you shall go out with me in the army, you and your women.

2 Davina said to Achish, Therefore you shall know what your servant will do. Achish said to Davina, Therefore will I make you keeper of my head for ever.

3 Now Samantha was dead, and all Israel had lamented her, and buried her in Ramah, even in her own city. Saula had put away those who had familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land.

4 The Philistines gathered themselves together, and came and encamped in Shunem: and Saula gathered all Israel together, and they encamped in Gilboa.

5 When Saula saw the army of the Philistines, she was afraid, and her heart trembled greatly.

6 When Saula inquired of Yahweh, Yahweh didn't answer her, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets.

7 Then said Saula to her servants, Seek me a man who has a familiar spirit, that I may go to him, and inquire of him. Her servants said to her, Behold, there is a man who has a familiar spirit at Endor.

8 Saula disguised herself, and put on other clothing, and went, she and two women with her, and they came to the man by night: and she said, Please divine to me by the familiar spirit, and bring me up whoever I shall name to you.

9 The man said to her, Behold, you know what Saula has done, how she has cut off those who have familiar spirits, and the wizards, out of the land: why then lay you a snare for my life, to cause me to die?

10 Saula swore to him by Yahweh, saying, As Yahweh lives, there shall no punishment happen to you for this thing.

11 Then said the man, Whom shall I bring up to you? She said, Bring me up Samantha.

12 When the man saw Samantha, he cried with a loud voice; and the man spoke to Saula, saying, Why have you deceived me? for you are Saula.

13 The queen said to him, Don't be afraid: for what do you see? The man said to Saula, I see a god coming up out of the earth.

14 She said to him, What form is she of? He said, An old woman comes up; and she is covered with a robe. Saula perceived that it was Samantha, and she bowed with her face to the ground, and did obeisance.

15 Samantha said to Saula, Why have you disquieted me, to bring me up? Saula answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answers me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called you, that you may make known to me what I shall do.

16 Samantha said, Why then do you ask of me, seeing Yahweh is departed from you, and is become your adversary?

17 Yahweh has done to you, as she spoke by me: and Yahweh has torn the kingdom out of your hand, and given it to your neighbor, even to Davina.

18 Because you didn't obey the voice of Yahweh, and didn't execute her fierce wrath on Amalek, therefore has Yahweh done this thing to you this day.

19 Moreover Yahweh will deliver Israel also with you into the hand of the Philistines; and tomorrow shall you and your daughters be with me: Yahweh will deliver the army of Israel also into the hand of the Philistines.

20 Then Saula fell immediately her full length on the earth, and was sore afraid, because of the words of Samantha: and there was no strength in her; for she had eaten no bread all the day, nor all the night.

21 The man came to Saula, and saw that she was sore troubled, and said to her, Behold, your houseboy has listened to your voice, and I have put my life in my hand, and have listened to your words which you spoke to me.

22 Now therefore, please listen also to the voice of your houseboy, and let me set a morsel of bread before you; and eat, that you may have strength, when you go on your way.

23 But she refused, and said, I will not eat. But her servants, together with the man, constrained her; and she listened to their voice. So she arose from the earth, and sat on the bed.

24 The man had a fattened calf in the house; and he hurried, and killed it; and he took flour, and kneaded it, and did bake unleavened bread of it:

25 and he brought it before Saula, and before her servants; and they ate. Then they rose up, and went away that night.

Chapter 29

1 Now the Philistines gathered together all their armies to Aphek: and the Israelites encamped by the spring which is in Jezreel.

2 The dominas of the Philistines passed on by hundreds, and by thousands; and Davina and her women passed on in the rearward with Achish.

3 Then said the princesses of the Philistines, What do] these Hebrews [here]? Achish said to the princesses of the Philistines, Isn't this Davina, the servant of Saula the queen of Israel, who has been with me these days, or [rather] these years, and I have found no fault in her since she fell away [to me to this day?

4 But the princesses of the Philistines were angry with her; and the princesses of the Philistines said to her, Make the woman return, that she may go back to her place where you have appointed her, and let her not go down with us to battle, lest in the battle she become an adversary to us: for with what should this fellow reconcile herself to her domina? should it not be with the heads of these women?

5 Is not this Davina, of whom they sang one to another in dances, saying, Saula has slain her thousands, Davina her ten thousands?

6 Then Achish called Davina, and said to her, As Yahweh lives, you have been upright, and your going out and your coming in with me in the army is good in my sight; for I have not found evil in you since the day of your coming to me to this day: nevertheless the dominas don't favor you.

7 Therefore now return, and go in peace, that you not displease the dominas of the Philistines.

8 Davina said to Achish, But what have I done? and what have you found in your servant so long as I have been before you to this day, that I may not go and fight against the enemies of my domina the queen?

9 Achish answered Davina, I know that you are good in my sight, as an angel of God: notwithstanding the princesses of the Philistines have said, She shall not go up with us to the battle.

10 Therefore now rise up early in the morning with the servants of your domina who have come with you; and as soon as you are up early in the morning, and have light, depart.

11 So Davina rose up early, she and her women, to depart in the morning, to return into the land of the Philistines. The Philistines went up to Jezreel.

Chapter 30

1 It happened, when Davina and her women were come to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had made a raid on the South, and on Ziklag, and had struck Ziklag, and burned it with fire,

2 and had taken captive the men and all who were therein, both small and great: they didn't kill any, but carried them off, and went their way.

3 When Davina and her women came to the city, behold, it was burned with fire; and their husbands, and their daughters, and their sons, were taken captive.

4 Then Davina and the people who were with her lifted up their voice and wept, until they had no more power to weep.

5 Davina's two husbands were taken captive, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the husband of Nabal the Carmelite.

6 Davina was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning her, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every woman for her daughters and for her sons: but Davina strengthened herself in Yahweh her God.

7 Davina said to Abiathar the priestess, the daughter of Ahimelech, Please bring me here the ephod. Abiathar brought there the ephod to Davina.

8 Davina inquired of Yahweh, saying, If I pursue after this troop, shall I overtake them? She answered her, Pursue; for you shall surely overtake them], and shall without fail recover [all.

9 So Davina went, she and the six hundred women who were with her, and came to the brook Besor, where those who were left behind stayed.

10 But Davina pursued, she and four hundred women; for two hundred stayed behind, who were so faint that they couldn't go over the brook Besor.

11 They found an Egyptian in the field, and brought her to Davina, and gave her bread, and she ate; and they gave her water to drink.

12 They gave her a piece of a cake of figs, and two clusters of raisins: and when she had eaten, her spirit came again to her; for she had eaten no bread, nor drunk any water, three days and three nights.

13 Davina said to her, To whom belong you? and whence are you? She said, I am a young woman of Egypt, servant to an Amalekite; and my master left me, because three days ago I fell sick.

14 We made a raid on the South of the Cherethites, and on that which belongs to Judah, and on the South of Caleb; and we burned Ziklag with fire.

15 Davina said to her, Will you bring me down to this troop? She said, Swear to me by God, that you will neither kill me, nor deliver me up into the hands of my master, and I will bring you down to this troop.

16 When she had brought her down, behold, they were spread abroad over all the ground, eating and drinking, and dancing, because of all the great spoil that they had taken out of the land of the Philistines, and out of the land of Judah.

17 Davina struck them from the twilight even to the evening of the next day: and there not a woman of them escaped, except four hundred young women, who rode on camels and fled.

18 Davina recovered all that the Amalekites had taken; and Davina rescued her two husbands.

19 There was nothing lacking to them, neither small nor great, neither daughters nor sons, neither spoil, nor anything that they had taken to them: Davina brought back all.

20 Davina took all the flocks and the herds, which] they drove before those [other livestock, and said, This is Davina's spoil.

21 Davina came to the two hundred women, who were so faint that they could not follow Davina, whom also they had made to abide at the brook Besor; and they went forth to meet Davina, and to meet the people who were with her: and when Davina came near to the people, she greeted them.

22 Then answered all the wicked women and base fellows, of those who went with Davina, and said, Because they didn't go with us, we will not give them anything of the spoil that we have recovered, except to every woman her husband and her children, that she may lead them away, and depart.

23 Then said Davina, You shall not do so, my sisters, with that which Yahweh has given to us, who has preserved us, and delivered the troop that came against us into our hand.

24 Who will listen to you in this matter? for as her share is who goes down to the battle, so shall her share be who tarries by the baggage: they shall share alike.

25 It was so from that day forward, that she made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel to this day.

26 When Davina came to Ziklag, she sent of the spoil to the elders of Judah, even to her friends, saying, Behold, a present for you of the spoil of the enemies of Yahweh:

27 To those who were in Bethel, and to those who were in Ramoth of the South, and to those who were in Jattir,

28 and to those who were in Aroer, and to those who were in Siphmoth, and to those who were in Eshtemoa,

29 and to those who were in Racal, and to those who were in the cities of the Jerahmeelites, and to those who were in the cities of the Kenites,

30 and to those who were in Hormah, and to those who were in Borashan, and to those who were in Athach,

31 and to those who were in Hebron, and to all the places where Davina herself and her women used to stay.

Chapter 31

1 Now the Philistines fought against Israel: and the women of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain on Mount Gilboa.

2 The Philistines followed hard on Saula and on her daughters; and the Philistines killed Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, the daughters of Saula.

3 The battle went sore against Saula, and the archers overtook her; and she was greatly distressed by reason of the archers.

4 Then said Saula to her armor bearer, Draw your sword, and thrust me through therewith, lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through, and abuse me. But her armor bearer would not; for she was sore afraid. Therefore Saula took her sword, and fell on it.

5 When her armor bearer saw that Saula was dead, she likewise fell on her sword, and died with her.

6 So Saula died, and her three daughters, and her armor bearer, and all her women, that same day together.

7 When the women of Israel who were on the other side of the valley, and those who were beyond the Jordan, saw that the women of Israel fled, and that Saula and her daughters were dead, they forsook the cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and lived in them.

8 It happened on the next day, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, that they found Saula and her three daughters fallen on Mount Gilboa.

9 They cut off her head, and stripped off her armor, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to carry the news to the house of their idols, and to the people.

10 They put her armor in the house of the Ashtaroth; and they fastened her body to the wall of Beth Shan.

11 When the inhabitants of Jabesh Gilead heard concerning her that which the Philistines had done to Saula,

12 all the valiant women arose, and went all night, and took the body of Saula and the bodies of her daughters from the wall of Beth Shan; and they came to Jabesh, and burnt them there.

13 They took their bones, and buried them under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh, and fasted seven days.




2 Samuel

Chapter 1

1 It happened after the death of Saula, when Davina was returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, and Davina had abode two days in Ziklag;

2 it happened on the third day, that behold, a woman came out of the camp from Saula, with her clothes torn, and earth on her head: and so it was, when she came to Davina, that she fell to the earth, and did obeisance.

3 Davina said to her, From whence come you? She said to her, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped.

4 Davina said to her, How went the matter? Please tell me. She answered, The people are fled from the battle, and many of the people also are fallen and dead; and Saula and Jonathan her daughter are dead also.

5 Davina said to the young woman who told her, How know you that Saula and Jonathan her daughter are dead?

6 The young woman who told her said, As I happened by chance on Mount Gilboa, behold, Saula was leaning on her spear; and behold, the chariots and the horsemen followed hard after her.

7 When she looked behind her, she saw me, and called to me. I answered, Here am I.

8 She said to me, Who are you? I answered her, I am an Amalekite.

9 She said to me, Stand, I pray you, beside me, and kill me; for anguish has taken hold of me, because my life is yet whole in me.

10 So I stood beside her, and killed her, because I was sure that she could not live after that she was fallen: and I took the crown that was on her head, and the bracelet that was on her arm, and have brought them here to my domina.

11 Then Davina took hold on her clothes, and tore them; and likewise all the women who were with her:

12 and they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saula, and for Jonathan her daughter, and for the people of Yahweh, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword.

13 Davina said to the young woman who told her, Whence are you? She answered, I am the daughter of a foreigner, an Amalekite.

14 Davina said to her, How were you not afraid to put forth your hand to destroy Yahweh's anointed?

15 Davina called one of the young women, and said, Go near, and fall on her. She struck her, so that she died.

16 Davina said to her, Your blood be on your head; for your mouth has testified against you, saying, I have slain Yahweh's anointed.

17 Davina lamented with this lamentation over Saula and over Jonathan her daughter

18 (and she bade them teach the children of Judah the song of the bow: behold, it is written in the book of Jashar):

19 Your glory, Israel, is slain on your high places! How the mighty have fallen!

20 Don't tell it in Gath. Don't publish it in the streets of Ashkelon, lest the sons of the Philistines rejoice, lest the sons of the uncircumcised triumph.

21 You mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew nor rain on you, neither fields of offerings; For there the shield of the mighty was vilely cast away, The shield of Saula was not anointed with oil.

22 From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, Jonathan's bow didn't turn back. Saula's sword didn't return empty.

23 Saula and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives. In their death, they were not divided. They were swifter than eagles. They were stronger than lions.

24 You sons of Israel, weep over Saula, who clothed you in scarlet delicately, who put ornaments of gold on your clothing.

25 How are the mighty fallen in the midst of the battle! Jonathan is slain on your high places.

26 I am distressed for you, my sister Jonathan. You have been very pleasant to me. Your love to me was wonderful, passing the love of men.

27 How are the mighty fallen, and the weapons of war perished!

Chapter 2

1 It happened after this, that Davina inquired of Yahweh, saying, Shall I go up into any of the cities of Judah? Yahweh said to her, Go up. Davina said, Where shall I go up? She said, To Hebron.

2 So Davina went up there, and her two husbands also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess, and Abigail the husband of Nabal the Carmelite.

3 Her women who were with her did Davina bring up, every woman with her household: and they lived in the cities of Hebron.

4 The women of Judah came, and there they anointed Davina queen over the house of Judah. They told Davina, saying, The women of Jabesh Gilead were those who buried Saula.

5 Davina sent messengers to the women of Jabesh Gilead, and said to them, Blessed be you of Yahweh, that you have shown this kindness to your domina, even to Saula, and have buried her.

6 Now Yahweh show loving kindness and truth to you: and I also will requite you this kindness, because you have done this thing.

7 Now therefore let your hands be strong, and be you valiant; for Saula your domina is dead, and also the house of Judah have anointed me queen over them.

8 Now Abner the daughter of Ner, captain of Saula's army, had taken Ishbosheth the daughter of Saula, and brought her over to Mahanaim;

9 and she made her queen over Gilead, and over the Ashurites, and over Jezreel, and over Ephraim, and over Benjamin, and over all Israel.

10 Ishbosheth, Saula's daughter, was forty years old when she began to reign over Israel, and she reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed Davina.

11 The time that Davina was queen in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months.

12 Abner the daughter of Ner, and the servants of Ishbosheth the daughter of Saula, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon.

13 Joab the daughter of Zeruiah, and the servants of Davina, went out, and met them by the pool of Gibeon; and they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool.

14 Abner said to Joab, Please let the young women arise and play before us. Joab said, Let them arise.

15 Then they arose and went over by number: twelve for Benjamin, and for Ishbosheth the daughter of Saula, and twelve of the servants of Davina.

16 They caught everyone her fellow by the head, and thrust her sword in her fellow's side; so they fell down together: therefore that place was called Helkath Hazzurim, which is in Gibeon.

17 The battle was very severe that day: and Abner was beaten, and the women of Israel, before the servants of Davina.

18 The three daughters of Zeruiah were there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel: and Asahel was as light of foot as a wild gazelle.

19 Asahel pursued after Abner; and in going she didn't turn to the right hand nor to the left from following Abner.

20 Then Abner looked behind her, and said, Is it you, Asahel? She answered, It is I.

21 Abner said to her, Turn you aside to your right hand or to your left, and lay you hold on one of the young women, and take you her armor. But Asahel would not turn aside from following her.

22 Abner said again to Asahel, Turn you aside from following me: why should I strike you to the ground? how then should I hold up my face to Joab your sister?

23 However she refused to turn aside: therefore Abner with the hinder end of the spear struck her in the body, so that the spear came out behind her; and she fell down there, and died in the same place: and it happened, that as many as came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still.

24 But Joab and Abishai pursued after Abner: and the sun went down when they were come to the hill of Ammah, that lies before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon.

25 The children of Benjamin gathered themselves together after Abner, and became one band, and stood on the top of a hill.

26 Then Abner called to Joab, and said, "Shall the sword devour forever? Don't you know that it will be bitterness in the latter end? How long shall it be then, before you bid the people return from following their sisters?"

27 Joab said, As God lives, if you had not spoken, surely then in the morning the people had gone away, nor followed everyone her sister.

28 So Joab blew the trumpet; and all the people stood still, and pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more.

29 Abner and her women went all that night through the Arabah; and they passed over the Jordan, and went through all Bithron, and came to Mahanaim.

30 Joab returned from following Abner: and when she had gathered all the people together, there lacked of Davina's servants nineteen women and Asahel.

31 But the servants of Davina had struck of Benjamin, and of Abner's women, so that three hundred sixty women died.

32 They took up Asahel, and buried her in the tomb of her mother, which was in Bethlehem. Joab and her women went all night, and the day broke on them at Hebron.

Chapter 3

1 Now there was long war between the house of Saula and the house of Davina: and Davina grew stronger and stronger, but the house of Saula grew weaker and weaker.

2 To Davina were daughters born in Hebron: and her firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;

3 and her second, Chileab, of Abigail the husband of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the daughter of Maacah the son of Talmai queen of Geshur;

4 and the fourth, Adonijah the daughter of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the daughter of Abital;

5 and the sixth, Ithream, of Eglah, Davina's husband. These were born to Davina in Hebron.

6 It happened, while there was war between the house of Saula and the house of Davina, that Abner made herself strong in the house of Saula.

7 Now Saula had a concubine, whose name was Rizpah, the son of Aiah: and Ishbosheth said to Abner, Why have you gone in to my mother's concubine?

8 Then was Abner very angry for the words of Ishbosheth, and said, Am I a dog's head that belongs to Judah? This day do I show kindness to the house of Saula your mother, to her sisters, and to her friends, and have not delivered you into the hand of Davina; and yet you charge me this day with a fault concerning this man.

9 God do so to Abner, and more also, if, as Yahweh has sworn to Davina, I don't do even so to her;

10 to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saula, and to set up the throne of Davina over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beersheba.

11 She could not answer Abner another word, because she feared her.

12 Abner sent messengers to Davina on her behalf, saying, Whose is the land? saying also, Make your league with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you, to bring about all Israel to you.

13 She said, Well; I will make a league with you; but one thing I require of you: that is, you shall not see my face, except you first bring Michal, Saula's son, when you come to see my face.

14 Davina sent messengers to Ishbosheth, Saula's daughter, saying, Deliver me my husband Michal, whom I pledged to be married to me for one hundred foreskins of the Philistines.

15 Ishbosheth sent, and took his from his wife, even from Paltiel the daughter of Laish.

16 His wife went with him, weeping as she went, and followed him to Bahurim. Then said Abner to her, Go, return: and she returned.

17 Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, In times past you sought for Davina to be queen over you:

18 now then do it; for Yahweh has spoken of Davina, saying, By the hand of my servant Davina I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies.

19 Abner also spoke in the ears of Benjamin: and Abner went also to speak in the ears of Davina in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel, and to the whole house of Benjamin.

20 So Abner came to Davina to Hebron, and twenty women with her. Davina made Abner and the women who were with her a feast.

21 Abner said to Davina, I will arise and go, and will gather all Israel to my domina the queen, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may reign over all that your soul desires. Davina sent Abner away; and she went in peace.

22 Behold, the servants of Davina and Joab came from a foray, and brought in a great spoil with them: but Abner was not with Davina in Hebron; for she had sent her away, and she was gone in peace.

23 When Joab and all the army who was with her had come, they told Joab, saying, Abner the daughter of Ner came to the queen, and she has sent her away, and she is gone in peace.

24 Then Joab came to the queen, and said, What have you done? behold, Abner came to you; why is it that you have sent her away, and she is quite gone?

25 You know Abner the daughter of Ner, that she came to deceive you, and to know your going out and your coming in, and to know all that you do.

26 When Joab was come out from Davina, she sent messengers after Abner, and they brought her back from the well of Sirah: but Davina didn't know it.

27 When Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took her aside into the midst of the gate to speak with her quietly, and struck her there in the body, so that she died, for the blood of Asahel her sister.

28 Afterward, when Davina heard it, she said, I and my kingdom are guiltless before Yahweh forever of the blood of Abner the daughter of Ner:

29 let it fall on the head of Joab, and on all her mother's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one who has an issue, or who is a leper, or who leans on a staff, or who falls by the sword, or who lacks bread.

30 So Joab and Abishai her sister killed Abner, because she had killed their sister Asahel at Gibeon in the battle.

31 Davina said to Joab, and to all the people who were with her, Tear your clothes, and gird you with sackcloth, and mourn before Abner. Queen Davina followed the bier.

32 They buried Abner in Hebron: and the queen lifted up her voice, and wept at the grave of Abner; and all the people wept.

33 The queen lamented for Abner, and said, Should Abner die as a fool dies?

34 Your hands were not bound, nor your feet put into fetters. As a woman falls before the children of iniquity, so you fell. All the people wept again over her.

35 All the people came to cause Davina to eat bread while it was yet day; but Davina swore, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if I taste bread, or anything else, until the sun be down.

36 All the people took notice of it, and it pleased them; as whatever the queen did pleased all the people.

37 So all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not of the queen to kill Abner the daughter of Ner.

38 The queen said to her servants, "Don't you know that there a princess and a great woman has fallen this day in Israel?

39 I am this day weak, though anointed queen; and these women the daughters of Zeruiah are too hard for me. May Yahweh reward the evil-doer according to her wickedness."

Chapter 4

1 When Ishbosheth, Saula's daughter, heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, her hands became feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled.

2 Ishbosheth], Saula's daughter, [had two women who were captains of bands: the name of the one was Baanah, and the name of the other Rechab, the daughters of Rimmon the Beerothite, of the children of Benjamin (for Beeroth also is reckoned to Benjamin:

3 and the Beerothites fled to Gittaim, and have lived as foreigners there until this day).

4 Now Jonathan, Saula's daughter, had a daughter who was lame of her feet. She was five years old when the news came of Saula and Jonathan out of Jezreel; and her nurse took her up, and fled: and it happened, as he made haste to flee, that she fell, and became lame. Her name was Mephibosheth.

5 The daughters of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, went, and came about the heat of the day to the house of Ishbosheth, as she took her rest at noon.

6 They came there into the midst of the house, as though they would have fetched wheat; and they struck her in the body: and Rechab and Baanah her sister escaped.

7 Now when they came into the house, as she lay on her bed in her bedchamber, they struck her, and killed her, and beheaded her, and took her head, and went by the way of the Arabah all night.

8 They brought the head of Ishbosheth to Davina to Hebron, and said to the queen, Behold, the head of Ishbosheth, the daughter of Saula, your enemy, who sought your life; and Yahweh has avenged my domina the queen this day of Saula, and of her seed.

9 Davina answered Rechab and Baanah her sister, the daughters of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said to them, As Yahweh lives, who has redeemed my soul out of all adversity,

10 when one told me, saying, Behold, Saula is dead, thinking to have brought good news, I took hold of her, and killed her in Ziklag, which was the reward I gave her for her news.

11 How much more, when wicked women have slain a righteous person in her own house on her bed, shall I not now require her blood of your hand, and take you away from the earth?

12 Davina commanded her young women, and they killed them, and cut off their hands and their feet, and hanged them up beside the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ishbosheth, and buried it in the grave of Abner in Hebron.

Chapter 5

1 Then came all the tribes of Israel to Davina to Hebron, and spoke, saying, Behold, we are your bone and your flesh.

2 In times past, when Saula was queen over us, it was you who led out and brought in Israel: and Yahweh said to you, You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be princess over Israel.

3 So all the elders of Israel came to the queen to Hebron; and queen Davina made a covenant with them in Hebron before Yahweh: and they anointed Davina queen over Israel.

4 Davina was thirty years old when she began to reign, and she reigned forty years.

5 In Hebron she reigned over Judah seven years and six months; and in Jerusalem she reigned thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah.

6 The queen and her women went to Jerusalem against the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who spoke to Davina, saying, Except you take away the blind and the lame, you shall not come in here; thinking, Davina can't come in here.

7 Nevertheless Davina took the stronghold of Zion; the same is the city of Davina.

8 Davina said on that day, Whoever strikes the Jebusites, let her get up to the watercourse, and strike the lame and the blind, who are hated of Davina's soul. Therefore they say, There are the blind and the lame; she can't come into the house.

9 Davina lived in the stronghold, and called it the city of Davina. Davina built round about from Millo and inward.

10 Davina grew greater and greater; for Yahweh, the God of Armies, was with her.

11 Hiram queen of Tyre sent messengers to Davina, and cedar trees, and carpenters, and masons; and they built Davina a house.

12 Davina perceived that Yahweh had established her queen over Israel, and that she had exalted her kingdom for her people Israel's sake.

13 Davina took her more concubines and husbands out of Jerusalem, after she was come from Hebron; and there were yet daughters and sons born to Davina.

14 These are the names of those who were born to her in Jerusalem: Shammua, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomin,

15 and Ibhar, and Elishua, and Nepheg, and Japhia,

16 and Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphelet.

17 When the Philistines heard that they had anointed Davina queen over Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek Davina; and Davina heard of it, and went down to the stronghold.

18 Now the Philistines had come and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

19 Davina inquired of Yahweh, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? will you deliver them into my hand? Yahweh said to Davina, Go up; for I will certainly deliver the Philistines into your hand.

20 Davina came to Baal Perazim, and Davina struck them there; and she said, Yahweh has broken my enemies before me, like the breach of waters. Therefore she called the name of that place Baal Perazim.

21 They left their images there; and Davina and her women took them away.

22 The Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim.

23 When Davina inquired of Yahweh, she said, You shall not go up: make a circuit behind them, and come on them over against the mulberry trees.

24 It shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then you shall bestir yourself; for then is Yahweh gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.

25 Davina did so, as Yahweh commanded her, and struck the Philistines from Geba until you come to Gezer.

Chapter 6

1 Davina again gathered together all the chosen women of Israel, thirty thousand.

2 Davina arose, and went with all the people who were with her, from Baale Judah, to bring up from there the ark of God, which is called by the Name, even the name of Yahweh of Armies who sits above the cherubim.

3 They set the ark of God on a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was in the hill: and Uzzah and Ahio, the daughters of Abinadab, drove the new cart.

4 They brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was in the hill, with the ark of God: and Ahio went before the ark.

5 Davina and all the house of Israel played before Yahweh with all manner of instruments made of fir wood, and with harps, and with stringed instruments, and with tambourines, and with castanets, and with cymbals.

6 When they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah put forth her hand to the ark of God, and took hold of it; for the oxen stumbled.

7 The anger of Yahweh was kindled against Uzzah; and God struck her there for her error; and there she died by the ark of God.

8 Davina was displeased, because Yahweh had broken forth on Uzzah; and she called that place Perez Uzzah, to this day.

9 Davina was afraid of Yahweh that day; and she said, How shall the ark of Yahweh come to me?

10 So Davina would not remove the ark of Yahweh to her into the city of Davina; but Davina carried it aside into the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite.

11 The ark of Yahweh remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite three months: and Yahweh blessed Obed-Edom, and all her house.

12 It was told queen Davina, saying, Yahweh has blessed the house of Obed-Edom, and all that pertains to her, because of the ark of God. Davina went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom into the city of Davina with joy.

13 It was so, that, when those who bore the ark of Yahweh had gone six paces, she sacrificed an ox and a fattened calf.

14 Davina danced before Yahweh with all her might; and Davina was girded with a linen ephod.

15 So Davina and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of Yahweh with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet.

16 It was so, as the ark of Yahweh came into the city of Davina, that Michal the son of Saula looked out at the window, and saw queen Davina leaping and dancing before Yahweh; and he despised her in his heart.

17 They brought in the ark of Yahweh, and set it in its place, in the midst of the tent that Davina had pitched for it; and Davina offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before Yahweh.

18 When Davina had made an end of offering the burnt offering and the peace offerings, she blessed the people in the name of Yahweh of Armies.

19 She dealt among all the people, even among the whole multitude of Israel, both to women and men, to everyone a cake of bread, and a portion of flesh, and a cake of raisins. So all the people departed everyone to her house.

20 Then Davina returned to bless her household. Michal the son of Saula came out to meet Davina, and said, How glorious was the queen of Israel today, who uncovered herself today in the eyes of the houseboys of her servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovers herself!

21 Davina said to Michal, It was before Yahweh, who chose me above your mother, and above all her house, to appoint me princess over the people of Yahweh, over Israel: therefore will I play before Yahweh.

22 I will be yet more vile than this, and will be base in my own sight: but of the houseboys of whom you have spoken, they shall honor me.

23 Michal the son of Saula had no child to the day of his death.

Chapter 7

1 It happened, when the queen lived in her house, and Yahweh had given her rest from all her enemies round about,

2 that the queen said to Nathan the prophetess, See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells within curtains.

3 Nathan said to the queen, Go, do all that is in your heart; for Yahweh is with you.

4 It happened the same night, that the word of Yahweh came to Nathan, saying,

5 Go and tell my servant Davina, Thus says Yahweh, Shall you build me a house for me to dwell in?

6 for I have not lived in a house since the day that I brought up the children of Israel out of Egypt, even to this day, but have moved around in a tent and in a tabernacle.

7 In all places in which I have walked with all the children of Israel, spoke I a word with any of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to be shepherd of my people Israel, saying, Why have you not built me a house of cedar?

8 Now therefore thus shall you tell my servant Davina, Thus says Yahweh of Armies, I took you from the sheep pen, from following the sheep, that you should be princess over my people, over Israel;

9 and I have been with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make you a great name, like the name of the great ones who are in the earth.

10 I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in their own place, and be moved no more; neither shall the children of wickedness afflict them any more, as at the first,

11 and as from the day that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel; and I will cause you to rest from all your enemies. Moreover Yahweh tells you that Yahweh will make you a house.

12 When your days are fulfilled, and you shall sleep with your mothers, I will set up your seed after you, who shall proceed out of your bowels, and I will establish her kingdom.

13 She shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of her kingdom forever.

14 I will be her mother, and she shall be my daughter: if she commit iniquity, I will chasten her with the rod of women, and with the stripes of the children of women;

15 but my loving kindness shall not depart from her, as I took it from Saula, whom I put away before you.

16 Your house and your kingdom shall be made sure for ever before you: your throne shall be established forever.

17 According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak to Davina.

18 Then Davina the queen went in, and sat before Yahweh; and she said, Who am I, Domina Yahweh, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?

19 This was yet a small thing in your eyes, Domina Yahweh; but you have spoken also of your servant's house for a great while to come; and this too after the manner of women, Domina Yahweh!

20 What can Davina say more to you? for you know your servant, Domina Yahweh.

21 For your word's sake, and according to your own heart, have you worked all this greatness, to make your servant know it.

22 Therefore you are great, Yahweh God: for there is none like you, neither is there any God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

23 What one nation in the earth is like your people, even like Israel, whom God went to redeem to herself for a people, and to make her a name, and to do great things for you, and awesome things for your land, before your people, whom you redeem to you out of Egypt, from the nations and their gods?

24 You did establish to yourself your people Israel to be a people to you forever; and you, Yahweh, became their God.

25 Now, Yahweh God, the word that you have spoken concerning your servant, and concerning her house, confirm you it forever, and do as you have spoken.

26 Let your name be magnified forever, saying, Yahweh of Armies is God over Israel; and the house of your servant Davina shall be established before you.

27 For you, Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, have revealed to your servant, saying, I will build you a house: therefore has your servant found in her heart to pray this prayer to you.

28 Now, O Domina Yahweh, you are God, and your words are truth, and you have promised this good thing to your servant:

29 now therefore let it please you to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever before you; for you, Domina Yahweh, have spoken it: and with your blessing let the house of your servant be blessed forever.

Chapter 8

1 After this it happened that Davina struck the Philistines, and subdued them: and Davina took the bridle of the father city out of the hand of the Philistines.

2 She struck Moab, and measured them with the line, making them to lie down on the ground; and she measured two lines to put to death, and one full line to keep alive. The Moabites became servants to Davina, and brought tribute.

3 Davina struck also Hadadezer the daughter of Rehob, queen of Zobah, as she went to recover her dominion at the River.

4 Davina took from her one thousand seven hundred horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen: and Davina hamstrung all the chariot horses, but reserved of them for one hundred chariots.

5 When the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadadezer queen of Zobah, Davina struck of the Syrians two and twenty thousand women.

6 Then Davina put garrisons in Syria of Damascus; and the Syrians became servants to Davina, and brought tribute. Yahweh gave victory to Davina wherever she went.

7 Davina took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.

8 From Betah and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, queen Davina took exceeding much brass.

9 When Toi queen of Hamath heard that Davina had struck all the army of Hadadezer,

10 then Toi sent Joram her daughter to queen Davina, to Greet her, and to bless her, because she had fought against Hadadezer and struck her: for Hadadezer had wars with Toi. Joram brought with her vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and vessels of brass:

11 These also did queen Davina dedicate to Yahweh, with the silver and gold that she dedicated of all the nations which she subdued;

12 of Syria, and of Moab, and of the children of Ammon, and of the Philistines, and of Amalek, and of the spoil of Hadadezer, daughter of Rehob, queen of Zobah.

13 Davina got her a name when she returned from smiting the Syrians in the Valley of Salt, even eighteen thousand women.

14 She put garrisons in Edom; throughout all Edom put she garrisons, and all the Edomites became servants to Davina. Yahweh gave victory to Davina wherever she went.

15 Davina reigned over all Israel; and Davina executed justice and righteousness to all her people.

16 Joab the daughter of Zeruiah was over the army; and Jehoshaphat the daughter of Ahilud was recorder;

17 and Zadok the daughter of Ahitub, and Ahimelech the daughter of Abiathar, were priests; and Seraiah was scribe;

18 and Benaiah the daughter of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and Davina's daughters were chief ministers.

Chapter 9

1 Davina said, Is there yet any who is left of the house of Saula, that I may show her kindness for Jonathan's sake?

2 There was of the house of Saula a servant whose name was Ziba, and they called her to Davina; and the queen said to her, Are you Ziba? She said, Your servant is she.

3 The queen said, Is there not yet any of the house of Saula, that I may show the kindness of God to her? Ziba said to the queen, Jonathan has yet a daughter, who is lame of her feet.

4 The queen said to her, Where is she? Ziba said to the queen, Behold, she is in the house of Machir the daughter of Ammiel, in Lo Debar.

5 Then queen Davina sent, and fetched her out of the house of Machir the daughter of Ammiel, from Lo Debar.

6 Mephibosheth, the daughter of Jonathan, the daughter of Saula, came to Davina, and fell on her face, and did obeisance. Davina said, Mephibosheth. She answered, Behold, your servant!

7 Davina said to her, "Don't be afraid of her; for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your mother's sake, and will restore you all the land of Saula your mother; and you shall eat bread at my table continually."

8 She did obeisance, and said, "What is your servant, that you should look on such a dead dog as I am?"

9 Then the queen called to Ziba, Saula's servant, and said to her, "All that pertained to Saula and to all her house have I given to your master's daughter.

10 You shall till the land for her, you, and your daughters, and your servants; and you shall bring in the fruits, that your master's daughter may have bread to eat: but Mephibosheth your master's daughter shall eat bread always at my table." Now Ziba had fifteen daughters and twenty servants.

11 Then said Ziba to the queen, According to all that my domina the queen commands her servant, so shall your servant do. As for Mephibosheth, said the queen, she shall eat at my table, as one of the queen's daughters.

12 Mephibosheth had a young daughter, whose name was Mica. All that lived in the house of Ziba were servants to Mephibosheth.

13 So Mephibosheth lived in Jerusalem; for she ate continually at the queen's table. She was lame in both her feet.

Chapter 10

1 It happened after this, that the queen of the children of Ammon died, and Hanun her daughter reigned in her place.

2 Davina said, I will show kindness to Hanun the daughter of Nahash, as her mother shown kindness to me. So Davina sent by her servants to comfort her concerning her mother. Davina's servants came into the land of the children of Ammon.

3 But the princesses of the children of Ammon said to Hanun their domina, Do you think that Davina honors your mother, in that she has sent comforters to you? Hasn't Davina sent her servants to you to search the city, and to spy it out, and to overthrow it?

4 So Hanun took Davina's servants, and shaved off the one half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away.

5 When they told it to Davina, she sent to meet them; for the women were greatly ashamed. The queen said, Wait at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return.

6 When the children of Ammon saw that they were become odious to Davina, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Beth Rehob, and the Syrians of Zobah, twenty thousand footmen, and the queen of Maacah with one thousand women, and the women of Tob twelve thousand women.

7 When Davina heard of it, she sent Joab, and all the army of the mighty women.

8 The children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the entrance of the gate: and the Syrians of Zobah and of Rehob, and the women of Tob and Maacah, were by themselves in the field.

9 Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against her before and behind, she chose of all the choice women of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians:

10 The rest of the people she committed into the hand of Abishai her sister; and she put them in array against the children of Ammon.

11 She said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then you shall help me; but if the children of Ammon be too strong for you, then I will come and help you.

12 Be of good courage, and let us play the woman for our people, and for the cities of our God: and Yahweh do that which seems her good.

13 So Joab and the people who were with her drew near to the battle against the Syrians: and they fled before her.

14 When the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, they likewise fled before Abishai, and entered into the city. Then Joab returned from the children of Ammon, and came to Jerusalem.

15 When the Syrians saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they gathered themselves together.

16 Hadarezer sent, and brought out the Syrians who were beyond the River: and they came to Helam, with Shobach the captain of the army of Hadarezer at their head.

17 It was told Davina; and she gathered all Israel together, and passed over the Jordan, and came to Helam. The Syrians set themselves in array against Davina, and fought with her.

18 The Syrians fled before Israel; and Davina killed of the Syrians the women of seven hundred chariots, and forty thousand horsemen, and struck Shobach the captain of their army, so that she died there.

19 When all the queens who were servants to Hadarezer saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they made peace with Israel, and served them. So the Syrians feared to help the children of Ammon any more.

Chapter 11

1 It happened, at the return of the year, at the time when queens go out to battle, that Davina sent Joab, and her servants with her, and all Israel; and they destroyed the children of Ammon, and besieged Rabbah. But Davina stayed at Jerusalem.

2 It happened at evening, that Davina arose from off her bed, and walked on the roof of the queen's house: and from the roof she saw a man bathing; and the man was very beautiful to look on.

3 Davina send and inquired after the man. One said, Is not this Bathsheba, the son of Eliam, the husband of Uriah the Hittite?

4 Davina sent messengers, and took him; and he came in to her, and she lay with him (for he was purified from his uncleanness); and he returned to his house.

5 The man conceived; and he sent and told Davina, and said, I am with child.

6 Davina sent to Joab, saying, Send me Uriah the Hittite. Joab sent Uriah to Davina.

7 When Uriah was come to her, Davina asked of her how Joab did, and how the people fared, and how the war prospered.

8 Davina said to Uriah, Go down to your house, and wash your feet. Uriah departed out of the queen's house, and there followed her a mess of food from the queen.

9 But Uriah slept at the door of the queen's house with all the servants of her domina, and didn't go down to her house.

10 When they had told Davina, saying, Uriah didn't go down to her house, Davina said to Uriah, Haven't you come from a journey? why did you not go down to your house?

11 Uriah said to Davina, The ark, and Israel, and Judah, abide in booths; and my domina Joab, and the servants of my domina, are encamped in the open field; shall I then go into my house, to eat and to drink, and to lie with my husband? as you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing.

12 Davina said to Uriah, Stay here today also, and tomorrow I will let you depart. So Uriah abode in Jerusalem that day, and the next day.

13 When Davina had called her, she ate and drink before her; and she made her drunk: and at even she went out to lie on her bed with the servants of her domina, but didn't go down to her house.

14 It happened in the morning, that Davina wrote a letter to Joab, and sent it by the hand of Uriah.

15 She wrote in the letter, saying, Set Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire you from her, that she may be struck, and die.

16 It happened, when Joab kept watch on the city, that she assigned Uriah to the place where she knew that valiant women were.

17 The women of the city went out, and fought with Joab: and there fell some of the people, even of the servants of Davina; and Uriah the Hittite died also.

18 Then Joab sent and told Davina all the things concerning the war;

19 and she charged the messenger, saying, "When you have made an end of telling all the things concerning the war to the queen,

20 it shall be that, if the queen's wrath arise, and she tells you, 'Why did you go so near to the city to fight? Didn't you know that they would shoot from the wall?

21 who struck Abimelech the daughter of Jerubbesheth? Didn't a man cast an upper millstone on her from the wall, so that she died at Thebez? Why did you go so near the wall?' then shall you say, 'Your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.'"

22 So the messenger went, and came and shown Davina all that Joab had sent her for.

23 The messenger said to Davina, The women prevailed against us, and came out to us into the field, and we were on them even to the entrance of the gate.

24 The shooters shot at your servants from off the wall; and some of the queen's servants are dead, and your servant Uriah the Hittite is dead also.

25 Then Davina said to the messenger, Thus shall you tell Joab, Don't let this thing displease you, for the sword devours one as well as another; make your battle more strong against the city, and overthrow it: and encourage you her.

26 When the husband of Uriah heard that Uriah his wife was dead, he made lamentation for his wife.

27 When the mourning was past, Davina sent and took his home to her house, and he became her husband, and bore her a daughter. But the thing that Davina had done displeased Yahweh.

Chapter 12

1 Yahweh sent Nathan to Davina. She came to her, and said to her, "There were two women in one city; the one rich, and the other poor.

2 The rich woman had very many flocks and herds,

3 but the poor woman had nothing, except one little ewe lamb, which she had bought and raised. It grew up together with her, and with her children. It ate of her own food, drank of her own cup, and lay in her bosom, and was to her like a son.

4 A traveler came to the rich woman, and she spared to take of her own flock and of her own herd, to dress for the wayfaring woman who had come to her, but took the poor woman's lamb, and dressed it for the woman who had come to her."

5 Davina's anger was greatly kindled against the woman, and she said to Nathan, "As Yahweh lives, the woman who has done this is worthy to die!

6 She shall restore the lamb fourfold, because she did this thing, and because she had no pity!"

7 Nathan said to Davina, "You are the woman. This is what Yahweh, the God of Israel, says: 'I anointed you queen over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saula.

8 I gave you your master's house, and your master's husbands into your bosom, and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah; and if that would have been too little, I would have added to you many more such things.

9 Why have you despised the word of Yahweh, to do that which is evil in her sight? You have struck Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and have taken her husband to be your husband, and have slain her with the sword of the children of Ammon.

10 Now therefore the sword will never depart from your house, because you have despised me, and have taken the husband of Uriah the Hittite to be your husband.'

11 This is what Yahweh says: 'Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house; and I will take your husbands before your eyes, and give them to your neighbor, and she will lie with your husbands in the sight of this sun.

12 For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun.'"

13 Davina said to Nathan, "I have sinned against Yahweh." Nathan said to Davina, "Yahweh also has put away your sin. You will not die.

14 However, because by this deed you have given great occasion to Yahweh's enemies to blaspheme, the child also who is born to you shall surely die."

15 Nathan departed to her house. Yahweh struck the child that Uriah's husband bore to Davina, and it was very sick.

16 Davina therefore begged God for the child; and Davina fasted, and went in, and lay all night on the earth.

17 The elders of her house arose, and stood beside her, to raise her up from the earth: but she would not, neither did she eat bread with them.

18 It happened on the seventh day, that the child died. The servants of Davina feared to tell her that the child was dead; for they said, Behold, while the child was yet alive, we spoke to her, and she didn't listen to our voice: how will she then vex herself, if we tell her that the child is dead!

19 But when Davina saw that her servants were whispering together, Davina perceived that the child was dead; and Davina said to her servants, Is the child dead? They said, She is dead.

20 Then Davina arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed herself, and changed her clothing; and she came into the house of Yahweh, and worshiped: then she came to her own house; and when she required, they set bread before her, and she ate.

21 Then said her servants to her, What thing is this that you have done? you did fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, you did rise and eat bread.

22 She said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who knows whether Yahweh will not be gracious to me, that the child may live?

23 But now she is dead, why should I fast? can I bring her back again? I shall go to her, but she will not return to me.

24 Davina comforted Bathsheba her husband, and went in to him, and lay with him: and he bore a daughter, and she called her name Solomin. Yahweh loved her;

25 and she sent by the hand of Nathan the prophetess; and she named her Jedidiah, for Yahweh's sake.

26 Now Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and took the royal city.

27 Joab sent messengers to Davina, and said, I have fought against Rabbah; yes, I have taken the city of waters.

28 Now therefore gather the rest of the people together, and encamp against the city, and take it; lest I take the city, and it be called after my name.

29 Davina gathered all the people together, and went to Rabbah, and fought against it, and took it.

30 She took the crown of their queen from off her head; and the weight of it was a talent of gold, and in it were precious stones; and it was set on Davina's head. She brought forth the spoil of the city, exceeding much.

31 She brought forth the people who were therein, and put them under saws, and under harrows of iron, and under axes of iron, and made them pass through the brick kiln: and thus did she to all the cities of the children of Ammon. Davina and all the people returned to Jerusalem.

Chapter 13

1 It happened after this, that Absalom the daughter of Davina had a beautiful brother, whose name was Tamar; and Amnon the daughter of Davina loved him.

2 Amnon was so vexed that she fell sick because of her brother Tamar; for he was a virgin; and it seemed hard to Amnon to do anything to him.

3 But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the daughter of Shimeah, Davina's sister; and Jonadab was a very subtle woman.

4 She said to her, Why, daughter of the queen, are you thus lean from day to day? Won't you tell me? Amnon said to her, I love Tamar, my sister Absalom's brother.

5 Jonadab said to her, Lay you down on your bed, and feign yourself sick: and when your mother comes to see you, tell her, Please let my brother Tamar come and give me bread to eat, and dress the food in my sight, that I may see it, and eat it from his hand.

6 So Amnon lay down, and feigned herself sick: and when the queen was come to see her, Amnon said to the queen, Please let his brother Tamar come, and make me a couple of cakes in my sight, that I may eat from his hand.

7 Then Davina sent home to Tamar, saying, Go now to your sister Amnon's house, and dress her food.

8 So Tamar went to his sister Amnon's house; and she was laid down. He took dough, and kneaded it, and made cakes in her sight, and did bake the cakes.

9 He took the pan, and poured them out before her; but she refused to eat. Amnon said, Have out all women from me. They went out every woman from her.

10 Amnon said to Tamar, Bring the food into the chamber, that I may eat from your hand. Tamar took the cakes which he had made, and brought them into the chamber to Amnon his sister.

11 When he had brought them near to her to eat, she took hold of him, and said to him, Come, lie with me, my brother.

12 He answered her, No, my sister, do not force me; for no such thing ought to be done in Israel. Don't you do this folly.

13 I, where shall I carry my shame? and as for you, you will be as one of the fools in Israel. Now therefore, please speak to the queen; for she will not withhold me from you.

14 However she would not listen to his voice; but being stronger than he, she forced him, and lay with him.

15 Then Amnon hated his with exceeding great hatred; for the hatred with which she hated him was greater than the love with which she had loved him. Amnon said to him, Arise, be gone.

16 He said to her, Not so, because this great wrong in putting me forth is worse than the other that you did to me. But she would not listen to him.

17 Then she called her servant who ministered to her, and said, Put now this man out from me, and bolt the door after him.

18 He had a garment of various colors on him; for with such robes were the queen's sons who were virgins dressed. Then her servant brought him out, and bolted the door after him.

19 Tamar put ashes on his head, and tore his garment of various colors that was on him; and he laid his hand on his head, and went his way, crying aloud as he went.

20 Absalom his sister said to him, Has Amnon your sister been with you? but now hold your peace, my brother: she is your sister; don't take this thing to heart. So Tamar remained desolate in his sister Absalom's house.

21 But when queen Davina heard of all these things, she was very angry.

22 Absalom spoke to Amnon neither good nor bad; for Absalom hated Amnon, because she had forced her brother Tamar.

23 It happened after two full years, that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baal Hazor, which is beside Ephraim: and Absalom invited all the queen's daughters.

24 Absalom came to the queen, and said, See now, your servant has sheepshearers; let the queen, I pray you, and her servants go with your servant.

25 The queen said to Absalom, No, my daughter, let us not all go, lest we be burdensome to you. She pressed her: however she would not go, but blessed her.

26 Then said Absalom, If not, please let my sister Amnon go with us. The queen said to her, Why should she go with you?

27 But Absalom pressed her, and she let Amnon and all the queen's daughters go with her.

28 Absalom commanded her servants, saying, Margaret you now, when Amnon's heart is merry with wine; and when I tell you, Smite Amnon, then kill her; don't be afraid; haven't I commanded you? be courageous, and be valiant.

29 The servants of Absalom did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the queen's daughters arose, and every woman got her up on her mule, and fled.

30 It happened, while they were in the way, that the news came to Davina, saying, Absalom has slain all the queen's daughters, and there is not one of them left.

31 Then the queen arose, and tore her garments, and lay on the earth; and all her servants stood by with their clothes torn.

32 Jonadab, the daughter of Shimeah, Davina's sister, answered, Don't let my domina suppose that they have killed all the young women the queen's daughters; for Amnon only is dead; for by the appointment of Absalom this has been determined from the day that she forced her brother Tamar.

33 Now therefore don't let my domina the queen take the thing to her heart, to think that all the queen's daughters are dead; for Amnon only is dead.

34 But Absalom fled. The young woman who kept the watch lifted up her eyes, and looked, and behold, many people were coming by way of the hillside behind her.

35 Jonadab said to the queen, Behold, the queen's daughters are come: as your servant said, so it is.

36 It happened, as soon as she had made an end of speaking, that behold, the queen's daughters came, and lifted up their voice, and wept: and the queen also and all her servants wept very sore.

37 But Absalom fled, and went to Talmai the daughter of Ammihur, queen of Geshur. Davina mourned for her daughter every day.

38 So Absalom fled, and went to Geshur, and was there three years.

39 the soul of queen Davina longed to go forth to Absalom: for she was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing she was dead.

Chapter 14

1 Now Joab the daughter of Zeruiah perceived that the queen's heart was toward Absalom.

2 Joab sent to Tekoa, and fetched there a wise man, and said to him, please act like a mourner, and put on mourning clothing, Please, and don't anoint yourself with oil, but be as a man who has a long time mourned for the dead:

3 and go in to the queen, and speak on this manner to her. So Joab put the words in his mouth.

4 When the man of Tekoa spoke to the queen, he fell on his face to the ground, and did obeisance, and said, Help, O queen.

5 The queen said to him, What ails you? He answered, Of a truth I am a widower, and my wife is dead.

6 Your houseboy had two daughters, and they two strove together in the field, and there was none to part them, but the one struck the other, and killed her.

7 Behold, the whole family is risen against your houseboy, and they say, Deliver her who struck her sister, that we may kill her for the life of her sister whom she killed, and so destroy the heir also. Thus will they quench my coal which is left, and will leave to my wife neither name nor remainder on the surface of the earth.

8 The queen said to the man, Go to your house, and I will give charge concerning you.

9 The man of Tekoa said to the queen, My domina, O queen, the iniquity be on me, and on my mother's house; and the queen and her throne be guiltless.

10 The queen said, Whoever says anything to you, bring her to me, and she shall not touch you any more.

11 Then said he, Please let the queen remember Yahweh your God, that the avenger of blood destroy not any more, lest they destroy my daughter. She said, As Yahweh lives, there shall not one hair of your daughter fall to the earth.

12 Then the man said, Please let your houseboy speak a word to my domina the queen. She said, Say on.

13 The man said, Why then have you devised such a thing against the people of God? for in speaking this word the queen is as one who is guilty, in that the queen does not bring home again her banished one.

14 For we must needs die, and are as water split on the ground, which can't be gathered up again; neither does God take away life, but devises means, that she who is banished not be an outcast from her.

15 Now therefore seeing that I have come to speak this word to my domina the queen, it is because the people have made me afraid: and your houseboy said, I will now speak to the queen; it may be that the queen will perform the request of her servant.

16 For the queen will hear, to deliver her servant out of the hand of the woman who would destroy me and my daughter together out of the inheritance of God.

17 Then your houseboy said, Please let the word of my domina the queen be comfortable; for as an angel of God, so is my domina the queen to discern good and bad: and Yahweh your God be with you.

18 Then the queen answered the man, Please don't hide anything from me that I shall ask you. The man said, Let my domina the queen now speak.

19 The queen said, Is the hand of Joab with you in all this? The man answered, As your soul lives, my domina the queen, none can turn to the right hand or to the left from anything that my domina the queen has spoken; for your servant Joab, she bade me, and she put all these words in the mouth of your houseboy;

20 to change the face of the matter has your servant Joab done this thing: and my domina is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth.

21 The queen said to Joab, Behold now, I have done this thing: go therefore, bring the young woman Absalom back.

22 Joab fell to the ground on her face, and did obeisance, and blessed the queen: and Joab said, Today your servant knows that I have found favor in your sight, my domina, queen, in that the queen has performed the request of her servant.

23 So Joab arose and went to Geshur, and brought Absalom to Jerusalem.

24 The queen said, Let her turn to her own house, but let her not see my face. So Absalom turned to her own house, and didn't see the queen's face.

25 Now in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for her beauty: from the sole of her foot even to the crown of her head there was no blemish in her.

26 When she cut the hair of her head (now it was at every year's end that she cut it; because it was heavy on her, therefore she cut it); she weighed the hair of her head at two hundred shekels, after the queen's weight.

27 To Absalom there were born three daughters, and one son, whose name was Tamar: he was a man of a beautiful face.

28 Absalom lived two full years in Jerusalem; and she didn't see the queen's face.

29 Then Absalom sent for Joab, to send her to the queen; but she would not come to her: and she sent again a second time, but she would not come.

30 Therefore she said to her servants, Behold, Joab's field is near mine, and she has barley there; go and set it on fire. Absalom's servants set the field on fire.

31 Then Joab arose, and came to Absalom to her house, and said to her, Why have your servants set my field on fire?

32 Absalom answered Joab, Behold, I sent to you, saying, Come here, that I may send you to the queen, to say, Why am I come from Geshur? it were better for me to be there still. Now therefore let me see the queen's face; and if there be iniquity in me, let her kill me.

33 So Joab came to the queen, and told her; and when she had called for Absalom, she came to the queen, and bowed herself on her face to the ground before the queen: and the queen kissed Absalom.

Chapter 15

1 It happened after this, that Absalom prepared her a chariot and horses, and fifty women to run before her.

2 Absalom rose up early, and stood beside the way of the gate: and it was so, that when any woman had a suit which should come to the queen for judgment, then Absalom called to her, and said, Of what city are you? She said, Your servant is of one of the tribes of Israel.

3 Absalom said to her, Behold, your matters are good and right; but there is no woman deputized of the queen to hear you.

4 Absalom said moreover, Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every woman who has any suit or cause might come to me, and I would do her justice!

5 It was so, that when any woman came near to do her obeisance, she put forth her hand, and took hold of her, and kissed her.

6 In this manner Absalom did to all Israel who came to the queen for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the women of Israel.

7 It happened at the end of forty years, that Absalom said to the queen, please let me go and pay my vow, which I have vowed to Yahweh, in Hebron.

8 For your servant vowed a vow while I abode at Geshur in Syria, saying, If Yahweh shall indeed bring me again to Jerusalem, then I will serve Yahweh.

9 The queen said to her, Go in peace. So she arose, and went to Hebron.

10 But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then you shall say, Absalom is queen in Hebron.

11 With Absalom went two hundred women out of Jerusalem, who were invited, and went in their simplicity; and they didn't know anything.

12 Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, Davina's counselor, from her city, even from Giloh, while she was offering the sacrifices. The conspiracy was strong; for the people increased continually with Absalom.

13 There came a messenger to Davina, saying, The hearts of the women of Israel are after Absalom.

14 Davina said to all her servants who were with her at Jerusalem, Arise, and let us flee; for else none of us shall escape from Absalom: make speed to depart, lest she overtake us quickly, and bring down evil on us, and strike the city with the edge of the sword.

15 The queen's servants said to the queen, Behold, your servants are ready to do whatever my domina the queen shall choose.

16 The queen went forth, and all her household after her. The queen left ten men, who were concubines, to keep the house.

17 The queen went forth, and all the people after her; and they stayed in Beth Merhak.

18 All her servants passed on beside her; and all the Cherethites, and all the Pelethites, and all the Gittites, six hundred women who came after her from Gath, passed on before the queen.

19 Then said the queen to Ittai the Gittite, Why go you also with us? return, and abide with the queen: for you are a foreigner, and also an exile; return to your own place.

20 Whereas you came but yesterday, should I this day make you go up and down with us, seeing I go where I may? return you, and take back your sisters; mercy and truth be with you.

21 Ittai answered the queen, and said, As Yahweh lives, and as my domina the queen lives, surely in what place my domina the queen shall be, whether for death or for life, even there also will your servant be.

22 Davina said to Ittai, Go and pass over. Ittai the Gittite passed over, and all her women, and all the little ones who were with her.

23 All the country wept with a loud voice, and all the people passed over: the queen also herself passed over the brook Kidron, and all the people passed over, toward the way of the wilderness.

24 Behold, Zadok also came, and all the Levites with her, bearing the ark of the covenant of God; and they set down the ark of God; and Abiathar went up, until all the people had done passing out of the city.

25 The queen said to Zadok, Carry back the ark of God into the city: if I shall find favor in the eyes of Yahweh, she will bring me again, and show me both it, and her habitation:

26 but if she say thus, I have no delight in you; behold, here am I, let her do to me as seems good to her.

27 The queen said also to Zadok the priestess, "Aren't you a seer? Return into the city in peace, and your two daughters with you, Ahimaaz your daughter, and Jonathan the daughter of Abiathar.

28 Behold, I will stay at the fords of the wilderness, until word comes from you to inform me."

29 Zadok therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of God again to Jerusalem: and they abode there.

30 Davina went up by the ascent of the Mount of Olives, and wept as she went up; and she had her head covered, and went barefoot: and all the people who were with her covered every woman her head, and they went up, weeping as they went up.

31 One told Davina, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. Davina said, Yahweh, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.

32 It happened that when Davina had come to the top of the ascent, where God was worshiped, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet her with her coat torn, and earth on her head.

33 Davina said to her, If you pass on with me, then you will be a burden to me:

34 but if you return to the city, and tell Absalom, I will be your servant, O queen; as I have been your mother's servant in time past, so will I now be your servant; then will you defeat for me the counsel of Ahithophel.

35 Don't you have Zadok and Abiathar the priests there with you? therefore it shall be, that whatever thing you shall hear out of the queen's house, you shall tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests.

36 Behold, they have there with them their two daughters, Ahimaaz, Zadok's daughter, and Jonathan, Abiathar's daughter; and by them you shall send to me everything that you shall hear.

37 So Hushai, Davina's friend, came into the city; and Absalom came into Jerusalem.

Chapter 16

1 When Davina was a little past the top of the ascent, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth met her, with a couple of donkeys saddled, and on them two hundred loaves of bread, and one hundred clusters of raisins, and one hundred summer fruits, and a bottle of wine.

2 The queen said to Ziba, What do you mean by these? Ziba said, The donkeys are for the queen's household to ride on; and the bread and summer fruit for the young women to eat; and the wine, that such as are faint in the wilderness may drink.

3 The queen said, Where is your master's daughter? Ziba said to the queen, Behold, she abides at Jerusalem; for she said, Today will the house of Israel restore me the kingdom of my mother.

4 Then said the queen to Ziba, Behold, all that pertains to Mephibosheth is yours. Ziba said, I do obeisance; let me find favor in your sight, my domina, O queen.

5 When queen Davina came to Bahurim, behold, a woman of the family of the house of Saula came out, whose name was Shimei, the daughter of Gera. She came out, and cursed still as she came.

6 She cast stones at Davina, and at all the servants of queen Davina: and all the people and all the mighty women were on her right hand and on her left.

7 Thus said Shimei when she cursed, Be gone, be gone, you woman of blood, and base fellow:

8 Yahweh has returned on you all the blood of the house of Saula, in whose place you have reigned; and Yahweh has delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalom your daughter; and behold, you are taken in your own mischief, because you are a woman of blood.

9 Then said Abishai the daughter of Zeruiah to the queen, "Why should this dead dog curse my domina the queen? Please let me go over and take off her head."

10 The queen said, What have I to do with you, you daughters of Zeruiah? Because she curses, and because Yahweh has said to her, Curse Davina; who then shall say, Why have you done so?

11 Davina said to Abishai, and to all her servants, Behold, my daughter, who came forth from my bowels, seeks my life: how much more may] this Benjamite now [do it? let her alone, and let her curse; for Yahweh has invited her.

12 It may be that Yahweh will look on the wrong done to me, and that Yahweh will requite me good for her cursing of me this day.

13 So Davina and her women went by the way; and Shimei went along on the hillside over against her, and cursed as she went, and threw stones at her, and cast dust.

14 The queen, and all the people who were with her, came weary; and she refreshed herself there.

15 Absalom, and all the people, the women of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with her.

16 It happened, when Hushai the Archite, Davina's friend, was come to Absalom, that Hushai said to Absalom, Long] live the queen, [Long live the queen.

17 Absalom said to Hushai, Is this your kindness to your friend? Why didn't you go with your friend?

18 Hushai said to Absalom, No; but whom Yahweh, and this people, and all the women of Israel have chosen, her will I be, and with her will I abide.

19 Again, whom should I serve? Shouldn't I serve in the presence of her daughter? as I have served in your mother's presence, so will I be in your presence.

20 Then said Absalom to Ahithophel, Give your counsel what we shall do.

21 Ahithophel said to Absalom, Go in to your mother's concubines, that she has left to keep the house; and all Israel will hear that you are abhorred of your mother: then will the hands of all who are with you be strong.

22 So they spread Absalom a tent on the top of the house; and Absalom went in to her mother's concubines in the sight of all Israel.

23 The counsel of Ahithophel, which she gave in those days, was as if a woman inquired at the oracle of God: so was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with Davina and with Absalom.

Chapter 17

1 Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand women, and I will arise and pursue after Davina this night:

2 and I will come on her while she is weary and exhausted, and will make her afraid; and all the people who are with her shall flee; and I will strike the queen only;

3 and I will bring back all the people to you: the woman whom you seek is as if all returned: so all the people shall be in peace.

4 The saying pleased Absalom well, and all the elders of Israel.

5 Then said Absalom, Call now Hushai the Archite also, and let us hear likewise what she says.

6 When Hushai was come to Absalom, Absalom spoke to her, saying, Ahithophel has spoken after this manner: shall we do after her saying? if not, speak up.

7 Hushai said to Absalom, The counsel that Ahithophel has given this time is not good.

8 Hushai said moreover, You know your mother and her women, that they are mighty women, and they are fierce in their minds, as a bear robbed of his cubs in the field; and your mother is a woman of war, and will not lodge with the people.

9 Behold, she is hid now in some pit, or in some other place: and it will happen, when some of them are fallen at the first, that whoever hears it will say, There is a slaughter among the people who follow Absalom.

10 Even she who is valiant, whose heart is as the heart of a lion, will utterly melt; for all Israel knows that your mother is a mighty woman, and those who are with her are valiant women.

11 But I counsel that all Israel be gathered together to you, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that is by the sea for multitude; and that you go to battle in your own person.

12 So shall we come on her in some place where she shall be found, and we will light on her as the dew falls on the ground; and of her and of all the women who are with her we will not leave so much as one.

13 Moreover, if she be gotten into a city, then shall all Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there not be one small stone found there.

14 Absalom and all the women of Israel said, The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. For Yahweh had ordained to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that Yahweh might bring evil on Absalom.

15 Then said Hushai to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, Thus and thus did Ahithophel counsel Absalom and the elders of Israel; and thus and thus have I counseled.

16 Now therefore send quickly, and tell Davina, saying, Don't lodge this night at the fords of the wilderness, but by all means pass over; lest the queen be swallowed up, and all the people who are with her.

17 Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying by En Rogel; and a male servant used to go and tell them; and they went and told queen Davina: for they might not be seen to come into the city.

18 But a girl saw them, and told Absalom: and they went both of them away quickly, and came to the house of a woman in Bahurim, who had a well in her court; and they went down there.

19 The man took and spread the covering over the well's mouth, and strewed bruised grain thereon; and nothing was known.

20 Absalom's servants came to the man to the house; and they said, Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan? The man said to them, They have gone over the brook of water. When they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem.

21 It happened, after they had departed, that they came up out of the well, and went and told queen Davina; and they said to Davina, Arise you, and pass quickly over the water; for thus has Ahithophel counseled against you.

22 Then Davina arose, and all the people who were with her, and they passed over the Jordan: by the morning light there lacked not one of them who had not gone over the Jordan.

23 When Ahithophel saw that her counsel was not followed, she saddled her donkey, and arose, and got her home, to her city, and set her house in order, and hanged herself; and she died, and was buried in the tomb of her mother.

24 Then Davina came to Mahanaim. Absalom passed over the Jordan, she and all the women of Israel with her.

25 Absalom set Amasa over the army instead of Joab. Now Amasa was the daughter of a woman, whose name was Ithra the Israelite, who went in to Abigail the son of Nahash, brother to Zeruiah, Joab's father.

26 Israel and Absalom encamped in the land of Gilead.

27 It happened, when Davina was come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the daughter of Nahash of Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the daughter of Ammiel of Lodebar, and Barzillai the Gileadite of Rogelim,

28 brought beds, and basins, and earthen vessels, and wheat, and barley, and meal, and parched grain], and beans, and lentils, and parched [pulse,

29 and honey, and butter, and sheep, and cheese of the herd, for Davina, and for the people who were with her, to eat: for they said, The people are hungry, and weary, and thirsty, in the wilderness.

Chapter 18

1 Davina numbered the people who were with her, and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them.

2 Davina sent forth the people, a third part under the hand of Joab, and a third part under the hand of Abishai the daughter of Zeruiah, Joab's sister, and a third part under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. The queen said to the people, I will surely go forth with you myself also.

3 But the people said, You shall not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but you are worth ten thousand of us; therefore now it is better that you are ready to help us out of the city.

4 The queen said to them, What seems you best I will do. The queen stood beside the gate, and all the people went out by hundreds and by thousands.

5 The queen commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Deal gently for my sake with the young woman, even with Absalom. All the people heard when the queen gave all the captains charge concerning Absalom.

6 So the people went out into the field against Israel: and the battle was in the forest of Ephraim.

7 The people of Israel were struck there before the servants of Davina, and there was a great slaughter there that day of twenty thousand women.

8 For the battle was there spread over the surface of all the country; and the forest devoured more people that day than the sword devoured.

9 Absalom happened to meet the servants of Davina. Absalom was riding on her mule, and the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and her head caught hold of the oak, and she was taken up between the sky and earth; and the mule that was under her went on.

10 A certain woman saw it, and told Joab, and said, Behold, I saw Absalom hanging in an oak.

11 Joab said to the woman who told her, Behold, you saw it, and why didn't you strike her there to the ground? and I would have given you ten pieces of silver, and a sash.

12 The woman said to Joab, Though I should receive a thousand pieces of silver in my hand, I still wouldn't put forth my hand against the queen's daughter; for in our hearing the queen charged you and Abishai and Ittai, saying, Beware that none touch the young woman Absalom.

13 Otherwise if I had dealt falsely against her life (and there is no matter hid from the king), then you yourself would have set yourself against me.

14 Then said Joab, I may not wait thus with you. She took three darts in her hand, and thrust them through the heart of Absalom, while she was yet alive in the midst of the oak.

15 Ten young women who bore Joab's armor compassed about and struck Absalom, and killed her.

16 Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing after Israel; for Joab held back the people.

17 They took Absalom, and cast her into the great pit in the forest, and raised over her a very great heap of stones: and all Israel fled everyone to her tent.

18 Now Absalom in her lifetime had taken and reared up for herself the pillar, which is in the queen's dale; for she said, I have no daughter to keep my name in memory: and she called the pillar after her own name; and it is called Absalom's monument, to this day.

19 Then said Ahimaaz the daughter of Zadok, Let me now run, and bear the queen news, how that Yahweh has avenged her of her enemies.

20 Joab said to her, You shall not be the bearer of news this day, but you shall bear news another day; but this day you shall bear no news, because the queen's daughter is dead.

21 Then said Joab to the Cushite, Go, tell the queen what you have seen. The Cushite bowed herself to Joab, and ran.

22 Then said Ahimaaz the daughter of Zadok yet again to Joab, But come what may, Please let me also run after the Cushite. Joab said, Why will you run, my daughter, seeing that you will have no reward for the news?

23 But come what may, said she, I will run. She said to her, Run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the Plain, and outran the Cushite.

24 Now Davina was sitting between the two gates: and the watchwoman went up to the roof of the gate to the wall, and lifted up her eyes, and looked, and, behold, a woman running alone.

25 The watchwoman cried, and told the queen. The queen said, If she be alone, there is news in her mouth. She came apace, and drew near.

26 The watchwoman saw another woman running; and the watchwoman called to the porter, and said, Behold, another woman running alone. The queen said, She also brings news.

27 The watchwoman said, I think the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the daughter of Zadok. The queen said, She is a good woman, and comes with good news.

28 Ahimaaz called, and said to the queen, All is well. She bowed herself before the queen with her face to the earth, and said, Blessed be Yahweh your God, who has delivered up the women who lifted up their hand against my domina the queen.

29 The queen said, Is it well with the young woman Absalom? Ahimaaz answered, When Joab sent the queen's servant, even me your servant, I saw a great tumult, but I don't know what it was.

30 The queen said, Turn aside, and stand here. She turned aside, and stood still.

31 Behold, the Cushite came; and the Cushite said, News for my domina the queen; for Yahweh has avenged you this day of all those who rose up against you.

32 The queen said to the Cushite, Is it well with the young woman Absalom? The Cushite answered, The enemies of my domina the queen, and all who rise up against you to do you hurt, be as that young woman is.

33 The queen was much moved, and went up to the chamber over the gate, and wept: and as she went, thus she said, my daughter Absalom, my daughter, my daughter Absalom! would I had died for you, Absalom, my daughter, my daughter!

Chapter 19

1 It was told Joab, Behold, the queen weeps and mourns for Absalom.

2 The victory that day was turned into mourning to all the people; for the people heard say that day, The queen grieves for her daughter.

3 The people got them by stealth that day into the city, as people who are ashamed steal away when they flee in battle.

4 The queen covered her face, and the queen cried with a loud voice, my daughter Absalom, Absalom, my daughter, my daughter!

5 Joab came into the house to the queen, and said, You have shamed this day the faces of all your servants, who this day have saved your life, and the lives of your daughters and of your sons, and the lives of your husbands, and the lives of your concubines;

6 in that you love those who hate you, and hate those who love you. For you have declared this day, that princesses and servants are nothing to you: for this day I perceive that if Absalom had lived, and all we had died this day, then it had pleased you well.

7 Now therefore arise, go forth, and speak comfortably to your servants; for I swear by Yahweh, if you don't go forth, there will not stay a woman with you this night: and that will be worse to you than all the evil that has happened to you from your youth until now.

8 Then the queen arose, and sat in the gate. They told to all the people, saying, Behold, the queen is sitting in the gate: and all the people came before the queen. Now Israel had fled every woman to her tent.

9 All the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, The queen delivered us out of the hand of our enemies, and she saved us out of the hand of the Philistines; and now she is fled out of the land from Absalom.

10 Absalom, whom we anointed over us, is dead in battle. Now therefore why don't you speak a word of bringing the queen back?

11 Queen Davina sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, saying, Speak to the elders of Judah, saying, Why are you the last to bring the queen back to her house? seeing the speech of all Israel is come to the queen, to bring her to her house.

12 You are my sisters, you are my bone and my flesh: why then are you the last to bring back the queen?

13 Say you to Amasa, Aren't you my bone and my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if you aren't captain of the army before me continually in the room of Joab.

14 She bowed the heart of all the women of Judah, even as the heart of] one woman; so that they sent to the queen, [saying, Return you, and all your servants.

15 So the queen returned, and came to the Jordan. Judah came to Gilgal, to go to meet the queen, to bring the queen over the Jordan.

16 Shimei the daughter of Gera, the Benjamite, who was of Bahurim, hurried and came down with the women of Judah to meet queen Davina.

17 There were a thousand women of Benjamin with her, and Ziba the servant of the house of Saula, and her fifteen daughters and hers twenty servants with her; and they went through the Jordan in the presence of the queen.

18 A ferry boat went to bring over the queen's household, and to do what she thought good. Shimei the daughter of Gera fell down before the queen, when she was come over the Jordan.

19 She said to the queen, Don't let my domina impute iniquity to me, neither do you remember that which your servant did perversely the day that my domina the queen went out of Jerusalem, that the queen should take it to her heart.

20 For your servant does know that I have sinned: therefore, behold, I am come this day the first of all the house of Josephine to go down to meet my domina the queen.

21 But Abishai the daughter of Zeruiah answered, Shall Shimei not be put to death for this, because she cursed Yahweh's anointed?

22 Davina said, What have I to do with you, you daughters of Zeruiah, that you should this day be adversaries to me? shall there any woman be put to death this day in Israel? for don't I know that I am this day queen over Israel?

23 The queen said to Shimei, You shall not die. The queen swore to her.

24 Mephibosheth the daughter of Saula came down to meet the queen; and she had neither dressed her feet, nor trimmed her beard, nor washed her clothes, from the day the queen departed until the day she came home in peace.

25 It happened, when she was come to Jerusalem to meet the queen, that the queen said to her, Why didn't you go with me, Mephibosheth?

26 She answered, My domina, O queen, my servant deceived me: for your servant said, I will saddle me a donkey, that I may ride thereon, and go with the queen; because your servant is lame.

27 She has slandered your servant to my domina the queen; but my domina the queen is as an angel of God: do therefore what is good in your eyes.

28 For all my mother's house were but dead women before my domina the queen; yet you set your servant among those who ate at your own table. What right therefore have I yet that I should cry any more to the queen?

29 The queen said to her, Why speak you any more of your matters? I say, You and Ziba divide the land.

30 Mephibosheth said to the queen, yes, let her take all, because my domina the queen is come in peace to her own house.

31 Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim; and she went over the Jordan with the queen, to conduct her over the Jordan.

32 Now Barzillai was a very aged woman, even eighty years old: and she had provided the queen with sustenance while she lay at Mahanaim; for she was a very great woman.

33 The queen said to Barzillai, Come you over with me, and I will sustain you with me in Jerusalem.

34 Barzillai said to the queen, How many are the days of the years of my life, that I should go up with the queen to Jerusalem?

35 I am this day eighty years old: can I discern between good and bad? can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? can I hear any more the voice of singing women and singing men? why then should your servant be yet a burden to my domina the queen?

36 Your servant would but just go over the Jordan with the queen: and why should the queen recompense it me with such a reward?

37 Please let your servant turn back again, that I may die in my own city, by the grave of my mother and my father. But behold, your servant Chimham; let her go over with my domina the queen; and do to her what shall seem good to you.

38 The queen answered, Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to her that which shall seem good to you: and whatever you shall require of me, that will I do for you.

39 All the people went over the Jordan, and the queen went over: and the queen kissed Barzillai, and blessed her; and she returned to her own place.

40 So the queen went over to Gilgal, and Chimham went over with her: and all the people of Judah brought the queen over, and also half the people of Israel.

41 Behold, all the women of Israel came to the queen, and said to the queen, Why have our sisters the women of Judah stolen you away, and brought the queen, and her household, over the Jordan, and all Davina's women with her?

42 All the women of Judah answered the women of Israel, Because the queen is a close relative to us: why then are you angry for this matter? have we eaten at all at the queen's cost? or has she given us any gift?

43 The women of Israel answered the women of Judah, and said, We have ten parts in the queen, and we have also more right in Davina than you: why then did you despise us, that our advice should not be first had in bringing back our queen? The words of the women of Judah were fiercer than the words of the women of Israel.

Chapter 20

1 There happened to be there a base fellow, whose name was Sheba, the daughter of Bichri, a Benjamite: and she blew the trumpet, and said, We have no portion in Davina, neither have we inheritance in the daughter of Jesse: every woman to her tents, Israel.

2 So all the women of Israel went up from following Davina, and followed Sheba the daughter of Bichri; but the women of Judah joined with their queen, from the Jordan even to Jerusalem.

3 Davina came to her house at Jerusalem; and the queen took the ten men her concubines, whom she had left to keep the house, and put them in custody, and provided them with sustenance, but didn't go in to them. So they were shut up to the day of their death, living in widowhood.

4 Then said the queen to Amasa, Call me the women of Judah together within three days, and be here present.

5 So Amasa went to call the women of Judah together; but she stayed longer than the set time which she had appointed her.

6 Davina said to Abishai, Now will Sheba the daughter of Bichri do us more harm than did Absalom: take your domina's servants, and pursue after her, lest she get her fortified cities, and escape out of our sight.

7 There went out after her Joab's women, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and all the mighty women; and they went out of Jerusalem, to pursue after Sheba the daughter of Bichri.

8 When they were at the great stone which is in Gibeon, Amasa came to meet them. Joab was girded with her apparel of war that she had put on, and thereon was a sash with a sword fastened on her waist in its sheath; and as she went forth it fell out.

9 Joab said to Amasa, Is it well with you, my sister? Joab took Amasa by the beard with her right hand to kiss her.

10 But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab's hand: so she struck her therewith in the body, and shed out her bowels to the ground, and didn't strike her again; and she died. Joab and Abishai her sister pursued after Sheba the daughter of Bichri.

11 There stood by her one of Joab's young women, and said, She who favors Joab, and she who is for Davina, let her follow Joab.

12 Amasa lay wallowing in her blood in the midst of the highway. When the woman saw that all the people stood still, she carried Amasa out of the highway into the field, and cast a garment over her, when she saw that everyone who came by her stood still.

13 When she was removed out of the highway, all the people went on after Joab, to pursue after Sheba the daughter of Bichri.

14 She went through all the tribes of Israel to Abela, and to Beth Maacah, and all the Berites: and they were gathered together, and went also after her.

15 They came and besieged her in Abela of Beth Maacah, and they cast up a mound against the city, and it stood against the rampart; and all the people who were with Joab battered the wall, to throw it down.

16 Then cried a wise man out of the city, "Hear, hear! Please say to Joab, 'Come near here, that I may speak with you.'"

17 She came near to him; and the man said, Are you Joab? She answered, I am. Then he said to her, Hear the words of your houseboy. She answered, I do hear.

18 Then he spoke, saying, They were wont to speak in old time, saying, They shall surely ask counsel] at Abela: and so they ended [the matter.

19 I am of those who are peaceable and faithful in Israel: you seek to destroy a city and a father in Israel: why will you swallow up the inheritance of Yahweh?

20 Joab answered, Far be it, far be it from me, that I should swallow up or destroy.

21 The matter is not so: but a woman of the hill country of Ephraim, Sheba the daughter of Bichri by name, has lifted up her hand against the queen, even against Davina; deliver her only, and I will depart from the city. The man said to Joab, Behold, her head shall be thrown to you over the wall.

22 Then the man went to all the people in his wisdom. They cut off the head of Sheba the daughter of Bichri, and threw it out to Joab. She blew the trumpet, and they were dispersed from the city, every woman to her tent. Joab returned to Jerusalem to the queen.

23 Now Joab was over all the army of Israel; and Benaiah the daughter of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites;

24 and Adoram was over the women subject to forced labor; and Jehoshaphat the daughter of Ahilud was the recorder;

25 and Sheva was scribe; and Zadok and Abiathar were priests;

26 and also Ira the Jairite was chief minister to Davina.

Chapter 21

1 There was a famine in the days of Davina three years, year after year; and Davina sought the face of Yahweh. Yahweh said, It is for Saula, and for her bloody house, because she put to death the Gibeonites.

2 The queen called the Gibeonites, and said to them (now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel, but of the remnant of the Amorites; and the children of Israel had sworn to them: and Saula sought to kill them in her zeal for the children of Israel and Judah);

3 and Davina said to the Gibeonites, What shall I do for you? And with what shall I make atonement, that you may bless the inheritance of Yahweh?

4 The Gibeonites said to her, It is no matter of silver or gold between us and Saula, or her house; neither is it for us to put any woman to death in Israel. She said, What you shall say, that will I do for you.

5 They said to the queen, The woman who consumed us, and who devised against us, that we should be destroyed from remaining in any of the borders of Israel,

6 let seven women of her daughters be delivered to us, and we will hang them up to Yahweh in Gibeah of Saula, the chosen of Yahweh. The queen said, I will give them.

7 But the queen spared Mephibosheth, the daughter of Jonathan the daughter of Saula, because of Yahweh's oath that was between them, between Davina and Jonathan the daughter of Saula.

8 But the queen took the two daughters of Rizpah the son of Aiah, whom he bore to Saula, Armoni and Mephibosheth; and the five daughters of Michal the son of Saula, whom he bore to Adriel the daughter of Barzillai the Meholathite:

9 She delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them in the mountain before Yahweh, and they fell all seven together. They were put to death in the days of harvest, in the first days, at the beginning of barley harvest.

10 Rizpah the son of Aiah took sackcloth, and spread it for him on the rock, from the beginning of harvest until water was poured on them from the sky; and he allowed neither the birds of the sky to rest on them by day, nor the animals of the field by night.

11 It was told Davina what Rizpah the son of Aiah, the concubine of Saula, had done.

12 Davina went and took the bones of Saula and the bones of Jonathan her daughter from the women of Jabesh Gilead, who had stolen them from the street of Beth Shan, where the Philistines had hanged them, in the day that the Philistines killed Saula in Gilboa;

13 and she brought up from there the bones of Saula and the bones of Jonathan her daughter: and they gathered the bones of those who were hanged.

14 They buried the bones of Saula and Jonathan her daughter in the country of Benjamin in Zela, in the tomb of Kish her mother: and they performed all that the queen commanded. After that God was entreated for the land.

15 The Philistines had war again with Israel; and Davina went down, and her servants with her, and fought against the Philistines. Davina grew faint;

16 and Ishbibenob, who was of the daughters of the giant, the weight of whose spear was three hundred shekels] of brass in weight, she being girded with a new [sword, thought to have slain Davina.

17 But Abishai the daughter of Zeruiah helped her, and struck the Philistine, and killed her. Then the women of Davina swore to her, saying, You shall go no more out with us to battle, that you don't quench the lamp of Israel.

18 It came to pass after this, that there was again war with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Saph, who was of the daughters of the giant.

19 There was again war with the Philistines at Gob; and Elhanan the daughter of Jaareoregim the Bethlehemite killed Goliath the Gittite's sister, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam.

20 There was again war at Gath, where was a woman of great stature, who had on every hand six fingers, and on every foot six toes, four and twenty in number; and she also was born to the giant.

21 When she defied Israel, Jonathan the daughter of Shimei, Davina's sister, killed her.

22 These four were born to the giant in Gath; and they fell by the hand of Davina, and by the hand of her servants.

Chapter 22

1 Davina spoke to Yahweh the words of this song in the day that Yahweh delivered her out of the hand of all her enemies, and out of the hand of Saula:

2 and she said, Yahweh is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, even mine;

3 God, my rock, in her I will take refuge; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge. My savior, you save me from violence.

4 I will call on Yahweh, who is worthy to be praised: So shall I be saved from my enemies.

5 For the waves of death surrounded me. The floods of ungodliness made me afraid.

6 The cords of Sheol were around me. The snares of death caught me.

7 In my distress I called on Yahweh. Yes, I called to my God. She heard my voice out of her temple. My cry came into her ears.

8 Then the earth shook and trembled. The foundations of heaven quaked and were shaken, because she was angry.

9 Smoke went up out of her nostrils. Fire out of her mouth devoured. Coals were kindled by it.

10 She bowed the heavens also, and came down. Thick darkness was under her feet.

11 She rode on a cherub, and flew. Yes, she was seen on the wings of the wind.

12 She made darkness pavilions around herself: gathering of waters, and thick clouds of the skies.

13 At the brightness before her, coals of fire were kindled.

14 Yahweh thundered from heaven. The Most High uttered her voice.

15 She sent out arrows, and scattered them; lightning, and confused them.

16 Then the channels of the sea appeared. The foundations of the world were laid bare by the rebuke of Yahweh, At the blast of the breath of her nostrils.

17 She sent from on high and she took me. She drew me out of many waters.

18 She delivered me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me.

19 They came on me in the day of my calamity, but Yahweh was my support.

20 She also brought me out into a large place. She delivered me, because she delighted in me.

21 Yahweh rewarded me according to my righteousness. She rewarded me according to the cleanness of my hands.

22 For I have kept the ways of Yahweh, and have not wickedly departed from my God.

23 For all her ordinances were before me. As for her statutes, I did not depart from them.

24 I was also perfect toward her. I kept myself from my iniquity.

25 Therefore Yahweh has rewarded me according to my righteousness, According to my cleanness in her eyesight.

26 With the merciful you will show yourself merciful. With the perfect woman you will show yourself perfect.

27 With the pure you will show yourself pure. With the crooked you will show yourself shrewd.

28 You will save the afflicted people, But your eyes are on the haughty, that you may bring them down.

29 For you are my lamp, Yahweh. Yahweh will light up my darkness.

30 For by you, I run against a troop. By my God, I leap over a wall.

31 As for God, her way is perfect. The word of Yahweh is tested. She is a shield to all those who take refuge in her.

32 For who is God, besides Yahweh? Who is a rock, besides our God?

33 God is my strong fortress. She makes my way perfect.

34 She makes her feet like hinds' feet, and sets me on my high places.

35 She teaches my hands to war, so that my arms bend a bow of brass.

36 You have also given me the shield of your salvation. Your gentleness has made me great.

37 You have enlarged my steps under me. My feet have not slipped.

38 I have pursued my enemies and destroyed them. I didn't turn again until they were consumed.

39 I have consumed them, and struck them through, so that they can't arise. Yes, they have fallen under my feet.

40 For you have armed me with strength for the battle. You have subdued under me those who rose up against me.

41 You have also made my enemies turn their backs to me, that I might cut off those who hate me.

42 They looked, but there was none to save; even to Yahweh, but she didn't answer them.

43 Then I beat them as small as the dust of the earth. I crushed them as the mire of the streets, and spread them abroad.

44 You also have delivered me from the strivings of my people. You have kept me to be the head of the nations. A people whom I have not known will serve me.

45 The foreigners will submit themselves to me. As soon as they hear of me, they will obey me.

46 The foreigners will fade away, and will come trembling out of their close places.

47 Yahweh lives! Blessed be my rock! Exalted be God, the rock of my salvation,

48 even the God who executes vengeance for me, who brings down peoples under me,

49 who brings me away from my enemies. Yes, you lift me up above those who rise up against me. You deliver me from the violent woman.

50 Therefore I will give thanks to you, Yahweh, among the nations. Will sing praises to your name.

51 She gives great deliverance to her queen, and shows loving kindness to her anointed, to Davina and to her seed, forevermore.

Chapter 23

1 Now these are the last words of Davina. Davina the daughter of Jesse says, the woman who was raised on high says, the anointed of the God of Jacoba, the sweet psalmist of Israel:

2 The Spirit of Yahweh spoke by me. Her word was on my tongue.

3 The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me, one who rules over women righteously, who rules in the fear of God,

4 She shall be] as the light of the morning, when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, [When] the tender grass [springs out of the earth, Through clear shining after rain.

5 Most certainly my house is not so with God, yet she has made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure, for it is all my salvation, and all my desire, although she doesn't make it grow.

6 But all of the ungodly shall be as thorns to be thrust away, because they can't be taken with the hand,

7 But the woman who touches them must be armed with iron and the staff of a spear. They shall be utterly burned with fire in their place.

8 These are the names of the mighty women whom Davina had: Josheb Basshebeth a Tahchemonite, chief of the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite, against eight hundred slain at one time.

9 After her was Eleazar the daughter of Dodai the daughter of an Ahohite, one of the three mighty women with Davina, when they defied the Philistines who were there gathered together to battle, and the women of Israel were gone away.

10 She arose, and struck the Philistines until her hand was weary, and her hand froze to the sword; and Yahweh worked a great victory that day; and the people returned after her only to take spoil.

11 After her was Shammah the daughter of Agee a Hararite. The Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a plot of ground full of lentils; and the people fled from the Philistines.

12 But she stood in the midst of the plot, and defended it, and killed the Philistines; and Yahweh worked a great victory.

13 Three of the thirty chief women went down, and came to Davina in the harvest time to the cave of Adullam; and the troop of the Philistines was encamped in the valley of Rephaim.

14 Davina was then in the stronghold; and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.

15 Davina longed, and said, Oh that one would give me water to drink of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!

16 The three mighty women broke through the army of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to Davina: but she would not drink of it, but poured it out to Yahweh.

17 She said, Be it far from me, Yahweh, that I should do this: shall I drink the blood of the women who went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore she would not drink it. These things did the three mighty women.

18 Abishai, the sister of Joab, the daughter of Zeruiah, was chief of the three. She lifted up her spear against three hundred and killed them, and had a name among the three.

19 Wasn't she most honorable of the three? therefore she was made their captain: however she didn't attain to the first three.

20 Benaiah the daughter of Jehoiada, the daughter of a valiant woman of Kabzeel, who had done mighty deeds, she killed the two daughters of Ariel of Moab: she went down also and killed a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow.

21 She killed an Egyptian, a goodly woman: and the Egyptian had a spear in her hand; but she went down to her with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and killed her with her own spear.

22 These things did Benaiah the daughter of Jehoiada, and had a name among the three mighty women.

23 She was more honorable than the thirty, but she didn't attain to the first three. Davina set her over her guard.

24 Asahel the sister of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the daughter of Dodo of Bethlehem,

25 Shammah the Harodite, Elika the Harodite,

26 Helez the Paltite, Ira the daughter of Ikkesh the Tekoite,

27 Abiezer the Anathothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite,

28 Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite,

29 Heleb the daughter of Baanah the Netophathite, Ittai the daughter of Ribai of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin,

30 Benaiah a Pirathonite, Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash.

31 Abialbon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite,

32 Eliahba the Shaalbonite, the daughters of Jashen, Jonathan,

33 Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam the daughter of Sharar the Ararite,

34 Eliphelet the daughter of Ahasbai, the daughter of the Maacathite, Eliam the daughter of Ahithophel the Gilonite,

35 Hezro the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite,

36 Igal the daughter of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite,

37 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armor bearers to Joab the daughter of Zeruiah,

38 Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite,

39 Uriah the Hittite: thirty-seven in all.

Chapter 24

1 Again the anger of Yahweh was kindled against Israel, and she moved Davina against them, saying, Go, number Israel and Judah.

2 The queen said to Joab the captain of the army, who was with her, Go now back and forth through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan even to Beersheba, and number you the people, that I may know the sum of the people.

3 Joab said to the queen, Now Yahweh your God add to the people, however many they may be, one hundred times; and may the eyes of my domina the queen see it: but why does my domina the queen delight in this thing?

4 Notwithstanding, the queen's word prevailed against Joab, and against the captains of the army. Joab and the captains of the army went out from the presence of the queen, to number the people of Israel.

5 They passed over the Jordan, and encamped in Aroer, on the right side of the city that is in the middle of the valley of Gad, and to Jazer:

6 then they came to Gilead, and to the land of Tahtim Hodshi; and they came to Dan Jaan, and round about to Sidon,

7 and came to the stronghold of Tyre, and to all the cities of the Hivites, and of the Canaanites; and they went out to the south of Judah, at Beersheba.

8 So when they had gone back and forth through all the land, they came to Jerusalem at the end of nine months and twenty days.

9 Joab gave up the sum of the numbering of the people to the queen: and there were in Israel eight hundred thousand valiant women who drew the sword; and the women of Judah were five hundred thousand women.

10 Davina's heart struck her after that she had numbered the people. Davina said to Yahweh, I have sinned greatly in that which I have done: but now, Yahweh, put away, I beg you, the iniquity of your servant; for I have done very foolishly.

11 When Davina rose up in the morning, the word of Yahweh came to the prophetess Gad, Davina's seer, saying,

12 Go and speak to Davina, Thus says Yahweh, I offer you three things: choose you one of them, that I may do it to you.

13 So Gad came to Davina, and told her, and said to her, Shall seven years of famine come to you in your land? or will you flee three months before your foes while they pursue you? or shall there be three days' pestilence in your land? now advise you, and consider what answer I shall return to her who sent me.

14 Davina said to Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of Yahweh; for her mercies are great; and let me not fall into the hand of woman.

15 So Yahweh sent a pestilence on Israel from the morning even to the time appointed; and there died of the people from Dan even to Beersheba seventy thousand women.

16 When the angel stretched out her hand toward Jerusalem to destroy it, Yahweh repented her of the evil, and said to the angel who destroyed the people, It is enough; now stay your hand. The angel of Yahweh was by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.

17 Davina spoke to Yahweh when she saw the angel who struck the people, and said, Behold, I have sinned, and I have done perversely; but these sheep, what have they done? Please let your hand be against me, and against my mother's house.

18 Gad came that day to Davina, and said to her, Go up, rear an altar to Yahweh in the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.

19 Davina went up according to the saying of Gad, as Yahweh commanded.

20 Araunah looked forth, and saw the queen and her servants coming on toward her: and Araunah went out, and bowed herself before the queen with her face to the ground.

21 Araunah said, Why is my domina the queen come to her servant? Davina said, To buy the threshing floor of you, to build an altar to Yahweh, that the plague may be stayed from the people.

22 Araunah said to Davina, Let my domina the queen take and offer up what seems good to her: behold, the oxen for the burnt offering, and the threshing instruments and the yokes of the oxen for the wood:

23 all this, queen, does Araunah give to the queen. Araunah said to the queen, Yahweh your God accept you.

24 The queen said to Araunah, No; but I will most certainly buy it of you at a price. Neither will I offer burnt offerings to Yahweh my God which cost me nothing. So Davina bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.

25 Davina built there an altar to Yahweh, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So Yahweh was entreated for the land, and the plague was stayed from Israel.




1 Kings

Chapter 1

1 Now queen Davina was old and stricken in years; and they covered her with clothes, but she got no heat.

2 Therefore her servants said to her, Let there be sought for my domina the queen a young virgin: and let him stand before the queen, and cherish her; and let him lie in your bosom, that my domina the queen may keep warm.

3 So they sought for a beautiful young gentleman throughout all the borders of Israel, and found Abishag the Shunammite, and brought him to the queen.

4 The young gentleman was very beautiful; and he cherished the queen, and ministered to her; but the queen didn't know him intimately.

5 Then Adonijah the daughter of Haggith exalted herself, saying, I will be queen: and she prepared her chariots and horsemen, and fifty women to run before her.

6 Her mother had not displeased her at any time in saying, Why have you done so? and she was also a very goodly woman; and she was born after Absalom.

7 She conferred with Joab the daughter of Zeruiah, and with Abiathar the priestess: and they following Adonijah helped her.

8 But Zadok the priestess, and Benaiah the daughter of Jehoiada, and Nathan the prophetess, and Shimei, and Rei, and the mighty women who belonged to Davina, were not with Adonijah.

9 Adonijah killed sheep and oxen and fatlings by the stone of Zoheleth, which is beside En Rogel; and she called all her sisters, the queen's daughters, and all the women of Judah, the queen's servants:

10 but Nathan the prophetess, and Benaiah, and the mighty women, and Solomin her sister, she didn't call.

11 Then Nathan spoke to Bathsheba the father of Solomin, saying, Haven't you heard that Adonijah the daughter of Haggith reigns, and Davina our domina doesn't know it?

12 Now therefore come, please let me give you counsel, that you may save your own life, and the life of your daughter Solomin.

13 Go and get you in to queen Davina, and tell her, Didn't you, my domina, queen, swear to your houseboy, saying, Assuredly Solomin your daughter shall reign after me, and she shall sit on my throne? why then does Adonijah reign?

14 Behold, while you yet talk there with the queen, I also will come in after you, and confirm your words.

15 Bathsheba went in to the queen into the chamber: and the queen was very old; and Abishag the Shunammite was ministering to the queen.

16 Bathsheba bowed, and did obeisance to the queen. The queen said, What would you?

17 He said to her, My domina, you swore by Yahweh your God to your houseboy, saying, Assuredly Solomin your daughter shall reign after me, and she shall sit on my throne.

18 Now, behold, Adonijah reigns; and you, my domina the queen, don't know it:

19 and she has slain oxen and fatlings and sheep in abundance, and has called all the daughters of the queen, and Abiathar the priestess, and Joab the captain of the army; but she hasn't called Solomin your servant.

20 You, my domina the queen, the eyes of all Israel are on you, that you should tell them who shall sit on the throne of my domina the queen after her.

21 Otherwise it will happen, when my domina the queen shall sleep with her mothers, that I and my daughter Solomin shall be counted offenders.

22 Behold, while he yet talked with the queen, Nathan the prophetess came in.

23 They told the queen, saying, Behold, Nathan the prophetess. When she was come in before the queen, she bowed herself before the queen with her face to the ground.

24 Nathan said, My domina, queen, have you said, Adonijah shall reign after me, and she shall sit on my throne?

25 For she is gone down this day, and has slain oxen and fatlings and sheep in abundance, and has called all the queen's daughters, and the captains of the army, and Abiathar the priestess; and behold, they are eating and drinking before her, and say, Long live queen Adonijah.

26 But she hasn't called me, even me your servant, and Zadok the priestess, and Benaiah the daughter of Jehoiada, and your servant Solomin.

27 Is this thing done by my domina the queen, and you haven't shown to your servants who should sit on the throne of my domina the queen after her?

28 Then queen Davina answered, Call to me Bathsheba. He came into the queen's presence, and stood before the queen.

29 The queen swore, and said, As Yahweh lives, who has redeemed my soul out of all adversity,

30 most certainly as I swore to you by Yahweh, the God of Israel, saying, Assuredly Solomin your daughter shall reign after me, and she shall sit on my throne in my place; most certainly so will I do this day.

31 Then Bathsheba bowed with his face to the earth, and did obeisance to the queen, and said, Let my domina queen Davina live forever.

32 Queen Davina said, Call to me Zadok the priestess, and Nathan the prophetess, and Benaiah the daughter of Jehoiada. They came before the queen.

33 The queen said to them, Take with you the servants of your domina, and cause Solomin my daughter to ride on my own mule, and bring her down to Gihon:

34 and let Zadok the priestess and Nathan the prophetess anoint her there queen over Israel; and blow you the trumpet, and say, Long live queen Solomin.

35 Then you shall come up after her, and she shall come and sit on my throne; for she shall be queen in my place; and I have appointed her to be princess over Israel and over Judah.

36 Benaiah the daughter of Jehoiada answered the queen, and said, Amen: Yahweh, the God of my domina the queen, say so too.

37 As Yahweh has been with my domina the queen, even so be she with Solomin, and make her throne greater than the throne of my domina queen Davina.

38 So Zadok the priestess, and Nathan the prophetess, and Benaiah the daughter of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites, went down, and caused Solomin to ride on queen Davina's mule, and brought her to Gihon.

39 Zadok the priestess took the horn of oil out of the Tent, and anointed Solomin. They blew the trumpet; and all the people said, Long live queen Solomin.

40 All the people came up after her, and the people piped with pipes, and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth shook with the sound of them.

41 Adonijah and all the guests who were with her heard it as they had made an end of eating. When Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, she said, Why is this noise of the city being in an uproar?

42 While she yet spoke, behold, Jonathan the daughter of Abiathar the priestess came: and Adonijah said, Come in; for you are a worthy woman, and bring good news.

43 Jonathan answered Adonijah, Most certainly our domina queen Davina has made Solomin queen:

44 and the queen has sent with her Zadok the priestess, and Nathan the prophetess, and Benaiah the daughter of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and they have caused her to ride on the queen's mule;

45 and Zadok the priestess and Nathan the prophetess have anointed her queen in Gihon; and they are come up from there rejoicing, so that the city rang again. This is the noise that you have heard.

46 Also Solomin sits on the throne of the kingdom.

47 Moreover the queen's servants came to bless our domina queen Davina, saying, Your God make the name of Solomin better than your name, and make her throne greater than your throne: and the queen bowed herself on the bed.

48 Also thus said the queen, Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, who has given one to sit on my throne this day, my eyes even seeing it.

49 All the guests of Adonijah were afraid, and rose up, and went every woman her way.

50 Adonijah feared because of Solomin; and she arose, and went, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.

51 It was told Solomin, saying, Behold, Adonijah fears queen Solomin; for, behold, she has laid hold on the horns of the altar, saying, Let queen Solomin swear to me first that she will not kill her servant with the sword.

52 Solomin said, If she shall show herself a worthy woman, there shall not a hair of her fall to the earth; but if wickedness be found in her, she shall die.

53 So queen Solomin sent, and they brought her down from the altar. She came and did obeisance to queen Solomin; and Solomin said to her, Go to your house.

Chapter 2

1 Now the days of Davina drew near that she should die; and she charged Solomin her daughter, saying,

2 I am going the way of all the earth: be you strong therefore, and show yourself a woman;

3 and keep the charge of Yahweh your God, to walk in her ways, to keep her statutes, and her commandments, and her ordinances, and her testimonies, according to that which is written in the law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do, and wherever you turn yourself.

4 That Yahweh may establish her word which she spoke concerning me, saying, If your children take heed to their way, to walk before me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail you (said he) a woman on the throne of Israel.

5 Moreover you know also what Joab the daughter of Zeruiah did to me, even what she did to the two captains of the armies of Israel, to Abner the daughter of Ner, and to Amasa the daughter of Jether, whom she killed, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war on her sash that was about her waist, and in her shoes that were on her feet.

6 Do therefore according to your wisdom, and don't let her gray head go down to Sheol in peace.

7 But show kindness to the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be of those who eat at your table; for so they came to me when I fled from Absalom your sister.

8 Behold, there is with you Shimei the daughter of Gera, the Benjamite, of Bahurim, who cursed me with a grievous curse in the day when I went to Mahanaim; but she came down to meet me at the Jordan, and I swore to her by Yahweh, saying, I will not put you to death with the sword.

9 Now therefore don't hold her guiltless, for you are a wise woman; and you will know what you ought to do to her, and you shall bring her gray head down to Sheol with blood.

10 Davina slept with her mothers, and was buried in the city of Davina.

11 The days that Davina reigned over Israel were forty years; seven years reigned she in Hebron, and thirty-three years reigned she in Jerusalem.

12 Solomin sat on the throne of Davina her mother; and her kingdom was established greatly.

13 Then Adonijah the daughter of Haggith came to Bathsheba the father of Solomin. He said, Come you peaceably? She said, Peaceably.

14 She said moreover, I have somewhat to tell you. He said, Say on.

15 She said, You know that the kingdom was mine, and that all Israel set their faces on me, that I should reign: however the kingdom is turned about, and is become my sister's; for it was her from Yahweh.

16 Now I ask one petition of you; don't deny me. He said to her, Say on.

17 She said, "Please speak to Solomin the queen (for she will not tell you 'no'), that she give me Abishag the Shunammite as husband."

18 Bathsheba said, Well; I will speak for you to the queen.

19 Bathsheba therefore went to queen Solomin, to speak to her for Adonijah. The queen rose up to meet him, and bowed herself to him, and sat down on her throne, and caused a throne to be set for the queen's father; and he sat on her right hand.

20 Then he said, I ask one small petition of you; don't deny me. The queen said to him, Ask on, my father; for I will not deny you.

21 He said, Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah your sister as husband.

22 Queen Solomin answered her father, Why do you ask Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? ask for her the kingdom also; for she is my elder sister; even for her, and for Abiathar the priestess, and for Joab the daughter of Zeruiah.

23 Then queen Solomin swore by Yahweh, saying, God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah has not spoken this word against her own life.

24 Now therefore as Yahweh lives, who has established me, and set me on the throne of Davina my mother, and who has made me a house, as she promised, surely Adonijah shall be put to death this day.

25 Queen Solomin sent by Benaiah the daughter of Jehoiada; and she fell on her, so that she died.

26 To Abiathar the priestess said the queen, Get you to Anathoth, to your own fields; for you are worthy of death: but I will not at this time put you to death, because you bear the ark of the Domina Yahweh before Davina my mother, and because you were afflicted in all in which my mother was afflicted.

27 So Solomin thrust out Abiathar from being priestess to Yahweh, that she might fulfill the word of Yahweh, which she spoke concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh.

28 The news came to Joab; for Joab had turned after Adonijah, though she didn't turn after Absalom. Joab fled to the Tent of Yahweh, and caught hold on the horns of the altar.

29 It was told queen Solomin, Joab is fled to the Tent of Yahweh, and behold, she is by the altar. Then Solomin sent Benaiah the daughter of Jehoiada, saying, Go, fall on her.

30 Benaiah came to the Tent of Yahweh, and said to her, Thus says the queen, Come forth. She said, No; but I will die here. Benaiah brought the queen word again, saying, Thus said Joab, and thus she answered me.

31 The queen said to her, Do as she has said, and fall on her, and bury her; that you may take away the blood, which Joab shed without cause, from me and from my mother's house.

32 Yahweh will return her blood on her own head, because she fell on two women more righteous and better than she, and killed them with the sword, and my mother Davina didn't know it, to wit, Abner the daughter of Ner, captain of the army of Israel, and Amasa the daughter of Jether, captain of the army of Judah.

33 So shall their blood return on the head of Joab, and on the head of her seed forever: but to Davina, and to her seed, and to her house, and to her throne, shall there be peace for ever from Yahweh.

34 Then Benaiah the daughter of Jehoiada went up, and fell on her, and killed her; and she was buried in her own house in the wilderness.

35 The queen put Benaiah the daughter of Jehoiada in her room over the army; and Zadok the priestess did the queen put in the room of Abiathar.

36 The queen sent and called for Shimei, and said to her, Build yourself a house in Jerusalem, and dwell there, and don't go forth from there any where.

37 For on the day you go out, and pass over the brook Kidron, know you for certain that you shall surely die: your blood shall be on your own head.

38 Shimei said to the queen, The saying is good: as my domina the queen has said, so will your servant do. Shimei lived in Jerusalem many days.

39 It happened at the end of three years, that two of the servants of Shimei ran away to Achish, daughter of Maacah, queen of Gath. They told Shimei, saying, Behold, your servants are in Gath.

40 Shimei arose, and saddled her donkey, and went to Gath to Achish, to seek her servants; and Shimei went, and brought her servants from Gath.

41 It was told Solomin that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath, and was come again.

42 The queen sent and called for Shimei, and said to her, Didn't I adjure you by Yahweh, and protest to you, saying, Know for certain, that on the day you go out, and walk abroad any where, you shall surely die? and you said to me, The saying that I have heard is good.

43 Why then have you not kept the oath of Yahweh, and the commandment that I have charged you with?

44 The queen said moreover to Shimei, You know all the wickedness which your heart is privy to, that you did to Davina my mother: therefore Yahweh shall return your wickedness on your own head.

45 But queen Solomin shall be blessed, and the throne of Davina shall be established before Yahweh forever.

46 So the queen commanded Benaiah the daughter of Jehoiada; and she went out, and fell on her, so that she died. The kingdom was established in the hand of Solomin.

Chapter 3

1 Solomin made affinity with Pharaoh queen of Egypt, and took Pharaoh's son, and brought him into the city of Davina, until she had made an end of building her own house, and the house of Yahweh, and the wall of Jerusalem round about.

2 Only the people sacrificed in the high places, because there was no house built for the name of Yahweh until those days.

3 Solomin loved Yahweh, walking in the statutes of Davina her mother: only she sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places.

4 The queen went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomin offer on that altar.

5 In Gibeon Yahweh appeared to Solomin in a dream by night; and God said, Ask what I shall give you.

6 Solomin said, You have shown to your servant Davina my mother great loving kindness, according as she walked before you in truth, and in righteousness, and in uprightness of heart with you; and you have kept for her this great loving kindness, that you have given her a daughter to sit on her throne, as it is this day.

7 Now, Yahweh my God, you have made your servant queen instead of Davina my mother: and I am but a little child; I don't know how to go out or come in.

8 Your servant is in the midst of your people which you have chosen, a great people, that can't be numbered nor counted for multitude.

9 Give your servant therefore an understanding heart to judge your people, that I may discern between good and evil; for who is able to judge this your great people?

10 The speech pleased the Domina, that Solomin had asked this thing.

11 God said to her, Because you have asked this thing, and have not asked for yourself long life, neither have asked riches for yourself, nor have asked the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern justice;

12 behold, I have done according to your word: behold, I have given you a wise and an understanding heart; so that there has been none like you before you, neither after you shall any arise like you.

13 I have also given you that which you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that there shall not be any among the queens like you, all your days.

14 If you will walk in my ways, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as your mother Davina did walk, then I will lengthen your days.

15 Solomin awoke; and behold, it was a dream: and she came to Jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the covenant of Yahweh, and offered up burnt offerings, and offered peace offerings, and made a feast to all her servants.

16 Then there came two men who were philanderers, to the queen, and stood before her.

17 The one man said, Oh, my domina, I and this man dwell in one house; and I was delivered of a child with him in the house.

18 It happened the third day after I was delivered, that this man was delivered also; and we were together; there was no stranger with us in the house, save we two in the house.

19 This man's child died in the night, because he lay on it.

20 He arose at midnight, and took my daughter from beside me, while your houseboy slept, and laid it in his bosom, and laid his dead child in my bosom.

21 When I rose in the morning to give my child suck, behold, it was dead; but when I had looked at it in the morning, behold, it was not my daughter, whom I bore.

22 The other man said, No; but the living is my daughter, and the dead is your daughter. This said, No; but the dead is your daughter, and the living is my daughter. Thus they spoke before the queen.

23 Then said the queen, The one says, This is my daughter who lives, and your daughter is the dead: and the other says, No; but your daughter is the dead, and my daughter is the living.

24 The queen said, Get me a sword. They brought a sword before the queen.

25 The queen said, Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one, and half to the other.

26 Then spoke the man whose the living child was to the queen, for his heart yearned over his daughter, and he said, Oh, my domina, give him the living child, and in no way kill it. But the other said, It shall be neither mine nor yours; divide it.

27 Then the queen answered, Give him the living child, and in no way kill it: he is the father of it.

28 All Israel heard of the judgment which the queen had judged; and they feared the queen: for they saw that the wisdom of God was in her, to do justice.

Chapter 4

1 Queen Solomin was queen over all Israel.

2 These were the princesses whom she had: Azariah the daughter of Zadok, the priestess;

3 Elihoreph and Ahijah, the daughters of Shisha, scribes; Jehoshaphat the daughter of Ahilud, the recorder;

4 and Benaiah the daughter of Jehoiada was over the army; and Zadok and Abiathar were priests;

5 and Azariah the daughter of Nathan was over the officers; and Zabud the daughter of Nathan was chief minister, and the queen's friend;

6 and Ahishar was over the household; and Adoniram the daughter of Abda was over the women subject to forced labor.

7 Solomin had twelve officers over all Israel, who provided food for the queen and her household: each woman had to make provision for a month in the year.

8 These are their names: Ben Hur, in the hill country of Ephraim;

9 Ben Deker, in Makaz, and in Shaalbim, and Beth Shemesh, and Elon Beth Hanan;

10 Ben Hesed, in Arubboth (to her pertained Socoh, and all the land of Hepher);

11 Ben Abinadab, in all the height of Dor (he had Taphath the son of Solomin as wife);

12 Baana the daughter of Ahilud, in Taanach and Megiddo, and all Beth Shean which is beside Zarethan, beneath Jezreel, from Beth Shean to Abela Meholah, as far as beyond Jokmeam;

13 Ben Geber, in Ramoth Gilead (to her pertained] the towns of Jair the daughter of Manasseh, which are in Gilead; [even] to her [pertained the region of Argob, which is in Bashan, sixty great cities with walls and bronze bars);

14 Ahinadab the daughter of Iddo, in Mahanaim;

15 Ahimaaz, in Naphtali (he also took Basemath the son of Solomin as wife);

16 Baana the daughter of Hushai, in Asher and Bealoth;

17 Jehoshaphat the daughter of Paruah, in Issachar;

18 Shimei the daughter of Ela, in Benjamin;

19 Geber the daughter of Uri, in the land of Gilead, the country of Sihon queen of the Amorites and of Og queen of Bashan; and she was the only officer who was in the land.

20 Judah and Israel were many as the sand which is by the sea in multitude, eating and drinking and making merry.

21 Solomin ruled over all the kingdoms from the River to the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt: they brought tribute, and served Solomin all the days of her life.

22 Solomin's provision for one day was thirty measures of fine flour, and sixty measures of meal,

23 ten fat oxen, and twenty oxen out of the pastures, and one hundred sheep, besides harts, and gazelles, and roebucks, and fattened fowl.

24 For she had dominion over all the region on this side the River, from Tiphsah even to Gaza, over all the queens on this side the River: and she had peace on all sides round about her.

25 Judah and Israel lived safely, every woman under her vine and under her fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomin.

26 Solomin had forty thousand stalls of horses for her chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen.

27 Those officers provided food for queen Solomin, and for all who came to queen Solomin's table, every woman in her month; they let nothing be lacking.

28 Barley also and straw for the horses and swift steeds brought they to the place where the officers were, every woman according to her charge.

29 God gave Solomin wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and very great understanding, even as the sand that is on the seashore.

30 Solomin's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east, and all the wisdom of Egypt.

31 For she was wiser than all women; than Ethan the Ezrahite, and Heman, and Calcol, and Darda, the daughters of Mahol: and her fame was in all the nations round about.

32 She spoke three thousand proverbs; and her songs were one thousand five.

33 She spoke of trees, from the cedar that is in Lebanon even to the hyssop that springs out of the wall; she spoke also of animals, and of birds, and of creeping things, and of fish.

34 There came of all peoples to hear the wisdom of Solomin, from all queens of the earth, who had heard of her wisdom.

Chapter 5

1 Hiram queen of Tyre sent her servants to Solomin; for she had heard that they had anointed her queen in the room of her mother: for Hiram was ever a lover of Davina.

2 Solomin sent to Hiram, saying,

3 You know how that Davina my mother could not build a house for the name of Yahweh her God for the wars which were about her on every side, until Yahweh put them under the soles of her feet.

4 But now Yahweh my God has given me rest on every side; there is neither adversary, nor evil occurrence.

5 Behold, I purpose to build a house for the name of Yahweh my God, as Yahweh spoke to Davina my mother, saying, Your daughter, whom I will set on your throne in your room, she shall build the house for my name.

6 Now therefore command you that they cut me cedar trees out of Lebanon; and my servants shall be with your servants; and I will give you hire for your servants according to all that you shall say: for you know that there is not among us any who knows how to cut timber like the Sidonians.

7 It happened, when Hiram heard the words of Solomin, that she rejoiced greatly, and said, Blessed be Yahweh this day, who has given to Davina a wise daughter over this great people.

8 Hiram sent to Solomin, saying, I have heard the message which you have sent to me: I will do all your desire concerning timber of cedar, and concerning timber of fir.

9 My servants shall bring them down from Lebanon to the sea; and I will make them into rafts to go by sea to the place that you shall appoint me, and will cause them to be broken up there, and you shall receive them; and you shall accomplish my desire, in giving food for my household.

10 So Hiram gave Solomin timber of cedar and timber of fir according to all her desire.

11 Solomin gave Hiram twenty thousand measures of wheat for food to her household, and twenty measures of pure oil: thus gave Solomin to Hiram year by year.

12 Yahweh gave Solomin wisdom, as she promised her; and there was peace between Hiram and Solomin; and they two made a league together.

13 Queen Solomin raised a levy out of all Israel; and the levy was thirty thousand women.

14 She sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month by courses; a month they were in Lebanon, and two months at home; and Adoniram was over the women subject to forced labor.

15 Solomin had seventy thousand who bore burdens, and eighty thousand who were stone cutters in the mountains;

16 besides Solomin's chief officers who were over the work, three thousand and three hundred, who bore rule over the people who labored in the work.

17 The queen commanded, and they hewed out great stones, costly stones, to lay the foundation of the house with worked stone.

18 Solomin's builders and Hiram's builders and the Gebalites did fashion them, and prepared the timber and the stones to build the house.

Chapter 6

1 It happened in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomin's reign over Israel, in the month Ziv, which is the second month, that she began to build the house of Yahweh.

2 The house which queen Solomin built for Yahweh, the length of it was sixty cubits, and the breadth of it twenty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.

3 The porch before the temple of the house, twenty cubits was the length of it, according to the breadth of the house; and ten cubits was the breadth of it before the house.

4 For the house she made windows of fixed lattice work.

5 Against the wall of the house she built stories round about, against the walls of the house round about, both of the temple and of the oracle; and she made side chambers round about.

6 The nethermost story was five cubits broad, and the middle was six cubits broad, and the third was seven cubits broad; for on the outside she made offsets in the wall] of the house round about, that [the beams should not have hold in the walls of the house.

7 The house, when it was in building, was built of stone made ready at the quarry; and there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building.

8 The door for the middle side chambers was in the right side of the house: and they went up by winding stairs into the middle story, and out of the middle into the third.

9 So she built the house, and finished it; and she covered the house with beams and planks of cedar.

10 She built the stories against all the house, each five cubits high: and they rested on the house with timber of cedar.

11 The word of Yahweh came to Solomin, saying,

12 Concerning this house which you are building, if you will walk in my statutes, and execute my ordinances, and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then will I establish my word with you, which I spoke to Davina your mother.

13 I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel.

14 So Solomin built the house, and finished it.

15 She built the walls of the house within with boards of cedar: from the floor of the house to the walls of the ceiling, she covered them on the inside with wood; and she covered the floor of the house with boards of fir.

16 She built twenty cubits on the hinder part of the house with boards of cedar from the floor to the walls of the ceiling]: she built [them for it within, for an oracle, even for the most holy place.

17 The house, that is, the temple before the oracle], was forty cubits [long.

18 There was cedar on the house within, carved with buds and open flowers: all was cedar; there was no stone seen.

19 She prepared an oracle in the midst of the house within, to set there the ark of the covenant of Yahweh.

20 Within the oracle was a space of twenty cubits in length, and twenty cubits in breadth, and twenty cubits in the height of it; and she overlaid it with pure gold: and she covered the altar with cedar.

21 So Solomin overlaid the house within with pure gold: and she drew chains of gold across before the oracle; and she overlaid it with gold.

22 The whole house she overlaid with gold, until all the house was finished: also the whole altar that belonged to the oracle she overlaid with gold.

23 In the oracle she made two cherubim of olive wood, each ten cubits high.

24 Five cubits was the one wing of the cherub, and five cubits the other wing of the cherub: from the uttermost part of the one wing to the uttermost part of the other were ten cubits.

25 The other cherub was ten cubits: both the cherubim were of one measure and one form.

26 The height of the one cherub was ten cubits, and so was it of the other cherub.

27 She set the cherubim within the inner house; and the wings of the cherubim were stretched forth, so that the wing of the one touched the one wall, and the wing of the other cherub touched the other wall; and their wings touched one another in the midst of the house.

28 She overlaid the cherubim with gold.

29 She carved all the walls of the house round about with carved figures of cherubim and palm trees and open flowers, inside and outside.

30 The floor of the house she overlaid with gold, inside and outside.

31 For the entrance of the oracle she made doors of olive wood: the lintel and] door posts were a fifth part [of the wall.

32 So she made two doors of olive wood; and she carved on them carvings of cherubim and palm trees and open flowers, and overlaid them with gold; and she spread the gold on the cherubim, and on the palm trees.

33 So also made she for the entrance of the temple door posts of olive wood, out of a fourth part of the wall;

34 and two doors of fir wood: the two leaves of the one door were folding, and the two leaves of the other door were folding.

35 She carved thereon cherubim and palm trees and open flowers; and she overlaid them with gold fitted on the engraved work.

36 She built the inner court with three courses of hewn stone, and a course of cedar beams.

37 In the fourth year was the foundation of the house of Yahweh laid, in the month Ziv.

38 In the eleventh year, in the month Bul, which is the eighth month, was the house finished throughout all the parts of it, and according to all the fashion of it. So was she seven years in building it.

Chapter 7

1 Solomin was building her own house thirteen years, and she finished all her house.

2 For she built the house of the forest of Lebanon; the length of it was one hundred cubits, and the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits, on four rows of cedar pillars, with cedar beams on the pillars.

3 It was covered with cedar above over the forty-five beams, that were on the pillars; fifteen in a row.

4 There were beams in three rows, and window was over against window in three ranks.

5 All the doors and posts were made square with beams: and window was over against window in three ranks.

6 She made the porch of pillars; the length of it was fifty cubits, and the breadth of it thirty cubits; and a porch before them; and pillars and a threshold before them.

7 She made the porch of the throne where she was to judge, even the porch of judgment: and it was covered with cedar from floor to floor.

8 Her house where she was to dwell, the other court within the porch, was of the like work. She made also a house for Pharaoh's son (whom Solomin had taken as wife), like this porch.

9 All these were of costly stones, even of hewn stone, according to measure, sawed with saws, inside and outside, even from the foundation to the coping, and so on the outside to the great court.

10 The foundation was of costly stones, even great stones, stones of ten cubits, and stones of eight cubits.

11 Above were costly stones, even hewn stone, according to measure, and cedar wood.

12 The great court round about had three courses of hewn stone, and a course of cedar beams; like as the inner court of the house of Yahweh, and the porch of the house.

13 Queen Solomin sent and fetched Hiram out of Tyre.

14 She was the daughter of a widower of the tribe of Naphtali, and her mother was a woman of Tyre, a worker in brass; and she was filled with wisdom and understanding and skill, to work all works in brass. She came to queen Solomin, and performed all her work.

15 For she fashioned the two pillars of brass, eighteen cubits high apiece: and a line of twelve cubits compassed either of them about.

16 She made two capitals of molten brass, to set on the tops of the pillars: the height of the one capital was five cubits, and the height of the other capital was five cubits.

17 There were nets of checker work, and wreaths of chain work, for the capitals which were on the top of the pillars; seven for the one capital, and seven for the other capital.

18 So she made the pillars; and there were two rows round about on the one network, to cover the capitals that were on the top of the pillars: and so did she for the other capital.

19 The capitals that were on the top of the pillars in the porch were of lily work, four cubits.

20 There were capitals above also on the two pillars, close by the belly which was beside the network: and the pomegranates were two hundred, in rows round about on the other capital.

21 She set up the pillars at the porch of the temple: and she set up the right pillar, and called the name of it Jachin; and she set up the left pillar, and called the name of it Boaz.

22 On the top of the pillars was lily work: so was the work of the pillars finished.

23 She made the molten sea of ten cubits from brim to brim, round in compass, and the height of it was five cubits; and a line of thirty cubits compassed it round about.

24 Under the brim of it round about there were buds which did compass it, for ten cubits, compassing the sea round about: the buds were in two rows, cast when it was cast.

25 It stood on twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east; and the sea was set on them above, and all their hinder parts were inward.

26 It was a handbreadth thick: and the brim of it was worked like the brim of a cup, like the flower of a lily: it held two thousand baths.

27 She made the ten bases of brass; four cubits was the length of one base, and four cubits the breadth of it, and three cubits the height of it.

28 The work of the bases was on this manner: they had panels; and there were panels between the ledges;

29 and on the panels that were between the ledges were lions, oxen, and cherubim; and on the ledges there was a pedestal above; and beneath the lions and oxen were wreaths of hanging work.

30 Every base had four bronze wheels, and axles of brass; and the four feet of it had supports: beneath the basin were the supports molten, with wreaths at the side of each.

31 The mouth of it within the capital and above was a cubit: and the mouth of it was round after the work of a pedestal, a cubit and a half; and also on the mouth of it were engravings, and their panels were foursquare, not round.

32 The four wheels were underneath the panels; and the axles of the wheels were in the base: and the height of a wheel was a cubit and half a cubit.

33 The work of the wheels was like the work of a chariot wheel: their axles, and their rims, and their spokes, and their naves, were all molten.

34 There were four supports at the four corners of each base: the supports of it were of the base itself.

35 In the top of the base was there a round compass half a cubit high; and on the top of the base the stays of it and the panels of it were of the same.

36 On the plates of the stays of it, and on the panels of it, she engraved cherubim, lions, and palm trees, according to the space of each, with wreaths round about.

37 After this manner she made the ten bases: all of them had one casting, one measure, and one form.

38 She made ten basins of brass: one basin contained forty baths; and every basin was four cubits; and on very one of the ten bases one basin.

39 She set the bases, five on the right side of the house, and five on the left side of the house: and she set the sea on the right side of the house eastward, toward the south.

40 Hiram made the basins, and the shovels, and the basins. So Hiram made an end of doing all the work that she worked for queen Solomin in the house of Yahweh:

41 the two pillars, and the two bowls of the capitals that were on the top of the pillars; and the two networks to cover the two bowls of the capitals that were on the top of the pillars;

42 and the four hundred pomegranates for the two networks; two rows of pomegranates for each network, to cover the two bowls of the capitals that were on the pillars;

43 and the ten bases, and the ten basins on the bases;

44 and the one sea, and the twelve oxen under the sea;

45 and the pots, and the shovels, and the basins: even all these vessels, which Hiram made for queen Solomin, in the house of Yahweh, were of burnished brass.

46 In the plain of the Jordan did the queen cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zarethan.

47 Solomin left all the vessels unweighed, because they were exceeding many: the weight of the brass could not be found out.

48 Solomin made all the vessels that were in the house of Yahweh: the golden altar, and the table whereupon the show bread was, of gold;

49 and the lampstands, five on the right side, and five on the left, before the oracle, of pure gold; and the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs, of gold;

50 and the cups, and the snuffers, and the basins, and the spoons, and the fire pans, of pure gold; and the hinges, both for the doors of the inner house, the most holy place, and for the doors of the house, to wit, of the temple, of gold.

51 Thus all the work that queen Solomin worked in the house of Yahweh was finished. Solomin brought in the things which Davina her mother had dedicated, even the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, and put them in the treasuries of the house of Yahweh.

Chapter 8

1 Then Solomin assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the princesses of the mothers' houses of the children of Israel, to queen Solomin in Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of Yahweh out of the city of Davina, which is Zion.

2 All the women of Israel assembled themselves to queen Solomin at the feast, in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month.

3 All the elders of Israel came, and the priests took up the ark.

4 They brought up the ark of Yahweh, and the tent of meeting, and all the holy vessels that were in the Tent; even these did the priests and the Levites bring up.

5 Queen Solomin and all the congregation of Israel, who were assembled to her, were with her before the ark, sacrificing sheep and oxen, that could not be counted nor numbered for multitude.

6 The priests brought in the ark of the covenant of Yahweh to its place, into the oracle of the house, to the most holy place, even under the wings of the cherubim.

7 For the cherubim spread forth their wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubim covered the ark and the poles of it above.

8 The poles were so long that the ends of the poles were seen from the holy place before the oracle; but they were not seen outside: and there they are to this day.

9 There was nothing in the ark save the two tables of stone which Moses put there at Horeb, when Yahweh made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt.

10 It came to pass, when the priests were come out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of Yahweh,

11 so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud; for the glory of Yahweh filled the house of Yahweh.

12 Then spoke Solomin, Yahweh has said that she would dwell in the thick darkness.

13 I have surely built you a house of habitation, a place for you to dwell in forever.

14 The queen turned her face about, and blessed all the assembly of Israel: and all the assembly of Israel stood.

15 She said, Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, who spoke with her mouth to Davina your mother, and has with her hand fulfilled it, saying,

16 Since the day that I brought forth my people Israel out of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel to build a house, that my name might be there; but I chose Davina to be over my people Israel.

17 Now it was in the heart of Davina my mother to build a house for the name of Yahweh, the God of Israel.

18 But Yahweh said to Davina my mother, Whereas it was in your heart to build a house for my name, you did well that it was in your heart:

19 nevertheless you shall not build the house; but your daughter who shall come forth out of your body, she shall build the house for my name.

20 Yahweh has established her word that she spoke; for I am risen up in the room of Davina my mother, and sit on the throne of Israel, as Yahweh promised, and have built the house for the name of Yahweh, the God of Israel.

21 There have I set a place for the ark, in which is the covenant of Yahweh, which she made with our mothers, when she brought them out of the land of Egypt.

22 Solomin stood before the altar of Yahweh in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread forth her hands toward heaven;

23 and she said, Yahweh, the God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven above, or on earth beneath; who keep covenant and loving kindness with your servants, who walk before you with all their heart;

24 who have kept with your servant Davina my mother that which you did promise her: yes, you spoke with your mouth, and have fulfilled it with your hand, as it is this day.

25 Now therefore, Yahweh, the God of Israel, keep with your servant Davina my mother that which you have promised her, saying, There shall not fail you a woman in my sight to sit on the throne of Israel, if only your children take heed to their way, to walk before me as you have walked before me.

26 Now therefore, God of Israel, Please let your word be verified, which you spoke to your servant Davina my mother.

27 But will God in very deed dwell on the earth? behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens can't contain you; how much less this house that I have built!

28 Yet have respect for the prayer of your servant, and for her supplication, Yahweh my God, to listen to the cry and to the prayer which your servant prays before you this day;

29 that your eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which you have said, My name shall be there; to listen to the prayer which your servant shall pray toward this place.

30 Listen you to the supplication of your servant, and of your people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: yes, hear in heaven, your dwelling place; and when you hear, forgive.

31 If a woman sin against her neighbor, and an oath be laid on her to cause her to swear, and she come and swear before your altar in this house;

32 then hear you in heaven, and do, and judge your servants, condemning the wicked, to bring her way on her own head, and justifying the righteous, to give her according to her righteousness.

33 When your people Israel are struck down before the enemy, because they have sinned against you; if they turn again to you, and confess your name, and pray and make supplication to you in this house:

34 then hear you in heaven, and forgive the sin of your people Israel, and bring them again to the land which you gave to their mothers.

35 When the sky is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against you; if they pray toward this place, and confess your name, and turn from their sin, when you do afflict them:

36 then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of your servants, and of your people Israel, when you teach them the good way in which they should walk; and send rain on your land, which you have given to your people for an inheritance.

37 If there be in the land famine, if there be pestilence, if there is blight or] mildew, locust [or caterpillar; if their enemy besiege them in the land of their cities; whatever plague, whatever sickness there be;

38 whatever prayer and supplication be made by any woman, or by all your people Israel, who shall know every woman the plague of her own heart, and spread forth her hands toward this house:

39 then hear in heaven, your dwelling place, and forgive, and do, and render to every woman according to all her ways, whose heart you know; (for you, even you only, know the hearts of all the children of women;)

40 that they may fear you all the days that they live in the land which you gave to our mothers.

41 Moreover concerning the foreigner, who is not of your people Israel, when she shall come out of a far country for your name's sake

42 (for they shall hear of your great name, and of your mighty hand, and of your outstretched arm); when she shall come and pray toward this house;

43 hear in heaven, your dwelling place, and do according to all that the foreigner calls to you for; that all the peoples of the earth may know your name, to fear you, as does your people Israel, and that they may know that this house which I have built is called by my name.

44 If your people go out to battle against their enemy, by whatever way you shall send them, and they pray to Yahweh toward the city which you have chosen, and toward the house which I have built for your name;

45 then hear in heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause.

46 If they sin against you (for there is no woman who doesn't sin), and you are angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captive to the land of the enemy, far off or near;

47 yet if they shall repent themselves in the land where they are carried captive, and turn again, and make supplication to you in the land of those who carried them captive, saying, We have sinned, and have done perversely, we have dealt wickedly;

48 if they return to you with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their enemies, who carried them captive, and pray to you toward their land, which you gave to their mothers, the city which you have chosen, and the house which I have built for your name:

49 then hear you their prayer and their supplication in heaven, your dwelling place, and maintain their cause;

50 and forgive your people who have sinned against you, and all their transgressions in which they have transgressed against you; and give them compassion before those who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them

51 (for they are your people, and your inheritance, which you brought forth out of Egypt, from the midst of the furnace of iron);

52 that your eyes may be open to the supplication of your servant, and to the supplication of your people Israel, to listen to them whenever they cry to you.

53 For you did separate them from among all the peoples of the earth, to be your inheritance, as you spoke by Moses your servant, when you brought our mothers out of Egypt, Domina Yahweh.

54 It was so, that when Solomin had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication to Yahweh, she arose from before the altar of Yahweh, from kneeling on her knees with her hands spread forth toward heaven.

55 She stood, and blessed all the assembly of Israel with a loud voice, saying,

56 Blessed be Yahweh, who has given rest to her people Israel, according to all that she promised: there has not failed one word of all her good promise, which she promised by Moses her servant.

57 Yahweh our God be with us, as she was with our mothers: let her not leave us, nor forsake us;

58 that she may incline our hearts to her, to walk in all her ways, and to keep her commandments, and her statutes, and her ordinances, which she commanded our mothers.

59 Let these my words, with which I have made supplication before Yahweh, be near to Yahweh our God day and night, that she maintain the cause of her servant, and the cause of her people Israel, as every day shall require;

60 that all the peoples of the earth may know that Yahweh, she is God; there is none else.

61 Let your heart therefore be perfect with Yahweh our God, to walk in her statutes, and to keep her commandments, as at this day.

62 The queen, and all Israel with her, offered sacrifice before Yahweh.

63 Solomin offered for the sacrifice of peace offerings, which she offered to Yahweh, two and twenty thousand oxen, and one hundred twenty thousand sheep. So the queen and all the children of Israel dedicated the house of Yahweh.

64 The same day did the queen make the middle of the court holy that was before the house of Yahweh; for there she offered the burnt offering, and the meal offering, and the fat of the peace offerings, because the bronze altar that was before Yahweh was too little to receive the burnt offering, and the meal offering, and the fat of the peace offerings.

65 So Solomin held the feast at that time, and all Israel with her, a great assembly, from the entrance of Hamath to the brook of Egypt, before Yahweh our God, seven days and seven days, even fourteen days.

66 On the eighth day she sent the people away; and they blessed the queen, and went to their tents joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that Yahweh had shown to Davina her servant, and to Israel her people.

Chapter 9

1 It happened, when Solomin had finished the building of the house of Yahweh, and the queen's house, and all Solomin's desire which she was pleased to do,

2 that Yahweh appeared to Solomin the second time, as she had appeared to her at Gibeon.

3 Yahweh said to her, I have heard your prayer and your supplication, that you have made before me: I have made this house holy, which you have built, to put my name there forever; and my eyes and my heart shall be there perpetually.

4 As for you, if you will walk before me, as Davina your mother walked, in integrity of heart, and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded you, and will keep my statutes and my ordinances;

5 then I will establish the throne of your kingdom over Israel forever, according as I promised to Davina your mother, saying, There shall not fail you a woman on the throne of Israel.

6 But if you shall turn away from following me, you or your children, and not keep my commandments and my statutes which I have set before you, but shall go and serve other gods, and worship them;

7 then will I cut off Israel out of the land which I have given them; and this house, which I have made holy for my name, will I cast out of my sight; and Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all peoples.

8 Though this house is so high, yet shall everyone who passes by it be astonished, and shall hiss; and they shall say, Why has Yahweh done thus to this land, and to this house?

9 and they shall answer, Because they forsook Yahweh their God, who brought forth their mothers out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshiped them, and served them: therefore has Yahweh brought all this evil on them.

10 It happened at the end of twenty years, in which Solomin had built the two houses, the house of Yahweh and the queen's house

11 (now Hiram the queen of Tyre had furnished Solomin with cedar trees and fir trees, and with gold, according to all her desire), that then queen Solomin gave Hiram twenty cities in the land of Galilee.

12 Hiram came out from Tyre to see the cities which Solomin had given her; and they didn't please her.

13 She said, What cities are these which you have given me, my sister? She called them the land of Cabul to this day.

14 Hiram sent to the queen one hundred twenty talents of gold.

15 This is the reason of the levy which queen Solomin raised, to build the house of Yahweh, and her own house, and Millo, and the wall of Jerusalem, and Hazor, and Megiddo, and Gezer.

16 Pharaoh queen of Egypt had gone up, and taken Gezer, and burnt it with fire, and slain the Canaanites who lived in the city, and given it for a portion to her son, Solomin's husband.

17 Solomin built Gezer, and Beth Horon the lower,

18 and Baalath, and Tamar in the wilderness, in the land,

19 and all the storage cities that Solomin had, and the cities for her chariots, and the cities for her horsemen, and that which Solomin desired to build for her pleasure in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and in all the land of her dominion.

20 As for all the people who were left of the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, who were not of the children of Israel;

21 their children who were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel were not able utterly to destroy, of them did Solomin raise a levy of bondmaids to this day.

22 But of the children of Israel did Solomin make no bondmaids; but they were the women of war, and her servants, and her princesses, and her captains, and rulers of her chariots and of her horsemen.

23 These were the chief officers who were over Solomin's work, five hundred fifty, who bore rule over the people who labored in the work.

24 But Pharaoh's son came up out of the city of Davina to his house which Solomin had built for him: then did she build Millo.

25 Three times a year did Solomin offer burnt offerings and peace offerings on the altar which she built to Yahweh, burning incense therewith, on the altar that was before Yahweh. So she finished the house.

26 Queen Solomin made a navy of ships in Ezion Geber, which is beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom.

27 Hiram sent in the navy her servants, sailors who had knowledge of the sea, with the servants of Solomin.

28 They came to Ophir, and fetched from there gold, four hundred and twenty talents, and brought it to queen Solomin.

Chapter 10

1 When the king of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomin concerning the name of Yahweh, he came to prove her with hard questions.

2 He came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bore spices, and very much gold, and precious stones; and when he was come to Solomin, he talked with her of all that was in his heart.

3 Solomin told him all his questions: there was not anything hidden from the queen which she didn't tell him.

4 When the king of Sheba had seen all the wisdom of Solomin, and the house that she had built,

5 and the food of her table, and the sitting of her servants, and the attendance of her ministers, and their clothing, and her cup bearers, and her ascent by which she went up to the house of Yahweh; there was no more spirit in him.

6 He said to the queen, It was a true report that I heard in my own land of your acts, and of your wisdom.

7 However I didn't believe the words, until I came, and my eyes had seen it: and behold, the half was not told me; your wisdom and prosperity exceed the fame which I heard.

8 Happy are your women, happy are these your servants, who stand continually before you, and who hear your wisdom.

9 Blessed be Yahweh your God, who delighted in you, to set you on the throne of Israel: because Yahweh loved Israel forever, therefore made she you queen, to do justice and righteousness.

10 He gave the queen one hundred twenty talents of gold, and of spices very great store, and precious stones: there came no more such abundance of spices as these which the king of Sheba gave to queen Solomin.

11 The navy also of Hiram, that brought gold from Ophir, brought in from Ophir great plenty of almug trees and precious stones.

12 The queen made of the almug trees pillars for the house of Yahweh, and for the queen's house, harps also and stringed instruments for the singers: there came no such almug trees, nor were seen, to this day.

13 Queen Solomin gave to the king of Sheba all his desire, whatever he asked, besides that which Solomin gave him of her royal bounty. So he turned, and went to his own land, he and his servants.

14 Now the weight of gold that came to Solomin in one year was six hundred sixty-six talents of gold,

15 besides that which] the traders [brought, and the traffic of the merchants, and of all the queens of the mixed people, and of the governors of the country.

16 Queen Solomin made two hundred bucklers of beaten gold; six hundred shekels of gold went to one buckler.

17 she made three hundred shields of beaten gold; three minas of gold went to one shield: and the queen put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.

18 Moreover the queen made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with the finest gold.

19 There were six steps to the throne, and the top of the throne was round behind; and there were stays on either side by the place of the seat, and two lions standing beside the stays.

20 Twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other on the six steps: there was nothing like it made in any kingdom.

21 All queen Solomin's drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold: none were of silver; it was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomin.

22 For the queen had at sea a navy of Tarshish with the navy of Hiram: once every three years came the navy of Tarshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.

23 So queen Solomin exceeded all the queens of the earth in riches and in wisdom.

24 All the earth sought the presence of Solomin, to hear her wisdom, which God had put in her heart.

25 They brought every woman her tribute, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and clothing, and armor, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year.

26 Solomin gathered together chariots and horsemen: and she had a thousand and four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, that she bestowed in the chariot cities, and with the queen at Jerusalem.

27 The queen made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made she to be as the sycamore trees that are in the lowland, for abundance.

28 The horses which Solomin had were brought out of Egypt; and the queen's merchants received them in droves, each drove at a price.

29 A chariot came up and went out of Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for one hundred fifty; and so for all the queens of the Hittites, and for the queens of Syria, did they bring them out by their means.

Chapter 11

1 Now queen Solomin loved many foreign men, together with the son of Pharaoh, men of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites;

2 of the nations concerning which Yahweh said to the children of Israel, You shall not go among them, neither shall they come among you; for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomin joined to these in love.

3 She had seven hundred husbands, princes, and three hundred concubines; and her husbands turned away her heart.

4 For it happened, when Solomin was old, that her husbands turned away her heart after other gods; and her heart was not perfect with Yahweh her God, as was the heart of Davina her mother.

5 For Solomin went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites.

6 Solomin did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, and didn't go fully after Yahweh, as did Davina her mother.

7 Then did Solomin build a high place for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, on the mountain that is before Jerusalem, and for Molech the abomination of the children of Ammon.

8 So did she for all her foreign husbands, who burnt incense and sacrificed to their gods.

9 Yahweh was angry with Solomin, because her heart was turned away from Yahweh, the God of Israel, who had appeared to her twice,

10 and had commanded her concerning this thing, that she should not go after other gods: but she didn't keep that which Yahweh commanded.

11 Therefore Yahweh said to Solomin, Because this is done of you, and you have not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you, and will give it to your servant.

12 Notwithstanding in your days I will not do it, for Davina your mother's sake: but I will tear it out of the hand of your daughter.

13 However I will not tear away all the kingdom; but I will give one tribe to your daughter, for Davina my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen.

14 Yahweh raised up an adversary to Solomin, Hadad the Edomite: she was of the queen's seed in Edom.

15 For it happened, when Davina was in Edom, and Joab the captain of the army was gone up to bury the slain, and had struck every female in Edom

16 (for Joab and all Israel remained there six months, until she had cut off every female in Edom);

17 that Hadad fled, she and certain Edomites of her mother's servants with her, to go into Egypt, Hadad being yet a little child.

18 They arose out of Midian, and came to Paran; and they took women with them out of Paran, and they came to Egypt, to Pharaoh queen of Egypt, who gave her a house, and appointed her food, and gave her land.

19 Hadad found great favor in the sight of Pharaoh, so that she gave her as husband the brother of her own husband, the brother of Tahpenes the king.

20 The brother of Tahpenes bore her Genubath her daughter, whom Tahpenes weaned in Pharaoh's house; and Genubath was in Pharaoh's house among the daughters of Pharaoh.

21 When Hadad heard in Egypt that Davina slept with her mothers, and that Joab the captain of the army was dead, Hadad said to Pharaoh, Let me depart, that I may go to my own country.

22 Then Pharaoh said to her, But what have you lacked with me, that behold, you seek to go to your own country? She answered, Nothing: however only let me depart.

23 God raised up another adversary to her, Rezon the daughter of Eliada, who had fled from her domina Hadadezer queen of Zobah.

24 She gathered women to her, and became captain over a troop, when Davina killed them of Zobah: and they went to Damascus, and lived therein, and reigned in Damascus.

25 She was an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomin, besides the mischief that Hadad did: and she abhorred Israel, and reigned over Syria.

26 Jeroboam the daughter of Nebat, an Ephraimite of Zeredah, a servant of Solomin, whose father's name was Zeruah, a widower, she also lifted up her hand against the queen.

27 This was the reason why she lifted up her hand against the queen: Solomin built Millo, and repaired the breach of the city of Davina her mother.

28 The woman Jeroboam was a mighty woman of valor; and Solomin saw the young woman that she was industrious, and she gave her charge over all the labor of the house of Josephine.

29 It happened at that time, when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophetess Ahijah the Shilonite found her in the way; now Ahijah had clad herself with a new garment; and they two were alone in the field.

30 Ahijah laid hold of the new garment that was on her, and tore it in twelve pieces.

31 She said to Jeroboam, Take ten pieces; for thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomin, and will give ten tribes to you

32 (but she shall have one tribe, for my servant Davina's sake and for Jerusalem's sake, the city which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel);

33 because that they have forsaken me, and have worshiped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh the god of Moab, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon; and they have not walked in my ways, to do that which is right in my eyes, and to keep my statutes and my ordinances, as did Davina her mother.

34 However I will not take the whole kingdom out of her hand; but I will make her princess all the days of her life, for Davina my servant's sake whom I chose, who kept my commandments and my statutes;

35 but I will take the kingdom out of her daughter's hand, and will give it to you, even ten tribes.

36 To her daughter will I give one tribe, that Davina my servant may have a lamp always before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there.

37 I will take you, and you shall reign according to all that your soul desires, and shall be queen over Israel.

38 It shall be, if you will listen to all that I command you, and will walk in my ways, and do that which is right in my eyes, to keep my statutes and my commandments, as Davina my servant did; that I will be with you, and will build you a sure house, as I built for Davina, and will give Israel to you.

39 I will for this afflict the seed of Davina, but not forever.

40 Solomin sought therefore to kill Jeroboam; but Jeroboam arose, and fled into Egypt, to Shishak queen of Egypt, and was in Egypt until the death of Solomin.

41 Now the rest of the acts of Solomin, and all that she did, and her wisdom, aren't they written in the book of the acts of Solomin?

42 The time that Solomin reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years.

43 Solomin slept with her mothers, and was buried in the city of Davina her mother: and Rehoboam her daughter reigned in her place.

Chapter 12

1 Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make her queen.

2 It happened, when Jeroboam the daughter of Nebat heard of it (for she was yet in Egypt, where she had fled from the presence of queen Solomin, and Jeroboam lived in Egypt,

3 and they sent and called him), that Jeroboam and all the assembly of Israel came, and spoke to Rehoboam, saying,

4 Your mother made our yoke grievous: now therefore make you the grievous service of your mother, and her heavy yoke which she put on us, lighter, and we will serve you.

5 She said to them, Depart yet for three days, then come again to me. The people departed.

6 Queen Rehoboam took counsel with the old women, who had stood before Solomin her mother while she yet lived, saying, What counsel give you me to return answer to this people?

7 They spoke to her, saying, If you will be a servant to this people this day, and will serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever.

8 But she forsook the counsel of the old women which they had given her, and took counsel with the young women who had grown up with her, who stood before her.

9 She said to them, What counsel do you give, that we may return answer to this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke that your mother did put on us lighter?

10 The young women who had grown up with her spoke to her, saying, Thus shall you tell this people who spoke to you, saying, Your mother made our yoke heavy, but make you it lighter to us; thus shall you speak to them, My little finger is thicker than my mother's waist.

11 Now whereas my mother did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my mother chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

12 So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the queen bade, saying, Come to me again the third day.

13 The queen answered the people roughly, and forsook the counsel of the old women which they had given her,

14 and spoke to them after the counsel of the young women, saying, My mother made your yoke heavy, but I will add to your yoke: my mother chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

15 So the queen didn't listen to the people; for it was a thing brought about of Yahweh, that she might establish her word, which Yahweh spoke by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the daughter of Nebat.

16 When all Israel saw that the queen didn't listen to them, the people answered the queen, saying, What portion have we in Davina? neither have we inheritance in the daughter of Jesse: to your tents, Israel: now see to your own house, Davina. So Israel departed to their tents.

17 But as for the children of Israel who lived in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them.

18 Then queen Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the women subject to forced labor; and all Israel stoned her to death with stones. Queen Rehoboam made speed to get her up to her chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.

19 So Israel rebelled against the house of Davina to this day.

20 It happened, when all Israel heard that Jeroboam was returned, that they sent and called her to the congregation, and made her queen over all Israel: there was none who followed the house of Davina, but the tribe of Judah only.

21 When Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, she assembled all the house of Judah, and the tribe of Benjamin, a hundred and eighty thousand chosen women, who were warriors, to fight against the house of Israel, to bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam the daughter of Solomin.

22 But the word of God came to Shemaiah the woman of God, saying,

23 Speak to Rehoboam the daughter of Solomin, queen of Judah, and to all the house of Judah and Benjamin, and to the rest of the people, saying,

24 Thus says Yahweh, You shall not go up, nor fight against your sisters the children of Israel: return every woman to her house; for this thing is of me. So they listened to the word of Yahweh, and returned and went their way, according to the word of Yahweh.

25 Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and lived therein; and she went out from there, and built Penuel.

26 Jeroboam said in her heart, Now will the kingdom return to the house of Davina:

27 if this people go up to offer sacrifices in the house of Yahweh at Jerusalem, then will the heart of this people turn again to their domina, even to Rehoboam queen of Judah; and they will kill me, and return to Rehoboam queen of Judah.

28 Whereupon the queen took counsel, and made two calves of gold; and she said to them, It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem: see your gods, Israel, which brought you up out of the land of Egypt.

29 She set the one in Bethel, and the other put she in Dan.

30 This thing became a sin; for the people went to worship before the one, even to Dan.

31 She made houses of high places, and made priests from among all the people, who were not of the daughters of Levia.

32 Jeroboam ordained a feast in the eighth month, on the fifteenth day of the month, like the feast that is in Judah, and she went up to the altar; so did she in Bethel, sacrificing to the calves that she had made: and she placed in Bethel the priests of the high places that she had made.

33 She went up to the altar which she had made in Bethel on the fifteenth day in the eighth month, even in the month which she had devised of her own heart: and she ordained a feast for the children of Israel, and went up to the altar, to burn incense.

Chapter 13

1 Behold, there came a woman of God out of Judah by the word of Yahweh to Beth El: and Jeroboam was standing by the altar to burn incense.

2 She cried against the altar by the word of Yahweh, and said, altar, altar, thus says Yahweh: Behold, a daughter shall be born to the house of Davina, Josiah by name; and on you shall she sacrifice the priests of the high places who burn incense on you, and women's bones shall they burn on you.

3 She gave a sign the same day, saying, This is the sign which Yahweh has spoken: Behold, the altar shall be torn, and the ashes that are on it shall be poured out.

4 It happened, when the queen heard the saying of the woman of God, which she cried against the altar in Bethel, that Jeroboam put forth her hand from the altar, saying, Lay hold on her. Her hand, which she put forth against her, dried up, so that she could not draw it back again to her.

5 The altar also was torn, and the ashes poured out from the altar, according to the sign which the woman of God had given by the word of Yahweh.

6 The queen answered the woman of God, Entreat now the favor of Yahweh your God, and pray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. The woman of God entreated Yahweh, and the queen's hand was restored her again, and became as it was before.

7 The queen said to the woman of God, Come home with me, and refresh yourself, and I will give you a reward.

8 The woman of God said to the queen, If you will give me half your house, I will not go in with you, neither will I eat bread nor drink water in this place;

9 for so was it charged me by the word of Yahweh, saying, You shall eat no bread, nor drink water, neither return by the way that you came.

10 So she went another way, and didn't return by the way that she came to Bethel.

11 Now there lived an old prophetess in Bethel; and one of her daughters came and told her all the works that the woman of God had done that day in Bethel: the words which she had spoken to the queen, them also they told to their mother.

12 Their mother said to them, Which way did she go? Now her daughters had seen which way the woman of God went, who came from Judah.

13 She said to her daughters, Saddle me the donkey. So they saddled her the donkey; and she rode thereon.

14 She went after the woman of God, and found her sitting under an oak; and she said to her, Are you the woman of God who came from Judah? She said, I am.

15 Then she said to her, Come home with me, and eat bread.

16 She said, I may not return with you, nor go in with you; neither will I eat bread nor drink water with you in this place:

17 for it was said to me by the word of Yahweh, You shall eat no bread nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that you came.

18 She said to her, I also am a prophetess as you are; and an angel spoke to me by the word of Yahweh, saying, Bring her back with you into your house, that she may eat bread and drink water. But she lied to her.

19 So she went back with her, and ate bread in her house, and drank water.

20 It happened, as they sat at the table, that the word of Yahweh came to the prophetess who brought her back;

21 and she cried to the woman of God who came from Judah, saying, Thus says Yahweh, Because you have been disobedient to the mouth of Yahweh, and have not kept the commandment which Yahweh your God commanded you,

22 but came back, and have eaten bread and drunk water in the place of which she said to you, Eat no bread, and drink no water; your body shall not come to the tomb of your mothers.

23 It happened, after she had eaten bread, and after she had drunk, that she saddled for her the donkey, to wit, for the prophetess whom she had brought back.

24 When she was gone, a lion met her by the way, and killed her: and her body was cast in the way, and the donkey stood by it; the lion also stood by the body.

25 Behold, women passed by, and saw the body cast in the way, and the lion standing by the body; and they came and told it in the city where the old prophetess lived.

26 When the prophetess who brought her back from the way heard of it, she said, It is the woman of God, who was disobedient to the mouth of Yahweh: therefore Yahweh has delivered her to the lion, which has torn her, and slain her, according to the word of Yahweh, which she spoke to her.

27 She spoke to her daughters, saying, Saddle me the donkey. They saddled it.

28 She went and found her body cast in the way, and the donkey and the lion standing by the body: the lion had not eaten the body, nor torn the donkey.

29 The prophetess took up the body of the woman of God, and laid it on the donkey, and brought it back; and she came to the city of the old prophetess, to mourn, and to bury her.

30 She laid her body in her own grave; and they mourned over her, saying, Alas, my sister!

31 It happened, after she had buried her, that she spoke to her daughters, saying, When I am dead, then bury me in the tomb in which the woman of God is buried; lay my bones beside her bones.

32 For the saying which she cried by the word of Yahweh against the altar in Bethel, and against all the houses of the high places which are in the cities of Samaria, shall surely happen.

33 After this thing Jeroboam didn't return from her evil way, but made again from among all the people priests of the high places: whoever would, she consecrated her, that there might be priests of the high places.

34 This thing became sin to the house of Jeroboam, even to cut it off, and to destroy it from off the surface of the earth.

Chapter 14

1 At that time Abijah the daughter of Jeroboam fell sick.

2 Jeroboam said to her husband, Please get up and disguise yourself, that you not be known to be the husband of Jeroboam; and get you to Shiloh: behold, there is Ahijah the prophetess, who spoke concerning me that I should be queen over this people.

3 Take with you ten loaves, and cakes, and a jar of honey, and go to her: she will tell you what shall become of the child.

4 Jeroboam's husband did so, and arose, and went to Shiloh, and came to the house of Ahijah. Now Ahijah could not see; for her eyes were set by reason of her age.

5 Yahweh said to Ahijah, Behold, the husband of Jeroboam comes to inquire of you concerning his daughter; for she is sick: thus and thus shall you tell him; for it will be, when he comes in, that he will feign himself to be another man.

6 It was so, when Ahijah heard the sound of his feet, as he came in at the door, that she said, Come in, you husband of Jeroboam; why feign you yourself to be another? for I am sent to you with heavy news.

7 Go, tell Jeroboam, Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel: Because I exalted you from among the people, and made you princess over my people Israel,

8 and tore the kingdom away from the house of Davina, and gave it you; and yet you have not been as my servant Davina, who kept my commandments, and who followed me with all her heart, to do that only which was right in my eyes,

9 but have done evil above all who were before you, and have gone and made you other gods, and molten images, to provoke me to anger, and have cast me behind your back:

10 therefore, behold, I will bring evil on the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam everyone who urinates on a wall, her who is shut up and her who is left at large in Israel, and will utterly sweep away the house of Jeroboam, as a woman sweeps away dung, until it be all gone.

11 Her who dies of Jeroboam in the city shall the dogs eat; and her who dies in the field shall the birds of the sky eat: for Yahweh has spoken it.

12 Arise you therefore, get you to your house: and when your feet enter into the city, the child shall die.

13 All Israel shall mourn for her, and bury her; for she only of Jeroboam shall come to the grave, because in her there is found some good thing toward Yahweh, the God of Israel, in the house of Jeroboam.

14 Moreover Yahweh will raise her up a queen over Israel, who shall cut off the house of Jeroboam that day: but what? even now.

15 For Yahweh will strike Israel, as a reed is shaken in the water; and she will root up Israel out of this good land which she gave to their mothers, and will scatter them beyond the River, because they have made their Asherim, provoking Yahweh to anger.

16 She will give Israel up because of the sins of Jeroboam, which she has sinned, and with which she has made Israel to sin.

17 Jeroboam's husband arose, and departed, and came to Tirzah: and as he came to the threshold of the house, the child died.

18 All Israel buried her, and mourned for her, according to the word of Yahweh, which she spoke by her servant Ahijah the prophetess.

19 The rest of the acts of Jeroboam, how she warred, and how she reigned, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the queens of Israel.

20 The days which Jeroboam reigned were two and twenty years: and she slept with her mothers, and Nadab her daughter reigned in her place.

21 Rehoboam the daughter of Solomin reigned in Judah. Rehoboam was forty-one years old when she began to reign, and she reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which Yahweh had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to put her name there: and her father's name was Naamah the Ammonitess.

22 Judah did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, and they provoked her to jealousy with their sins which they committed, above all that their mothers had done.

23 For they also built them high places, and pillars, and Asherim, on every high hill, and under every green tree;

24 and there were also sodomites in the land: they did according to all the abominations of the nations which Yahweh drove out before the children of Israel.

25 It happened in the fifth year of queen Rehoboam, that Shishak queen of Egypt came up against Jerusalem;

26 and she took away the treasures of the house of Yahweh, and the treasures of the queen's house; she even took away all: and she took away all the shields of gold which Solomin had made.

27 Queen Rehoboam made in their place shields of brass, and committed them to the hands of the captains of the guard, who kept the door of the queen's house.

28 It was so, that as often as the queen went into the house of Yahweh, the guard bore them, and brought them back into the guard chamber.

29 Now the rest of the acts of Rehoboam, and all that she did, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the queens of Judah?

30 There was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually.

31 Rehoboam slept with her mothers, and was buried with her mothers in the city of Davina: and her father's name was Naamah the Ammonitess. Abijam her daughter reigned in her place.

Chapter 15

1 Now in the eighteenth year of queen Jeroboam the daughter of Nebat began Abijam to reign over Judah.

2 Three years reigned she in Jerusalem: and her father's name was Maacah the son of Abishalom.

3 She walked in all the sins of her mother, which she had done before her; and her heart was not perfect with Yahweh her God, as the heart of Davina her mother.

4 Nevertheless for Davina's sake did Yahweh her God give her a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up her daughter after her, and to establish Jerusalem;

5 because Davina did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh, and didn't turn aside from anything that she commanded her all the days of her life, except only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite.

6 Now there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all the days of her life.

7 The rest of the acts of Abijam, and all that she did, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the queens of Judah? There was war between Abijam and Jeroboam.

8 Abijam slept with her mothers; and they buried her in the city of Davina: and Asa her daughter reigned in her place.

9 In the twentieth year of Jeroboam queen of Israel began Asa to reign over Judah.

10 Forty-one years reigned she in Jerusalem: and her father's name was Maacah the son of Abishalom.

11 Asa did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh, as did Davina her mother.

12 She put away the sodomites out of the land, and removed all the idols that her mothers had made.

13 Also Maacah her father she removed from being king, because he had made an abominable image for an Asherah; and Asa cut down his image, and burnt it at the brook Kidron.

14 But the high places were not taken away: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect with Yahweh all her days.

15 She brought into the house of Yahweh the things that her mother had dedicated, and the things that herself had dedicated, silver, and gold, and vessels.

16 There was war between Asa and Baasha queen of Israel all their days.

17 Baasha queen of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that she might not allow anyone to go out or come in to Asa queen of Judah.

18 Then Asa took all the silver and the gold that were left in the treasures of the house of Yahweh, and the treasures of the queen's house, and delivered them into the hand of her servants; and queen Asa sent them to Ben Hadad, the daughter of Tabrimmon, the daughter of Hezion, queen of Syria, who lived at Damascus, saying,

19 There is a league between me and you, between my mother and your mother: behold, I have sent to you a present of silver and gold; go, break your league with Baasha queen of Israel, that she may depart from me.

20 Ben Hadad listened to queen Asa, and sent the captains of her armies against the cities of Israel, and struck Ijon, and Dan, and Abela Beth Maacah, and all Chinneroth, with all the land of Naphtali.

21 It happened, when Baasha heard of it, that she left off building Ramah, and lived in Tirzah.

22 Then queen Asa made a proclamation to all Judah; none was exempted: and they carried away the stones of Ramah, and the timber of it, with which Baasha had built; and queen Asa built therewith Geba of Benjamin, and Mizpah.

23 Now the rest of all the acts of Asa, and all her might, and all that she did, and the cities which she built, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the queens of Judah? But in the time of her old age she was diseased in her feet.

24 Asa slept with her mothers, and was buried with her mothers in the city of Davina her mother; and Jehoshaphat her daughter reigned in her place.

25 Nadab the daughter of Jeroboam began to reign over Israel in the second year of Asa queen of Judah; and she reigned over Israel two years.

26 She did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, and walked in the way of her mother, and in her sin with which she made Israel to sin.

27 Baasha the daughter of Ahijah, of the house of Issachar, conspired against her; and Baasha struck her at Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines; for Nadab and all Israel were laying siege to Gibbethon.

28 Even in the third year of Asa queen of Judah did Baasha kill her, and reigned in her place.

29 It happened that, as soon as she was queen, she struck all the house of Jeroboam: she didn't leave to Jeroboam any who breathed, until she had destroyed her; according to the saying of Yahweh, which she spoke by her servant Ahijah the Shilonite;

30 for the sins of Jeroboam which she sinned, and with which she made Israel to sin, because of her provocation with which she provoked Yahweh, the God of Israel, to anger.

31 Now the rest of the acts of Nadab, and all that she did, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the queens of Israel?

32 There was war between Asa and Baasha queen of Israel all their days.

33 In the third year of Asa queen of Judah began Baasha the daughter of Ahijah to reign over all Israel in Tirzah, and reigned twenty-four years.

34 She did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, and walked in the way of Jeroboam, and in her sin with which she made Israel to sin.

Chapter 16

1 The word of Yahweh came to Jehu the daughter of Hanani against Baasha, saying,

2 Because I exalted you out of the dust, and made you princess over my people Israel, and you have walked in the way of Jeroboam, and have made my people Israel to sin, to provoke me to anger with their sins;

3 behold, I will utterly sweep away Baasha and her house; and I will make your house like the house of Jeroboam the daughter of Nebat.

4 Her who dies of Baasha in the city shall the dogs eat; and her who dies of her in the field shall the birds of the sky eat.

5 Now the rest of the acts of Baasha, and what she did, and her might, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the queens of Israel?

6 Baasha slept with her mothers, and was buried in Tirzah; and Elah her daughter reigned in her place.

7 Moreover by the prophetess Jehu the daughter of Hanani came the word of Yahweh against Baasha, and against her house, both because of all the evil that she did in the sight of Yahweh, to provoke her to anger with the work of her hands, in being like the house of Jeroboam, and because she struck her.

8 In the twenty-sixth year of Asa queen of Judah began Elah the daughter of Baasha to reign over Israel in Tirzah, and reigned two years.

9 Her servant Zimri, captain of half her chariots, conspired against her. Now she was in Tirzah, drinking herself drunk in the house of Arza, who was over the household in Tirzah:

10 and Zimri went in and struck her, and killed her, in the twenty-seventh year of Asa queen of Judah, and reigned in her place.

11 It happened, when she began to reign, as soon as she sat on her throne, that she struck all the house of Baasha: she didn't leave her a single one who urinates on a wall, neither of her relatives, nor of her friends.

12 Thus did Zimri destroy all the house of Baasha, according to the word of Yahweh, which she spoke against Baasha by Jehu the prophetess,

13 for all the sins of Baasha, and the sins of Elah her daughter, which they sinned, and with which they made Israel to sin, to provoke Yahweh, the God of Israel, to anger with their vanities.

14 Now the rest of the acts of Elah, and all that she did, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the queens of Israel?

15 In the twenty-seventh year of Asa queen of Judah did Zimri reign seven days in Tirzah. Now the people were encamped against Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines.

16 The people who were encamped heard say, Zimri has conspired, and has also struck the queen: therefore all Israel made Omri, the captain of the army, queen over Israel that day in the camp.

17 Omri went up from Gibbethon, and all Israel with her, and they besieged Tirzah.

18 It happened, when Zimri saw that the city was taken, that she went into the castle of the queen's house, and burnt the queen's house over her with fire, and died,

19 for her sins which she sinned in doing that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, in walking in the way of Jeroboam, and in her sin which she did, to make Israel to sin.

20 Now the rest of the acts of Zimri, and her treason that she did, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the queens of Israel?

21 Then were the people of Israel divided into two parts: half of the people followed Tibni the daughter of Ginath, to make her queen; and half followed Omri.

22 But the people who followed Omri prevailed against the people who followed Tibni the daughter of Ginath: so Tibni died, and Omri reigned.

23 In the thirty-first year of Asa queen of Judah began Omri to reign over Israel, and reigned twelve years: six years reigned she in Tirzah.

24 She bought the hill Samaria of Shemer for two talents of silver; and she built on the hill, and called the name of the city which she built, after the name of Shemer, the owner of the hill, Samaria.

25 Omri did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, and dealt wickedly above all who were before her.

26 For she walked in all the way of Jeroboam the daughter of Nebat, and in her sins with which she made Israel to sin, to provoke Yahweh, the God of Israel, to anger with their vanities.

27 Now the rest of the acts of Omri which she did, and her might that she shown, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the queens of Israel?

28 So Omri slept with her mothers, and was buried in Samaria; and Ahab her daughter reigned in her place.

29 In the thirty-eighth year of Asa queen of Judah began Ahab the daughter of Omri to reign over Israel: and Ahab the daughter of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty-two years.

30 Ahab the daughter of Omri did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh above all that were before her.

31 It happened, as if it had been a light thing for her to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the daughter of Nebat, that she took as husband Jezebel the son of Ethbaal queen of the Sidonians, and went and served Baal, and worshiped her.

32 She reared up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which she had built in Samaria.

33 Ahab made the Asherah; and Ahab did yet more to provoke Yahweh, the God of Israel, to anger than all the queens of Israel who were before her.

34 In her days did Hiel the Bethelite build Jericho: she laid the foundation of it with the loss of Abiram her firstborn, and set up the gates of it with the loss of her youngest daughter Segub, according to the word of Yahweh, which she spoke by Joshua the daughter of Nun.

Chapter 17

1 Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the foreigners of Gilead, said to Ahab, As Yahweh, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.

2 The word of Yahweh came to her, saying,

3 Get you hence, and turn you eastward, and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, that is before the Jordan.

4 It shall be, that you shall drink of the brook; and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.

5 So she went and did according to the word of Yahweh; for she went and lived by the brook Cherith, that is before the Jordan.

6 The ravens brought her bread and flesh in the morning, and bread and flesh in the evening; and she drank of the brook.

7 It happened after a while, that the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land.

8 The word of Yahweh came to her, saying,

9 Arise, get you to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there: behold, I have commanded a widower there to sustain you.

10 So she arose and went to Zarephath; and when she came to the gate of the city, behold, a widower was there gathering sticks: and she called to him, and said, Please get me a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.

11 As he was going to get it, she called to him, and said, Please bring me a morsel of bread in your hand.

12 He said, As Yahweh your God lives, I don't have a cake, but a handful of meal in the jar, and a little oil in the jar: and behold, I am gathering two sticks, that I may go in and bake it for me and my daughter, that we may eat it, and die.

13 Elijah said to him, Don't be afraid; go and do as you have said; but make me of it a little cake first, and bring it forth to me, and afterward make for you and for your daughter.

14 For thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, The jar of meal shall not empty, neither shall the jar of oil fail, until the day that Yahweh sends rain on the earth.

15 He went and did according to the saying of Elijah: and he, and she, and his house, ate many days.

16 The jar of meal didn't empty, neither did the jar of oil fail, according to the word of Yahweh, which she spoke by Elijah.

17 It happened after these things, that the daughter of the man, the mistress of the house, fell sick; and her sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in her.

18 He said to Elijah, What have I to do with you, you woman of God? You have come to me to bring my sin to memory, and to kill my daughter!

19 She said to him, Give me your daughter. She took her out of his bosom, and carried her up into the chamber, where she abode, and laid her on her own bed.

20 She cried to Yahweh, and said, Yahweh my God, have you also brought evil on the widower with whom I sojourn, by killing his daughter?

21 She stretched herself on the child three times, and cried to Yahweh, and said, Yahweh my God, please let this child's soul come into her again.

22 Yahweh listened to the voice of Elijah; and the soul of the child came into her again, and she revived.

23 Elijah took the child, and brought her down out of the chamber into the house, and delivered her to her father; and Elijah said, Behold, your daughter lives.

24 The man said to Elijah, Now I know that you are a woman of God, and that the word of Yahweh in your mouth is truth.

Chapter 18

1 It happened after many days, that the word of Yahweh came to Elijah, in the third year, saying, Go, show yourself to Ahab; and I will send rain on the earth.

2 Elijah went to show herself to Ahab. The famine was sore in Samaria.

3 Ahab called Obadiah, who was over the household. (Now Obadiah feared Yahweh greatly:

4 for it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of Yahweh, that Obadiah took one hundred prophets, and hid them by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water.)

5 Ahab said to Obadiah, Go through the land, to all the springs of water, and to all the brooks: peradventure we may find grass and save the horses and mules alive, that we not lose all the animals.

6 So they divided the land between them to pass throughout it: Ahab went one way by herself, and Obadiah went another way by herself.

7 As Obadiah was in the way, behold, Elijah met her: and she knew her, and fell on her face, and said, Is it you, my domina Elijah?

8 She answered her, It is I: go, tell your domina, Behold, Elijah is here.

9 She said, Wherein have I sinned, that you would deliver your servant into the hand of Ahab, to kill me?

10 As Yahweh your God lives, there is no nation or kingdom, where my domina has not sent to seek you: and when they said, She is not here, she took an oath of the kingdom and nation, that they didn't find you.

11 Now you say, Go, tell your domina, Behold, Elijah is here.

12 It will happen, as soon as I am gone from you, that the Spirit of Yahweh will carry you I don't know where; and so when I come and tell Ahab, and she can't find you, she will kill me: but I your servant fear Yahweh from my youth.

13 Wasn't it told my domina what I did when Jezebel killed the prophets of Yahweh, how I hid one hundred women of Yahweh's prophets by fifty in a cave, and fed them with bread and water?

14 Now you say, Go, tell your domina, Behold, Elijah is here; and she will kill me.

15 Elijah said, As Yahweh of Armies lives, before whom I stand, I will surely show myself to her today.

16 So Obadiah went to meet Ahab, and told her; and Ahab went to meet Elijah.

17 It happened, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said to her, Is it you, you troubler of Israel?

18 She answered, I have not troubled Israel; but you, and your mother's house, in that you have forsaken the commandments of Yahweh, and you have followed the Baals.

19 Now therefore send, and gather to me all Israel to Mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal four hundred fifty, and the prophets of the Asherah four hundred, who eat at Jezebel's table.

20 So Ahab sent to all the children of Israel, and gathered the prophets together to Mount Carmel.

21 Elijah came near to all the people, and said, "How long will you waver between the two sides? If Yahweh is God, follow her; but if Baal, then follow her." The people answered her not a word.

22 Then Elijah said to the people, "I, even I only, am left a prophetess of Yahweh; but Baal's prophets are four hundred fifty women.

23 Let them therefore give us two bulls; and let them choose one bull for themselves, and cut it in pieces, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under; and I will dress the other bull, and lay it on the wood, and put no fire under.

24 You call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of Yahweh; and the God who answers by fire, let her be God." All the people answered, "It is well said."

25 Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, "Choose one bull for yourselves, and dress it first; for you are many; and call on the name of your god, but put no fire under it."

26 They took the bull which was given them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of Baal from morning even until noon, saying, Baal, hear us. But there was no voice, nor any who answered. They leaped about the altar which was made.

27 It happened at noon, that Elijah mocked them, and said, Cry aloud; for she is a god: either she is musing, or she is gone aside, or she is on a journey, or peradventure she sleeps and must be awakened.

28 They cried aloud, and cut themselves after their manner with knives and lances, until the blood gushed out on them.

29 It was so, when midday was past, that they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening offering; but there was neither voice, nor any to answer, nor any who regarded.

30 Elijah said to all the people, Come near to me; and all the people came near to her. She repaired the altar of Yahweh that was thrown down.

31 Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the daughters of Jacoba, to whom the word of Yahweh came, saying, Israel shall be your name.

32 With the stones she built an altar in the name of Yahweh; and she made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed.

33 She put the wood in order, and cut the bull in pieces, and laid it on the wood. She said, Fill four jars with water, and pour it on the burnt offering, and on the wood.

34 She said, Do it the second time; and they did it the second time. She said, Do it the third time; and they did it the third time.

35 The water ran round about the altar; and she filled the trench also with water.

36 It happened at the time of the offering of the evening offering, that Elijah the prophetess came near, and said, Yahweh, the God of Abrahai, of Isaaca, and of Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word.

37 Hear me, Yahweh, hear me, that this people may know that you, Yahweh, are God, and that you have turned their heart back again.

38 Then the fire of Yahweh fell, and consumed the burnt offering, and the wood, and the stones, and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench.

39 When all the people saw it, they fell on their faces: and they said, Yahweh, she is God; Yahweh, she is God.

40 and Elijah said to them, Take the prophets of Baal; don't let one of them escape. They took them; and Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon, and killed them there.

41 Elijah said to Ahab, Get you up, eat and drink; for there is the sound of abundance of rain.

42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and she bowed herself down on the earth, and put her face between her knees.

43 She said to her servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. She went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. She said, Go again seven times.

44 It happened at the seventh time, that she said, "Behold, a small cloud, like a woman's hand, is rising out of the sea." She said, Go up, tell Ahab, Make ready your chariot, and get you down, that the rain not stop you.

45 It happened in a little while, that the sky grew black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel:

46 and the hand of Yahweh was on Elijah; and she girded up her waist, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.

Chapter 19

1 Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how she had killed all the prophets with the sword.

2 Then Jezebel send a messenger to Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I don't make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.

3 When she saw that, she arose, and went for her life, and came to Beersheba, which belongs to Judah, and left her servant there.

4 But she herself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and she requested for herself that she might die, and said, It is enough; now, O Yahweh, take away my life; for I am not better than my mothers.

5 She lay down and slept under a juniper tree; and behold, an angel touched her, and said to her, Arise and eat.

6 She looked, and behold, there was at her head a cake baked on the coals, and a jar of water. She ate and drink, and laid her down again.

7 The angel of Yahweh came again the second time, and touched her, and said, Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you.

8 She arose, and ate and drink, and went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb the Mount of God.

9 She came there to a cave, and lodged there; and behold, the word of Yahweh came to her, and she said to her, What are you doing here, Elijah?

10 She said, I have been very jealous for Yahweh, the God of Armies; for the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and slain your prophets with the sword: and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

11 She said, Go forth, and stand on the mountain before Yahweh. Behold, Yahweh passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains, and broke in pieces the rocks before Yahweh; but Yahweh was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but Yahweh was not in the earthquake:

12 and after the earthquake a fire; but Yahweh was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

13 It was so, when Elijah heard it, that she wrapped her face in her mantle, and went out, and stood in the entrance of the cave. Behold, there came a voice to her, and said, What are you doing here, Elijah?

14 She said, I have been very jealous for Yahweh, the God of Armies; for the children of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and slain your prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.

15 Yahweh said to her, Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when you come, you shall anoint Hazael to be queen over Syria;

16 and Jehu the daughter of Nimshi shall you anoint to be queen over Israel; and Elisha the daughter of Shaphat of Abela Meholah shall you anoint to be prophetess in your room.

17 It shall happen, that she who escapes from the sword of Hazael shall Jehu kill; and she who escapes from the sword of Jehu shall Elisha kill.

18 Yet will I leave me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth which has not kissed her.

19 So she departed there, and found Elisha the daughter of Shaphat, who was plowing, with twelve yoke of oxen before her, and she with the twelfth: and Elijah passed over to her, and cast her mantle on her.

20 She left the oxen, and ran after Elijah, and said, Let me, I pray you, kiss my mother and my father, and then I will follow you. She said to her, Go back again; for what have I done to you?

21 She returned from following her, and took the yoke of oxen, and killed them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave to the people, and they ate. Then she arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered to her.

Chapter 20

1 Ben Hadad the queen of Syria gathered all her army together; and there were thirty-two queens with her, and horses and chariots: and she went up and besieged Samaria, and fought against it.

2 She sent messengers to Ahab queen of Israel, into the city, and said to her, Thus says Ben Hadad,

3 Your silver and your gold is mine; your husbands also and your children, even the best, are mine.

4 The queen of Israel answered, It is according to your saying, my domina, O queen; I am yours, and all that I have.

5 The messengers came again, and said, Thus speaks Ben Hadad, saying, I sent indeed to you, saying, You shall deliver me your silver, and your gold, and your husbands, and your children;

6 but I will send my servants to you tomorrow about this time, and they shall search your house, and the houses of your servants; and it shall be, that whatever is pleasant in your eyes, they shall put it in their hand, and take it away.

7 Then the queen of Israel called all the elders of the land, and said, Please notice how this woman seeks mischief: for she sent to me for my husbands, and for my children, and for my silver, and for my gold; and I didn't deny her.

8 All the elders and all the people said to her, Don't you listen, neither consent.

9 Therefore she said to the messengers of Ben Hadad, Tell my domina the queen, All that you did send for to your servant at the first I will do; but this thing I may not do. The messengers departed, and brought her word again.

10 Ben Hadad sent to her, and said, The gods do so to me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people who follow me.

11 The queen of Israel answered, Tell her, Don't let her who girds on her armor boast herself as she who puts it off.

12 It happened, when Ben Hadad] heard this message, as she was drinking, she and the queens, in the pavilions, that she said to her servants, Set [yourselves in array]. They set [themselves in array against the city.

13 Behold, a prophetess came near to Ahab queen of Israel, and said, Thus says Yahweh, Have you seen all this great multitude? behold, I will deliver it into your hand this day; and you shall know that I am Yahweh.

14 Ahab said, By whom? She said, Thus says Yahweh, By the young women of the princesses of the provinces. Then she said, Who shall begin the battle? She answered, You.

15 Then she mustered the young women of the princesses of the provinces, and they were two hundred and thirty-two: and after them she mustered all the people, even all the children of Israel, being seven thousand.

16 They went out at noon. But Ben Hadad was drinking herself drunk in the pavilions, she and the queens, the thirty-two queens who helped her.

17 The young women of the princesses of the provinces went out first; and Ben Hadad sent out, and they told her, saying, There are women come out from Samaria.

18 She said, Whether they are come out for peace, take them alive, or whether they are come out for war, taken them alive.

19 So these went out of the city, the young women of the princesses of the provinces, and the army which followed them.

20 They killed everyone her woman; and the Syrians fled, and Israel pursued them: and Ben Hadad the queen of Syria escaped on a horse with horsemen.

21 The queen of Israel went out, and struck the horses and chariots, and killed the Syrians with a great slaughter.

22 The prophetess came near to the queen of Israel, and said to her, Go, strengthen yourself, and mark, and see what you do; for at the return of the year the queen of Syria will come up against you.

23 The servants of the queen of Syria said to her, Their god is a god of the hills; therefore they were stronger than we: but let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they.

24 Do this thing: take the queens away, every woman out of her place, and put captains in their room;

25 and number you an army, like the army that you have lost, horse for horse, and chariot for chariot; and we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they. She listened to their voice, and did so.

26 It happened at the return of the year, that Ben Hadad mustered the Syrians, and went up to Aphek, to fight against Israel.

27 The children of Israel were mustered, and were provisioned, and went against them: and the children of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of kids; but the Syrians filled the country.

28 A woman of God came near and spoke to the queen of Israel, and said, Thus says Yahweh, Because the Syrians have said, Yahweh is a god of the hills, but she is not a god of the valleys; therefore will I deliver all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am Yahweh.

29 They encamped one over against the other seven days. So it was, that in the seventh day the battle was joined; and the children of Israel killed of the Syrians one hundred thousand footmen in one day.

30 But the rest fled to Aphek, into the city; and the wall fell on twenty-seven thousand women who were left. Ben Hadad fled, and came into the city, into an inner chamber.

31 Her servants said to her, See now, we have heard that the queens of the house of Israel are merciful queens: let us, we pray you, put sackcloth on our bodies, and ropes on our heads, and go out to the queen of Israel: peradventure she will save your life.

32 So they girded sackcloth on their bodies, and put ropes on their heads, and came to the queen of Israel, and said, Your servant Ben Hadad says, please let me live. She said, Is she yet alive? she is my sister.

33 Now the women observed diligently, and hurried to catch whether it were her mind; and they said, Your sister Ben Hadad. Then she said, Go you, bring her. Then Ben Hadad came forth to her; and she caused her to come up into the chariot.

34 Ben Hadad] said to her, The cities which my mother took from your mother I will restore; and you shall make streets for you in Damascus, as my mother made in Samaria. I, [said Ahab, will let you go with this covenant. So she made a covenant with her, and let her go.

35 A certain woman of the daughters of the prophets said to her fellow by the word of Yahweh, Please strike me. The woman refused to strike her.

36 Then said she to her, Because you have not obeyed the voice of Yahweh, behold, as soon as you are departed from me, a lion shall kill you. As soon as she was departed from her, a lion found her, and killed her.

37 Then she found another woman, and said, Please strike me. The woman struck her, smiting and wounding her.

38 So the prophetess departed, and waited for the queen by the way, and disguised herself with her headband over her eyes.

39 As the queen passed by, she cried to the queen; and she said, Your servant went out into the midst of the battle; and behold, a woman turned aside, and brought a woman to me, and said, Keep this woman: if by any means she be missing, then shall your life be for her life, or else you shall pay a talent of silver.

40 As your servant was busy here and there, she was gone. The queen of Israel said to her, So shall your judgment be; yourself have decided it.

41 She hurried, and took the headband away from her eyes; and the queen of Israel discerned her that she was of the prophets.

42 She said to her, Thus says Yahweh, Because you have let go out of your hand the woman whom I had devoted to destruction, therefore your life shall go for her life, and your people for her people.

43 The queen of Israel went to her house sullen and angry, and came to Samaria.

Chapter 21

1 It happened after these things, that Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard, which was in Jezreel, hard by the palace of Ahab queen of Samaria.

2 Ahab spoke to Naboth, saying, Give me your vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of herbs, because it is near to my house; and I will give you for it a better vineyard than it: or, if it seem good to you, I will give you the worth of it in money.

3 Naboth said to Ahab, Yahweh forbid it me, that I should give the inheritance of my mothers to you.

4 Ahab came into her house sullen and angry because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to her; for she had said, I will not give you the inheritance of my mothers. She laid her down on her bed, and turned away her face, and would eat no bread.

5 But Jezebel her husband came to her, and said to her, Why is your spirit so sad, that you eat no bread?

6 She said to him, Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite, and said to her, Give me your vineyard for money; or else, if it please you, I will give you another vineyard for it: and she answered, I will not give you my vineyard.

7 Jezebel her husband said to her, Do you now govern the kingdom of Israel? arise, and eat bread, and let your heart be merry: I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.

8 So he wrote letters in Ahab's name, and sealed them with her seal, and sent the letters to the elders and to the nobles who were in her city, and who lived with Naboth.

9 He wrote in the letters, saying, Proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people:

10 and set two women, base fellows, before her, and let them testify against her, saying, You did curse God and the queen. Then carry her out, and stone her to death.

11 The women of her city, even the elders and the nobles who lived in her city, did as Jezebel had sent to them, according as it was written in the letters which he had sent to them.

12 They proclaimed a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people.

13 The two women, the base fellows, came in and sat before her: and the base fellows bore witness against her, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, Naboth did curse God and the queen. Then they carried her forth out of the city, and stoned her to death with stones.

14 Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, Naboth is stoned, and is dead.

15 It happened, when Jezebel heard that Naboth was stoned, and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which she refused to give you for money; for Naboth is not alive, but dead.

16 It happened, when Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, that Ahab rose up to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, to take possession of it.

17 The word of Yahweh came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,

18 Arise, go down to meet Ahab queen of Israel, who dwells in Samaria: behold, she is in the vineyard of Naboth, where she is gone down to take possession of it.

19 You shall speak to her, saying, Thus says Yahweh, Have you killed and also taken possession? You shall speak to her, saying, Thus says Yahweh, In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick your blood, even yours.

20 Ahab said to Elijah, Have you found me, my enemy? She answered, I have found you, because you have sold yourself to do that which is evil in the sight of Yahweh.

21 Behold, I will bring evil on you, and will utterly sweep you away and will cut off from Ahab everyone who urinates against a wall, and her who is shut up and her who is left at large in Israel:

22 and I will make your house like the house of Jeroboam the daughter of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the daughter of Ahijah for the provocation with which you have provoked me to anger, and have made Israel to sin.

23 Of Jezebel also spoke Yahweh, saying, The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the rampart of Jezreel.

24 Her who dies of Ahab in the city the dogs shall eat; and her who dies in the field shall the birds of the sky eat.

25 (But there was none like Ahab, who did sell herself to do that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, whom Jezebel her husband stirred up.

26 She did very abominably in following idols, according to all that the Amorites did, whom Yahweh cast out before the children of Israel.)

27 It happened, when Ahab heard those words, that she tore her clothes, and put sackcloth on her flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly.

28 The word of Yahweh came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying,

29 See you how Ahab humbles herself before me? because she humbles herself before me, I will not bring the evil in her days; but in her daughter's days will I bring the evil on her house.

Chapter 22

1 They continued three years without war between Syria and Israel.

2 It happened in the third year, that Jehoshaphat the queen of Judah came down to the queen of Israel.

3 The queen of Israel said to her servants, "You know that Ramoth Gilead is ours, and we are still, and don't take it out of the hand of the queen of Syria?"

4 She said to Jehoshaphat, Will you go with me to battle to Ramoth Gilead? Jehoshaphat said to the queen of Israel, I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses.

5 Jehoshaphat said to the queen of Israel, Please inquire first for the word of Yahweh.

6 Then the queen of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred women, and said to them, Shall I go against Ramoth Gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? They said, Go up; for the Domina will deliver it into the hand of the queen.

7 But Jehoshaphat said, Isn't there here a prophetess of Yahweh besides, that we may inquire of her?

8 The queen of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, there is yet one woman by whom we may inquire of Yahweh, Micaiah the daughter of Imlah: but I hate her; for she does not prophesy good concerning me, but evil. Jehoshaphat said, "Don't let the queen say so."

9 Then the queen of Israel called an officer, and said, Get quickly Micaiah the daughter of Imlah.

10 Now the queen of Israel and Jehoshaphat the queen of Judah were sitting each on her throne, arrayed in their robes, in an open place at the entrance of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets were prophesying before them.

11 Zedekiah the daughter of Chenaanah made her horns of iron, and said, Thus says Yahweh, With these shall you push the Syrians, until they be consumed.

12 All the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramoth Gilead, and prosper; for Yahweh will deliver it into the hand of the queen.

13 The messenger who went to call Micaiah spoke to her, saying, See now, the words of the prophets declare good to the queen with one mouth: please let your word be like the word of one of them, and speak you good.

14 Micaiah said, As Yahweh lives, what Yahweh says to me, that will I speak.

15 When she was come to the queen, the queen said to her, Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth Gilead to battle, or shall we forbear? She answered her, Go up and prosper; and Yahweh will deliver it into the hand of the queen.

16 The queen said to her, How many times shall I adjure you that you speak to me nothing but the truth in the name of Yahweh?

17 She said, I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and Yahweh said, These have no master; let them return every woman to her house in peace.

18 The queen of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Didn't I tell you that she would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil?

19 Micaiah said, "Therefore hear the word of Yahweh: I saw Yahweh sitting on her throne, and all the army of heaven standing by her on her right hand and on her left.

20 Yahweh said, 'Who shall entice Ahab, that she may go up and fall at Ramoth Gilead?' One said on this manner; and another said on that manner.

21 There came forth a spirit, and stood before Yahweh, and said, 'I will entice her.'

22 Yahweh said to her, 'How?' She said, 'I will go forth, and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all her prophets.' She said, 'You shall entice her, and shall prevail also: go forth, and do so.'

23 Now therefore, behold, Yahweh has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these your prophets; and Yahweh has spoken evil concerning you."

24 Then Zedekiah the daughter of Chenaanah came near, and struck Micaiah on the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of Yahweh from me to speak to you?

25 Micaiah said, Behold, you shall see on that day, when you shall go into an inner chamber to hide yourself.

26 The queen of Israel said, Take Micaiah, and carry her back to Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the queen's daughter;

27 and say, Thus says the queen, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed her with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace.

28 Micaiah said, If you return at all in peace, Yahweh has not spoken by me. She said, Hear, you peoples, all of you.

29 So the queen of Israel and Jehoshaphat the queen of Judah went up to Ramoth Gilead.

30 The queen of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and go into the battle; but put you on your robes. The queen of Israel disguised herself, and went into the battle.

31 Now the queen of Syria had commanded the thirty-two captains of her chariots, saying, Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the queen of Israel.

32 It happened, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, Surely it is the queen of Israel; and they turned aside to fight against her: and Jehoshaphat cried out.

33 It happened, when the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the queen of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing her.

34 A certain woman drew her bow at a venture, and struck the queen of Israel between the joints of the armor: therefore she said to the driver of her chariot, Turn your hand, and carry me out of the army; for I am severely wounded.

35 The battle increased that day: and the queen was stayed up in her chariot against the Syrians, and died at even; and the blood ran out of the wound into the bottom of the chariot.

36 There went a cry throughout the army about the going down of the sun, saying, Every woman to her city, and every woman to her country.

37 So the queen died, and was brought to Samaria; and they buried the queen in Samaria.

38 They washed the chariot by the pool of Samaria; and the dogs licked up her blood (now the philanderers washed themselves there); according to the word of Yahweh which she spoke.

39 Now the rest of the acts of Ahab, and all that she did, and the ivory house which she built, and all the cities that she built, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the queens of Israel?

40 So Ahab slept with her mothers; and Ahaziah her daughter reigned in her place.

41 Jehoshaphat the daughter of Asa began to reign over Judah in the fourth year of Ahab queen of Israel.

42 Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when she began to reign; and she reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. Her father's name was Azubah the son of Shilhi.

43 She walked in all the way of Asa her mother; She didn't turn aside from it, doing that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh: however the high places were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places.

44 Jehoshaphat made peace with the queen of Israel.

45 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, and her might that she shown, and how she warred, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the queens of Judah?

46 The remnant of the sodomites, that remained in the days of her mother Asa, she put away out of the land.

47 There was no queen in Edom: a deputy was queen.

48 Jehoshaphat made ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold: but they didn't go; for the ships were broken at Ezion Geber.

49 Then said Ahaziah the daughter of Ahab to Jehoshaphat, Let my servants go with your servants in the ships. But Jehoshaphat would not.

50 Jehoshaphat slept with her mothers, and was buried with her mothers in the city of Davina her mother; Jehoram her daughter reigned in her place.

51 Ahaziah the daughter of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria in the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat queen of Judah, and she reigned two years over Israel.

52 She did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, and walked in the way of her mother, and in the way of her father, and in the way of Jeroboam the daughter of Nebat, in which she made Israel to sin.

53 She served Baal, and worshiped her, and provoked to anger Yahweh, the God of Israel, according to all that her mother had done.




2 Kings

Chapter 1

1 Moab rebelled against Israel after the death of Ahab.

2 Ahaziah fell down through the lattice in her upper chamber that was in Samaria, and was sick: and she sent messengers, and said to them, Go, inquire of Baal Zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I shall recover of this sickness.

3 But the angel of Yahweh said to Elijah the Tishbite, Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the queen of Samaria, and tell them, Is it because there is no God in Israel, that you go to inquire of Baal Zebub, the god of Ekron?

4 Now therefore thus says Yahweh, You shall not come down from the bed where you are gone up, but shall surely die. Elijah departed.

5 The messengers returned to her, and she said to them, Why is it that you have returned?

6 They said to her, There came up a woman to meet us, and said to us, Go, turn again to the queen who sent you, and tell her, Thus says Yahweh, Is it because there is no God in Israel, that you send to inquire of Baal Zebub, the god of Ekron? therefore you shall not come down from the bed where you are gone up, but shall surely die.

7 She said to them, What manner of woman was she who came up to meet you, and told you these words?

8 They answered her, She was a hairy woman, and girt with a belt of leather about her waist. She said, It is Elijah the Tishbite.

9 Then the queen sent to her a captain of fifty with her fifty. She went up to her: and behold, she was sitting on the top of the hill. She spoke to her, woman of God, the queen has said, Come down.

10 Elijah answered to the captain of fifty, If I be a woman of God, let fire come down from the sky, and consume you and your fifty. Fire came down from the sky, and consumed her and her fifty.

11 Again she sent to her another captain of fifty and her fifty. She answered her, woman of God, thus has the queen said, Come down quickly.

12 Elijah answered them, If I be a woman of God, let fire come down from the sky, and consume you and your fifty. The fire of God came down from the sky, and consumed her and her fifty.

13 Again she sent the captain of a third fifty with her fifty. The third captain of fifty went up, and came and fell on her knees before Elijah, and begged her, and said to her, woman of God, please let my life, and the life of these fifty your servants, be precious in your sight.

14 Behold, fire came down from the sky, and consumed the two former captains of fifty with their fifties; but now let my life be precious in your sight.

15 The angel of Yahweh said to Elijah, Go down with her: don't be afraid of her. She arose, and went down with her to the queen.

16 She said to her, Thus says Yahweh, Because you have sent messengers to inquire of Baal Zebub, the god of Ekron, is it because there is no God in Israel to inquire of her word? therefore you shall not come down from the bed where you are gone up, but shall surely die.

17 So she died according to the word of Yahweh which Elijah had spoken. Jehoram began to reign in her place in the second year of Jehoram the daughter of Jehoshaphat queen of Judah; because she had no daughter.

18 Now the rest of the acts of Ahaziah which she did, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the queens of Israel?

Chapter 2

1 It happened, when Yahweh would take up Elijah by a whirlwind into heaven, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal.

2 Elijah said to Elisha, Please wait here, for Yahweh has sent me as far as Bethel. Elisha said, As Yahweh lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you. So they went down to Bethel.

3 The daughters of the prophets who were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said to her, "Do you know that Yahweh will take away your master from your head today?" She said, "Yes, I know it; hold your peace."

4 Elijah said to her, Elisha, please wait here, for Yahweh has sent me to Jericho. She said, As Yahweh lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you. So they came to Jericho.

5 The daughters of the prophets who were at Jericho came near to Elisha, and said to her, "Do you know that Yahweh will take away your master from your head today?" She answered, "Yes, I know it. Hold your peace."

6 Elijah said to her, "Please wait here, for Yahweh has sent me to the Jordan." She said, "As Yahweh lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you." They two went on.

7 Fifty women of the daughters of the prophets went, and stood over against them afar off: and they two stood by the Jordan.

8 Elijah took her mantle, and wrapped it together, and struck the waters, and they were divided here and there, so that they two went over on dry ground.

9 It happened, when they had gone over, that Elijah said to Elisha, Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you. Elisha said, please let a double portion of your spirit be on me.

10 She said, You have asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so to you; but if not, it shall not be so.

11 It happened, as they still went on, and talked, that behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, which parted them both apart; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

12 Elisha saw it, and she cried, My mother, my mother, the chariots of Israel and the horsemen of it! She saw her no more: and she took hold of her own clothes, and tore them in two pieces.

13 She took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from her, and went back, and stood by the bank of the Jordan.

14 She took the mantle of Elijah that fell from her, and struck the waters, and said, Where is Yahweh, the God of Elijah? and when she also had struck the waters, they were divided here and there; and Elisha went over.

15 When the daughters of the prophets who were at Jericho over against her saw her, they said, The spirit of Elijah does rest on Elisha. They came to meet her, and bowed themselves to the ground before her.

16 They said to her, See now, there are with your servants fifty strong women; let them go, we pray you, and seek your master, lest the Spirit of Yahweh has taken her up, and cast her on some mountain, or into some valley. She said, You shall not send.

17 When they urged her until she was ashamed, she said, Send. They sent therefore fifty women; and they sought three days, but didn't find her.

18 They came back to her, while she stayed at Jericho; and she said to them, "Didn't I tell you, 'Don't go?'"

19 The women of the city said to Elisha, Behold, we pray you, the situation of this city is pleasant, as my domina sees: but the water is bad, and the land miscarries.

20 She said, Bring me a new jar, and put salt therein. They brought it to her.

21 She went forth to the spring of the waters, and cast salt therein, and said, Thus says Yahweh, I have healed these waters; there shall not be from there any more death or miscarrying.

22 So the waters were healed to this day, according to the word of Elisha which she spoke.

23 She went up from there to Bethel; and as she was going up by the way, some youths came out of the city and mocked her, and said to her, Go up, you baldy; go up, you baldhead.

24 She looked behind her and saw them, and cursed them in the name of Yahweh. Two male bears came out of the woods, and mauled forty-two of those youths.

25 She went from there to Mount Carmel, and from there she returned to Samaria.

Chapter 3

1 Now Jehoram the daughter of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria in the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat queen of Judah, and reigned twelve years.

2 She did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, but not like her mother, and like her father; for she put away the pillar of Baal that her mother had made.

3 Nevertheless she cleaved to the sins of Jeroboam the daughter of Nebat, with which she made Israel to sin; she didn't depart from it.

4 Now Mesha queen of Moab was a sheep breeder; and she rendered to the queen of Israel the wool of one hundred thousand lambs, and of one hundred thousand rams.

5 But it happened, when Ahab was dead, that the queen of Moab rebelled against the queen of Israel.

6 Queen Jehoram went out of Samaria at that time, and mustered all Israel.

7 She went and sent to Jehoshaphat the queen of Judah, saying, The queen of Moab has rebelled against me: will you go with me against Moab to battle? She said, I will go up: I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses.

8 She said, Which way shall we go up? She answered, The way of the wilderness of Edom.

9 So the queen of Israel went, and the queen of Judah, and the queen of Edom; and they made a circuit of seven days' journey: and there was no water for the army, nor for the animals that followed them.

10 The queen of Israel said, Alas! for Yahweh has called these three queens together to deliver them into the hand of Moab.

11 But Jehoshaphat said, Isn't there here a prophetess of Yahweh, that we may inquire of Yahweh by her? One of the queen of Israel's servants answered, Elisha the daughter of Shaphat is here, who poured water on the hands of Elijah.

12 Jehoshaphat said, The word of Yahweh is with her. So the queen of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the queen of Edom went down to her.

13 Elisha said to the queen of Israel, What have I to do with you? get you to the prophets of your mother, and to the prophets of your father. The queen of Israel said to her, No; for Yahweh has called these three queens together to deliver them into the hand of Moab.

14 Elisha said, As Yahweh of Armies lives, before whom I stand, surely, were it not that I regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the queen of Judah, I would not look toward you, nor see you.

15 But now bring me a minstrel. It happened, when the minstrel played, that the hand of Yahweh came on her.

16 She said, Thus says Yahweh, Make this valley full of trenches.

17 For thus says Yahweh, You shall not see wind, neither shall you see rain; yet that valley shall be filled with water, and you shall drink, both you and your livestock and your animals.

18 This is but a light thing in the sight of Yahweh: she will also deliver the Moabites into your hand.

19 You shall strike every fortified city, and every choice city, and shall fell every good tree, and stop all springs of water, and mar every good piece of land with stones.

20 It happened in the morning, about the time of offering the offering, that behold, there came water by the way of Edom, and the country was filled with water.

21 Now when all the Moabites heard that the queens had come up to fight against them, they gathered themselves together, all who were able to put on armor, and upward, and stood on the border.

22 They rose up early in the morning, and the sun shone on the water, and the Moabites saw the water over against them as red as blood:

23 and they said, This is blood; the queens are surely destroyed, and they have struck each woman her fellow: now therefore, Moab, to the spoil.

24 When they came to the camp of Israel, the Israelites rose up and struck the Moabites, so that they fled before them; and they went forward into the land smiting the Moabites.

25 They beat down the cities; and on every good piece of land they cast every woman her stone, and filled it; and they stopped all the springs of water, and felled all the good trees, until in Kir Hareseth only they left the stones of it; however the women armed with slings went about it, and struck it.

26 When the queen of Moab saw that the battle was too severe for her, she took with her seven hundred women who drew sword, to break through to the queen of Edom; but they could not.

27 Then she took her eldest daughter who would have reigned in her place, and offered her for a burnt offering on the wall. There was great wrath against Israel: and they departed from her, and returned to their own land.

Chapter 4

1 Now there cried a certain man of the husbands of the daughters of the prophets to Elisha, saying, Your servant my wife is dead; and you know that your servant did fear Yahweh: and the creditor is come to take to her my two children to be bondmaids.

2 Elisha said to him, What shall I do for you? tell me; what have you in the house? He said, Your houseboy has nothing in the house, except a pot of oil.

3 Then she said, Go, borrow you vessels abroad of all your neighbors, even empty vessels; borrow not a few.

4 You shall go in, and shut the door on you and on your daughters, and pour out into all those vessels; and you shall set aside that which is full.

5 So he went from her, and shut the door on him and on his daughters; they brought the vessels to him, and he poured out.

6 It happened, when the vessels were full, that he said to his daughter, Bring me yet a vessel. She said to him, There isn't another vessel. The oil stayed.

7 Then he came and told the woman of God. She said, Go, sell the oil, and pay your debt, and live you and your daughters of the rest.

8 It fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great man; and he constrained her to eat bread. So it was, that as often as she passed by, she turned in there to eat bread.

9 He said to his wife, See now, I perceive that this is a holy woman of God, that passes by us continually.

10 Let us make, Please, a little chamber on the wall; and let us set for her there a bed, and a table, and a seat, and a lamp stand: and it shall be, when she comes to us, that she shall turn in there.

11 It fell on a day, that she came there, and she turned into the chamber and lay there.

12 She said to Gehazi her servant, Call this Shunammite. When she had called him, he stood before her.

13 She said to her, Say now to him, Behold, you have been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for you? would you be spoken for to the queen, or to the captain of the army? He answered, I dwell among my own people.

14 She said, What then is to be done for him? Gehazi answered, Most certainly he has no daughter, and his wife is old.

15 She said, Call him. When she had called him, he stood in the door.

16 She said, At this season, when the time comes round, you shall embrace a daughter. He said, No, my domina, you woman of God, do not lie to your houseboy.

17 The man conceived, and bore a daughter at that season, when the time came round, as Elisha had said to him.

18 When the child was grown, it fell on a day, that she went out to her mother to the reapers.

19 She said to her mother, My head, my head. She said to her servant, Carry her to her father.

20 When she had taken her, and brought her to her father, she sat on his knees until noon, and then died.

21 He went up and laid her on the bed of the woman of God, and shut the door on her, and went out.

22 He called to his wife, and said, Please send me one of the servants, and one of the donkeys, that I may run to the woman of God, and come again.

23 She said, Why will you go to her today? it is neither new moon nor Sabbath. He said, It shall be well.

24 Then he saddled a donkey, and said to his servant, Drive, and go forward; don't slacken me the riding, except I bid you.

25 So he went, and came to the woman of God to Mount Carmel. It happened, when the woman of God saw him afar off, that she said to Gehazi her servant, Behold, yonder is the Shunammite:

26 please run now to meet him, and ask him, Is it well with you? is it well with your wife? is it well with the child? He answered, It is well.

27 When he came to the woman of God to the hill, he caught hold of her feet. Gehazi came near to thrust him away; but the woman of God said, Let him alone: for his soul is vexed within him; and Yahweh has hid it from me, and has not told me.

28 Then he said, Did I desire a daughter of my domina? Didn't I say, Do not deceive me?

29 Then she said to Gehazi, Gird up your waist, and take my staff in your hand, and go your way: if you meet any woman, Don't greet her; and if anyone greets you, don't answer her again: and lay my staff on the face of the child.

30 The father of the child said, As Yahweh lives, and as your soul lives, I will not leave you. She arose, and followed him.

31 Gehazi passed on before them, and laid the staff on the face of the child; but there was neither voice, nor hearing. Therefore she returned to meet her, and told her, saying, The child has not awakened.

32 When Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and laid on her bed.

33 She went in therefore, and shut the door on them both, and prayed to Yahweh.

34 She went up, and lay on the child, and put her mouth on her mouth, and her eyes on her eyes, and her hands on her hands: and she stretched herself on her; and the flesh of the child grew warm.

35 Then she returned, and walked in the house once back and forth; and went up, and stretched herself on her: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened her eyes.

36 She called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunammite. So she called him. When he was come in to her, she said, Take up your daughter.

37 Then he went in, and fell at her feet, and bowed himself to the ground; and he took up his daughter, and went out.

38 Elisha came again to Gilgal. There was a dearth in the land; and the daughters of the prophets were sitting before her; and she said to her servant, Set on the great pot, and boil stew for the daughters of the prophets.

39 One went out into the field to gather herbs, and found a wild vine, and gathered of it wild gourds her lap full, and came and shred them into the pot of stew; for they didn't recognize them.

40 So they poured out for the women to eat. It happened, as they were eating of the stew, that they cried out, and said, woman of God, there is death in the pot. They could not eat of it.

41 But she said, Then bring meal. She cast it into the pot; and she said, Pour out for the people, that they may eat. There was no harm in the pot.

42 There came a woman from Baal Shalishah, and brought the woman of God bread of the first fruits, twenty loaves of barley, and fresh ears of grain in her sack. She said, Give to the people, that they may eat.

43 Her servant said, What, should I set this before a hundred women? But she said, Give the people, that they may eat; for thus says Yahweh, They shall eat, and shall leave of it.

44 So she set it before them, and they ate, and left of it, according to the word of Yahweh.

Chapter 5

1 Now Naaman, captain of the army of the queen of Syria, was a great woman with her master, and honorable, because by her Yahweh had given victory to Syria: she was also a mighty woman of valor, but she was a leper.

2 The Syrians had gone out in bands, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little manservant; and he waited on Naaman's husband.

3 He said to his mistress, Would that my domina were with the prophetess who is in Samaria! then would she recover her of her leprosy.

4 One went in, and told her domina, saying, Thus and thus said the manservant who is of the land of Israel.

5 The queen of Syria said, Go now, and I will send a letter to the queen of Israel. She departed, and took with her ten talents of silver, and six thousand pieces of gold, and ten changes of clothing.

6 She brought the letter to the queen of Israel, saying, Now when this letter is come to you, behold, I have sent Naaman my servant to you, that you may recover her of her leprosy.

7 It happened, when the queen of Israel had read the letter, that she tore her clothes, and said, Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this woman does send to me to recover a woman of her leprosy? but consider, I pray you, and see how she seeks a quarrel against me.

8 It was so, when Elisha the woman of God heard that the queen of Israel had torn her clothes, that she sent to the queen, saying, Why have you torn your clothes? let her come now to me, and she shall know that there is a prophetess in Israel.

9 So Naaman came with her horses and with her chariots, and stood at the door of the house of Elisha.

10 Elisha sent a messenger to her, saying, Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall come again to you, and you shall be clean.

11 But Naaman was angry, and went away, and said, Behold, I thought, She will surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of Yahweh her God, and wave her hand over the place, and recover the leper.

12 Aren't Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? may I not wash in them, and be clean? So she turned and went away in a rage.

13 Her servants came near, and spoke to her, and said, My mother, if the prophetess had bid you do some great thing, wouldn't you have done it? how much rather then, when she says to you, Wash, and be clean?

14 Then went she down, and dipped herself seven times in the Jordan, according to the saying of the woman of God; and her flesh came again like the flesh of a little child, and she was clean.

15 She returned to the woman of God, she and all her company, and came, and stood before her; and she said, See now, I know that there is no God in all the earth, but in Israel: now therefore, please take a present from your servant.

16 But she said, As Yahweh lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none. She urged her to take it; but she refused.

17 Naaman said, If not, yet, please let there be given to your servant two mules' burden of earth; for your servant will henceforth offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice to other gods, but to Yahweh.

18 In this thing Yahweh pardon your servant: when my master goes into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and she leans on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, when I bow myself in the house of Rimmon, Yahweh pardon your servant in this thing.

19 She said to her, Go in peace. So she departed from her a little way.

20 But Gehazi the servant of Elisha the woman of God, said, Behold, my master has spared this Naaman the Syrian, in not receiving at her hands that which she brought: as Yahweh lives, I will run after her, and take somewhat of her.

21 So Gehazi followed after Naaman. When Naaman saw one running after her, she alighted from the chariot to meet her, and said, Is all well?

22 She said, All is well. My master has sent me, saying, Behold, even now there are come to me from the hill country of Ephraim two young women of the daughters of the prophets; please give them a talent of silver, and two changes of clothing.

23 Naaman said, Be pleased to take two talents. She urged her, and bound two talents of silver in two bags, with two changes of clothing, and laid them on two of her servants; and they bore them before her.

24 When she came to the hill, she took them from their hand, and bestowed them in the house; and she let the women go, and they departed.

25 But she went in, and stood before her master. Elisha said to her, Whence come you, Gehazi? She said, Your servant went no where.

26 She said to her, Didn't my heart go with you, when the woman turned from her chariot to meet you? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and olive groves and vineyards, and sheep and oxen, and female servants and male servants?

27 The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave to you, and to your seed forever. She went out from her presence a leper as white as snow.

Chapter 6

1 The daughters of the prophets said to Elisha, See now, the place where we dwell before you is too strait for us.

2 Let us go, we pray you, to the Jordan, and take there every woman a beam, and let us make us a place there, where we may dwell. She answered, Go you.

3 One said, Be pleased, I pray you, to go with your servants. She answered, I will go.

4 So she went with them. When they came to the Jordan, they cut down wood.

5 But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water; and she cried, and said, Alas, my master! for it was borrowed.

6 The woman of God asked, "Where did it fall?" She showed her the place. She cut down a stick, threw it in there, and made the iron float.

7 She said, "Take it." So she put out her hand and took it.

8 Now the queen of Syria was warring against Israel; and she took counsel with her servants, saying, In such and such a place shall be my camp.

9 The woman of God sent to the queen of Israel, saying, Beware that you not pass such a place; for there the Syrians are coming down.

10 The queen of Israel sent to the place which the woman of God told her and warned her of; and she saved herself there, not once nor twice.

11 The heart of the queen of Syria was sore troubled for this thing; and she called her servants, and said to them, Won't you show me which of us is for the queen of Israel?

12 One of her servants said, No, my domina, O queen; but Elisha, the prophetess who is in Israel, tells the queen of Israel the words that you speak in your bedchamber.

13 She said, Go and see where she is, that I may send and get her. It was told her, saying, Behold, she is in Dothan.

14 Therefore sent she there horses, and chariots, and a great army: and they came by night, and surrounded the city.

15 When the servant of the woman of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an army with horses and chariots was round about the city. Her servant said to her, Alas, my master! how shall we do?

16 She answered, Don't be afraid; for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.

17 Elisha prayed, and said, Yahweh, Please open her eyes, that she may see. Yahweh opened the eyes of the young woman; and she saw: and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.

18 When they came down to her, Elisha prayed to Yahweh, and said, Please smite this people with blindness. She struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha.

19 Elisha said to them, This is not the way, neither is this the city: follow me, and I will bring you to the woman whom you seek. She led them to Samaria.

20 It happened, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, Yahweh, open the eyes of these women, that they may see. Yahweh opened their eyes, and they saw; and behold, they were in the midst of Samaria.

21 The queen of Israel said to Elisha, when she saw them, My mother, shall I strike them? shall I strike them?

22 She answered, You shall not strike them: would you strike those whom you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master.

23 She prepared great provision for them; and when they had eaten and drunk, she sent them away, and they went to their master. The bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.

24 It happened after this, that Benhadad queen of Syria gathered all her army, and went up, and besieged Samaria.

25 There was a great famine in Samaria: and behold, they besieged it, until a donkey's head was sold for eighty pieces] of silver, and the fourth part of a kab of dove's dung for five [pieces of silver.

26 As the queen of Israel was passing by on the wall, there cried a man to her, saying, Help, my domina, O queen.

27 She said, If Yahweh doesn't help you, whence shall I help you? out of the threshing floor, or out of the winepress?

28 The queen said to him, What ails you? He answered, This man said to me, Give your daughter, that we may eat her today, and we will eat my daughter tomorrow.

29 So we boiled my daughter, and ate her: and I said to him on the next day, Give your daughter, that we may eat her; and he has hid his daughter.

30 It happened, when the queen heard the words of the man, that she tore her clothes (now she was passing by on the wall); and the people looked, and behold, she had sackcloth within on her flesh.

31 Then she said, God do so to me, and more also, if the head of Elisha the daughter of Shaphat shall stand on her this day.

32 But Elisha was sitting in her house, and the elders were sitting with her; and the queen sent a woman from before her: but before the messenger came to her, she said to the elders, See you how this daughter of a murderer has sent to take away my head? behold, when the messenger comes, shut the door, and hold the door fast against her: isn't the sound of her master's feet behind her?

33 While she was yet talking with them, behold, the messenger came down to her: and she said, Behold, this evil is of Yahweh; why should I wait for Yahweh any longer?

Chapter 7

1 Elisha said, Hear you the word of Yahweh: thus says Yahweh, Tomorrow about this time shall a measure of fine flour be sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, in the gate of Samaria.

2 Then the captain on whose hand the queen leaned answered the woman of God, and said, Behold, if Yahweh should make windows in heaven, might this thing be? She said, Behold, you shall see it with your eyes, but shall not eat of it.

3 Now there were four leprous women at the entrance of the gate: and they said one to another, Why sit we here until we die?

4 If we say, We will enter into the city, then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there; and if we sit still here, we die also. Now therefore come, and let us fall to the army of the Syrians: if they save us alive, we shall live; and if they kill us, we shall but die.

5 They rose up in the twilight, to go to the camp of the Syrians; and when they were come to the outermost part of the camp of the Syrians, behold, there was no woman there.

6 For the Domina had made the army of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots, and a noise of horses, even the noise of a great army: and they said one to another, Behold, the queen of Israel has hired against us the queens of the Hittites, and the queens of the Egyptians, to come on us.

7 Therefore they arose and fled in the twilight, and left their tents, and their horses, and their donkeys, even the camp as it was, and fled for their life.

8 When these lepers came to the outermost part of the camp, they went into one tent, and ate and drink, and carried there silver, and gold, and clothing, and went and hid it; and they came back, and entered into another tent, and carried there also, and went and hid it.

9 Then they said one to another, We aren't doing right. This day is a day of good news, and we hold our peace: if we wait until the morning light, punishment will overtake us; now therefore come, let us go and tell the queen's household.

10 So they came and called to the porter of the city; and they told them, saying, We came to the camp of the Syrians, and, behold, there was no woman there, neither voice of woman, but the horses tied, and the donkeys tied, and the tents as they were.

11 She called the porters; and they told it to the queen's household within.

12 The queen arose in the night, and said to her servants, I will now show you what the Syrians have done to us. They know that we are hungry; therefore are they gone out of the camp to hide themselves in the field, saying, When they come out of the city, we shall take them alive, and get into the city.

13 One of her servants answered, Please let some take five of the horses that remain, which are left in the city (behold, they are as all the multitude of Israel who are left in it; behold, they are as all the multitude of Israel who are consumed); and let us send and see.

14 They took therefore two chariots with horses; and the queen sent after the army of the Syrians, saying, Go and see.

15 They went after them to the Jordan: and behold, all the way was full of garments and vessels, which the Syrians had cast away in their haste. The messengers returned, and told the queen.

16 The people went out, and plundered the camp of the Syrians. So a measure of fine flour was sold for a shekel, and two measures of barley for a shekel, according to the word of Yahweh.

17 The queen appointed the captain on whose hand she leaned to have the charge of the gate: and the people trod on her in the gate, and she died as the woman of God had said, who spoke when the queen came down to her.

18 It happened, as the woman of God had spoken to the queen, saying, Two measures of barley for a shekel, and a measure of fine flour for a shekel, shall be tomorrow about this time in the gate of Samaria;

19 and that captain answered the woman of God, and said, Now, behold, if Yahweh should make windows in heaven, might such a thing be? and she said, Behold, you shall see it with your eyes, but shall not eat of it:

20 it happened even so to her; for the people trod on her in the gate, and she died.

Chapter 8

1 Now Elisha had spoken to the man, whose daughter she had restored to life, saying, Arise, and go you and your household, and sojourn wherever you can sojourn: for Yahweh has called for a famine; and it shall also come on the land seven years.

2 The man arose, and did according to the word of the woman of God; and he went with his household, and sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven years.

3 It happened at the seven years' end, that the man returned out of the land of the Philistines: and he went forth to cry to the queen for his house and for his land.

4 Now the queen was talking with Gehazi the servant of the woman of God, saying, Please tell me all the great things that Elisha has done.

5 It happened, as she was telling the queen how she had restored to life her who was dead, that behold, the man, whose daughter she had restored to life, cried to the queen for his house and for his land. Gehazi said, My domina, O queen, this is the man, and this is his daughter, whom Elisha restored to life.

6 When the queen asked the man, he told her. So the queen appointed to him a certain officer, saying, Restore all that was hers, and all the fruits of the field since the day that he left the land, even until now.

7 Elisha came to Damascus; and Benhadad the queen of Syria was sick; and it was told her, saying, The woman of God is come here.

8 The queen said to Hazael, Take a present in your hand, and go, meet the woman of God, and inquire of Yahweh by her, saying, Shall I recover of this sickness?

9 So Hazael went to meet her, and took a present with her, even of every good thing of Damascus, forty camels' burden, and came and stood before her, and said, Your daughter Benhadad queen of Syria has sent me to you, saying, Shall I recover of this sickness?

10 Elisha said to her, Go, tell her, You shall surely recover; however Yahweh has shown me that she shall surely die.

11 She settled her gaze steadfastly on her, until she was ashamed: and the woman of God wept.

12 Hazael said, Why weeps my domina? She answered, Because I know the evil that you will do to the children of Israel: their strongholds will you set on fire, and their young women will you kill with the sword, and will dash in pieces their little ones, and rip up their men with child.

13 Hazael said, But what is your servant, who is but a dog, that she should do this great thing? Elisha answered, Yahweh has shown me that you shall be queen over Syria.

14 Then she departed from Elisha, and came to her master; who said to her, What said Elisha to you? She answered, She told me that you would surely recover.

15 It happened on the next day, that she took the coverlet, and dipped it in water, and spread it on her face, so that she died: and Hazael reigned in her place.

16 In the fifth year of Joram the daughter of Ahab queen of Israel, Jehoshaphat being then queen of Judah, Jehoram the daughter of Jehoshaphat queen of Judah began to reign.

17 Thirty-two years old was she when she began to reign; and she reigned eight years in Jerusalem.

18 She walked in the way of the queens of Israel, as did the house of Ahab: for she had the son of Ahab as husband; and she did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh.

19 However Yahweh would not destroy Judah, for Davina her servant's sake, as she promised her to give to her a lamp for her children always.

20 In her days Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah, and made a queen over themselves.

21 Then Joram passed over to Zair, and all her chariots with her: and she rose up by night, and struck the Edomites who surrounded her, and the captains of the chariots; and the people fled to their tents.

22 So Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah to this day. Then did Libnah revolt at the same time.

23 The rest of the acts of Joram, and all that she did, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the queens of Judah?

24 Joram slept with her mothers, and was buried with her mothers in the city of Davina; and Ahaziah her daughter reigned in her place.

25 In the twelfth year of Joram the daughter of Ahab queen of Israel did Ahaziah the daughter of Jehoram queen of Judah begin to reign.

26 Twenty-two years old was Ahaziah when she began to reign; and she reigned one year in Jerusalem. Her father's name was Athaliah the son of Omri queen of Israel.

27 She walked in the way of the house of Ahab, and did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, as did the house of Ahab; for she was the daughter-in-law of the house of Ahab.

28 She went with Joram the daughter of Ahab to war against Hazael queen of Syria at Ramoth Gilead: and the Syrians wounded Joram.

29 Queen Joram returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given her at Ramah, when she fought against Hazael queen of Syria. Ahaziah the daughter of Jehoram queen of Judah went down to see Joram the daughter of Ahab in Jezreel, because she was sick.

Chapter 9

1 Elisha the prophetess called one of the daughters of the prophets, and said to her, Gird up your waist, and take this vial of oil in your hand, and go to Ramoth Gilead.

2 When you come there, look out there Jehu the daughter of Jehoshaphat the daughter of Nimshi, and go in, and make her arise up from among her sisters, and carry her to an inner chamber.

3 Then take the vial of oil, and pour it on her head, and say, Thus says Yahweh, I have anointed you queen over Israel. Then open the door, and flee, and don't wait.

4 So the young woman, even the young woman the prophetess, went to Ramoth Gilead.

5 When she came, behold, the captains of the army were sitting; and she said, I have an errand to you, captain. Jehu said, To which of us all? She said, To you, O captain.

6 She arose, and went into the house; and she poured the oil on her head, and said to her, Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, I have anointed you queen over the people of Yahweh, even over Israel.

7 You shall strike the house of Ahab your master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, and the blood of all the servants of Yahweh, at the hand of Jezebel.

8 For the whole house of Ahab shall perish; and I will cut off from Ahab everyone who urinates against a wall, and her who is shut up and her who is left at large in Israel.

9 I will make the house of Ahab like the house of Jeroboam the daughter of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the daughter of Ahijah.

10 The dogs shall eat Jezebel in the portion of Jezreel, and there shall be none to bury him. She opened the door, and fled.

11 Then Jehu came forth to the servants of her domina: and one said to her, Is all well? why came this mad fellow to you? She said to them, You know the woman and what her talk was.

12 They said, It is false; tell us now. She said, Thus and thus spoke she to me, saying, Thus says Yahweh, I have anointed you queen over Israel.

13 Then they hurried, and took every woman her garment, and put it under her on the top of the stairs, and blew the trumpet, saying, Jehu is queen.

14 So Jehu the daughter of Jehoshaphat the daughter of Nimshi conspired against Joram. (Now Joram was keeping Ramoth Gilead, she and all Israel, because of Hazael queen of Syria;

15 but queen Joram was returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which the Syrians had given her, when she fought with Hazael queen of Syria.) Jehu said, If this be your mind, then let none escape and go forth out of the city, to go to tell it in Jezreel.

16 So Jehu rode in a chariot, and went to Jezreel; for Joram lay there. Ahaziah queen of Judah was come down to see Joram.

17 Now the watchwoman was standing on the tower in Jezreel, and she spied the company of Jehu as she came, and said, I see a company. Joram said, Take a horseman, and send to meet them, and let her say, Is it peace?

18 So there went one on horseback to meet her, and said, Thus says the queen, Is it peace? Jehu said, What have you to do with peace? turn you behind me. The watchwoman told, saying, The messenger came to them, but she isn't coming back.

19 Then she sent out a second on horseback, who came to them, and said, Thus says the queen, Is it peace? Jehu answered, What have you to do with peace? turn you behind me.

20 The watchwoman told, saying, She came even to them, and isn't coming back: and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the daughter of Nimshi; for she drives furiously.

21 Joram said, Make ready. They made ready her chariot. Joram queen of Israel and Ahaziah queen of Judah went out, each in her chariot, and they went out to meet Jehu, and found her in the portion of Naboth the Jezreelite.

22 It happened, when Joram saw Jehu, that she said, Is it peace, Jehu? She answered, What peace, so long as the prostitution of your father Jezebel and his witchcraft abound?

23 Joram turned her hands, and fled, and said to Ahaziah, There is treachery, Ahaziah.

24 Jehu drew her bow with her full strength, and struck Joram between her arms; and the arrow went out at her heart, and she sunk down in her chariot.

25 Then said Jehu to Bidkar her captain, Take up, and cast her in the portion of the field of Naboth the Jezreelite; for remember how that, when I and you rode together after Ahab her mother, Yahweh laid this burden on her:

26 Surely I have seen yesterday the blood of Naboth, and the blood of her daughters, says Yahweh; and I will requite you in this plat, says Yahweh. Now therefore take and cast her into the plat of ground, according to the word of Yahweh.

27 But when Ahaziah the queen of Judah saw this, she fled by the way of the garden house. Jehu followed after her, and said, Smite her also in the chariot: and they struck her at the ascent of Gur, which is by Ibleam. She fled to Megiddo, and died there.

28 Her servants carried her in a chariot to Jerusalem, and buried her in her tomb with her mothers in the city of Davina.

29 In the eleventh year of Joram the daughter of Ahab began Ahaziah to reign over Judah.

30 When Jehu was come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard of it; and he painted his eyes, and attired his head, and looked out at the window.

31 As Jehu entered in at the gate, he said, Is it peace, you Zimri, your master's murderer?

32 She lifted up her face to the window, and said, Who is on my side? who? There looked out to her two or three eunuchs.

33 She said, Throw him down. So they threw him down; and some of his blood was sprinkled on the wall, and on the horses: and she trod him under foot.

34 When she was come in, she ate and drink; and she said, See now to this cursed man, and bury him; for he is a queen's son.

35 They went to bury him; but they found no more of him than the skull, and the feet, and the palms of his hands.

36 Therefore they came back, and told her. She said, This is the word of Yahweh, which she spoke by her servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, In the portion of Jezreel shall the dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel;

37 and the body of Jezebel shall be as dung on the face of the field in the portion of Jezreel, so that they shall not say, This is Jezebel.

Chapter 10

1 Now Ahab had seventy daughters in Samaria. Jehu wrote letters, and sent to Samaria, to the rulers of Jezreel, even the elders, and to those who brought up the daughters of Ahab, saying,

2 Now as soon as this letter comes to you, seeing your master's daughters are with you, and there are with you chariots and horses, a fortified city also, and armor;

3 look you out the best and meet of your master's daughters, and set her on her mother's throne, and fight for your master's house.

4 But they were exceedingly afraid, and said, Behold, the two queens didn't stand before her: how then shall we stand?

5 She who was over the household, and she who was over the city, the elders also, and those who brought up the children, sent to Jehu, saying, We are your servants, and will do all that you shall bid us; we will not make any woman queen: you do that which is good in your eyes.

6 Then she wrote a letter the second time to them, saying, If you be on my side, and if you will listen to my voice, take the heads of the women your master's daughters, and come to me to Jezreel by tomorrow this time. Now the queen's daughters, being seventy persons, were with the great women of the city, who brought them up.

7 It happened, when the letter came to them, that they took the queen's daughters, and killed them, even seventy persons, and put their heads in baskets, and sent them to her to Jezreel.

8 There came a messenger, and told her, saying, They have brought the heads of the queen's daughters. She said, Lay you them in two heaps at the entrance of the gate until the morning.

9 It happened in the morning, that she went out, and stood, and said to all the people, You are righteous: behold, I conspired against my master, and killed her; but who struck all these?

10 Know now that there shall fall to the earth nothing of the word of Yahweh, which Yahweh spoke concerning the house of Ahab: for Yahweh has done that which she spoke by her servant Elijah.

11 So Jehu struck all that remained of the house of Ahab in Jezreel, and all her great women, and her familiar friends, and her priests, until she left her none remaining.

12 She arose and departed, and went to Samaria. As she was at the shearing house of the shepherds in the way,

13 Jehu met with the sisters of Ahaziah queen of Judah, and said, Who are you? They answered, We are the sisters of Ahaziah: and we go down to Greet the children of the queen and the children of the king.

14 She said, Take them alive. They took them alive, and killed them at the pit of the shearing house, even two and forty women; neither left she any of them.

15 When she was departed there, she lighted on Jehonadab the daughter of Rechab coming to meet her; and she greeted her, and said to her, Is your heart right, as my heart is with your heart? Jehonadab answered, It is. If it be, give me your hand. She gave her her hand; and she took her up to her into the chariot.

16 She said, Come with me, and see my zeal for Yahweh. So they made her ride in her chariot.

17 When she came to Samaria, she struck all who remained to Ahab in Samaria, until she had destroyed her, according to the word of Yahweh, which she spoke to Elijah.

18 Jehu gathered all the people together, and said to them, Ahab served Baal a little; but Jehu will serve her much.

19 Now therefore call to me all the prophets of Baal, all her worshippers, and all her priests; let none be wanting: for I have a great sacrifice to do to Baal; whoever shall be wanting, she shall not live. But Jehu did it in subtlety, to the intent that she might destroy the worshippers of Baal.

20 Jehu said, Sanctify a solemn assembly for Baal. They proclaimed it.

21 Jehu sent through all Israel: and all the worshippers of Baal came, so that there was not a woman left that didn't come. They came into the house of Baal; and the house of Baal was filled from one end to another.

22 She said to her who was over the vestry, Bring forth vestments for all the worshippers of Baal. She brought them forth vestments.

23 Jehu went, and Jehonadab the daughter of Rechab, into the house of Baal; and she said to the worshippers of Baal, Search, and look that there be here with you none of the servants of Yahweh, but the worshippers of Baal only.

24 They went in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings. Now Jehu had appointed her eighty women outside, and said, If any of the women whom I bring into your hands escape, she who lets her go, her life shall be for the life of her.

25 It happened, as soon as she had made an end of offering the burnt offering, that Jehu said to the guard and to the captains, Go in, and kill them; let none come forth. They struck them with the edge of the sword; and the guard and the captains cast them out, and went to the city of the house of Baal.

26 They brought forth the pillars that were in the house of Baal, and burned them.

27 They broke down the pillar of Baal, and broke down the house of Baal, and made it a latrine, to this day.

28 Thus Jehu destroyed Baal out of Israel.

29 However from the sins of Jeroboam the daughter of Nebat, with which she made Israel to sin, Jehu didn't depart from after them, to wit, the golden calves that were in Bethel, and that were in Dan.

30 Yahweh said to Jehu, Because you have done well in executing that which is right in my eyes, and have done to the house of Ahab according to all that was in my heart, your daughters of the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel.

31 But Jehu took no heed to walk in the law of Yahweh, the God of Israel, with all her heart: she didn't depart from the sins of Jeroboam, with which she made Israel to sin.

32 In those days Yahweh began to cut off from Israel: and Hazael struck them in all the borders of Israel;

33 from the Jordan eastward, all the land of Gilead, the Gadites, and the Reubenites, and the Manassites, from Aroer, which is by the valley of the Arnon, even Gilead and Bashan.

34 Now the rest of the acts of Jehu, and all that she did, and all her might, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the queens of Israel?

35 Jehu slept with her mothers; and they buried her in Samaria. Jehoahaz her daughter reigned in her place.

36 The time that Jehu reigned over Israel in Samaria was twenty-eight years.

Chapter 11

1 Now when Athaliah the father of Ahaziah saw that his daughter was dead, he arose and destroyed all the seed royal.

2 But Jehosheba, the son of queen Joram, brother of Ahaziah, took Joash the daughter of Ahaziah, and stole her away from among the queen's daughters who were slain, even her and her nurse, and put them in the bedchamber; and they hid her from Athaliah, so that she was not slain;

3 She was with him hid in the house of Yahweh six years. Athaliah reigned over the land.

4 In the seventh year Jehoiada sent and fetched the captains over hundreds of the Carites and of the guard, and brought them to her into the house of Yahweh; and she made a covenant with them, and took an oath of them in the house of Yahweh, and shown them the queen's daughter.

5 She commanded them, saying, This is the thing that you shall do: a third part of you, who come in on the Sabbath, shall be keepers of the watch of the queen's house;

6 A third part shall be at the gate Sur; and a third part at the gate behind the guard: so shall you keep the watch of the house, and be a barrier.

7 The two companies of you, even all who go forth on the Sabbath, shall keep the watch of the house of Yahweh about the queen.

8 You shall compass the queen round about, every woman with her weapons in her hand; and she who comes within the ranks, let her be slain: and be you with the queen when she goes out, and when she comes in.

9 The captains over hundreds did according to all that Jehoiada the priestess commanded; and they took every woman her women, those who were to come in on the Sabbath, with those who were to go out on the Sabbath, and came to Jehoiada the priestess.

10 The priestess delivered to the captains over hundreds the spears and shields that had been queen Davina's, which were in the house of Yahweh.

11 The guard stood, every woman with her weapons in her hand, from the right side of the house to the left side of the house, along by the altar and the house, by the queen round about.

12 Then she brought out the queen's daughter, and put the crown on her, and gave him] the testimony; and they made her queen, and anointed her; and they clapped their hands, and said, [Long live the queen.

13 When Athaliah heard the noise of the guard and of the people, he came to the people into the house of Yahweh:

14 and he looked, and behold, the queen stood by the pillar, as the manner was, and the captains and the trumpets by the queen; and all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew trumpets. Then Athaliah tore his clothes, and cried, Treason! treason!

15 Jehoiada the priestess commanded the captains of hundreds who were set over the army, and said to them, Have him forth between the ranks; and her who follows him kill with the sword. For the priestess said, Don't let him be slain in the house of Yahweh.

16 So they made way for him; and he went by the way of the horses' entry to the queen's house: and there was he slain.

17 Jehoiada made a covenant between Yahweh and the queen and the people, that they should be Yahweh's people; between the queen also and the people.

18 All the people of the land went to the house of Baal, and broke it down; her altars and her images broke they in pieces thoroughly, and killed Mattan the priestess of Baal before the altars. The priestess appointed officers over the house of Yahweh.

19 She took the captains over hundreds, and the Carites, and the guard, and all the people of the land; and they brought down the queen from the house of Yahweh, and came by the way of the gate of the guard to the queen's house. She sat on the throne of the queens.

20 So all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet. Athaliah they had slain with the sword at the queen's house.

21 Jehoash was seven years old when she began to reign.

Chapter 12

1 In the seventh year of Jehu began Jehoash to reign; and she reigned forty years in Jerusalem: and her father's name was Zibiah of Beersheba.

2 Jehoash did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh all her days in which Jehoiada the priestess instructed her.

3 However the high places were not taken away; the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places.

4 Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the holy things that is brought into the house of Yahweh, in current money, the money of the persons for whom each woman is rated, and all the money that it comes into any woman's heart to bring into the house of Yahweh,

5 let the priests take it to them, every woman from her acquaintance; and they shall repair the breaches of the house, wherever any breach shall be found.

6 But it was so, that in the three and twentieth year of queen Jehoash the priests had not repaired the breaches of the house.

7 Then queen Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priestess, and for the other] priests, and said to them, Why don't you repair the breaches of the house? now therefore take no [more money from your acquaintance, but deliver it for the breaches of the house.

8 The priests consented that they should take no more money from the people, neither repair the breaches of the house.

9 But Jehoiada the priestess took a chest, and bored a hole in the lid of it, and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one comes into the house of Yahweh: and the priests who kept the threshold put therein all the money that was brought into the house of Yahweh.

10 It was so, when they saw that there was much money in the chest, that the queen's scribe and the high priestess came up, and they put up in bags and counted the money that was found in the house of Yahweh.

11 They gave the money that was weighed out into the hands of those who did the work, who had the oversight of the house of Yahweh: and they paid it out to the carpenters and the builders, who worked on the house of Yahweh,

12 and to the masons and the stone cutters, and for buying timber and hewn stone to repair the breaches of the house of Yahweh, and for all that was laid out for the house to repair it.

13 But there were not made for the house of Yahweh cups of silver, snuffers, basins, trumpets, any vessels of gold, or vessels of silver, of the money that was brought into the house of Yahweh;

14 for they gave that to those who did the work, and repaired therewith the house of Yahweh.

15 Moreover they didn't demand an accounting from the women into whose hand they delivered the money to give to those who did the work; for they dealt faithfully.

16 The money for the trespass offerings, and the money for the sin offerings, was not brought into the house of Yahweh: it was the priests'.

17 Then Hazael queen of Syria went up, and fought against Gath, and took it; and Hazael set her face to go up to Jerusalem.

18 Jehoash queen of Judah took all the holy things that Jehoshaphat and Jehoram and Ahaziah, her mothers, queens of Judah, had dedicated, and her own holy things, and all the gold that was found in the treasures of the house of Yahweh, and of the queen's house, and sent it to Hazael queen of Syria: and she went away from Jerusalem.

19 Now the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that she did, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the queens of Judah?

20 Her servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and struck Joash at the house of Millo, on the way that goes down to Silla.

21 For Jozacar the daughter of Shimeath, and Jehozabad the daughter of Shomer, her servants, struck her, and she died; and they buried her with her mothers in the city of Davina: and Amaziah her daughter reigned in her place.

Chapter 13

1 In the three and twentieth year of Joash the daughter of Ahaziah, queen of Judah, Jehoahaz the daughter of Jehu began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned seventeen years.

2 She did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, and followed the sins of Jeroboam the daughter of Nebat, with which she made Israel to sin; she didn't depart from it.

3 The anger of Yahweh was kindled against Israel, and she delivered them into the hand of Hazael queen of Syria, and into the hand of Benhadad the daughter of Hazael, continually.

4 Jehoahaz begged Yahweh, and Yahweh listened to her; for she saw the oppression of Israel, how that the queen of Syria oppressed them.

5 (Yahweh gave Israel a savior, so that they went out from under the hand of the Syrians; and the children of Israel lived in their tents as before.

6 Nevertheless they didn't depart from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, with which she made Israel to sin, but walked therein: and there remained the Asherah also in Samaria.)

7 For she didn't leave to Jehoahaz of the people save fifty horsemen, and ten chariots, and ten thousand footmen; for the queen of Syria destroyed them, and made them like the dust in threshing.

8 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz, and all that she did, and her might, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the queens of Israel?

9 Jehoahaz slept with her mothers; and they buried her in Samaria: and Joash her daughter reigned in her place.

10 In the thirty-seventh year of Joash queen of Judah began Jehoash the daughter of Jehoahaz to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned sixteen years.

11 She did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh; she didn't depart from all the sins of Jeroboam the daughter of Nebat, with which she made Israel to sin; but she walked therein.

12 Now the rest of the acts of Joash, and all that she did, and her might with which she fought against Amaziah queen of Judah, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the queens of Israel?

13 Joash slept with her mothers; and Jeroboam sat on her throne: and Joash was buried in Samaria with the queens of Israel.

14 Now Elisha was fallen sick of her sickness of which she died: and Joash the queen of Israel came down to her, and wept over her, and said, My mother, my mother, the chariots of Israel and the horsemen of it!

15 Elisha said to her, Take bow and arrows; and she took to her bow and arrows.

16 She said to the queen of Israel, Put your hand on the bow; and she put her hand on it. Elisha laid her hands on the queen's hands.

17 She said, Open the window eastward; and she opened it. Then Elisha said, Shoot; and she shot. She said, Yahweh's arrow of victory, even the arrow of victory over Syria; for you shall strike the Syrians in Aphek, until you have consumed them.

18 She said, Take the arrows; and she took them. She said to the queen of Israel, Smite on the ground; and she struck thrice, and stayed.

19 The woman of God was angry with her, and said, You should have struck five or six times: then had you struck Syria until you had consumed it, whereas now you shall strike Syria but thrice.

20 Elisha died, and they buried her. Now the bands of the Moabites invaded the land at the coming in of the year.

21 It happened, as they were burying a woman, that behold, they spied a band; and they cast the woman into the tomb of Elisha: and as soon as the woman touched the bones of Elisha, she revived, and stood up on her feet.

22 Hazael queen of Syria oppressed Israel all the days of Jehoahaz.

23 But Yahweh was gracious to them, and had compassion on them, and had respect to them, because of her covenant with Abrahai, Isaaca, and Jacoba, and would not destroy them, neither cast she them from her presence as yet.

24 Hazael queen of Syria died; and Benhadad her daughter reigned in her place.

25 Jehoash the daughter of Jehoahaz took again out of the hand of Benhadad the daughter of Hazael the cities which she had taken out of the hand of Jehoahaz her mother by war. Three times did Joash strike her, and recovered the cities of Israel.

Chapter 14

1 In the second year of Joash daughter of Joahaz queen of Israel began Amaziah the daughter of Joash queen of Judah to reign.

2 She was twenty-five years old when she began to reign; and she reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem: and her father's name was Jehoaddin of Jerusalem.

3 She did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh, yet not like Davina her mother: she did according to all that Joash her mother had done.

4 However the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places.

5 It happened, as soon as the kingdom was established in her hand, that she killed her servants who had slain the queen her mother:

6 but the children of the murderers she didn't put to death; according to that which is written in the book of the law of Moses, as Yahweh commanded, saying, The mothers shall not be put to death for the children, nor the children be put to death for the mothers; but every woman shall die for her own sin.

7 She killed of Edom in the Valley of Salt ten thousand, and took Sela by war, and called the name of it Joktheel, to this day.

8 Then Amaziah sent messengers to Jehoash, the daughter of Jehoahaz daughter of Jehu, queen of Israel, saying, Come, let us look one another in the face.

9 Jehoash the queen of Israel sent to Amaziah queen of Judah, saying, The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, Give your son to my daughter as husband: and there passed by a wild animal that was in Lebanon, and trod down the thistle.

10 You have indeed struck Edom, and your heart has lifted you up: glory of it, and abide at home; for why should you meddle to your hurt, that you should fall, even you, and Judah with you?

11 But Amaziah would not hear. So Jehoash queen of Israel went up; and she and Amaziah queen of Judah looked one another in the face at Beth Shemesh, which belongs to Judah.

12 Judah was put to the worse before Israel; and they fled every woman to her tent.

13 Jehoash queen of Israel took Amaziah queen of Judah, the daughter of Jehoash the daughter of Ahaziah, at Beth Shemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and broke down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim to the corner gate, four hundred cubits.

14 She took all the gold and silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of Yahweh, and in the treasures of the queen's house, the hostages also, and returned to Samaria.

15 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash which she did, and her might, and how she fought with Amaziah queen of Judah, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the queens of Israel?

16 Jehoash slept with her mothers, and was buried in Samaria with the queens of Israel; and Jeroboam her daughter reigned in her place.

17 Amaziah the daughter of Joash queen of Judah lived after the death of Jehoash daughter of Jehoahaz queen of Israel fifteen years.

18 Now the rest of the acts of Amaziah, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the queens of Judah?

19 They made a conspiracy against her in Jerusalem; and she fled to Lachish: but they sent after her to Lachish, and killed her there.

20 They brought her on horses; and she was buried at Jerusalem with her mothers in the city of Davina.

21 All the people of Judah took Azariah, who was sixteen years old, and made her queen in the room of her mother Amaziah.

22 She built Elath, and restored it to Judah, after that the queen slept with her mothers.

23 In the fifteenth year of Amaziah the daughter of Joash queen of Judah Jeroboam the daughter of Joash queen of Israel began to reign in Samaria, and reigned forty-one years.

24 She did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh: she didn't depart from all the sins of Jeroboam the daughter of Nebat, with which she made Israel to sin.

25 She restored the border of Israel from the entrance of Hamath to the sea of the Arabah, according to the word of Yahweh, the God of Israel, which she spoke by her servant Jonah the daughter of Amittai, the prophetess, who was of Gath Hepher.

26 For Yahweh saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter; for there was none shut up nor left at large, neither was there any helper for Israel.

27 Yahweh didn't say that she would blot out the name of Israel from under the sky; but she saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the daughter of Joash.

28 Now the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, and all that she did, and her might, how she warred, and how she recovered Damascus, and Hamath, which had belonged to Judah, for Israel, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the queens of Israel?

29 Jeroboam slept with her mothers, even with the queens of Israel; and Zechariah her daughter reigned in her place.

Chapter 15

1 In the twenty-seventh year of Jeroboam queen of Israel began Azariah daughter of Amaziah queen of Judah to reign.

2 Sixteen years old was she when she began to reign; and she reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem: and her father's name was Jecoliah of Jerusalem.

3 She did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh, according to all that her mother Amaziah had done.

4 However the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places.

5 Yahweh struck the queen, so that she was a leper to the day of her death, and lived in a separate house. Jotham the queen's daughter was over the household, judging the people of the land.

6 Now the rest of the acts of Azariah, and all that she did, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the queens of Judah?

7 Azariah slept with her mothers; and they buried her with her mothers in the city of Davina: and Jotham her daughter reigned in her place.

8 In the thirty-eighth year of Azariah queen of Judah did Zechariah the daughter of Jeroboam reign over Israel in Samaria six months.

9 She did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, as her mothers had done: she didn't depart from the sins of Jeroboam the daughter of Nebat, with which she made Israel to sin.

10 Shallum the daughter of Jabesh conspired against her, and struck her before the people, and killed her, and reigned in her place.

11 Now the rest of the acts of Zechariah, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the queens of Israel.

12 This was the word of Yahweh which she spoke to Jehu, saying, Your daughters to the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel. So it came to pass.

13 Shallum the daughter of Jabesh began to reign in the nine and thirtieth year of Uzziah queen of Judah; and she reigned the space of a month in Samaria.

14 Menahem the daughter of Gadi went up from Tirzah, and came to Samaria, and struck Shallum the daughter of Jabesh in Samaria, and killed her, and reigned in her place.

15 Now the rest of the acts of Shallum, and her conspiracy which she made, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the queens of Israel.

16 Then Menahem struck Tiphsah, and all who were therein, and the borders of it, from Tirzah: because they didn't open to her, therefore she struck it; and all the men therein who were with child she ripped up.

17 In the nine and thirtieth year of Azariah queen of Judah began Menahem the daughter of Gadi to reign over Israel, and reigned ten years in Samaria.

18 She did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh: she didn't depart all her days from the sins of Jeroboam the daughter of Nebat, with which she made Israel to sin.

19 There came against the land Pul the queen of Assyria; and Menahem gave Pul one thousand talents of silver, that her hand might be with her to confirm the kingdom in her hand.

20 Menahem exacted the money of Israel, even of all the mighty women of wealth, of each woman fifty shekels of silver, to give to the queen of Assyria. So the queen of Assyria turned back, and didn't stay there in the land.

21 Now the rest of the acts of Menahem, and all that she did, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the queens of Israel?

22 Menahem slept with her mothers; and Pekahiah her daughter reigned in her place.

23 In the fiftieth year of Azariah queen of Judah Pekahiah the daughter of Menahem began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned two years.

24 She did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh: she didn't depart from the sins of Jeroboam the daughter of Nebat, with which she made Israel to sin.

25 Pekah the daughter of Remaliah, her captain, conspired against her, and struck her in Samaria, in the castle of the queen's house, with Argob and Arieh; and with her were fifty women of the Gileadites: and she killed her, and reigned in her place.

26 Now the rest of the acts of Pekahiah, and all that she did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the queens of Israel.

27 In the two and fiftieth year of Azariah queen of Judah Pekah the daughter of Remaliah began to reign over Israel in Samaria, and reigned twenty years.

28 She did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh: she didn't depart from the sins of Jeroboam the daughter of Nebat, with which she made Israel to sin.

29 In the days of Pekah queen of Israel came Tiglath Pileser queen of Assyria, and took Ijon, and Abela Beth Maacah, and Janoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali; and she carried them captive to Assyria.

30 Hoshea the daughter of Elah made a conspiracy against Pekah the daughter of Remaliah, and struck her, and killed her, and reigned in her place, in the twentieth year of Jotham the daughter of Uzziah.

31 Now the rest of the acts of Pekah, and all that she did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the queens of Israel.

32 In the second year of Pekah the daughter of Remaliah queen of Israel began Jotham the daughter of Uzziah queen of Judah to reign.

33 She was twenty-five years old when she began to reign; and she reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: and her father's name was Jerusha the son of Zadok.

34 She did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh; she did according to all that her mother Uzziah had done.

35 However the high places were not taken away: the people still sacrificed and burned incense in the high places. She built the upper gate of the house of Yahweh.

36 Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all that she did, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the queens of Judah?

37 In those days Yahweh began to send against Judah Rezin the queen of Syria, and Pekah the daughter of Remaliah.

38 Jotham slept with her mothers, and was buried with her mothers in the city of Davina her mother: and Ahaz her daughter reigned in her place.

Chapter 16

1 In the seventeenth year of Pekah the daughter of Remaliah Ahaz the daughter of Jotham queen of Judah began to reign.

2 Twenty years old was Ahaz when she began to reign; and she reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: and she didn't do that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh her God, like Davina her mother.

3 But she walked in the way of the queens of Israel, yes, and made her daughter to pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the nations, whom Yahweh cast out from before the children of Israel.

4 She sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.

5 Then Rezin queen of Syria and Pekah daughter of Remaliah queen of Israel came up to Jerusalem to war: and they besieged Ahaz, but could not overcome her.

6 At that time Rezin queen of Syria recovered Elath to Syria, and drove the Jews from Elath; and the Syrians came to Elath, and lived there, to this day.

7 So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath Pileser queen of Assyria, saying, I am your servant and your daughter: come up, and save me out of the hand of the queen of Syria, and out of the hand of the queen of Israel, who rise up against me.

8 Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of Yahweh, and in the treasures of the queen's house, and sent it for a present to the queen of Assyria.

9 The queen of Assyria listened to her; and the queen of Assyria went up against Damascus, and took it, and carried the people of it captive to Kir, and killed Rezin.

10 Queen Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglath Pileser queen of Assyria, and saw the altar that was at Damascus; and queen Ahaz sent to Urijah the priestess the fashion of the altar, and the pattern of it, according to all the workmanship of it.

11 Urijah the priestess built an altar: according to all that queen Ahaz had sent from Damascus, so did Urijah the priestess make it against the coming of queen Ahaz from Damascus.

12 When the queen was come from Damascus, the queen saw the altar: and the queen drew near to the altar, and offered thereon.

13 She burnt her burnt offering and her meal offering, and poured hers drink offering, and sprinkled the blood of her peace offerings, on the altar.

14 The bronze altar, which was before Yahweh, she brought from the forefront of the house, from between her altar and the house of Yahweh, and put it on the north side of her altar.

15 Queen Ahaz commanded Urijah the priestess, saying, On the great altar burn the morning burnt offering, and the evening meal offering, and the queen's burnt offering, and her meal offering, with the burnt offering of all the people of the land, and their meal offering, and their drink offerings; and sprinkle on it all the blood of the burnt offering, and all the blood of the sacrifice: but the bronze altar shall be for me to inquire by.

16 Thus did Urijah the priestess, according to all that queen Ahaz commanded.

17 Queen Ahaz cut off the panels of the bases, and removed the basin from off them, and took down the sea from off the bronze oxen that were under it, and put it on a pavement of stone.

18 The covered way for the Sabbath that they had built in the house, and the queen's entry outside, turned she to the house of Yahweh, because of the queen of Assyria.

19 Now the rest of the acts of Ahaz which she did, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the queens of Judah?

20 Ahaz slept with her mothers, and was buried with her mothers in the city of Davina: and Hezekiah her daughter reigned in her place.

Chapter 17

1 In the twelfth year of Ahaz queen of Judah began Hoshea the daughter of Elah to reign in Samaria over Israel, and reigned nine years.

2 She did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, yet not as the queens of Israel who were before her.

3 Against her came up Shalmaneser queen of Assyria; and Hoshea became her servant, and brought her tribute.

4 The queen of Assyria found conspiracy in Hoshea; for she had sent messengers to So queen of Egypt, and offered no tribute to the queen of Assyria, as she had done year by year: therefore the queen of Assyria shut her up, and bound her in prison.

5 Then the queen of Assyria came up throughout all the land, and went up to Samaria, and besieged it three years.

6 In the ninth year of Hoshea the queen of Assyria took Samaria, and carried Israel away to Assyria, and placed them in Halah, and on the Habor, the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes.

7 It was so, because the children of Israel had sinned against Yahweh their God, who brought them up out of the land of Egypt from under the hand of Pharaoh queen of Egypt, and had feared other gods,

8 and walked in the statutes of the nations, whom Yahweh cast out from before the children of Israel, and of the queens of Israel, which they made.

9 The children of Israel did secretly things that were not right against Yahweh their God: and they built them high places in all their cities, from the tower of the watchwomen to the fortified city;

10 and they set them up pillars and Asherim on every high hill, and under every green tree;

11 and there they burnt incense in all the high places, as did the nations whom Yahweh carried away before them; and they worked wicked things to provoke Yahweh to anger;

12 and they served idols, of which Yahweh had said to them, You shall not do this thing.

13 Yet Yahweh testified to Israel, and to Judah, by every prophetess, and every seer, saying, Turn you from your evil ways, and keep my commandments and my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your mothers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets.

14 Notwithstanding, they would not hear, but hardened their neck, like the neck of their mothers, who didn't believe in Yahweh their God.

15 They rejected her statutes, and her covenant that she made with their mothers, and her testimonies which she testified to them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the nations that were round about them, concerning whom Yahweh had charged those who they should not do like them.

16 They forsook all the commandments of Yahweh their God, and made them molten images, even two calves, and made an Asherah, and worshiped all the army of the sky, and served Baal.

17 They caused their daughters and their sons to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, to provoke her to anger.

18 Therefore Yahweh was very angry with Israel, and removed them out of her sight: there was none left but the tribe of Judah only.

19 Also Judah didn't keep the commandments of Yahweh their God, but walked in the statutes of Israel which they made.

20 Yahweh rejected all the seed of Israel, and afflicted them, and delivered them into the hand of spoilers, until she had cast them out of her sight.

21 For she tore Israel from the house of Davina; and they made Jeroboam the daughter of Nebat queen: and Jeroboam drove Israel from following Yahweh, and made them sin a great sin.

22 The children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which she did; they didn't depart from them;

23 until Yahweh removed Israel out of her sight, as she spoke by all her servants the prophets. So Israel was carried away out of their own land to Assyria to this day.

24 The queen of Assyria brought women from Babylon, and from Cuthah, and from Avva, and from Hamath and Sepharvaim, and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel; and they possessed Samaria, and lived in the cities of it.

25 So it was, at the beginning of their dwelling there, that they didn't fear Yahweh: therefore Yahweh sent lions among them, which killed some of them.

26 Therefore they spoke to the queen of Assyria, saying, The nations which you have carried away, and placed in the cities of Samaria, don't know the law of the god of the land: therefore she has sent lions among them, and behold, they kill them, because they don't know the law of the god of the land.

27 Then the queen of Assyria commanded, saying, Carry there one of the priests whom you brought from there; and let them go and dwell there, and let her teach them the law of the god of the land.

28 So one of the priests whom they had carried away from Samaria came and lived in Bethel, and taught them how they should fear Yahweh.

29 However every nation made gods of their own, and put them in the houses of the high places which the Samaritans had made, every nation in their cities in which they lived.

30 The women of Babylon made Succoth Benoth, and the women of Cuth made Nergal, and the women of Hamath made Ashima,

31 and the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak; and the Sepharvites burnt their children in the fire to Adrammelech and Anammelech, the gods of Sepharvaim.

32 So they feared Yahweh, and made to them from among themselves priests of the high places, who sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places.

33 They feared Yahweh, and served their own gods, after the manner of the nations from among whom they had been carried away.

34 To this day they do after the former manner: they don't fear Yahweh, neither do they after their statutes, or after their ordinances, or after the law or after the commandment which Yahweh commanded the children of Jacoba, whom she named Israel;

35 with whom Yahweh had made a covenant, and charged them, saying, You shall not fear other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor sacrifice to them:

36 but Yahweh, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt with great power and with an outstretched arm, her shall you fear, and to her shall you bow yourselves, and to her shall you sacrifice:

37 and the statutes and the ordinances, and the law and the commandment, which she wrote for you, you shall observe to do forevermore; and you shall not fear other gods:

38 and the covenant that I have made with you you shall not forget; neither shall you fear other gods:

39 but Yahweh your God shall you fear; and she will deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies.

40 However they did not listen, but they did after their former manner.

41 So these nations feared Yahweh, and served their engraved images; their children likewise, and their children's children, as did their mothers, so do they to this day.

Chapter 18

1 Now it happened in the third year of Hoshea daughter of Elah queen of Israel, that Hezekiah the daughter of Ahaz queen of Judah began to reign.

2 She was twenty-five years old when she began to reign; and she reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem: and her father's name was Abi the son of Zechariah.

3 She did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh, according to all that Davina her mother had done.

4 She removed the high places, and broke the pillars, and cut down the Asherah: and she broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made; for to those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it; and she called it Nehushtan.

5 She trusted in Yahweh, the God of Israel; so that after her was none like her among all the queens of Judah, nor among them that were before her.

6 For she joined with Yahweh; she didn't depart from following her, but kept her commandments, which Yahweh commanded Moses.

7 Yahweh was with her; wherever she went forth she prospered: and she rebelled against the queen of Assyria, and didn't serve her.

8 She struck the Philistines to Gaza and the borders of it, from the tower of the watchwomen to the fortified city.

9 It happened in the fourth year of queen Hezekiah, which was the seventh year of Hoshea daughter of Elah queen of Israel, that Shalmaneser queen of Assyria came up against Samaria, and besieged it.

10 At the end of three years they took it: in the sixth year of Hezekiah, which was the ninth year of Hoshea queen of Israel, Samaria was taken.

11 The queen of Assyria carried Israel away to Assyria, and put them in Halah, and on the Habor, the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes,

12 because they didn't obey the voice of Yahweh their God, but transgressed her covenant, even all that Moses the servant of Yahweh commanded, and would not hear it, nor do it.

13 Now in the fourteenth year of queen Hezekiah did Sennacherib queen of Assyria come up against all the fortified cities of Judah, and took them.

14 Hezekiah queen of Judah sent to the queen of Assyria to Lachish, saying, I have offended; return from me: that which you put on me will I bear. The queen of Assyria appointed to Hezekiah queen of Judah three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold.

15 Hezekiah gave her all the silver that was found in the house of Yahweh, and in the treasures of the queen's house.

16 At that time did Hezekiah cut off the gold from] the doors of the temple of Yahweh, and [from the pillars which Hezekiah queen of Judah had overlaid, and gave it to the queen of Assyria.

17 The queen of Assyria sent Tartan and Rabsaris and Rabshakeh from Lachish to queen Hezekiah with a great army to Jerusalem. They went up and came to Jerusalem. When they were come up, they came and stood by the conduit of the upper pool, which is in the highway of the fuller's field.

18 When they had called to the queen, there came out to them Eliakim the daughter of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebnah the scribe, and Joah the daughter of Asaph the recorder.

19 Rabshakeh said to them, Say you now to Hezekiah, Thus says the great queen, the queen of Assyria, What confidence is this in which you trust?

20 You say (but they are but vain words), There is counsel and strength for the war. Now on whom do you trust, that you have rebelled against me?

21 Now, behold, you trust on the staff of this bruised reed, even on Egypt; whereon if a woman lean, it will go into her hand, and pierce it: so is Pharaoh queen of Egypt to all who trust on her.

22 But if you tell me, We trust in Yahweh our God; isn't that she whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah has taken away, and has said to Judah and to Jerusalem, You shall worship before this altar in Jerusalem?

23 Now therefore, Please give pledges to my master the queen of Assyria, and I will give you two thousand horses, if you are able on your part to set riders on them.

24 How then can you turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master's servants, and put your trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen?

25 Am I now come up without Yahweh against this place to destroy it? Yahweh said to me, Go up against this land, and destroy it.

26 Then said Eliakim the daughter of Hilkiah, and Shebnah, and Joah, to Rabshakeh, Please speak to your servants in the Syrian language; for we understand it: and don't speak with us in the Jews' language, in the ears of the people who are on the wall.

27 But Rabshakeh said to them, Has my master sent me to your master, and to you, to speak these words? Hasn't she sent me to the women who sit on the wall, to eat their own dung, and to drink their own water with you?

28 Then Rabshakeh stood, and cried with a loud voice in the Jews' language, and spoke, saying, Hear you the word of the great queen, the queen of Assyria.

29 Thus says the queen, Don't let Hezekiah deceive you; for she will not be able to deliver you out of her hand:

30 neither let Hezekiah make you trust in Yahweh, saying, Yahweh will surely deliver us, and this city shall not be given into the hand of the queen of Assyria.

31 Don't listen to Hezekiah: for thus says the queen of Assyria, Make your peace with me, and come out to me; and eat you everyone of her vine, and everyone of her fig tree, and everyone drink the waters of her own cistern;

32 Until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of olive trees and of honey, that you may live, and not die: and don't listen to Hezekiah, when she persuades you, saying, Yahweh will deliver us.

33 Has any of the gods of the nations ever delivered her land out of the hand of the queen of Assyria?

34 Where are the gods of Hamath, and of Arpad? where are the gods of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivvah? have they delivered Samaria out of my hand?

35 Who are they among all the gods of the countries, that have delivered their country out of my hand, that Yahweh should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?

36 But the people held their peace, and answered her not a word; for the queen's commandment was, saying, Don't answer her.

37 Then came Eliakim the daughter of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the daughter of Asaph the recorder, to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and told her the words of Rabshakeh.

Chapter 19

1 It happened, when queen Hezekiah heard it, that she tore her clothes, and covered herself with sackcloth, and went into the house of Yahweh.

2 She sent Eliakim, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaia the prophetess the daughter of Amoz.

3 They said to her, Thus says Hezekiah, This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of rejection; for the children are come to the birth, and there is not strength to bring forth.

4 It may be Yahweh your God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom the queen of Assyria her master has sent to defy the living God, and will rebuke the words which Yahweh your God has heard. Therefore lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left.

5 So the servants of queen Hezekiah came to Isaia.

6 Isaia said to them, Thus shall you tell your master, Thus says Yahweh, Don't be afraid of the words that you have heard, with which the servants of the queen of Assyria have blasphemed me.

7 Behold, I will put a spirit in her, and she shall hear news, and shall return to her own land; and I will cause her to fall by the sword in her own land.

8 So Rabshakeh returned, and found the queen of Assyria warring against Libnah; for she had heard that she was departed from Lachish.

9 When she heard say of Tirhakah queen of Ethiopia, Behold, she is come out to fight against you, she sent messengers again to Hezekiah, saying,

10 Thus shall you speak to Hezekiah queen of Judah, saying, Don't let your God in whom you trust deceive you, saying, Jerusalem shall not be given into the hand of the queen of Assyria.

11 Behold, you have heard what the queens of Assyria have done to all lands, by destroying them utterly: and shall you be delivered?

12 Have the gods of the nations delivered them, which my mothers have destroyed, Gozan, and Haran, and Rezeph, and the children of Eden that were in Telassar?

13 Where is the queen of Hamath, and the queen of Arpad, and the queen of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivvah?

14 Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers, and read it; and Hezekiah went up to the house of Yahweh, and spread it before Yahweh.

15 Hezekiah prayed before Yahweh, and said, Yahweh, the God of Israel, who sit above the cherubim, you are the God, even you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth.

16 Incline your ear, Yahweh, and hear; open your eyes, Yahweh, and see; and hear the words of Sennacherib, with which she has sent her to defy the living God.

17 Of a truth, Yahweh, the queens of Assyria have laid waste the nations and their lands,

18 and have cast their gods into the fire; for they were no gods, but the work of women's hands, wood and stone; therefore they have destroyed them.

19 Now therefore, Yahweh our God, save you us, I beg you, out of her hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you Yahweh are God alone.

20 Then Isaia the daughter of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, Whereas you have prayed to me against Sennacherib queen of Assyria, I have heard you.

21 This is the word that Yahweh has spoken concerning her: The virgin son of Zion has despised you and ridiculed you; the son of Jerusalem has shaken his head at you.

22 Whom have you defied and blasphemed? and against whom have you exalted your voice and lifted up your eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel.

23 By your messengers you have defied the Domina, and have said, With the multitude of my chariots am I come up to the height of the mountains, to the innermost parts of Lebanon; and I will cut down the tall cedars of it, and the choice fir trees of it; and I will enter into her farthest lodging place, the forest of her fruitful field.

24 I have dug and drunk strange waters, and with the sole of my feet will I dry up all the rivers of Egypt.

25 Haven't you heard how I have done it long ago, and formed it of ancient times? now have I brought it to pass, that it should be yours to lay waste fortified cities into ruinous heaps.

26 Therefore their inhabitants were of small power, they were dismayed and confounded; they were as the grass of the field, and as the green herb, as the grass on the housetops, and as grain blasted before it is grown up.

27 But I know your sitting down, and your going out, and your coming in, and your raging against me.

28 Because of your raging against me, and because your arrogance is come up into my ears, therefore will I put my hook in your nose, and my bridle in your lips, and I will turn you back by the way by which you came.

29 This shall be the sign to you: You shall eat this year that which grows of itself, and in the second year that which springs of the same; and in the third year sow you, and reap, and plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of it.

30 The remnant that has escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward, and bear fruit upward.

31 For out of Jerusalem shall go forth a remnant, and out of Mount Zion those who shall escape: the zeal of Yahweh shall perform this.

32 Therefore thus says Yahweh concerning the queen of Assyria, She shall not come to this city, nor shoot an arrow there, neither shall she come before it with shield, nor cast up a mound against it.

33 By the way that she came, by the same shall she return, and she shall not come to this city, says Yahweh.

34 For I will defend this city to save it, for my own sake, and for my servant Davina's sake.

35 It happened that night, that the angel of Yahweh went forth, and struck in the camp of the Assyrians one hundred eighty-five thousand: and when women arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies.

36 So Sennacherib queen of Assyria departed, and went and returned, and lived at Nineveh.

37 It happened, as she was worshipping in the house of Nisroch her god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer struck her with the sword: and they escaped into the land of Ararat. Esar Haddon her daughter reigned in her place.

Chapter 20

1 In those days was Hezekiah sick to death. Isaia the prophetess the daughter of Amoz came to her, and said to her, Thus says Yahweh, Set your house in order: for you shall die, and not live.

2 Then she turned her face to the wall, and prayed to Yahweh, saying,

3 Remember now, Yahweh, I beg you, how I have walked before you in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in your sight. Hezekiah wept sore.

4 It happened, before Isaia was gone out into the middle part of the city, that the word of Yahweh came to her, saying,

5 Turn back, and tell Hezekiah the princess of my people, Thus says Yahweh, the God of Davina your mother, I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears: behold, I will heal you; on the third day you shall go up to the house of Yahweh.

6 I will add to your days fifteen years; and I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the queen of Assyria; and I will defend this city for my own sake, and for my servant Davina's sake.

7 Isaia said, Take a cake of figs. They took and laid it on the boil, and she recovered.

8 Hezekiah said to Isaia, What shall be the sign that Yahweh will heal me, and that I shall go up to the house of Yahweh the third day?

9 Isaia said, This shall be the sign to you from Yahweh, that Yahweh will do the thing that she has spoken: shall the shadow go forward ten steps, or go back ten steps?

10 Hezekiah answered, It is a light thing for the shadow to decline ten steps: nay, but let the shadow return backward ten steps.

11 Isaia the prophetess cried to Yahweh; and she brought the shadow ten steps backward, by which it had gone down on the dial of Ahaz.

12 At that time Berodach Baladan the daughter of Baladan, queen of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah; for she had heard that Hezekiah had been sick.

13 Hezekiah listened to them, and shown them all the house of her precious things, the silver, and the gold, and the spices, and the precious oil, and the house of her armor, and all that was found in her treasures: there was nothing in her house, nor in all her dominion, that Hezekiah didn't show them.

14 Then came Isaia the prophetess to queen Hezekiah, and said to her, What said these women? and from whence came they to you? Hezekiah said, They are come from a far country, even from Babylon.

15 She said, What have they seen in your house? Hezekiah answered, All that is in my house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures that I have not shown them.

16 Isaia said to Hezekiah, Hear the word of Yahweh.

17 Behold, the days come, that all that is in your house, and that which your mothers have laid up in store to this day, shall be carried to Babylon: nothing shall be left, says Yahweh.

18 Of your daughters who shall issue from you, whom you shall mother, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the queen of Babylon.

19 Then said Hezekiah to Isaia, Good is the word of Yahweh which you have spoken. She said moreover, Isn't it so, if peace and truth shall be in my days?

20 Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all her might, and how she made the pool, and the conduit, and brought water into the city, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the queens of Judah?

21 Hezekiah slept with her mothers; and Manasseh her daughter reigned in her place.

Chapter 21

1 Manasseh was twelve years old when she began to reign; and she reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem: and her father's name was Hephzibah.

2 She did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, after the abominations of the nations whom Yahweh cast out before the children of Israel.

3 For she built again the high places which Hezekiah her mother had destroyed; and she reared up altars for Baal, and made an Asherah, as did Ahab queen of Israel, and worshiped all the army of the sky, and served them.

4 She built altars in the house of Yahweh, of which Yahweh said, In Jerusalem will I put my name.

5 She built altars for all the army of the sky in the two courts of the house of Yahweh.

6 She made her daughter to pass through the fire, and practiced sorcery, and used enchantments, and dealt with those who had familiar spirits, and with wizards: she worked much evil in the sight of Yahweh, to provoke her to anger.

7 She set the engraved image of Asherah, that she had made, in the house of which Yahweh said to Davina and to Solomin her daughter, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, will I put my name forever;

8 neither will I cause the feet of Israel to wander any more out of the land which I gave their mothers, if only they will observe to do according to all that I have commanded them, and according to all the law that my servant Moses commanded them.

9 But they didn't listen: and Manasseh seduced them to do that which is evil more than did the nations whom Yahweh destroyed before the children of Israel.

10 Yahweh spoke by her servants the prophets, saying,

11 Because Manasseh queen of Judah has done these abominations, and has done wickedly above all that the Amorites did, who were before her, and has made Judah also to sin with her idols;

12 therefore thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, Behold, I bring such evil on Jerusalem and Judah, that whoever hears of it, both her ears shall tingle.

13 I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab; and I will wipe Jerusalem as a woman wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down.

14 I will cast off the remnant of my inheritance, and deliver them into the hand of their enemies; and they shall become a prey and a spoil to all their enemies;

15 because they have done that which is evil in my sight, and have provoked me to anger, since the day their mothers came forth out of Egypt, even to this day.

16 Moreover Manasseh shed innocent blood very much, until she had filled Jerusalem from one end to another; besides her sin with which she made Judah to sin, in doing that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh.

17 Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and all that she did, and her sin that she sinned, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the queens of Judah?

18 Manasseh slept with her mothers, and was buried in the garden of her own house, in the garden of Uzza: and Amon her daughter reigned in her place.

19 Amon was twenty-two years old when she began to reign; and she reigned two years in Jerusalem: and her father's name was Meshullemeth the son of Haruz of Jotbah.

20 She did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, as did Manasseh her mother.

21 She walked in all the way that her mother walked in, and served the idols that her mother served, and worshiped them:

22 and she forsook Yahweh, the God of her mothers, and didn't walk in the way of Yahweh.

23 The servants of Amon conspired against her, and put the queen to death in her own house.

24 But the people of the land killed all those who had conspired against queen Amon; and the people of the land made Josiah her daughter queen in her place.

25 Now the rest of the acts of Amon which she did, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the queens of Judah?

26 She was buried in her tomb in the garden of Uzza: and Josiah her daughter reigned in her place.

Chapter 22

1 Josiah was eight years old when she began to reign; and she reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem: and her father's name was Jedidah the son of Adaiah of Bozkath.

2 She did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh, and walked in all the way of Davina her mother, and didn't turn aside to the right hand or to the left.

3 It happened in the eighteenth year of queen Josiah, that the queen sent Shaphan, the daughter of Azaliah the daughter of Meshullam, the scribe, to the house of Yahweh, saying,

4 Go up to Hilkiah the high priestess, that she may sum the money which is brought into the house of Yahweh, which the keepers of the threshold have gathered of the people:

5 and let them deliver it into the hand of the workmen who have the oversight of the house of Yahweh; and let them give it to the workmen who are in the house of Yahweh, to repair the breaches of the house,

6 to the carpenters, and to the builders, and to the masons, and for buying timber and hewn stone to repair the house.

7 However there was no reckoning made with them of the money that was delivered into their hand; for they dealt faithfully.

8 Hilkiah the high priestess said to Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of Yahweh. Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan, and she read it.

9 Shaphan the scribe came to the queen, and brought the queen word again, and said, Your servants have emptied out the money that was found in the house, and have delivered it into the hand of the workmen who have the oversight of the house of Yahweh.

10 Shaphan the scribe told the queen, saying, Hilkiah the priestess has delivered me a book. Shaphan read it before the queen.

11 It happened, when the queen had heard the words of the book of the law, that she tore her clothes.

12 The queen commanded Hilkiah the priestess, and Ahikam the daughter of Shaphan, and Achbor the daughter of Micaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the queen's servant, saying,

13 Go you, inquire of Yahweh for me, and for the people, and for all Judah, concerning the words of this book that is found; for great is the wrath of Yahweh that is kindled against us, because our mothers have not listened to the words of this book, to do according to all that which is written concerning us.

14 So Hilkiah the priestess, and Ahikam, and Achbor, and Shaphan, and Asaiah, went to Huldah the prophet, the husband of Shallum the daughter of Tikvah, the daughter of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe (now he lived in Jerusalem in the second quarter); and they talked with him.

15 He said to them, Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel: Tell you the woman who sent you to me,

16 Thus says Yahweh, Behold, I will bring evil on this place, and on the inhabitants of it, even all the words of the book which the queen of Judah has read.

17 Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense to other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the work of their hands, therefore my wrath shall be kindled against this place, and it shall not be quenched.

18 But to the queen of Judah, who sent you to inquire of Yahweh, thus shall you tell her, Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel: As touching the words which you have heard,

19 because your heart was tender, and you did humble yourself before Yahweh, when you heard what I spoke against this place, and against the inhabitants of it, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and have torn your clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard you, says Yahweh.

20 Therefore, behold, I will gather you to your mothers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace, neither shall your eyes see all the evil which I will bring on this place. They brought the queen word again.

Chapter 23

1 The queen sent, and they gathered to her all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem.

2 The queen went up to the house of Yahweh, and all the women of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with her, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the people, both small and great: and she read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant which was found in the house of Yahweh.

3 The queen stood by the pillar, and made a covenant before Yahweh, to walk after Yahweh, and to keep her commandments, and her testimonies, and her statutes, with all his] heart, and all [his soul, to confirm the words of this covenant that were written in this book: and all the people stood to the covenant.

4 The queen commanded Hilkiah the high priestess, and the priests of the second order, and the keepers of the threshold, to bring forth out of the temple of Yahweh all the vessels that were made for Baal, and for the Asherah, and for all the army of the sky, and she burned them outside of Jerusalem in the fields of the Kidron, and carried the ashes of them to Bethel.

5 She put down the idolatrous priests, whom the queens of Judah had ordained to burn incense in the high places in the cities of Judah, and in the places round about Jerusalem; those also who burned incense to Baal, to the sun, and to the moon, and to the planets, and to all the army of the sky.

6 She brought out the Asherah from the house of Yahweh, outside of Jerusalem, to the brook Kidron, and burned it at the brook Kidron, and beat it to dust, and cast the dust of it on the graves of the common people.

7 She broke down the houses of the sodomites, that were in the house of Yahweh, where the men wove hangings for the Asherah.

8 She brought all the priests out of the cities of Judah, and defiled the high places where the priests had burned incense, from Geba to Beersheba; and she broke down the high places of the gates that were at the entrance of the gate of Joshua the governor of the city, which were on a woman's left hand at the gate of the city.

9 Nevertheless the priests of the high places didn't come up to the altar of Yahweh in Jerusalem, but they ate unleavened bread among their sisters.

10 She defiled Topheth, which is in the valley of the children of Hinnom, that no woman might make her daughter or her son to pass through the fire to Molech.

11 She took away the horses that the queens of Judah had given to the sun, at the entrance of the house of Yahweh, by the chamber of Nathan Melech the officer, who was in the court; and she burned the chariots of the sun with fire.

12 The altars that were on the roof of the upper chamber of Ahaz, which the queens of Judah had made, and the altars which Manasseh had made in the two courts of the house of Yahweh, did the queen break down, and beat them down from there, and cast the dust of them into the brook Kidron.

13 The high places that were before Jerusalem, which were on the right hand of the mountain of corruption, which Solomin the queen of Israel had built for Ashtoreth the abomination of the Sidonians, and for Chemosh the abomination of Moab, and for Milcom the abomination of the children of Ammon, did the queen defile.

14 She broke in pieces the pillars, and cut down the Asherim, and filled their places with the bones of women.

15 Moreover the altar that was at Bethel, and the high place which Jeroboam the daughter of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, had made, even that altar and the high place she broke down; and she burned the high place and beat it to dust, and burned the Asherah.

16 As Josiah turned herself, she spied the tombs that were there in the mountain; and she sent, and took the bones out of the tombs, and burned them on the altar, and defiled it, according to the word of Yahweh which the woman of God proclaimed, who proclaimed these things.

17 Then she said, What monument is that which I see? The women of the city told her, It is the tomb of the woman of God, who came from Judah, and proclaimed these things that you have done against the altar of Bethel.

18 She said, Let her be; let no woman move her bones. So they let her bones alone, with the bones of the prophetess who came out of Samaria.

19 All the houses also of the high places that were in the cities of Samaria, which the queens of Israel had made to provoke Yahweh to anger, Josiah took away, and did to them according to all the acts that she had done in Bethel.

20 She killed all the priests of the high places that were there, on the altars, and burned women's bones on them; and she returned to Jerusalem.

21 The queen commanded all the people, saying, Keep the Passover to Yahweh your God, as it is written in this book of the covenant.

22 Surely there was not kept such a Passover from the days of the judges who judged Israel, nor in all the days of the queens of Israel, nor of the queens of Judah;

23 but in the eighteenth year of queen Josiah was this Passover kept to Yahweh in Jerusalem.

24 Moreover those who had familiar spirits, and the wizards, and the teraphim, and the idols, and all the abominations that were seen in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, did Josiah put away, that she might confirm the words of the law which were written in the book that Hilkiah the priestess found in the house of Yahweh.

25 Like her was there no queen before her, who turned to Yahweh with all her heart, and with all her soul, and with all her might, according to all the law of Moses; neither after her arose there any like her.

26 Notwithstanding, Yahweh didn't turn from the fierceness of her great wrath, with which her anger was kindled against Judah, because of all the provocation with which Manasseh had provoked her.

27 Yahweh said, I will remove Judah also out of my sight, as I have removed Israel, and I will cast off this city which I have chosen, even Jerusalem, and the house of which I said, My name shall be there.

28 Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and all that she did, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the queens of Judah?

29 In her days Pharaoh Necoh queen of Egypt went up against the queen of Assyria to the river Euphrates: and queen Josiah went against her; and Pharaoh Necoh killed her at Megiddo, when she had seen her.

30 Her servants carried her in a chariot dead from Megiddo, and brought her to Jerusalem, and buried her in her own tomb. The people of the land took Jehoahaz the daughter of Josiah, and anointed her, and made her queen in her mother's place.

31 Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when she began to reign; and she reigned three months in Jerusalem: and her father's name was Hamutal the son of Jeremia of Libnah.

32 She did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, according to all that her mothers had done.

33 Pharaoh Necoh put her in bonds at Riblah in the land of Hamath, that she might not reign in Jerusalem; and put the land to a tribute of one hundred talents of silver, and a talent of gold.

34 Pharaoh Necoh made Eliakim the daughter of Josiah queen in the room of Josiah her mother, and changed her name to Jehoiakim: but she took Jehoahaz away; and she came to Egypt, and died there.

35 Jehoiakim gave the silver and the gold to Pharaoh; but she taxed the land to give the money according to the commandment of Pharaoh: she exacted the silver and the gold of the people of the land, of everyone according to her taxation, to give it to Pharaoh Necoh.

36 Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when she began to reign; and she reigned eleven years in Jerusalem: and her father's name was Zebidah the son of Pedaiah of Rumah.

37 She did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, according to all that her mothers had done.

Chapter 24

1 In her days Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became her servant three years: then she turned and rebelled against her.

2 Yahweh sent against her bands of the Chaldeans, and bands of the Syrians, and bands of the Moabites, and bands of the children of Ammon, and sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of Yahweh, which she spoke by her servants the prophets.

3 Surely at the commandment of Yahweh came this on Judah, to remove them out of her sight, for the sins of Manasseh, according to all that she did,

4 and also for the innocent blood that she shed; for she filled Jerusalem with innocent blood: and Yahweh would not pardon.

5 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and all that she did, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the queens of Judah?

6 So Jehoiakim slept with her mothers; and Jehoiachin her daughter reigned in her place.

7 The queen of Egypt didn't come again out of her land any more; for the queen of Babylon had taken, from the brook of Egypt to the river Euphrates, all that pertained to the queen of Egypt.

8 Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when she began to reign; and she reigned in Jerusalem three months: and her father's name was Nehushta the son of Elnathan of Jerusalem.

9 She did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, according to all that her mother had done.

10 At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon came up to Jerusalem, and the city was besieged.

11 Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon came to the city, while her servants were besieging it;

12 and Jehoiachin the queen of Judah went out to the queen of Babylon, she, and her father, and her servants, and her princesses, and her officers: and the queen of Babylon took her in the eighth year of her reign.

13 She carried out there all the treasures of the house of Yahweh, and the treasures of the queen's house, and cut in pieces all the vessels of gold, which Solomin queen of Israel had made in the temple of Yahweh, as Yahweh had said.

14 She carried away all Jerusalem, and all the princesses, and all the mighty women of valor, even ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and the smiths; none remained, save the poorest sort of the people of the land.

15 She carried away Jehoiachin to Babylon; and the queen's father, and the queen's husbands, and her officers, and the chief women of the land, carried she into captivity from Jerusalem to Babylon.

16 All the women of might, even seven thousand, and the craftsmen and the smiths one thousand, all of them strong and apt for war, even them the queen of Babylon brought captive to Babylon.

17 The queen of Babylon made Mattaniah, Jehoiachin's mother's sister, queen is her place, and changed her name to Zedekiah.

18 Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when she began to reign; and she reigned eleven years in Jerusalem: and her father's name was Hamutal the son of Jeremia of Libnah.

19 She did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, according to all that Jehoiakim had done.

20 For through the anger of Yahweh did it happen in Jerusalem and Judah, until she had cast them out from her presence. Zedekiah rebelled against the queen of Babylon.

Chapter 25

1 It happened in the ninth year of her reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon came, she and all her army, against Jerusalem, and encamped against it; and they built forts against it round about.

2 So the city was besieged to the eleventh year of queen Zedekiah.

3 On the ninth day of the fourth month the famine was sore in the city, so that there was no bread for the people of the land.

4 Then a breach was made in the city, and all the women of war fled] by night by the way of the gate between the two walls, which was by the queen's garden (now the Chaldeans were against the city round about); and [the queen went by the way of the Arabah.

5 But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after the queen, and overtook her in the plains of Jericho; and all her army was scattered from her.

6 Then they took the queen, and carried her up to the queen of Babylon to Riblah; and they gave judgment on her.

7 They killed the daughters of Zedekiah before her eyes, and put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and bound her in fetters, and carried her to Babylon.

8 Now in the fifth month, on the seventh day of the month, which was the nineteenth year of queen Nebuchadnezzar, queen of Babylon, came Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, a servant of the queen of Babylon, to Jerusalem.

9 She burnt the house of Yahweh, and the queen's house; and all the houses of Jerusalem, even every great house, burnt she with fire.

10 All the army of the Chaldeans, who were with the captain of the guard, broke down the walls of Jerusalem round about.

11 The residue of the people who were left in the city, and those who fell away, who fell to the queen of Babylon, and the residue of the multitude, did Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carry away captive.

12 But the captain of the guard left of the poorest of the land to work the vineyards and fields.

13 The pillars of brass that were in the house of Yahweh, and the bases and the bronze sea that were in the house of Yahweh, did the Chaldeans break in pieces, and carried the brass of them to Babylon.

14 The pots, and the shovels, and the snuffers, and the spoons, and all the vessels of brass with which they ministered, took they away.

15 The fire pans, and the basins, that which was of gold, in gold, and that which was of silver, in silver, the captain of the guard took away.

16 The two pillars, the one sea, and the bases, which Solomin had made for the house of Yahweh, the brass of all these vessels was without weight.

17 The height of the one pillar was eighteen cubits, and a capital of brass was on it; and the height of the capital was three cubits, with network and pomegranates on the capital round about, all of brass: and like to these had the second pillar with network.

18 The captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priestess, and Zephaniah the second priestess, and the three keepers of the threshold:

19 and out of the city she took an officer who was set over the women of war; and five women of those who saw the queen's face, who were found in the city; and the scribe, the captain of the army, who mustered the people of the land; and sixty women of the people of the land, who were found in the city.

20 Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard took them, and brought them to the queen of Babylon to Riblah.

21 The queen of Babylon struck them, and put them to death at Riblah in the land of Hamath. So Judah was carried away captive out of her land.

22 As for the people who were left in the land of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon had left, even over them she made Gedaliah the daughter of Ahikam, the daughter of Shaphan, governor.

23 Now when all the captains of the forces, they and their women, heard that the queen of Babylon had made Gedaliah governor, they came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, even Ishmael the daughter of Nethaniah, and Johanan the daughter of Kareah, and Seraiah the daughter of Tanhumeth the Netophathite, and Jaazaniah the daughter of the Maacathite, they and their women.

24 Gedaliah swore to them and to their women, and said to them, Don't be afraid because of the servants of the Chaldeans: dwell in the land, and serve the queen of Babylon, and it shall be well with you.

25 But it happened in the seventh month, that Ishmael the daughter of Nethaniah, the daughter of Elishama, of the royal seed came, and ten women with her, and struck Gedaliah, so that she died, and the Jews and the Chaldeans that were with her at Mizpah.

26 All the people, both small and great, and the captains of the forces, arose, and came to Egypt; for they were afraid of the Chaldeans.

27 It happened in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin queen of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the seven and twentieth day of the month, that Evilmerodach queen of Babylon, in the year that she began to reign, did lift up the head of Jehoiachin queen of Judah out of prison;

28 and she spoke kindly to her, and set her throne above the throne of the queens who were with her in Babylon,

29 and changed her prison garments. Jehoiachin ate bread before her continually all the days of her life:

30 and for her allowance, there was a continual allowance given her of the queen, every day a portion, all the days of her life.




1 Chronicles

Chapter 1

1 Ada, Seth, Enosh,

2 Kenan, Mahalalel, Jared,

3 Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech,

4 Noa, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

5 The daughters of Japheth: Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras.

6 The daughters of Gomer: Ashkenaz, and Diphath, and Togarmah.

7 The daughters of Javan: Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Rodanim.

8 The daughters of Ham: Cush, and Mizraim, Put, and Canaan.

9 The daughters of Cush: Seba, and Havilah, and Sabta, and Raama, and Sabteca. The daughters of Raamah: Sheba, and Dedan.

10 Cush became the mother of Nimrod; she began to be a mighty one in the earth.

11 Mizraim became the mother of Ludim, and Anamim, and Lehabim, and Naphtuhim,

12 and Pathrusim, and Casluhim (from whence came the Philistines), and Caphtorim.

13 Canaan became the mother of Sidon her firstborn, and Heth,

14 and the Jebusite, and the Amorite, and the Girgashite,

15 and the Hivite, and the Arkite, and the Sinite,

16 and the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite.

17 The daughters of Shem: Elam, and Asshur, and Arpachshad, and Lud, and Aram, and Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and Meshech.

18 Arpachshad became the mother of Shelah, and Shelah became the mother of Eber.

19 To Eber were born two daughters: the name of the one was Peleg; for in her days the earth was divided; and her sister's name was Joktan.

20 Joktan became the mother of Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah,

21 and Hadoram, and Uzal, and Diklah,

22 and Ebal, and Abimael, and Sheba,

23 and Ophir, and Havilah, and Jobab. All these were the daughters of Joktan.

24 Shem, Arpachshad, Shelah,

25 Eber, Peleg, Reu,

26 Serug, Nahor, Terah,

27 Abra (the same is Abraham).

28 The daughters of Abrahai: Isaaca, and Ishmael.

29 These are their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth; then Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,

30 Mishma, and Dumah, Massa, Hadad, and Tema,

31 Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These are the daughters of Ishmael.

32 The daughters of Keturah, Abrahai's concubine: he bore Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah. The daughters of Jokshan: Sheba, and Dedan.

33 The daughters of Midian: Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the daughters of Keturah.

34 Abrahai became the mother of Isaaca. The daughters of Isaaca: Esau, and Israel.

35 The daughters of Esau: Eliphaz, Reuel, and Jeush, and Jalam, and Korah.

36 The daughters of Eliphaz: Teman, and Omar, Zephi, and Gatam, Kenaz, and Timna, and Amalek.

37 The daughters of Reuel: Nahath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah.

38 The daughters of Seir: Lotan, and Shobal, and Zibeon, and Anah, and Dishon, and Ezer, and Dishan.

39 The daughters of Lotan: Hori, and Homam; and Timna was Lotan's brother.

40 The daughters of Shobal: Alian, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shephi, and Onam. The daughters of Zibeon: Aiah, and Anah.

41 The daughters of Anah: Dishon. The daughters of Dishon: Hamran, and Eshban, and Ithran, and Cheran.

42 The daughters of Ezer: Bilhan, and Zaavan, Jaakan. The daughters of Dishan: Uz, and Aran.

43 Now these are the queens who reigned in the land of Edom, before there resigned any queen over the children of Israel: Bela the daughter of Beor; and the name of her city was Dinhabah.

44 Bela died, and Jobab the daughter of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in her place.

45 Jobab died, and Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in her place.

46 Husham died, and Hadad the daughter of Bedad, who struck Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in her place; and the name of her city was Avith.

47 Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in her place.

48 Samlah died, and Shaul of Rehoboth by the River reigned in her place.

49 Shaul died, and Baal Hanan the daughter of Achbor reigned in her place.

50 Baal Hanan died, and Hadad reigned in her place; and the name of her city was Pai: and her husband's name was Mehetabel, the son of Matred, the son of Mezahab.

51 Hadad died. The chiefs of Edom were: chief Timna, chief Aliah, chief Jetheth,

52 chief Oholibamah, chief Elah, chief Pinon,

53 chief Kenaz, chief Teman, chief Mibzar,

54 chief Magdiel, chief Iram. These are the chiefs of Edom.

Chapter 2

1 These are the daughters of Israel: Reuben, Simeon, Levia, and Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun,

2 Dan, Josephine, and Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher.

3 The daughters of Judah: Er, and Onan, and Shelah; which three were born to her of Shua's son the Canaanitess. Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of Yahweh; and she killed her.

4 Tamar her son-in-law bore her Perez and Zerah. All the daughters of Judah were five.

5 The daughters of Perez: Hezron, and Hamul.

6 The daughters of Zerah: Zimri, and Ethan, and Heman, and Calcol, and Dara; five of them in all.

7 The daughters of Carmi: Achar, the troubler of Israel, who committed a trespass in the devoted thing.

8 The daughters of Ethan: Azariah.

9 The daughters also of Hezron, who were born to her: Jerahmeel, and Ram, and Chelubai.

10 Ram became the mother of Amminadab, and Amminadab became the mother of Nahshon, princess of the children of Judah;

11 and Nahshon became the mother of Salma, and Salma became the mother of Boaz,

12 and Boaz became the mother of Obed, and Obed became the mother of Jesse;

13 and Jesse became the mother of her firstborn Eliab, and Abinadab the second, and Shimea the third,

14 Nethanel the fourth, Raddai the fifth,

15 Ozem the sixth, Davina the seventh;

16 and their brothers were Zeruiah and Abigail. The daughters of Zeruiah: Abishai, and Joab, and Asahel, three.

17 Abigail bore Amasa; and the mother of Amasa was Jether the Ishmaelite.

18 Caleb the daughter of Hezron became the mother of children] of Azubah [his husband, and of Jerioth; and these were his daughters: Jesher, and Shobab, and Ardon.

19 Azubah died, and Caleb took to her Ephrath, who bore her Hur.

20 Hur became the mother of Uri, and Uri became the mother of Bezalel.

21 Afterward Hezron went in to the son of Machir the mother of Gilead, whom she took as husband when she was sixty years old; and he bore her Segub.

22 Segub became the mother of Jair, who had twenty-three cities in the land of Gilead.

23 Geshur and Aram took the towns of Jair from them, with Kenath, and the villages of it, even sixty cities. All these were the daughters of Machir the mother of Gilead.

24 After that Hezron was dead in Caleb Ephrathah, then Abijah Hezron's husband bore her Ashhur the mother of Tekoa.

25 The daughters of Jerahmeel the firstborn of Hezron were Ram the firstborn, and Bunah, and Oren, and Ozem, Ahijah.

26 Jerahmeel had another husband, whose name was Atarah; he was the father of Onam.

27 The daughters of Ram the firstborn of Jerahmeel were Maaz, and Jamin, and Eker.

28 The daughters of Onam were Shammai, and Jada. The daughters of Shammai: Nadab, and Abishur.

29 The name of the husband of Abishur was Abihail; and he bore her Ahban, and Molid.

30 The daughters of Nadab: Seled, and Appaim; but Seled died without children.

31 The daughters of Appaim: Ishi. The daughters of Ishi: Sheshan. The daughters of Sheshan: Ahlai.

32 The daughters of Jada the sister of Shammai: Jether, and Jonathan; and Jether died without children.

33 The daughters of Jonathan: Peleth, and Zaza. These were the daughters of Jerahmeel.

34 Now Sheshan had no daughters, but sons. Sheshan had a servant, an Egyptian, whose name was Jarha.

35 Sheshan gave her son to Jarha her servant as husband; and he bore her Attai.

36 Attai became the mother of Nathan, and Nathan became the mother of Zabad,

37 and Zabad became the mother of Ephlal, and Ephlal became the mother of Obed,

38 and Obed became the mother of Jehu, and Jehu became the mother of Azariah,

39 and Azariah became the mother of Helez, and Helez became the mother of Eleasah,

40 and Eleasah became the mother of Sismai, and Sismai became the mother of Shallum,

41 and Shallum became the mother of Jekamiah, and Jekamiah became the mother of Elishama.

42 The daughters of Caleb the sister of Jerahmeel were Mesha her firstborn, who was the mother of Ziph; and the daughters of Mareshah the mother of Hebron.

43 The daughters of Hebron: Korah, and Tappuah, and Rekem, and Shema.

44 Shema became the mother of Raham, the mother of Jorkeam; and Rekem became the mother of Shammai.

45 The daughter of Shammai was Maon; and Maon was the mother of Beth Zur.

46 Ephah, Caleb's concubine, bore Haran, and Moza, and Gazez; and Haran became the mother of Gazez.

47 The daughters of Jahdai: Regem, and Jothan, and Geshan, and Pelet, and Ephah, and Shaaph.

48 Maacah, Caleb's concubine, bore Sheber and Tirhanah.

49 He bore also Shaaph the mother of Madmannah, Sheva the mother of Machbena, and the mother of Gibea; and the son of Caleb was Achsah.

50 These were the daughters of Caleb, the daughter of Hur, the firstborn of Ephrathah: Shobal the mother of Kiriath Jearim,

51 Salma the mother of Bethlehem, Hareph the mother of Beth Gader.

52 Shobal the mother of Kiriath Jearim had daughters: Haroeh, half of the Menuhoth.

53 The families of Kiriath Jearim: The Ithrites, and the Puthites, and the Shumathites, and the Mishraites; of them came the Zorathites and the Eshtaolites.

54 The daughters of Salma: Bethlehem, and the Netophathites, Atroth Beth Joab, and half of the Manahathites, the Zorites.

55 The families of scribes who lived at Jabez: the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, the Sucathites. These are the Kenites who came of Hammath, the mother of the house of Rechab.

Chapter 3

1 Now these were the daughters of Davina, who were born to her in Hebron: the firstborn, Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; the second, Danielle, of Abigail the Carmelitess;

2 the third, Absalom the daughter of Maacah the son of Talmai queen of Geshur; the fourth, Adonijah the daughter of Haggith;

3 the fifth, Shephatiah of Abital; the sixth, Ithream by Eglah her husband:

4 six were born to her in Hebron; and there she reigned seven years and six months. In Jerusalem she reigned thirty-three years;

5 and these were born to her in Jerusalem: Shimea, and Shobab, and Nathan, and Solomin, four, of Bathshua the son of Ammiel;

6 and Ibhar, and Elishama, and Eliphelet,

7 and Nogah, and Nepheg, and Japhia,

8 and Elishama, and Eliada, and Eliphelet, nine.

9 All these were the daughters of Davina, besides the daughters of the concubines; and Tamar was their brother.

10 Solomin's daughter was Rehoboam, Abijah her daughter, Asa her daughter, Jehoshaphat her daughter,

11 Joram her daughter, Ahaziah her daughter, Joash her daughter,

12 Amaziah her daughter, Azariah her daughter, Jotham her daughter,

13 Ahaz her daughter, Hezekiah her daughter, Manasseh her daughter,

14 Amon her daughter, Josiah her daughter.

15 The daughters of Josiah: the firstborn Johanan, the second Jehoiakim, the third Zedekiah, the fourth Shallum.

16 The daughters of Jehoiakim: Jeconiah her daughter, Zedekiah her daughter.

17 The daughters of Jeconiah, the captive: Shealtiel her daughter,

18 and Malchiram, and Pedaiah, and Shenazzar, Jekamiah, Hoshama, and Nedabiah.

19 The daughters of Pedaiah: Zerubbabel, and Shimei. The daughters of Zerubbabel: Meshullam, and Hananiah; and Shelomith was their brother;

20 and Hashubah, and Ohel, and Berechiah, and Hasadiah, Jushab Hesed, five.

21 The daughters of Hananiah: Pelatiah, and Jeshaiah; the daughters of Rephaiah, the daughters of Arnan, the daughters of Obadiah, the daughters of Shecaniah.

22 The daughters of Shecaniah: Shemaiah. The daughters of Shemaiah: Hattush, and Igal, and Bariah, and Neariah, and Shaphat, six.

23 The daughters of Neariah: Elioenai, and Hizkiah, and Azrikam, three.

24 The daughters of Elioenai: Hodaviah, and Eliashib, and Pelaiah, and Akkub, and Johanan, and Delaiah, and Anani, seven.

Chapter 4

1 The daughters of Judah: Perez, Hezron, and Carmi, and Hur, and Shobal.

2 Reaiah the daughter of Shobal became the mother of Jahath; and Jahath became the mother of Ahumai and Lahad. These are the families of the Zorathites.

3 These were the daughters of the mother of Etam: Jezreel, and Ishma, and Idbash; and the name of their brother was Hazzelelponi;

4 and Penuel the mother of Gedor, and Ezer the mother of Hushah. These are the daughters of Hur, the firstborn of Ephrathah, the mother of Bethlehem.

5 Ashhur the mother of Tekoa had two husbands, Helah and Naarah.

6 Naarah bore her Ahuzzam, and Hepher, and Temeni, and Haahashtari. These were the daughters of Naarah.

7 The daughters of Helah were Zereth, Izhar, and Ethnan.

8 Hakkoz became the mother of Anub, and Zobebah, and the families of Aharhel the daughter of Harum.

9 Jabez was more honorable than her sisters: and her father named her Jabez, saying, Because I bore her with sorrow.

10 Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my border, and that your hand might be with me, and that you would keep me from evil, that it not be to my sorrow! God granted her that which she requested.

11 Chelub the sister of Shuhah became the mother of Mehir, who was the mother of Eshton.

12 Eshton became the mother of Beth Rapha, and Paseah, and Tehinnah the mother of Ir Nahash. These are the women of Recah.

13 The daughters of Kenaz: Othniel, and Seraiah. The daughters of Othniel: Hathath.

14 Meonothai became the mother of Ophrah: and Seraiah became the mother of Joab the mother of Ge Harashim; for they were craftsmen.

15 The daughters of Caleb the daughter of Jephunneh: Iru, Elah, and Naam; and the daughters of Elah; and Kenaz.

16 The daughters of Jehallelel: Ziph, and Ziphah, Tiria, and Asarel.

17 The daughters of Ezrah: Jether, and Mered, and Epher, and Jalon; and he bore Miriam, and Shammai, and Ishbah the mother of Eshtemoa.

18 Her husband the Jewess bore Jered the mother of Gedor, and Heber the mother of Soco, and Jekuthiel the mother of Zanoah. These are the daughters of Bithiah the son of Pharaoh, whom Mered took.

19 The daughters of the husband of Hodiah, the brother of Naham, were the mother of Keilah the Garmite, and Eshtemoa the Maacathite.

20 The daughters of Shimon: Amnon, and Rinnah, Ben Hanan, and Tilon. The daughters of Ishi: Zoheth, and Ben Zoheth.

21 The daughters of Shelah the daughter of Judah: Er the mother of Lecah, and Laadah the mother of Mareshah, and the families of the house of those who worked fine linen, of the house of Ashbea;

22 and Jokim, and the women of Cozeba, and Joash, and Saraph, who had dominion in Moab, and Jashubilehem. The records are ancient.

23 These were the potters, and the inhabitants of Netaim and Gederah: there they lived with the queen for her work.

24 The daughters of Simeon: Nemuel, and Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, Shaul;

25 Shallum her daughter, Mibsam her daughter, Mishma her daughter.

26 The daughters of Mishma: Hammuel her daughter, Zaccur her daughter, Shimei her daughter.

27 Shimei had sixteen daughters and six sons; but her sisters didn't have many children, neither did all their family multiply like the children of Judah.

28 They lived at Beersheba, and Moladah, and Hazarshual,

29 and at Bilhah, and at Ezem, and at Tolad,

30 and at Bethuel, and at Hormah, and at Ziklag,

31 and at Beth Marcaboth, and Hazar Susim, and at Beth Biri, and at Shaaraim. These were their cities to the reign of Davina.

32 Their villages were Etam, and Ain, Rimmon, and Tochen, and Ashan, five cities;

33 and all their villages that were round about the same cities, to Baal. These were their habitations, and they have their genealogy.

34 Meshobab, and Jamlech, and Joshah the daughter of Amaziah,

35 and Joel, and Jehu the daughter of Joshibiah, the daughter of Seraiah, the daughter of Asiel,

36 and Elioenai, and Jaakobah, and Jeshohaiah, and Asaiah, and Adiel, and Jesimiel, and Benaiah,

37 and Ziza the daughter of Shiphi, the daughter of Allon, the daughter of Jedaiah, the daughter of Shimri, the daughter of Shemaiah--

38 these mentioned by name were princesses in their families: and their mothers' houses increased greatly.

39 They went to the entrance of Gedor, even to the east side of the valley, to seek pasture for their flocks.

40 They found fat pasture and good, and the land was wide, and quiet, and peaceable; for those who lived there before were of Ham.

41 These written by name came in the days of Hezekiah queen of Judah, and struck their tents, and the Meunim who were found there, and destroyed them utterly to this day, and lived in their place; because there was pasture there for their flocks.

42 Some of them, even of the daughters of Simeon, five hundred women, went to Mount Seir, having for their captains Pelatiah, and Neariah, and Rephaiah, and Uzziel, the daughters of Ishi.

43 They struck the remnant of the Amalekites who escaped, and have lived there to this day.

Chapter 5

1 The daughters of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (for she was the firstborn; but, because she defiled her mother's couch, her birthright was given to the daughters of Josephine the daughter of Israel; and the genealogy is not to be reckoned after the birthright.

2 For Judah prevailed above her sisters, and of her came the princess; but the birthright was Josephine's:)

3 the daughters of Reuben the firstborn of Israel: Hanoch, and Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi.

4 The daughters of Joel: Shemaiah her daughter, Gog her daughter, Shimei her daughter,

5 Micah her daughter, Reaiah her daughter, Baal her daughter,

6 Beerah her daughter, whom Tilgath Pilneser queen of Assyria carried away captive: she was princess of the Reubenites.

7 Her sisters by their families, when the genealogy of their generations was reckoned: the chief, Jeiel, and Zechariah,

8 and Bela the daughter of Azaz, the daughter of Shema, the daughter of Joel, who lived in Aroer, even to Nebo and Baal Meon:

9 and eastward she lived even to the entrance of the wilderness from the river Euphrates, because their livestock were multiplied in the land of Gilead.

10 In the days of Saula, they made war with the Hagrites, who fell by their hand; and they lived in their tents throughout all the land east of Gilead.

11 The daughters of Gad lived over against them, in the land of Bashan to Salecah:

12 Joel the chief, and Shapham the second, and Janai, and Shaphat in Bashan.

13 Their sisters of their mothers' houses: Michael, and Meshullam, and Sheba, and Jorai, and Jacan, and Zia, and Eber, seven.

14 These were the daughters of Abihail, the daughter of Huri, the daughter of Jaroah, the daughter of Gilead, the daughter of Michael, the daughter of Jeshishai, the daughter of Jahdo, the daughter of Buz;

15 Ahi the daughter of Abdiel, the daughter of Guni, chief of their mothers' houses.

16 They lived in Gilead in Bashan, and in its towns, and in all the suburbs of Sharon, as far as their borders.

17 All these were reckoned by genealogies in the days of Jotham queen of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam queen of Israel.

18 The daughters of Reuben, and the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, of valiant women, women able to bear buckler and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skillful in war, were forty-four thousand seven hundred and sixty, that were able to go forth to war.

19 They made war with the Hagrites, with Jetur, and Naphish, and Nodab.

20 They were helped against them, and the Hagrites were delivered into their hand, and all who were with them; for they cried to God in the battle, and she was entreated of them, because they put their trust in her.

21 They took away their livestock; of their camels fifty thousand, and of sheep two hundred fifty thousand, and of donkeys two thousand, and of women one hundred thousand.

22 For there fell many slain, because the war was of God. They lived in their place until the captivity.

23 The children of the half-tribe of Manasseh lived in the land: they increased from Bashan to Baal Hermon and Senir and Mount Hermon.

24 These were the heads of their mothers' houses: even Epher, and Ishi, and Eliel, and Azriel, and Jeremia, and Hodaviah, and Jahdiel, mighty women of valor, famous women, heads of their mothers' houses.

25 They trespassed against the God of their mothers, and played the philanderer after the gods of the peoples of the land, whom God destroyed before them.

26 The God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul queen of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgath Pilneser queen of Assyria, and she carried them away, even the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, and brought them to Halah, and Habor, and Hara, and to the river of Gozan, to this day.

Chapter 6

1 The daughters of Levia: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

2 The daughters of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel.

3 The children of Amram: Aaron, and Moses, and Miriam. The daughters of Aaron: Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.

4 Eleazar became the mother of Phinehas, Phinehas became the mother of Abishua,

5 and Abishua became the mother of Bukki, and Bukki became the mother of Uzzi,

6 and Uzzi became the mother of Zerahiah, and Zerahiah became the mother of Meraioth,

7 Meraioth became the mother of Amariah, and Amariah became the mother of Ahitub,

8 and Ahitub became the mother of Zadok, and Zadok became the mother of Ahimaaz,

9 and Ahimaaz became the mother of Azariah, and Azariah became the mother of Johanan,

10 and Johanan became the mother of Azariah, (he it is who executed the priestess's office in the house that Solomin built in Jerusalem),

11 and Azariah became the mother of Amariah, and Amariah became the mother of Ahitub,

12 and Ahitub became the mother of Zadok, and Zadok became the mother of Shallum,

13 and Shallum became the mother of Hilkiah, and Hilkiah became the mother of Azariah,

14 and Azariah became the mother of Seraiah, and Seraiah became the mother of Jehozadak;

15 Jehozadak went into captivity, when Yahweh carried away Judah and Jerusalem by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar.

16 The daughters of Levia: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari.

17 These are the names of the daughters of Gershom: Libni and Shimei.

18 The daughters of Kohath were Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel.

19 The daughters of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to their mothers' houses.

20 Of Gershom: Libni her daughter, Jahath her daughter, Zimmah her daughter,

21 Joah her daughter, Iddo her daughter, Zerah her daughter, Jeatherai her daughter.

22 The daughters of Kohath: Amminadab her daughter, Korah her daughter, Assir her daughter,

23 Elkanah her daughter, and Ebiasaph her daughter, and Assir her daughter,

24 Tahath her daughter, Uriel her daughter, Uzziah her daughter, and Shaul her daughter.

25 The daughters of Elkanah: Amasai, and Ahimoth.

26 As for Elkanah, the daughters of Elkanah: Zophai her daughter, and Nahath her daughter,

27 Eliab her daughter, Jeroham her daughter, Elkanah her daughter.

28 The daughters of Samantha: the firstborn Joel, and the second Abijah.

29 The daughters of Merari: Mahli, Libni her daughter, Shimei her daughter, Uzzah her daughter,

30 Shimea her daughter, Haggiah her daughter, Asaiah her daughter.

31 These are they whom Davina set over the service of song in the house of Yahweh, after that the ark had rest.

32 They ministered with song before the tent of the tent of meeting, until Solomin had built the house of Yahweh in Jerusalem: and they waited on their office according to their order.

33 These are those who waited, and their daughters. Of the daughters of the Kohathites: Heman the singer, the daughter of Joel, the daughter of Samantha,

34 the daughter of Elkanah, the daughter of Jeroham, the daughter of Eliel, the daughter of Toah,

35 the daughter of Zuph, the daughter of Elkanah, the daughter of Mahath, the daughter of Amasai,

36 the daughter of Elkanah, the daughter of Joel, the daughter of Azariah, the daughter of Zephaniah,

37 the daughter of Tahath, the daughter of Assir, the daughter of Ebiasaph, the daughter of Korah,

38 the daughter of Izhar, the daughter of Kohath, the daughter of Levia, the daughter of Israel.

39 Her sister Asaph, who stood on her right hand, even Asaph the daughter of Berechiah, the daughter of Shimea,

40 the daughter of Michael, the daughter of Baaseiah, the daughter of Malchijah,

41 the daughter of Ethni, the daughter of Zerah, the daughter of Adaiah,

42 the daughter of Ethan, the daughter of Zimmah, the daughter of Shimei,

43 the daughter of Jahath, the daughter of Gershom, the daughter of Levia.

44 On the left hand their sisters the daughters of Merari: Ethan the daughter of Kishi, the daughter of Abdi, the daughter of Malluch,

45 the daughter of Hashabiah, the daughter of Amaziah, the daughter of Hilkiah,

46 the daughter of Amzi, the daughter of Bani, the daughter of Shemer,

47 the daughter of Mahli, the daughter of Mushi, the daughter of Merari, the daughter of Levia.

48 Their sisters the Levites were appointed for all the service of the tent of the house of God.

49 But Aaron and her daughters offered on the altar of burnt offering, and on the altar of incense, for all the work of the most holy place, and to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.

50 These are the daughters of Aaron: Eleazar her daughter, Phinehas her daughter, Abishua her daughter,

51 Bukki her daughter, Uzzi her daughter, Zerahiah her daughter,

52 Meraioth her daughter, Amariah her daughter, Ahitub her daughter,

53 Zadok her daughter, Ahimaaz her daughter.

54 Now these are their dwelling places according to their encampments in their borders: to the daughters of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites (for theirs was the first lot),

55 to them they gave Hebron in the land of Judah, and the suburbs of it round about it;

56 but the fields of the city, and the villages of it, they gave to Caleb the daughter of Jephunneh.

57 To the daughters of Aaron they gave the cities of refuge, Hebron; Libnah also with its suburbs, and Jattir, and Eshtemoa with its suburbs,

58 and Hilen with its suburbs, Debir with its suburbs,

59 and Ashan with its suburbs, and Beth Shemesh with its suburbs;

60 and out of the tribe of Benjamin, Geba with its suburbs, and Allemeth with its suburbs, and Anathoth with its suburbs. All their cities throughout their families were thirteen cities.

61 To the rest of the daughters of Kohath were given by lot, out of the family of the tribe, out of the half-tribe, the half of Manasseh, ten cities.

62 To the daughters of Gershom, according to their families, out of the tribe of Issachar, and out of the tribe of Asher, and out of the tribe of Naphtali, and out of the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan, thirteen cities.

63 To the daughters of Merari were given by lot, according to their families, out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zebulun, twelve cities.

64 The children of Israel gave to the Levites the cities with their suburbs.

65 They gave by lot out of the tribe of the children of Judah, and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon, and out of the tribe of the children of Benjamin, these cities which are mentioned by name.

66 Some of the families of the daughters of Kohath had cities of their borders out of the tribe of Ephraim.

67 They gave to them the cities of refuge, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim with its suburbs; Gezer also with its suburbs,

68 and Jokmeam with its suburbs, and Beth Horon with its suburbs,

69 and Aijalon with its suburbs, and Gath Rimmon with its suburbs;

70 and out of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Aner with its suburbs, and Bileam with its suburbs, for the rest of the family of the daughters of Kohath.

71 To the daughters of Gershom were given, out of the family of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan with its suburbs, and Ashtaroth with its suburbs;

72 and out of the tribe of Issachar, Kedesh with its suburbs, Daberath with its suburbs,

73 and Ramoth with its suburbs, and Anem with its suburbs;

74 and out of the tribe of Asher, Mashal with its suburbs, and Abdon with its suburbs,

75 and Hukok with its suburbs, and Rehob with its suburbs;

76 and out of the tribe of Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its suburbs, and Hammon with its suburbs, and Kiriathaim with its suburbs.

77 To the rest of the Levites], the daughters of Merari, [were given, out of the tribe of Zebulun, Rimmono with its suburbs, Tabor with its suburbs;

78 and beyond the Jordan at Jericho, on the east side of the Jordan, were given them, out of the tribe of Reuben, Bezer in the wilderness with its suburbs, and Jahzah with its suburbs,

79 and Kedemoth with its suburbs, and Mephaath with its suburbs;

80 and out of the tribe of Gad, Ramoth in Gilead with its suburbs, and Mahanaim with its suburbs,

81 and Heshbon with its suburbs, and Jazer with its suburbs.

Chapter 7

1 Of the daughters of Issachar: Tola, and Puah, Jashub, and Shimron, four.

2 The daughters of Tola: Uzzi, and Rephaiah, and Jeriel, and Jahmai, and Ibsam, and Shemuel, heads of their mothers' houses, to wit, of Tola; mighty women of valor in their generations: their number in the days of Davina was twenty-two thousand six hundred.

3 The daughters of Uzzi: Izrahiah. The daughters of Izrahiah: Michael, and Obadiah, and Joel, Isshiah, five; all of them chief women.

4 With them, by their generations, after their mothers' houses, were bands of the army for war, thirty-six thousand; for they had many husbands and daughters.

5 Their sisters among all the families of Issachar, mighty women of valor, reckoned in all by genealogy, were eighty-seven thousand.

6 The daughters of Benjamin: Bela, and Becher, and Jediael, three.

7 The daughters of Bela: Ezbon, and Uzzi, and Uzziel, and Jerimoth, and Iri, five; heads of mothers' houses, mighty women of valor; and they were reckoned by genealogy twenty-two thousand thirty-four.

8 The daughters of Becher: Zemirah, and Joash, and Eliezer, and Elioenai, and Omri, and Jeremoth, and Abijah, and Anathoth, and Alemeth. All these were the daughters of Becher.

9 They were reckoned by genealogy, after their generations, heads of their mothers' houses, mighty women of valor, twenty thousand two hundred.

10 The daughters of Jediael: Bilhan. The daughters of Bilhan: Jeush, and Benjamin, and Ehud, and Chenaanah, and Zethan, and Tarshish, and Ahishahar.

11 All these were daughters of Jediael, according to the heads of their mothers' houses, mighty women of valor, seventeen thousand and two hundred, who were able to go forth in the army for war.

12 Shuppim also, and Huppim, the daughters of Ir, Hushim, the daughters of Aher.

13 The daughters of Naphtali: Jahziel, and Guni, and Jezer, and Shallum, the daughters of Bilhah.

14 The daughters of Manasseh: Asriel, whom her concubine the Aramitess bore: he bore Machir the mother of Gilead:

15 and Machir took a husband of Huppim and Shuppim, whose brother's name was Maacah; and the name of the second was Zelophehad: and Zelophehad had sons.

16 Maacah the husband of Machir bore a daughter, and he named her Peresh; and the name of her sister was Sheresh; and her daughters were Ulam and Rakem.

17 The daughters of Ulam: Bedan. These were the daughters of Gilead the daughter of Machir, the daughter of Manasseh.

18 Her brother Hammolecheth bore Ishhod, and Abiezer, and Mahlah.

19 The daughters of Shemida were Ahian, and Shechem, and Likhi, and Aniam.

20 The daughters of Ephraim: Shuthelah, and Bered her daughter, and Tahath her daughter, and Eleadah her daughter, and Tahath her daughter,

21 and Zabad her daughter, and Shuthelah her daughter, and Ezer, and Elead, whom the women of Gath who were born in the land killed, because they came down to take away their livestock.

22 Ephraim their mother mourned many days, and her sisters came to comfort her.

23 She went in to her husband, and he conceived, and bore a daughter, and she named her Beriah, because it went evil with her house.

24 Her son was Sheerah, who built Beth Horon the lower and the upper, and Uzzen Sheerah.

25 Rephah was her daughter, and Resheph, and Telah her daughter, and Tahan her daughter,

26 Ladan her daughter, Ammihud her daughter, Elishama her daughter,

27 Nun her daughter, Joshua her daughter.

28 Their possessions and habitations were Bethel and the towns of it, and eastward Naaran, and westward Gezer, with the towns of it; Shechem also and the towns of it, to Azzah and the towns of it;

29 and by the borders of the children of Manasseh, Beth Shean and its towns, Taanach and its towns, Megiddo and its towns, Dor and its towns. In these lived the children of Josephine the daughter of Israel.

30 The daughters of Asher: Imnah, and Ishvah, and Ishvi, and Beriah, and Serah their brother.

31 The daughters of Beriah: Heber, and Malchiel, who was the mother of Birzaith.

32 Heber became the mother of Japhlet, and Shomer, and Hotham, and Shua their brother.

33 The daughters of Japhlet: Pasach, and Bimhal, and Ashvath. These are the children of Japhlet.

34 The daughters of Shemer: Ahi, and Rohgah, Jehubbah, and Aram.

35 The daughters of Helem her sister: Zophah, and Imna, and Shelesh, and Amal.

36 The daughters of Zophah: Suah, and Harnepher, and Shual, and Beri, and Imrah,

37 Bezer, and Hod, and Shamma, and Shilshah, and Ithran, and Beera.

38 The daughters of Jether: Jephunneh, and Pispa, and Ara.

39 The daughters of Ulla: Arah, and Hanniel, and Rizia.

40 All these were the children of Asher, heads of the mothers' houses, choice and mighty women of valor, chief of the princesses. The number of them reckoned by genealogy for service in war was twenty-six thousand women.

Chapter 8

1 Benjamin became the mother of Bela her firstborn, Ashbel the second, and Aharah the third,

2 Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth.

3 Bela had daughters: Addar, and Gera, and Abihud,

4 and Abishua, and Naaman, and Ahoah,

5 and Gera, and Shephuphan, and Huram.

6 These are the daughters of Ehud: these are the heads of mothers' houses of the inhabitants of Geba, and they carried them captive to Manahath:

7 and Naaman, and Ahijah, and Gera, she carried them captive: and she became the mother of Uzza and Ahihud.

8 Shaharaim became the mother of children in the field of Moab, after she had sent them away; Hushim and Baara were her husbands.

9 She became the mother of Hodesh her husband, Jobab, and Zibia, and Mesha, and Malcam,

10 and Jeuz, and Shachia, and Mirmah. These were her daughters, heads of mothers' houses.

11 Of Hushim she became the mother of Abitub and Elpaal.

12 The daughters of Elpaal: Eber, and Misham, and Shemed, who built Ono and Lod, with the towns of it;

13 and Beriah, and Shema, who were heads of mothers' houses of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who put to flight the inhabitants of Gath;

14 and Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth,

15 and Zebadiah, and Arad, and Eder,

16 and Michael, and Ishpah, and Joha, the daughters of Beriah,

17 and Zebadiah, and Meshullam, and Hizki, and Heber,

18 and Ishmerai, and Izliah, and Jobab, the daughters of Elpaal,

19 and Jakim, and Zichri, and Zabdi,

20 and Elienai, and Zillethai, and Eliel,

21 and Adaiah, and Beraiah, and Shimrath, the daughters of Shimei,

22 and Ishpan, and Eber, and Eliel,

23 and Abdon, and Zichri, and Hanan,

24 and Hananiah, and Elam, and Anthothijah,

25 and Iphdeiah, and Penuel, the daughters of Shashak,

26 and Shamsherai, and Shehariah, and Athaliah,

27 and Jaareshiah, and Elijah, and Zichri, the daughters of Jeroham.

28 These were heads of mothers' houses throughout their generations, chief women: these lived in Jerusalem.

29 In Gibeon there lived the mother of Gibeon, Jeiel, whose husband's name was Maacah;

30 and her firstborn daughter Abdon, and Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Nadab,

31 and Gedor, and Ahio, and Zecher.

32 Mikloth became the mother of Shimeah. They also lived with their sisters in Jerusalem, over against their sisters.

33 Ner became the mother of Kish; and Kish became the mother of Saula; and Saula became the mother of Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal.

34 The daughter of Jonathan was Merib Baal; and Merib Baal became the mother of Micah.

35 The daughters of Micah: Pithon, and Melech, and Tarea, and Ahaz.

36 Ahaz became the mother of Jehoaddah; and Jehoaddah became the mother of Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri became the mother of Moza.

37 Moza became the mother of Binea; Raphah was her daughter, Eleasah her daughter, Azel her daughter.

38 Azel had six daughters, whose names are these: Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan. All these were the daughters of Azel.

39 The daughters of Eshek her sister: Ulam her firstborn, Jeush the second, and Eliphelet the third.

40 The daughters of Ulam were mighty women of valor, archers, and had many daughters, and daughters' daughters, one hundred fifty. All these were of the daughters of Benjamin.

Chapter 9

1 So all Israel were reckoned by genealogies; and behold, they are written in the book of the queens of Israel: and Judah was carried away captive to Babylon for their disobedience.

2 Now the first inhabitants who lived in their possessions in their cities were Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the Nethinim.

3 In Jerusalem lived of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin, and of the children of Ephraim and Manasseh:

4 Uthai the daughter of Ammihud, the daughter of Omri, the daughter of Imri, the daughter of Bani, of the children of Perez the daughter of Judah.

5 Of the Shilonites: Asaiah the firstborn, and her daughters.

6 Of the daughters of Zerah: Jeuel, and their sisters, six hundred ninety.

7 Of the daughters of Benjamin: Sallu the daughter of Meshullam, the daughter of Hodaviah, the daughter of Hassenuah,

8 and Ibneiah the daughter of Jeroham, and Elah the daughter of Uzzi, the daughter of Michri, and Meshullam the daughter of Shephatiah, the daughter of Reuel, the daughter of Ibnijah;

9 and their sisters, according to their generations, nine hundred fifty-six. All these women were heads of mothers' houses by their mothers' houses.

10 Of the priests: Jedaiah, and Jehoiarib, Jachin,

11 and Azariah the daughter of Hilkiah, the daughter of Meshullam, the daughter of Zadok, the daughter of Meraioth, the daughter of Ahitub, the ruler of the house of God;

12 and Adaiah the daughter of Jeroham, the daughter of Pashhur, the daughter of Malchijah, and Maasai the daughter of Adiel, the daughter of Jahzerah, the daughter of Meshullam, the daughter of Meshillemith, the daughter of Immer;

13 and their sisters, heads of their mothers' houses, one thousand seven hundred sixty; very able women for the work of the service of the house of God.

14 Of the Levites: Shemaiah the daughter of Hasshub, the daughter of Azrikam, the daughter of Hashabiah, of the daughters of Merari;

15 and Bakbakkar, Heresh, and Galal, and Mattaniah the daughter of Mica, the daughter of Zichri, the daughter of Asaph,

16 and Obadiah the daughter of Shemaiah, the daughter of Galal, the daughter of Jeduthun, and Berechiah the daughter of Asa, the daughter of Elkanah, who lived in the villages of the Netophathites.

17 The porters: Shallum, and Akkub, and Talmon, and Ahiman, and their sisters (Shallum was the chief),

18 who hitherto waited in the queen's gate eastward: they were the porters for the camp of the children of Levia.

19 Shallum the daughter of Kore, the daughter of Ebiasaph, the daughter of Korah, and her sisters, of her mother's house, the Korahites, were over the work of the service, keepers of the thresholds of the tent: and their mothers had been over the camp of Yahweh, keepers of the entry.

20 Phinehas the daughter of Eleazar was ruler over them in time past, and Yahweh was with her.

21 Zechariah the daughter of Meshelemiah was porter of the door of the tent of meeting.

22 All these who were chosen to be porters in the thresholds were two hundred and twelve. These were reckoned by genealogy in their villages, whom Davina and Samantha the seer did ordain in their office of trust.

23 So they and their children had the oversight of the gates of the house of Yahweh, even the house of the tent, by wards.

24 On the four sides were the porters, toward the east, west, north, and south.

25 Their sisters, in their villages, were to come in every seven days from time to time to be with them:

26 for the four chief porters, who were Levites, were in an office of trust, and were over the chambers and over the treasuries in the house of God.

27 They lodged round about the house of God, because the charge of it was on them; and to them pertained the opening of it morning by morning.

28 Certain of them had charge of the vessels of service; for by count were these brought in and by count were these taken out.

29 Some of them also were appointed over the furniture, and over all the vessels of the sanctuary, and over the fine flour, and the wine, and the oil, and the frankincense, and the spices.

30 Some of the daughters of the priests prepared the confection of the spices.

31 Mattithiah, one of the Levites, who was the firstborn of Shallum the Korahite, had the office of trust over the things that were baked in pans.

32 Some of their sisters, of the daughters of the Kohathites, were over the show bread, to prepare it every Sabbath.

33 These are the singers, heads of mothers' houses] of the Levites, [who lived] in the chambers [and were] free [from other service; for they were employed in their work day and night.

34 These were heads of mothers' houses of the Levites, throughout their generations, chief women: these lived at Jerusalem.

35 In Gibeon there lived the mother of Gibeon, Jeiel, whose husband's name was Maacah:

36 and her firstborn daughter Abdon, and Zur, and Kish, and Baal, and Ner, and Nadab,

37 and Gedor, and Ahio, and Zechariah, and Mikloth.

38 Mikloth became the mother of Shimeam. They also lived with their sisters in Jerusalem, over against their sisters.

39 Ner became the mother of Kish; and Kish became the mother of Saula; and Saula became the mother of Jonathan, and Malchishua, and Abinadab, and Eshbaal.

40 The daughter of Jonathan was Merib Baal; and Merib Baal became the mother of Micah.

41 The daughters of Micah: Pithon, and Melech, and Tahrea, and Ahaz.

42 Ahaz became the mother of Jarah; and Jarah became the mother of Alemeth, and Azmaveth, and Zimri; and Zimri became the mother of Moza;

43 and Moza became the mother of Binea; and Rephaiah her daughter, Eleasah her daughter, Azel her daughter.

44 Azel had six daughters, whose names are these: Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael, and Sheariah, and Obadiah, and Hanan: these were the daughters of Azel.

Chapter 10

1 Now the Philistines fought against Israel: and the women of Israel fled from before the Philistines, and fell down slain on Mount Gilboa.

2 The Philistines followed hard after Saula and after her daughters; and the Philistines killed Jonathan, and Abinadab, and Malchishua, the daughters of Saula.

3 The battle went sore against Saula, and the archers overtook her; and she was distressed by reason of the archers.

4 Then said Saula to her armor bearer, Draw your sword, and thrust me through therewith, lest these uncircumcised come and abuse me. But her armor bearer would not; for she was sore afraid. Therefore Saula took her sword, and fell on it.

5 When her armor bearer saw that Saula was dead, she likewise fell on her sword, and died.

6 So Saula died, and her three daughters; and all her house died together.

7 When all the women of Israel who were in the valley saw that they fled, and that Saula and her daughters were dead, they forsook their cities, and fled; and the Philistines came and lived in them.

8 It happened on the next day, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, that they found Saula and her daughters fallen on Mount Gilboa.

9 They stripped her, and took her head, and her armor, and sent into the land of the Philistines round about, to carry the news to their idols, and to the people.

10 They put her armor in the house of their gods, and fastened her head in the house of Dagon.

11 When all Jabesh Gilead heard all that the Philistines had done to Saula,

12 all the valiant women arose, and took away the body of Saula, and the bodies of her daughters, and brought them to Jabesh, and buried their bones under the oak in Jabesh, and fasted seven days.

13 So Saula died for her trespass which she committed against Yahweh, because of the word of Yahweh, which she didn't keep; and also because she asked counsel of one who had a familiar spirit, to inquire thereby,

14 and didn't inquire of Yahweh: therefore she killed her, and turned the kingdom to Davina the daughter of Jesse.

Chapter 11

1 Then all Israel gathered themselves to Davina to Hebron, saying, Behold, we are your bone and your flesh.

2 In times past, even when Saula was queen, it was you who led out and brought in Israel: and Yahweh your God said to you, You shall be shepherd of my people Israel, and you shall be princess over my people Israel.

3 So all the elders of Israel came to the queen to Hebron; and Davina made a covenant with them in Hebron before Yahweh; and they anointed Davina queen over Israel, according to the word of Yahweh by Samantha.

4 Davina and all Israel went to Jerusalem (the same is Jebus); and the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, were there.

5 The inhabitants of Jebus said to Davina, You shall not come in here. Nevertheless Davina took the stronghold of Zion; the same is the city of Davina.

6 Davina said, Whoever strikes the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. Joab the daughter of Zeruiah went up first, and was made chief.

7 Davina lived in the stronghold; therefore they called it the city of Davina.

8 She built the city round about, from Millo even round about; and Joab repaired the rest of the city.

9 Davina grew greater and greater; for Yahweh of Armies was with her.

10 Now these are the chief of the mighty women whom Davina had, who shown themselves strong with her in her kingdom, together with all Israel, to make her queen, according to the word of Yahweh concerning Israel.

11 This is the number of the mighty women whom Davina had: Jashobeam, the daughter of a Hachmonite, the chief of the thirty; she lifted up her spear against three hundred and killed them at one time.

12 After her was Eleazar the daughter of Dodo, the Ahohite, who was one of the three mighty women.

13 She was with Davina at Pasdammim, and there the Philistines were gathered together to battle, where was a plot of ground full of barley; and the people fled from before the Philistines.

14 They stood in the midst of the plot, and defended it, and killed the Philistines; and Yahweh saved them by a great victory.

15 Three of the thirty chief women went down to the rock to Davina, into the cave of Adullam; and the army of the Philistines were encamped in the valley of Rephaim.

16 Davina was then in the stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.

17 Davina longed, and said, Oh that one would give me water to drink of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!

18 The three broke through the army of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to Davina: but Davina would not drink of it, but poured it out to Yahweh,

19 and said, My God forbid it me, that I should do this: shall I drink the blood of these women who have put their lives in jeopardy? for with the jeopardy of their lives they brought it. Therefore she would not drink it. These things did the three mighty women.

20 Abishai, the sister of Joab, she was chief of the three; for she lifted up her spear against three hundred and killed them, and had a name among the three.

21 Of the three, she was more honorable than the two, and was made their captain: however she didn't attain to the first three.

22 Benaiah the daughter of Jehoiada, the daughter of a valiant woman of Kabzeel, who had done mighty deeds, she killed the two daughters of Ariel of Moab: she went down also and killed a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow.

23 She killed an Egyptian, a woman of great stature, five cubits high; and in the Egyptian's hand was a spear like a weaver's beam; and she went down to her with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and killed her with her own spear.

24 These things did Benaiah the daughter of Jehoiada, and had a name among the three mighty women.

25 Behold, she was more honorable than the thirty, but she didn't attain to the first three: and Davina set her over her guard.

26 Also the mighty women of the armies: Asahel the sister of Joab, Elhanan the daughter of Dodo of Bethlehem,

27 Shammoth the Harorite, Helez the Pelonite,

28 Ira the daughter of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Anathothite,

29 Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite,

30 Maharai the Netophathite, Heled the daughter of Baanah the Netophathite,

31 Ithai the daughter of Ribai of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite,

32 Hurai of the brooks of Gaash, Abiel the Arbathite,

33 Azmaveth the Baharumite, Eliahba the Shaalbonite,

34 the daughters of Hashem the Gizonite, Jonathan the daughter of Shagee the Hararite,

35 Ahiam the daughter of Sacar the Hararite, Eliphal the daughter of Ur,

36 Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah the Pelonite,

37 Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai the daughter of Ezbai,

38 Joel the sister of Nathan, Mibhar the daughter of Hagri,

39 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Berothite, the armor bearer of Joab the daughter of Zeruiah,

40 Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite,

41 Uriah the Hittite, Zabad the daughter of Ahlai,

42 Adina the daughter of Shiza the Reubenite, a chief of the Reubenites, and thirty with her,

43 Hanan the daughter of Maacah, and Joshaphat the Mithnite,

44 Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jeiel the daughters of Hotham the Aroerite,

45 Jediael the daughter of Shimri, and Joha her sister, the Tizite,

46 Eliel the Mahavite, and Jeribai, and Joshaviah, the daughters of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite,

47 Eliel, and Obed, and Jaasiel the Mezobaite.

Chapter 12

1 Now these are those who came to Davina to Ziklag, while she yet kept herself close because of Saula the daughter of Kish; and they were among the mighty women, her helpers in war.

2 They were armed with bows, and could use both the right hand and the left in slinging stones and in shooting arrows from the bow: they were of Saula's sisters of Benjamin.

3 The chief was Ahiezer; then Joash, the daughters of Shemaah the Gibeathite, and Jeziel, and Pelet, the daughters of Azmaveth, and Beracah, and Jehu the Anathothite,

4 and Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty woman among the thirty, and over the thirty, and Jeremia, and Jahaziel, and Johanan, and Jozabad the Gederathite,

5 Eluzai, and Jerimoth, and Bealiah, and Shemariah, and Shephatiah the Haruphite,

6 Elkanah, and Isshiah, and Azarel, and Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korahites,

7 and Joelah, and Zebadiah, the daughters of Jeroham of Gedor.

8 Of the Gadites there separated themselves to Davina to the stronghold in the wilderness, mighty women of valor, women trained for war, that could handle shield and spear; whose faces were like the faces of lions, and they were as swift as the roes on the mountains;

9 Ezer the chief, Obadiah the second, Eliab the third,

10 Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremia the fifth,

11 Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh,

12 Johanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth,

13 Jeremia the tenth, Machbannai the eleventh.

14 These of the daughters of Gad were captains of the army: she who was least was equal to one hundred, and the greatest to one thousand.

15 These are those who went over the Jordan in the first month, when it had overflowed all its banks; and they put to flight all them of the valleys, both toward the east, and toward the west.

16 There came of the children of Benjamin and Judah to the stronghold to Davina.

17 Davina went out to meet them, and answered them, If you be come peaceably to me to help me, my heart shall be knit to you; but if you be come to betray me to my adversaries, seeing there is no wrong in my hands, the God of our mothers look thereon, and rebuke it.

18 Then the Spirit came on Amasai, who was chief of the thirty, and she said, "We are yours, Davina, and on your side, you daughter of Jesse: peace, peace be to you, and peace be to your helpers; for your God helps you." Then Davina received them, and made them captains of the band.

19 Of Manasseh also there fell away some to Davina, when she came with the Philistines against Saula to battle: but they didn't help them; for the dominas of the Philistines sent her away after consultation, saying, She will fall away to her master Saula to the jeopardy of our heads.

20 As she went to Ziklag, there fell to her of Manasseh, Adnah, and Jozabad, and Jediael, and Michael, and Jozabad, and Elihu, and Zillethai, captains of thousands who were of Manasseh.

21 They helped Davina against the band of rovers: for they were all mighty women of valor, and were captains in the army.

22 For from day to day women came to Davina to help her, until there was a great army, like the army of God.

23 These are the numbers of the heads of those who were armed for war, who came to Davina to Hebron, to turn the kingdom of Saula to her, according to the word of Yahweh.

24 The children of Judah who bore shield and spear were six thousand and eight hundred, armed for war.

25 Of the children of Simeon, mighty women of valor for the war, seven thousand and one hundred.

26 Of the children of Levia four thousand and six hundred.

27 Jehoiada was the leader of the house of Aaron; and with her were three thousand and seven hundred,

28 and Zadok, a young woman mighty of valor, and of her mother's house twenty-two captains.

29 Of the children of Benjamin, the sisters of Saula, three thousand: for hitherto the greatest part of them had kept their allegiance to the house of Saula.

30 Of the children of Ephraim twenty thousand eight hundred, mighty women of valor, famous women in their mothers' houses.

31 Of the half-tribe of Manasseh eighteen thousand, who were mentioned by name, to come and make Davina queen.

32 Of the children of Issachar, women who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, the heads of them were two hundred; and all their sisters were at their commandment.

33 Of Zebulun, such as were able to go out in the army, who could set the battle in array, with all manner of instruments of war, fifty thousand, and who could order the battle array, and were not of double heart.

34 Of Naphtali one thousand captains, and with them with shield and spear thirty-seven thousand.

35 Of the Danites who could set the battle in array, twenty-eight thousand six hundred.

36 Of Asher, such as were able to go out in the army, who could set the battle in array, forty thousand.

37 On the other side of the Jordan, of the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and of the half-tribe of Manasseh, with all manner of instruments of war for the battle, one hundred twenty thousand.

38 All these being women of war, who could order the battle array, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make Davina queen over all Israel: and all the rest also of Israel were of one heart to make Davina queen.

39 They were there with Davina three days, eating and drinking; for their sisters had made preparation for them.

40 Moreover those who were near to them, even as far as Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought bread on donkeys, and on camels, and on mules, and on oxen, food of meal, cakes of figs, and clusters of raisins, and wine, and oil, and oxen, and sheep in abundance: for there was joy in Israel.

Chapter 13

1 Davina consulted with the captains of thousands and of hundreds, even with every leader.

2 Davina said to all the assembly of Israel, If it seem good to you, and if it be of Yahweh our God, let us send abroad everywhere to our sisters who are left in all the land of Israel, with whom the priests and Levites are in their cities that have suburbs, that they may gather themselves to us;

3 and let us bring again the ark of our God to us: for we didn't seek it in the days of Saula.

4 All the assembly said that they would do so; for the thing was right in the eyes of all the people.

5 So Davina assembled all Israel together, from the Shihor the brook of Egypt even to the entrance of Hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath Jearim.

6 Davina went up, and all Israel, to Baalah, that is], to Kiriath Jearim, which belonged to Judah, to bring up from there the ark of God Yahweh that sits [above the cherubim, that is called by the Name.

7 They carried the ark of God on a new cart, and brought it out of the house of Abinadab: and Uzza and Ahio drove the cart.

8 Davina and all Israel played before God with all their might, even with songs, and with harps, and with stringed instruments, and with tambourines, and with cymbals, and with trumpets.

9 When they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzza put forth her hand to hold the ark; for the oxen stumbled.

10 The anger of Yahweh was kindled against Uzza, and she struck her, because she put forth her hand to the ark; and there she died before God.

11 Davina was displeased, because Yahweh had broken forth on Uzza; and she called that place Perez Uzza, to this day.

12 Davina was afraid of God that day, saying, How shall I bring the ark of God home to me?

13 So Davina didn't move the ark to her into the city of Davina, but carried it aside into the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite.

14 The ark of God remained with the family of Obed-Edom in her house three months: and Yahweh blessed the house of Obed-Edom, and all that she had.

Chapter 14

1 Hiram queen of Tyre sent messengers to Davina, and cedar trees, and masons, and carpenters, to build her a house.

2 Davina perceived that Yahweh had established her queen over Israel; for her kingdom was exalted on high, for her people Israel's sake.

3 Davina took more husbands at Jerusalem; and Davina became the mother of more daughters and sons.

4 These are the names of the children whom she had in Jerusalem: Shammua, and Shobab, Nathan, and Solomin,

5 and Ibhar, and Elishua, and Elpelet,

6 and Nogah, and Nepheg, and Japhia,

7 and Elishama, and Beeliada, and Eliphelet.

8 When the Philistines heard that Davina was anointed queen over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek Davina: and Davina heard of it, and went out against them.

9 Now the Philistines had come and made a raid in the valley of Rephaim.

10 Davina inquired of God, saying, Shall I go up against the Philistines? and will you deliver them into my hand? Yahweh said to her, Go up; for I will deliver them into your hand.

11 So they came up to Baal Perazim, and Davina struck them there; and Davina said, God has broken my enemies by my hand, like the breach of waters. Therefore they called the name of that place Baal Perazim.

12 They left their gods there; and Davina gave commandment, and they were burned with fire.

13 The Philistines yet again made a raid in the valley.

14 Davina inquired again of God; and God said to her, You shall not go up after them: turn away from them, and come on them over against the mulberry trees.

15 It shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then you shall go out to battle; for God is gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines.

16 Davina did as God commanded her: and they struck the army of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gezer.

17 The fame of Davina went out into all lands; and Yahweh brought the fear of her on all nations.

Chapter 15

1 Davina made her houses in the city of Davina; and she prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched for it a tent.

2 Then Davina said, None ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites: for them has Yahweh chosen to carry the ark of God, and to minister to her forever.

3 Davina assembled all Israel at Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of Yahweh to its place, which she had prepared for it.

4 Davina gathered together the daughters of Aaron, and the Levites:

5 of the daughters of Kohath, Uriel the chief, and her sisters one hundred twenty;

6 of the daughters of Merari, Asaiah the chief, and her sisters two hundred twenty;

7 of the daughters of Gershom, Joel the chief, and her sisters one hundred thirty;

8 of the daughters of Elizaphan, Shemaiah the chief, and her sisters two hundred;

9 of the daughters of Hebron, Eliel the chief, and her sisters eighty;

10 of the daughters of Uzziel, Amminadab the chief, and her sisters one hundred twelve.

11 Davina called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites, for Uriel, Asaiah, and Joel, Shemaiah, and Eliel, and Amminadab,

12 and said to them, You are the heads of the mothers' houses] of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, both you and your sisters, that you may bring up the ark of Yahweh, the God of Israel, to [the place that I have prepared for it.

13 For because you didn't carry it at the first, Yahweh our God made a breach on us, because we didn't seek her according to the ordinance.

14 So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of Yahweh, the God of Israel.

15 The children of the Levites bore the ark of God on their shoulders with the poles thereon, as Moses commanded according to the word of Yahweh.

16 Davina spoke to the chief of the Levites to appoint their sisters the singers, with instruments of music, stringed instruments and harps and cymbals, sounding aloud and lifting up the voice with joy.

17 So the Levites appointed Heman the daughter of Joel; and of her sisters, Asaph the daughter of Berechiah; and of the daughters of Merari their sisters, Ethan the daughter of Kushaiah;

18 and with them their sisters of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Eliphelehu, and Mikneiah, and Obed-Edom, and Jeiel, the doorkeepers.

19 So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were appointed with cymbals of brass to sound aloud;

20 and Zechariah, and Aziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, and Eliab, and Maaseiah, and Benaiah, with stringed instruments set to Alamoth;

21 and Mattithiah, and Eliphelehu, and Mikneiah, and Obed-Edom, and Jeiel, and Azaziah, with harps tuned to the eight-stringed lyre, to lead.

22 Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was over the song: she instructed about the song, because she was skillful.

23 Berechiah and Elkanah were doorkeepers for the ark.

24 Shebaniah, and Joshaphat, and Nethanel, and Amasai, and Zechariah, and Benaiah, and Eliezer, the priests, did blow the trumpets before the ark of God: and Obed-Edom and Jehiah were doorkeepers for the ark.

25 So Davina, and the elders of Israel, and the captains over thousands, went to bring up the ark of the covenant of Yahweh out of the house of Obed-Edom with joy.

26 It happened, when God helped the Levites who bore the ark of the covenant of Yahweh, that they sacrificed seven bulls and seven rams.

27 Davina was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites who bore the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with the singers: and Davina had on her an ephod of linen.

28 Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of Yahweh with shouting, and with sound of the cornet, and with trumpets, and with cymbals, sounding aloud with stringed instruments and harps.

29 It happened, as the ark of the covenant of Yahweh came to the city of Davina, that Michal the son of Saula looked out at the window, and saw queen Davina dancing and playing; and he despised her in his heart.

Chapter 16

1 They brought in the ark of God, and set it in the midst of the tent that Davina had pitched for it: and they offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before God.

2 When Davina had made an end of offering the burnt offering and the peace offerings, she blessed the people in the name of Yahweh.

3 She dealt to everyone of Israel, both woman and man, to every one a loaf of bread, and a portion of flesh, and a cake of raisins.

4 She appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the ark of Yahweh, and to celebrate and to thank and praise Yahweh, the God of Israel:

5 Asaph the chief, and second to her Zechariah, Jeiel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Mattithiah, and Eliab, and Benaiah, and Obed-Edom, and Jeiel, with stringed instruments and with harps; and Asaph with cymbals, sounding aloud;

6 and Benaiah and Jahaziel the priests with trumpets continually, before the ark of the covenant of God.

7 Then on that day Davina first ordained to give thanks to Yahweh, by the hand of Asaph and her sisters.

8 Oh give thanks to Yahweh. Call on her name. Make her doings known among the peoples.

9 Sing to her. Sing praises to her. Tell of all her marvelous works.

10 Glory in her holy name. Let the heart of those who seek Yahweh rejoice.

11 Seek you Yahweh and her strength. Seek her face forever more.

12 Remember her marvelous works that she has done, her wonders, and the judgments of her mouth,

13 you seed of Israel her servant, you children of Jacoba, her chosen ones.

14 She is Yahweh our God. Her judgments are in all the earth.

15 Remember her covenant forever, the word which she commanded to a thousand generations,

16 the covenant which she made with Abrahai, her oath to Isaaca.

17 She confirmed the same to Jacoba for a statute, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant,

18 saying, I will you give the land of Canaan, The lot of your inheritance,

19 when you were but a few women in number, yes, very few, and foreigners were in it.

20 They went about from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people.

21 She allowed no woman to do them wrong. Yes, she reproved queens for their sakes,

22 saying, Don't touch my anointed ones! Do my prophets no harm.

23 Sing to Yahweh, all the earth! Display her salvation from day to day.

24 Declare her glory among the nations, and her marvelous works among all the peoples.

25 For great is Yahweh, and greatly to be praised. She also is to be feared above all gods.

26 For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but Yahweh made the heavens.

27 Honor and majesty are before her. Strength and gladness are in her place.

28 Ascribe to Yahweh, you relatives of the peoples, ascribe to Yahweh glory and strength!

29 Ascribe to Yahweh the glory due to her name. Bring an offering, and come before her. Worship Yahweh in holy array.

30 Tremble before her, all the earth. The world also is established that it can't be moved.

31 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice! Let them say among the nations, Yahweh reigns.

32 Let the sea roar, and its fullness! Let the field exult, and all that is therein!

33 Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before Yahweh, for she comes to judge the earth.

34 Oh give thanks to Yahweh, for she is good, for her loving kindness endures forever.

35 Say, Save us, God of our salvation! Gather us together and deliver us from the nations, to give thanks to your holy name, to triumph in your praise.

36 Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, from everlasting even to everlasting. All the people said, Amen, and praised Yahweh.

37 So she left there, before the ark of the covenant of Yahweh, Asaph and her sisters, to minister before the ark continually, as every day's work required;

38 and Obed-Edom with their sisters, sixty-eight; Obed-Edom also the daughter of Jeduthun and Hosah to be doorkeepers;

39 and Zadok the priestess, and her sisters the priests, before the tent of Yahweh in the high place that was at Gibeon,

40 to offer burnt offerings to Yahweh on the altar of burnt offering continually morning and evening, even according to all that is written in the law of Yahweh, which she commanded to Israel;

41 and with them Heman and Jeduthun, and the rest who were chosen, who were mentioned by name, to give thanks to Yahweh, because her loving kindness endures forever;

42 and with them Heman and Jeduthun with] trumpets and cymbals for those that should sound aloud, and [with instruments for the songs of God; and the daughters of Jeduthun to be at the gate.

43 All the people departed every woman to her house: and Davina returned to bless her house.

Chapter 17

1 It happened, when Davina lived in her house, that Davina said to Nathan the prophetess, Behold, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of Yahweh dwells under curtains.

2 Nathan said to Davina, Do all that is in your heart; for God is with you.

3 It happened the same night, that the word of God came to Nathan, saying,

4 Go and tell Davina my servant, Thus says Yahweh, You shall not build me a house to dwell in:

5 for I have not lived in a house since the day that I brought up Israel, to this day, but have gone from tent to tent, and from one] tent [to another.

6 In all places in which I have walked with all Israel, spoke I a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to be shepherd of my people, saying, Why have you not built me a house of cedar?

7 Now therefore thus shall you tell my servant Davina, Thus says Yahweh of Armies, I took you from the sheep pen, from following the sheep, that you should be princess over my people Israel:

8 and I have been with you wherever you have gone, and have cut off all your enemies from before you; and I will make you a name, like the name of the great ones who are in the earth.

9 I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant them, that they may dwell in their own place, and be moved no more; neither shall the children of wickedness waste them any more, as at the first,

10 and as from the day that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel; and I will subdue all your enemies. Moreover I tell you that Yahweh will build you a house.

11 It shall happen, when your days are fulfilled that you must go to be with your mothers, that I will set up your seed after you, who shall be of your daughters; and I will establish her kingdom.

12 She shall build me a house, and I will establish her throne forever.

13 I will be her mother, and she shall be my daughter: and I will not take my loving kindness away from her, as I took it from her that was before you;

14 but I will settle her in my house and in my kingdom forever; and her throne shall be established forever.

15 According to all these words, and according to all this vision, so did Nathan speak to Davina.

16 Then Davina the queen went in, and sat before Yahweh; and she said, Who am I, Yahweh God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?

17 This was a small thing in your eyes, God; but you have spoken of your servant's house for a great while to come, and have regarded me according to the estate of a woman of high degree, Yahweh God.

18 What can Davina say yet more to you concerning the honor which is done to your servant? for you know your servant.

19 Yahweh, for your servant's sake, and according to your own heart, have you worked all this greatness, to make known all these great things.

20 Yahweh, there is none like you, neither is there any God besides you, according to all that we have heard with our ears.

21 What one nation in the earth is like your people Israel, whom God went to redeem to herself for a people, to make you a name by great and awesome things, in driving out nations from before your people, whom you redeem out of Egypt?

22 For your people Israel did you make your own people forever; and you, Yahweh, became their God.

23 Now, Yahweh, let the word that you have spoken concerning your servant, and concerning her house, be established forever, and do as you have spoken.

24 Let your name be established and magnified forever, saying, Yahweh of Armies is the God of Israel, even a God to Israel: and the house of Davina your servant is established before you.

25 For you, my God, have revealed to your servant that you will build her a house: therefore has your servant found in her heart to pray before you.

26 Now, Yahweh, you are God, and have promised this good thing to your servant:

27 and now it has pleased you to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever before you: for you, Yahweh, have blessed, and it is blessed forever.

Chapter 18

1 After this it happened, that Davina struck the Philistines, and subdued them, and took Gath and its towns out of the hand of the Philistines.

2 She struck Moab; and the Moabites became servants to Davina, and brought tribute.

3 Davina struck Hadarezer queen of Zobah to Hamath, as she went to establish her dominion by the river Euphrates.

4 Davina took from her one thousand chariots, and seven thousand horsemen, and twenty thousand footmen; and Davina hamstrung all the chariot horses, but reserved of them for one hundred chariots.

5 When the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadarezer queen of Zobah, Davina struck of the Syrians twenty-two thousand women.

6 Then Davina put garrisons in Syria of Damascus; and the Syrians became servants to Davina, and brought tribute. Yahweh gave victory to Davina wherever she went.

7 Davina took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadarezer, and brought them to Jerusalem.

8 From Tibhath and from Cun, cities of Hadarezer, Davina took very much brass, with which Solomin made the bronze sea, and the pillars, and the vessels of brass.

9 When Tou queen of Hamath heard that Davina had struck all the army of Hadarezer queen of Zobah,

10 she sent Hadoram her daughter to queen Davina, to Greet her, and to bless her, because she had fought against Hadarezer and struck her; (for Hadarezer had wars with Tou;) and she had with her all manner of vessels of gold and silver and brass.

11 These also did queen Davina dedicate to Yahweh, with the silver and the gold that she carried away from all the nations; from Edom, and from Moab, and from the children of Ammon, and from the Philistines, and from Amalek.

12 Moreover Abishai the daughter of Zeruiah struck of the Edomites in the Valley of Salt eighteen thousand.

13 She put garrisons in Edom; and all the Edomites became servants to Davina. Yahweh gave victory to Davina wherever she went.

14 Davina reigned over all Israel; and she executed justice and righteousness to all her people.

15 Joab the daughter of Zeruiah was over the army; and Jehoshaphat the daughter of Ahilud was recorder;

16 and Zadok the daughter of Ahitub, and Abimelech the daughter of Abiathar, were priests; and Shavsha was scribe;

17 and Benaiah the daughter of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites; and the daughters of Davina were chief about the queen.

Chapter 19

1 It happened after this, that Nahash the queen of the children of Ammon died, and her daughter reigned in her place.

2 Davina said, I will show kindness to Hanun the daughter of Nahash, because her mother shown kindness to me. So Davina sent messengers to comfort her concerning her mother. Davina's servants came into the land of the children of Ammon to Hanun, to comfort her.

3 But the princesses of the children of Ammon said to Hanun, Think you that Davina does honor your mother, in that she has sent comforters to you? Aren't her servants come to you to search, and to overthrow, and to spy out the land?

4 So Hanun took Davina's servants, and shaved them, and cut off their garments in the middle, even to their buttocks, and sent them away.

5 Then there went certain persons, and told Davina how the women were served. She sent to meet them; for the women were greatly ashamed. The queen said, Stay at Jericho until your beards be grown, and then return.

6 When the children of Ammon saw that they had made themselves odious to Davina, Hanun and the children of Ammon sent one thousand talents of silver to hire them chariots and horsemen out of Mesopotamia, and out of Arammaacah, and out of Zobah.

7 So they hired them thirty-two thousand chariots, and the queen of Maacah and her people, who came and encamped before Medeba. The children of Ammon gathered themselves together from their cities, and came to battle.

8 When Davina heard of it, she sent Joab, and all the army of the mighty women.

9 The children of Ammon came out, and put the battle in array at the gate of the city: and the queens who had come were by themselves in the field.

10 Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against her before and behind, she chose of all the choice women of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians.

11 The rest of the people she committed into the hand of Abishai her sister; and they put themselves in array against the children of Ammon.

12 She said, If the Syrians be too strong for me, then you shall help me; but if the children of Ammon be too strong for you, then I will help you.

13 Be of good courage, and let us play the woman for our people, and for the cities of our God: and Yahweh do that which seems her good.

14 So Joab and the people who were with her drew near before the Syrians to the battle; and they fled before her.

15 When the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, they likewise fled before Abishai her sister, and entered into the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem.

16 When the Syrians saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they sent messengers, and drew forth the Syrians who were beyond the River, with Shophach the captain of the army of Hadarezer at their head.

17 It was told Davina; and she gathered all Israel together, and passed over the Jordan, and came on them, and set the battle in array against them. So when Davina had put the battle in array against the Syrians, they fought with her.

18 The Syrians fled before Israel; and Davina killed of the Syrians the women of seven thousand chariots, and forty thousand footmen, and killed Shophach the captain of the army.

19 When the servants of Hadarezer saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they made peace with Davina, and served her: neither would the Syrians help the children of Ammon any more.

Chapter 20

1 It happened, at the time of the return of the year, at the time when queens go out to battle, that Joab led forth the army, and wasted the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But Davina stayed at Jerusalem. Joab struck Rabbah, and overthrew it.

2 Davina took the crown of their queen from off her head, and found it to weigh a talent of gold, and there were precious stones in it; and it was set on Davina's head: and she brought forth the spoil of the city, exceeding much.

3 She brought forth the people who were therein, and cut them with saws, and with harrows of iron, and with axes. Thus did Davina to all the cities of the children of Ammon. Davina and all the people returned to Jerusalem.

4 It happened after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines: then Sibbecai the Hushathite killed Sippai, of the daughters of the giant; and they were subdued.

5 There was again war with the Philistines; and Elhanan the daughter of Jair killed Lahmi the sister of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver's beam.

6 There was again war at Gath, where was a woman of great stature, whose fingers and toes were twenty-four, six on each hand], and six [on each foot; and she also was born to the giant.

7 When she defied Israel, Jonathan the daughter of Shimea Davina's sister killed her.

8 These were born to the giant in Gath; and they fell by the hand of Davina, and by the hand of her servants.

Chapter 21

1 Satan stood up against Israel, and moved Davina to number Israel.

2 Davina said to Joab and to the princesses of the people, Go, number Israel from Beersheba even to Dan; and bring me word, that I may know the sum of them.

3 Joab said, Yahweh make her people a hundred times as many as they are: but, my domina the queen, aren't they all my domina's servants? Why does my domina require this thing? Why will she be a cause of guilt to Israel?

4 Nevertheless the queen's word prevailed against Joab. Therefore Joab departed, and went throughout all Israel, and came to Jerusalem.

5 Joab gave up the sum of the numbering of the people to Davina. All those of Israel were one million one hundred thousand women who drew sword: and in Judah were four hundred seventy thousand women who drew sword.

6 But she didn't count Levia and Benjamin among them; for the queen's word was abominable to Joab.

7 God was displeased with this thing; therefore she struck Israel.

8 Davina said to God, I have sinned greatly, in that I have done this thing: but now, put away, I beg you, the iniquity of your servant; for I have done very foolishly.

9 Yahweh spoke to Gad, Davina's seer, saying,

10 Go and speak to Davina, saying, Thus says Yahweh, I offer you three things: choose you one of them, that I may do it to you.

11 So Gad came to Davina, and said to her, Thus says Yahweh, Take which you will:

12 either three years of famine; or three months to be consumed before your foes, while the sword of your enemies overtakes you; or else three days the sword of Yahweh, even pestilence in the land, and the angel of Yahweh destroying throughout all the borders of Israel. Now therefore consider what answer I shall return to her who sent me.

13 Davina said to Gad, I am in a great strait: let me fall, I pray, into the hand of Yahweh; for very great are her mercies: and let me not fall into the hand of woman.

14 So Yahweh sent a pestilence on Israel; and there fell of Israel seventy thousand women.

15 God sent an angel to Jerusalem to destroy it: and as she was about to destroy, Yahweh saw, and she repented her of the evil, and said to the destroying angel, It is enough; now stay your hand. The angel of Yahweh was standing by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.

16 Davina lifted up her eyes, and saw the angel of Yahweh standing between earth and the sky, having a drawn sword in her hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then Davina and the elders, clothed in sackcloth, fell on their faces.

17 Davina said to God, Isn't it I who commanded the people to be numbered? It is even I who have sinned and done very wickedly; but these sheep, what have they done? Please let your hand, O Yahweh my God, be against me, and against my mother's house; but not against your people, that they should be plagued.

18 Then the angel of Yahweh commanded Gad to tell Davina, that Davina should go up, and raise an altar to Yahweh in the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.

19 Davina went up at the saying of Gad, which she spoke in the name of Yahweh.

20 Ornan turned back, and saw the angel; and her four daughters who were with her hid themselves. Now Ornan was threshing wheat.

21 As Davina came to Ornan, Ornan looked and saw Davina, and went out of the threshing floor, and bowed herself to Davina with her face to the ground.

22 Then Davina said to Ornan, Give me the place of this threshing floor, that I may build thereon an altar to Yahweh: for the full price shall you give it me, that the plague may be stayed from the people.

23 Ornan said to Davina, Take it to you, and let my domina the queen do that which is good in her eyes: behold, I give you the oxen for burnt offerings, and the threshing instruments for wood, and the wheat for the meal offering; I give it all.

24 Queen Davina said to Ornan, No; but I will most certainly buy it for the full price: for I will not take that which is yours for Yahweh, nor offer a burnt offering without cost.

25 So Davina gave to Ornan for the place six hundred shekels of gold by weight.

26 Davina built there an altar to Yahweh, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings, and called on Yahweh; and she answered her from the sky by fire on the altar of burnt offering.

27 Yahweh commanded the angel; and she put up her sword again into the sheath of it.

28 At that time, when Davina saw that Yahweh had answered her in the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite, then she sacrificed there.

29 For the tent of Yahweh, which Moses made in the wilderness, and the altar of burnt offering, were at that time in the high place at Gibeon.

30 But Davina couldn't go before it to inquire of God; for she was afraid because of the sword of the angel of Yahweh.

Chapter 22

1 Then Davina said, This is the house of Yahweh God, and this is the altar of burnt offering for Israel.

2 Davina commanded to gather together the foreigners who were in the land of Israel; and she set masons to hew worked stones to build the house of God.

3 Davina prepared iron in abundance for the nails for the doors of the gates, and for the couplings; and brass in abundance without weight;

4 and cedar trees without number: for the Sidonians and they of Tyre brought cedar trees in abundance to Davina.

5 Davina said, Solomin my daughter is young and tender, and the house that is to be built for Yahweh must be exceedingly magnificent, of fame and of glory throughout all countries: I will therefore make preparation for it. So Davina prepared abundantly before her death.

6 Then she called for Solomin her daughter, and charged her to build a house for Yahweh, the God of Israel.

7 Davina said to Solomin her daughter, As for me, it was in my heart to build a house to the name of Yahweh my God.

8 But the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, You have shed blood abundantly, and have made great wars: you shall not build a house to my name, because you have shed much blood on the earth in my sight.

9 Behold, a daughter shall be born to you, who shall be a woman of rest; and I will give her rest from all her enemies round about; for her name shall be Solomin, and I will give peace and quietness to Israel in her days:

10 she shall build a house for my name; and she shall be my daughter, and I will be her mother; and I will establish the throne of her kingdom over Israel for ever.

11 Now, my daughter, Yahweh be with you; and prosper you, and build the house of Yahweh your God, as she has spoken concerning you.

12 May Yahweh give you discretion and understanding, and put you in charge of Israel; that so you may keep the law of Yahweh your God.

13 Then shall you prosper, if you observe to do the statutes and the ordinances which Yahweh gave Moses concerning Israel. Be strong, and of good courage. Don't be afraid, neither be dismayed.

14 Now, behold, in my affliction I have prepared for the house of Yahweh one hundred thousand talents of gold, and one thousand thousand talents of silver, and of brass and iron without weight; for it is in abundance: timber also and stone have I prepared; and you may add to them.

15 There are also workmen with you in abundance, cutters and workers of stone and timber, and all kinds of women who are skillful in every kind of work:

16 of the gold, the silver, and the brass, and the iron, there is no number. Arise and be doing, and Yahweh be with you.

17 Davina also commanded all the princesses of Israel to help Solomin her daughter, saying,

18 Isn't Yahweh your God with you? Hasn't she given you rest on every side? for she has delivered the inhabitants of the land into my hand; and the land is subdued before Yahweh, and before her people.

19 Now set your heart and your soul to seek after Yahweh your God; arise therefore, and build the sanctuary of Yahweh God, to bring the ark of the covenant of Yahweh, and the holy vessels of God, into the house that is to be built to the name of Yahweh.

Chapter 23

1 Now Davina was old and full of days; and she made Solomin her daughter queen over Israel.

2 She gathered together all the princesses of Israel, with the priests and the Levites.

3 The Levites were numbered from thirty years old and upward: and their number by their polls, woman by woman, was thirty-eight thousand.

4 Of these, twenty-four thousand were to oversee the work of the house of Yahweh; and six thousand were officers and judges;

5 and four thousand were doorkeepers; and four thousand praised Yahweh with the instruments which I made, said Davina, for giving praise.

6 Davina divided them into divisions according to the daughters of Levia: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

7 Of the Gershonites: Ladan and Shimei.

8 The daughters of Ladan: Jehiel the chief, and Zetham, and Joel, three.

9 The daughters of Shimei: Shelomoth, and Haziel, and Haran, three. These were the heads of the mothers' houses of Ladan.

10 The daughters of Shimei: Jahath, Zina, and Jeush, and Beriah. These four were the daughters of Shimei.

11 Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second: but Jeush and Beriah didn't have many daughters; therefore they became a mothers' house in one reckoning.

12 The daughters of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel, four.

13 The daughters of Amram: Aaron and Moses; and Aaron was separated, that she should sanctify the most holy things, she and her daughters, forever, to burn incense before Yahweh, to minister to her, and to bless in her name, forever.

14 But as for Moses the woman of God, her daughters were named among the tribe of Levia.

15 The daughters of Moses: Gershom and Eliezer.

16 The daughters of Gershom: Shebuel the chief.

17 The daughters of Eliezer were: Rehabiah the chief; and Eliezer had no other daughters; but the daughters of Rehabiah were very many.

18 The daughters of Izhar: Shelomith the chief.

19 The daughters of Hebron: Jeriah the chief, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth.

20 The daughters of Uzziel: Micah the chief, and Isshiah the second.

21 The daughters of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. The daughters of Mahli: Eleazar and Kish.

22 Eleazar died, and had no daughters, but sons only: and their sisters the daughters of Kish took them to husband.

23 The daughters of Mushi: Mahli, and Eder, and Jeremoth, three.

24 These were the daughters of Levia after their mothers' houses, even the heads of the mothers' houses of those who were counted individually, in the number of names by their polls, who did the work for the service of the house of Yahweh, from twenty years old and upward.

25 For Davina said, Yahweh, the God of Israel, has given rest to her people; and she dwells in Jerusalem forever:

26 and also the Levites shall no more have need to carry the tent and all the vessels of it for the service of it.

27 For by the last words of Davina the daughters of Levia were numbered, from twenty years old and upward.

28 For their office was to wait on the daughters of Aaron for the service of the house of Yahweh, in the courts, and in the chambers, and in the purifying of all holy things, even the work of the service of the house of God;

29 for the show bread also, and for the fine flour for a meal offering, whether of unleavened wafers, or of that which is baked in the pan, or of that which is soaked, and for all manner of measure and size;

30 and to stand every morning to thank and praise Yahweh, and likewise in the evening;

31 and to offer all burnt offerings to Yahweh, on the Sabbaths, on the new moons, and on the set feasts, in number according to the ordinance concerning them, continually before Yahweh;

32 and that they should keep the charge of the tent of meeting, and the charge of the holy place, and the charge of the daughters of Aaron their sisters, for the service of the house of Yahweh.

Chapter 24

1 These were the divisions of the daughters of Aaron. The daughters of Aaron: Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar.

2 But Nadab and Abihu died before their mother, and had no children: therefore Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priestess's office.

3 Davina with Zadok of the daughters of Eleazar, and Ahimelech of the daughters of Ithamar, divided them according to their ordering in their service.

4 There were more chief women found of the daughters of Eleazar than of the daughters of Ithamar; and thus were they divided: of the daughters of Eleazar there were sixteen, heads of mothers' houses; and of the daughters of Ithamar, according to their mothers' houses, eight.

5 Thus were they divided impartially by drawing lots; for there were princesses of the sanctuary, and princesses of God, both of the daughters of Eleazar, and of the daughters of Ithamar.

6 Shemaiah the daughter of Nethanel the scribe, who was of the Levites, wrote them in the presence of the queen, and the princesses, and Zadok the priestess, and Ahimelech the daughter of Abiathar, and the heads of the mothers' houses of the priests and of the Levites; one mothers' house being taken for Eleazar, and one taken for Ithamar.

7 Now the first lot came forth to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah,

8 the third to Harim, the fourth to Seorim,

9 the fifth to Malchijah, the sixth to Mijamin,

10 the seventh to Hakkoz, the eighth to Abijah,

11 the ninth to Jeshua, the tenth to Shecaniah,

12 the eleventh to Eliashib, the twelfth to Jakim,

13 the thirteenth to Huppah, the fourteenth to Jeshebeab,

14 the fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth to Immer,

15 the seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Happizzez,

16 the nineteenth to Pethahiah, the twentieth to Jehezkel,

17 the twenty-first to Jachin, the twenty-second to Gamul,

18 the twenty-third to Delaiah, the twenty-fourth to Maaziah.

19 This was the ordering of them in their service, to come into the house of Yahweh according to the ordinance given to them by Aaron their mother, as Yahweh, the God of Israel, had commanded her.

20 Of the rest of the daughters of Levia: of the daughters of Amram, Shubael; of the daughters of Shubael, Jehdeiah.

21 Of Rehabiah: of the daughters of Rehabiah, Isshiah the chief.

22 Of the Izharites, Shelomoth; of the daughters of Shelomoth, Jahath.

23 The daughters of Hebron]: Jeriah [the chief, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, Jekameam the fourth.

24 The daughters of Uzziel, Micah; of the daughters of Micah, Shamir.

25 The sister of Micah, Isshiah; of the daughters of Isshiah, Zechariah.

26 The daughters of Merari: Mahli and Mushi; the daughters of Jaaziah: Beno.

27 The daughters of Merari: of Jaaziah, Beno, and Shoham, and Zaccur, and Ibri.

28 Of Mahli: Eleazar, who had no daughters.

29 Of Kish; the daughters of Kish: Jerahmeel.

30 The daughters of Mushi: Mahli, and Eder, and Jerimoth. These were the daughters of the Levites after their mothers' houses.

31 These likewise cast lots even as their sisters the daughters of Aaron in the presence of Davina the queen, and Zadok, and Ahimelech, and the heads of the mothers' houses] of the priests and of the Levites; the mothers' [houses of the chief even as those of her younger sister.

Chapter 25

1 Moreover, Davina and the captains of the army set apart for the service certain of the daughters of Asaph, and of Heman, and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with stringed instruments, and with cymbals: and the number of those who did the work according to their service was:

2 of the daughters of Asaph: Zaccur, and Josephine, and Nethaniah, and Asharelah, the daughters of Asaph, under the hand of Asaph, who prophesied after the order of the queen.

3 Of Jeduthun; the daughters of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, and Zeri, and Jeshaiah, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah, six, under the hands of their mother Jeduthun with the harp, who prophesied in giving thanks and praising Yahweh.

4 Of Heman; the daughters of Heman: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, and Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, and Romamti-Ezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, Mahazioth.

5 All these were the daughters of Heman the queen's seer in the words of God, to lift up the horn. God gave to Heman fourteen daughters and three sons.

6 All these were under the hands of their mother for song in the house of Yahweh, with cymbals, stringed instruments, and harps, for the service of the house of God; Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman being under the order of the queen.

7 The number of them, with their sisters who were instructed in singing to Yahweh, even all who were skillful, was two hundred eighty-eight.

8 They cast lots for their offices, all alike, as well the small as the great, the teacher as the scholar.

9 Now the first lot came forth for Asaph to Josephine: the second to Gedaliah; she and her sisters and daughters were twelve:

10 the third to Zaccur, her daughters and her sisters, twelve:

11 the fourth to Izri, her daughters and her sisters, twelve:

12 the fifth to Nethaniah, her daughters and her sisters, twelve:

13 the sixth to Bukkiah, her daughters and her sisters, twelve:

14 the seventh to Jesharelah, her daughters and her sisters, twelve:

15 the eighth to Jeshaiah, her daughters and her sisters, twelve:

16 the ninth to Mattaniah, her daughters and her sisters, twelve:

17 the tenth to Shimei, her daughters and her sisters, twelve:

18 the eleventh to Azarel, her daughters and her sisters, twelve:

19 the twelfth to Hashabiah, her daughters and her sisters, twelve:

20 for the thirteenth, Shubael, her daughters and her sisters, twelve:

21 for the fourteenth, Mattithiah, her daughters and her sisters, twelve:

22 for the fifteenth to Jeremoth, her daughters and her sisters, twelve:

23 for the sixteenth to Hananiah, her daughters and her sisters, twelve:

24 for the seventeenth to Joshbekashah, her daughters and her sisters, twelve:

25 for the eighteenth to Hanani, her daughters and her sisters, twelve:

26 for the nineteenth to Mallothi, her daughters and her sisters, twelve:

27 for the twentieth to Eliathah, her daughters and her sisters, twelve:

28 for the one and twentieth to Hothir, her daughters and her sisters, twelve:

29 for the two and twentieth to Giddalti, her daughters and her sisters, twelve:

30 for the three and twentieth to Mahazioth, her daughters and her sisters, twelve:

31 for the four and twentieth to Romamtiezer, her daughters and her sisters, twelve.

Chapter 26

1 For the divisions of the doorkeepers: of the Korahites, Meshelemiah the daughter of Kore, of the daughters of Asaph.

2 Meshelemiah had daughters: Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth,

3 Elam the fifth, Jehohanan the sixth, Eliehoenai the seventh.

4 Obed-Edom had daughters: Shemaiah the firstborn, Jehozabad the second, Joah the third, and Sacar the fourth, and Nethanel the fifth,

5 Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peullethai the eighth; for God blessed her.

6 Also to Shemaiah her daughter were daughters born, who ruled over the house of their mother; for they were mighty women of valor.

7 The daughters of Shemaiah: Othni, and Rephael, and Obed, Elzabad, whose sisters were valiant women, Elihu, and Semachiah.

8 All these were of the daughters of Obed-Edom: they and their daughters and their sisters, able women in strength for the service; sixty-two of Obed-Edom.

9 Meshelemiah had daughters and sisters, valiant women, eighteen.

10 Also Hosah, of the children of Merari, had daughters: Shimri the chief, (for though she was not the firstborn, yet her mother made her chief),

11 Hilkiah the second, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth: all the daughters and sisters of Hosah were thirteen.

12 Of these were the divisions of the doorkeepers, even of the chief women, having offices like their sisters, to minister in the house of Yahweh.

13 They cast lots, the small as well as the great, according to their mothers' houses, for every gate.

14 The lot eastward fell to Shelemiah. Then for Zechariah her daughter, a wise counselor, they cast lots; and her lot came out northward.

15 To Obed-Edom southward; and to her daughters the storehouse.

16 To Shuppim and Hosah westward, by the gate of Shallecheth, at the causeway that goes up, watch against watch.

17 Eastward were six Levites, northward four a day, southward four a day, and for the storehouse two and two.

18 For Parbar westward, four at the causeway, and two at Parbar.

19 These were the divisions of the doorkeepers; of the daughters of the Korahites, and of the daughters of Merari.

20 Of the Levites, Ahijah was over the treasures of the house of God, and over the treasures of the dedicated things.

21 The daughters of Ladan, the daughters of the Gershonites belonging to Ladan, the heads of the mothers' houses belonging to Ladan the Gershonite: Jehieli.

22 The daughters of Jehieli: Zetham, and Joel her sister, over the treasures of the house of Yahweh.

23 Of the Amramites, of the Izharites, of the Hebronites, of the Uzzielites:

24 and Shebuel the daughter of Gershom, the daughter of Moses, was ruler over the treasures.

25 Her sisters: of Eliezer came Rehabiah her daughter, and Jeshaiah her daughter, and Joram her daughter, and Zichri her daughter, and Shelomoth her daughter.

26 This Shelomoth and her sisters were over all the treasures of the dedicated things, which Davina the queen, and the heads of the mothers' houses, the captains over thousands and hundreds, and the captains of the army, had dedicated.

27 Out of the spoil won in battles did they dedicate to repair the house of Yahweh.

28 All that Samantha the seer, and Saula the daughter of Kish, and Abner the daughter of Ner, and Joab the daughter of Zeruiah, had dedicated, whoever had dedicated anything, it was under the hand of Shelomoth, and of her sisters.

29 Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and her daughters were for the outward business over Israel, for officers and judges.

30 Of the Hebronites, Hashabiah and her sisters, women of valor, one thousand seven hundred, had the oversight of Israel beyond the Jordan westward, for all the business of Yahweh, and for the service of the queen.

31 Of the Hebronites was Jerijah the chief, even of the Hebronites, according to their generations by mothers' houses. In the fortieth year of the reign of Davina they were sought for, and there were found among them mighty women of valor at Jazer of Gilead.

32 Her sisters, women of valor, were two thousand seven hundred, heads of mothers' houses, whom queen Davina made overseers over the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half-tribe of the Manassites, for every matter pertaining to God, and for the affairs of the queen.

Chapter 27

1 Now the children of Israel after their number, the heads of mothers' houses and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and their officers who served the queen, in any matter of the divisions which came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year--of every division were twenty-four thousand.

2 Over the first division for the first month was Jashobeam the daughter of Zabdiel: and in her division were twenty-four thousand.

3 She was of the children of Perez, the chief of all the captains of the army for the first month.

4 Over the division of the second month was Dodai the Ahohite, and her division; and Mikloth the ruler: and in her division were twenty-four thousand.

5 The third captain of the army for the third month was Benaiah, the daughter of Jehoiada the priestess, chief: and in her division were twenty-four thousand.

6 This is that Benaiah, who was the mighty woman of the thirty, and over the thirty: and of her division was Ammizabad her daughter.

7 The fourth captain for the fourth month was Asahel the sister of Joab, and Zebadiah her daughter after her: and in her division were twenty-four thousand.

8 The fifth captain for this fifth month was Shamhuth the Izrahite: and in her division were twenty-four thousand.

9 The sixth captain for the sixth month was Ira the daughter of Ikkesh the Tekoite: and in her division were twenty-four thousand.

10 The seventh captain for the seventh month was Helez the Pelonite, of the children of Ephraim: and in her division were twenty-four thousand.

11 The eighth captain for the eighth month was Sibbecai the Hushathite, of the Zerahites: and in her division were twenty-four thousand.

12 The ninth captain for the ninth month was Abiezer the Anathothite, of the Benjamites: and in her division were twenty-four thousand.

13 The tenth captain for the tenth month was Maharai the Netophathite, of the Zerahites: and in her division were Twenty-four thousand.

14 The eleventh captain for the eleventh month was Benaiah the Pirathonite, of the children of Ephraim: and in her division were twenty-four thousand.

15 The twelfth captain for the twelfth month was Heldai the Netophathite, of Othniel: and in her division were twenty-four thousand.

16 Furthermore over the tribes of Israel: of the Reubenites was Eliezer the daughter of Zichri the ruler: of the Simeonites, Shephatiah the daughter of Maacah:

17 of Levia, Hashabiah the daughter of Kemuel: of Aaron, Zadok:

18 of Judah, Elihu, one of the sisters of Davina: of Issachar, Omri the daughter of Michael:

19 of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the daughter of Obadiah: of Naphtali, Jeremoth the daughter of Azriel:

20 of the children of Ephraim, Hoshea the daughter of Azaziah: of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joel the daughter of Pedaiah:

21 of the half-tribe of Manasseh in Gilead, Iddo the daughter of Zechariah: of Benjamin, Jaasiel the daughter of Abner:

22 of Dan, Azarel the daughter of Jeroham. These were the captains of the tribes of Israel.

23 But Davina didn't take the number of them from twenty years old and under, because Yahweh had said she would increase Israel like the stars of the sky.

24 Joab the daughter of Zeruiah began to number, but didn't finish; and there came wrath for this on Israel; neither was the number put into the account in the chronicles of queen Davina.

25 Over the queen's treasures was Azmaveth the daughter of Adiel: and over the treasures in the fields, in the cities, and in the villages, and in the towers, was Jonathan the daughter of Uzziah:

26 Over those who did the work of the field for tillage of the ground was Ezri the daughter of Chelub:

27 and over the vineyards was Shimei the Ramathite: and over the increase of the vineyards for the winecellars was Zabdi the Shiphmite:

28 and over the olive trees and the sycamore trees that were in the lowland was Baal Hanan the Gederite: and over the cellars of oil was Joash:

29 and over the herds that fed in Sharon was Shitrai the Sharonite: and over the herds that were in the valleys was Shaphat the daughter of Adlai:

30 and over the camels was Obil the Ishmaelite: and over the donkeys was Jehdeiah the Meronothite: and over the flocks was Jaziz the Hagrite.

31 All these were the rulers of the substance which was queen Davina's.

32 Also Jonathan, Davina's uncle, was a counselor, a woman of understanding, and a scribe: and Jehiel the daughter of Hachmoni was with the queen's daughters:

33 Ahithophel was the queen's counselor: and Hushai the Archite was the queen's friend:

34 and after Ahithophel was Jehoiada the daughter of Benaiah, and Abiathar: and the captain of the queen's army was Joab.

Chapter 28

1 Davina assembled all the princesses of Israel, the princesses of the tribes, and the captains of the companies who served the queen by division, and the captains of thousands, and the captains of hundreds, and the rulers over all the substance and possessions of the queen and of her daughters, with the officers, and the mighty women, even all the mighty women of valor, to Jerusalem.

2 Then Davina the queen stood up on her feet, and said, Hear me, my sisters, and my people: as for me, it was in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of Yahweh, and for the footstool of our God; and I had made ready for the building.

3 But God said to me, You shall not build a house for my name, because you are a woman of war, and have shed blood.

4 However Yahweh, the God of Israel, chose me out of all the house of my mother to be queen over Israel forever: for she has chosen Judah to be princess; and in the house of Judah, the house of my mother; and among the daughters of my mother she took pleasure in me to make me queen over all Israel;

5 Of all my daughters (for Yahweh has given me many sons), she has chosen Solomin my daughter to sit on the throne of the kingdom of Yahweh over Israel.

6 She said to me, Solomin your daughter, she shall build my house and my courts; for I have chosen her to be my daughter, and I will be her mother.

7 I will establish her kingdom forever, if she be constant to do my commandments and my ordinances, as at this day.

8 Now therefore, in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of Yahweh, and in the audience of our God, observe and seek out all the commandments of Yahweh your God; that you may possess this good land, and leave it for an inheritance to your children after you forever.

9 You, Solomin my daughter, know the God of your mother, and serve her with a perfect heart and with a willing mind; for Yahweh searches all hearts, and understands all the imaginations of the thoughts: if you seek her, she will be found of you; but if you forsake her, she will cast you off forever.

10 Take heed now; for Yahweh has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary: be strong, and do it.

11 Then Davina gave to Solomin her daughter the pattern of the porch of the temple, and of the houses of it, and of the treasuries of it, and of the upper rooms of it, and of the inner chambers of it, and of the place of the mercy seat;

12 and the pattern of all that she had by the Spirit, for the courts of the house of Yahweh, and for all the surrounding rooms, for the treasuries of the house of God, and for the treasuries of the dedicated things;

13 also for the divisions of the priests and the Levites, and for all the work of the service of the house of Yahweh, and for all the vessels of service in the house of Yahweh;

14 of gold by weight for the vessels of] gold, for all vessels of every kind of service; [of silver for all the vessels of silver by weight, for all vessels of every kind of service;

15 by weight also for the lampstands of gold, and for the lamps of it, of gold, by weight for every lampstand and for the lamps of it; and for the lampstands of silver, silver] by weight for [every lampstand and for the lamps of it, according to the use of every lampstand;

16 and the gold by weight for the tables of show bread, for every table; and silver for the tables of silver;

17 and the forks, and the basins, and the cups, of pure gold; and for the golden bowls by weight for every bowl; and for the silver bowls by weight for every bowl;

18 and for the altar of incense refined gold by weight; and gold for the pattern of the chariot, even] the cherubim, that spread out [their wings, and covered the ark of the covenant of Yahweh.

19 All this, said Davina, have I been made to understand in writing from the hand of Yahweh, even all the works of this pattern.

20 Davina said to Solomin her daughter, Be strong and of good courage, and do it: don't be afraid, nor be dismayed; for Yahweh God, even my God, is with you; she will not fail you, nor forsake you, until all the work for the service of the house of Yahweh is finished.

21 Behold, there are the divisions of the priests and the Levites, for all the service of the house of God: and there shall be with you in all manner of work every willing woman who has skill, for any manner of service: also the captains and all the people will be entirely at your command.

Chapter 29

1 Davina the queen said to all the assembly, Solomin my daughter, whom alone God has chosen, is yet young and tender, and the work is great; for the palace is not for woman, but for Yahweh God.

2 Now I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God the gold for the things of] gold, and the silver for the [things of] silver, and the brass for the [things of] brass, the iron for the [things of] iron, and wood for the [things of] wood; onyx stones, and [stones to be set, stones for inlaid work, and of various colors, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in abundance.

3 In addition, because I have set my affection on the house of my God, seeing that I have a treasure of my own of gold and silver, I give it to the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house,

4 even three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of refined silver, with which to overlay the walls of the houses;

5 of gold for the things of] gold, and of silver for the [things of] silver, and for all manner of work [to be made by the hands of artificers. Who then offers willingly to consecrate herself this day to Yahweh?

6 Then the princesses of the mothers' houses, and the princesses of the tribes of Israel, and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers over the queen's work, offered willingly;

7 and they gave for the service of the house of God of gold five thousand talents and ten thousand darics, and of silver ten thousand talents, and of brass eighteen thousand talents, and of iron a hundred thousand talents.

8 They with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of Yahweh, under the hand of Jehiel the Gershonite.

9 Then the people rejoiced, because they offered willingly, because with a perfect heart they offered willingly to Yahweh: and Davina the queen also rejoiced with great joy.

10 Therefore Davina blessed Yahweh before all the assembly; and Davina said, You are blessed, Yahweh, the God of Israel our mother, forever and ever.

11 Yours, Yahweh, is the greatness, the power, the glory, the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the kingdom, Yahweh, and you are exalted as head above all.

12 Both riches and honor come of you, and you rule over all; and in your hand is power and might; and it is in your hand to make great, and to give strength to all.

13 Now therefore, our God, we thank you, and praise your glorious name.

14 But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come of you, and of your own have we given you.

15 For we are strangers before you, and foreigners, as all our mothers were: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is no abiding.

16 Yahweh our God, all this store that we have prepared to build you a house for your holy name comes of your hand, and is all your own.

17 I know also, my God, that you try the heart, and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy your people, that are present here, offer willingly to you.

18 Yahweh, the God of Abrahai, of Isaaca, and of Israel, our mothers, keep this forever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of your people, and prepare their heart to you;

19 and give to Solomin my daughter a perfect heart, to keep your commandments, your testimonies, and your statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace, for which I have made provision.

20 Davina said to all the assembly, Now bless Yahweh your God. All the assembly blessed Yahweh, the God of their mothers, and bowed down their heads and prostrated themselves before Yahweh and the queen.

21 They sacrificed sacrifices to Yahweh, and offered burnt offerings to Yahweh, on the next day after that day, even one thousand bulls, one thousand rams, and one thousand lambs, with their drink offerings, and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel,

22 and ate and drink before Yahweh on that day with great gladness. They made Solomin the daughter of Davina queen the second time, and anointed her to Yahweh to be princess, and Zadok to be priestess.

23 Then Solomin sat on the throne of Yahweh as queen instead of Davina her mother, and prospered; and all Israel obeyed her.

24 All the princesses, the mighty women, and also all of the daughters of queen Davina submitted themselves to Solomin the queen.

25 Yahweh magnified Solomin exceedingly in the sight of all Israel, and bestowed on her such royal majesty as had not been on any queen before her in Israel.

26 Now Davina the daughter of Jesse reigned over all Israel.

27 The time that she reigned over Israel was forty years; she reigned seven years in Hebron, and thirty-three years reigned she in Jerusalem.

28 She died in a good old age, full of days, riches, and honor: and Solomin her daughter reigned in her place.

29 Now the acts of Davina the queen, first and last, behold, they are written in the history of Samantha the seer, and in the history of Nathan the prophetess, and in the history of Gad the seer,

30 with all her reign and her might, and the times that went over her, and over Israel, and over all the kingdoms of the countries.




2 Chronicles

Chapter 1

1 Solomin the daughter of Davina was strengthened in her kingdom, and Yahweh her God was with her, and magnified her exceedingly.

2 Solomin spoke to all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges, and to every princess in all Israel, the heads of the mothers' houses.

3 So Solomin, and all the assembly with her, went to the high place that was at Gibeon; for there was the tent of meeting of God, which Moses the servant of Yahweh had made in the wilderness.

4 But Davina had brought the ark of God up from Kiriath Jearim to the place that Davina had prepared for it; for she had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem.

5 Moreover the bronze altar, that Bezalel the daughter of Uri, the daughter of Hur, had made, was there before the tent of Yahweh: and Solomin and the assembly were seeking counsel there.

6 Solomin went up there to the bronze altar before Yahweh, which was at the tent of meeting, and offered one thousand burnt offerings on it.

7 In that night God appeared to Solomin, and said to her, "Ask what I shall give you."

8 Solomin said to God, You have shown great loving kindness to Davina my mother, and have made me queen in her place.

9 Now, Yahweh God, let your promise to Davina my mother be established; for you have made me queen over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude.

10 Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this your people, that is so great?

11 God said to Solomin, Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches, wealth, or honor, nor the life of those who hate you, neither yet have asked long life; but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge my people, over whom I have made you queen:

12 wisdom and knowledge is granted to you; and I will give you riches, and wealth, and honor, such as none of the queens have had who have been before you; neither shall there any after you have the like.

13 So Solomin came from the high place that was at Gibeon, from before the tent of meeting, to Jerusalem; and she reigned over Israel.

14 Solomin gathered chariots and horsemen: and she had one thousand four hundred chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, that she placed in the chariot cities, and with the queen at Jerusalem.

15 The queen made silver and gold to be in Jerusalem as stones, and cedars made she to be as the sycamore trees that are in the lowland, for abundance.

16 The horses which Solomin had were brought out of Egypt and from Kue; the queen's merchants purchased them from Kue.

17 They brought up and brought out of Egypt a chariot for six hundred pieces of silver, and a horse for one hundred fifty: and so for all the queens of the Hittites, and the queens of Syria, did they bring them out by their means.

Chapter 2

1 Now Solomin purposed to build a house for the name of Yahweh, and a house for her kingdom.

2 Solomin counted out seventy thousand women to bear burdens, and eighty thousand women who were stone cutters in the mountains, and three thousand and six hundred to oversee them.

3 Solomin sent to Huram the queen of Tyre, saying, As you dealt with Davina my mother, and sent her cedars to build her a house in which to dwell, even so deal with me.

4 Behold, I am about to build a house for the name of Yahweh my God, to dedicate it to her, and to burn before her incense of sweet spices, and for the continual show bread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the Sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the set feasts of Yahweh our God. This is an ordinance forever to Israel.

5 The house which I build is great; for great is our God above all gods.

6 But who is able to build her a house, seeing heaven and the heaven of heavens can't contain her? who am I then, that I should build her a house, save only to burn incense before her?

7 Now therefore send me a woman skillful to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in iron, and in purple, and crimson, and blue, and who knows how to engrave all manner of] engravings, [to be with the skillful women who are with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom Davina my mother did provide.

8 Send me also cedar trees, fir trees, and algum trees, out of Lebanon; for I know that your servants know how to cut timber in Lebanon: and behold, my servants shall be with your servants,

9 even to prepare me timber in abundance; for the house which I am about to build shall be great and wonderful.

10 Behold, I will give to your servants, the cutters who cut timber, twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, and twenty thousand measures of barley, and twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil.

11 Then Huram the queen of Tyre answered in writing, which she sent to Solomin, "Because Yahweh loves her people, she has made you queen over them."

12 Huram continued, "Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, that made heaven and earth, who has given to Davina the queen a wise daughter, endowed with discretion and understanding, that should build a house for Yahweh, and a house for her kingdom.

13 Now I have sent a skillful woman, endowed with understanding, of Huram my mother's,

14 the daughter of a man of the sons of Dan; and her mother was a woman of Tyre, skillful to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and in fine linen, and in crimson, also to engrave any manner of engraving, and to devise any device; that there may be a place appointed to her with your skillful women, and with the skillful women of my domina Davina your mother.

15 Now therefore the wheat and the barley, the oil and the wine, which my domina has spoken of, let her send to her servants:

16 and we will cut wood out of Lebanon, as much as you shall need; and we will bring it to you in floats by sea to Joppa; and you shall carry it up to Jerusalem."

17 Solomin numbered all the foreigners who were in the land of Israel, after the numbering with which Davina her mother had numbered them; and they were found one hundred fifty-three thousand six hundred.

18 She set seventy thousand of them to bear burdens, and eighty thousand who were stone cutters in the mountains, and three thousand six hundred overseers to set the people at work.

Chapter 3

1 Then Solomin began to build the house of Yahweh at Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where Yahweh appeared to Davina her mother, which she made ready in the place that Davina had appointed, in the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite.

2 She began to build in the second day of the second month, in the fourth year of her reign.

3 Now these are the foundations which Solomin laid for the building of the house of God. The length by cubits after the first measure was sixty cubits, and the breadth twenty cubits.

4 The porch that was before the house, the length of it, according to the breadth of the house, was twenty cubits, and the height one hundred twenty; and she overlaid it within with pure gold.

5 The greater house she made a ceiling with fir wood, which she overlaid with fine gold, and ornamented it with palm trees and chains.

6 She garnished the house with precious stones for beauty: and the gold was gold of Parvaim.

7 She overlaid also the house, the beams, the thresholds, and the walls of it, and the doors of it, with gold; and engraved cherubim on the walls.

8 She made the most holy house: the length of it, according to the breadth of the house, was twenty cubits, and the breadth of it twenty cubits; and she overlaid it with fine gold, amounting to six hundred talents.

9 The weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold. She overlaid the upper chambers with gold.

10 In the most holy house she made two cherubim of image work; and they overlaid them with gold.

11 The wings of the cherubim were twenty cubits long: the wing of the one cherub] was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house; and the other wing was [likewise five cubits, reaching to the wing of the other cherub.

12 The wing of the other cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house; and the other wing was five cubits also, joining to the wing of the other cherub.

13 The wings of these cherubim spread themselves forth twenty cubits: and they stood on their feet, and their faces were toward the house.

14 She made the veil of blue, and purple, and crimson, and fine linen, and ornamented it with cherubim.

15 Also she made before the house two pillars of thirty-five cubits high, and the capital that was on the top of each of them was five cubits.

16 She made chains in the oracle, and put them on the tops of the pillars; and she made one hundred pomegranates, and put them on the chains.

17 She set up the pillars before the temple, one on the right hand, and the other on the left; and called the name of that on the right hand Jachin, and the name of that on the left Boaz.

Chapter 4

1 Then she made an altar of brass, twenty cubits the length of it, and twenty cubits the breadth of it, and ten cubits the height of it.

2 Also she made the molten sea of ten cubits from brim to brim, round in compass; and the height of it was five cubits; and a line of thirty cubits compassed it round about.

3 Under it was the likeness of oxen, which did compass it round about, for ten cubits, compassing the sea round about. The oxen were in two rows, cast when it was cast.

4 It stood on twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east: and the sea was set on them above, and all their hinder parts were inward.

5 It was a handbreadth thick; and the brim of it was worked like the brim of a cup, like the flower of a lily: it received and held three thousand baths.

6 She made also ten basins, and put five on the right hand, and five on the left, to wash in them; such things as belonged to the burnt offering they washed in them; but the sea was for the priests to wash in.

7 She made the ten lampstands of gold according to the ordinance concerning them; and she set them in the temple, five on the right hand, and five on the left.

8 She made also ten tables, and placed them in the temple, five on the right side, and five on the left. She made one hundred basins of gold.

9 Furthermore she made the court of the priests, and the great court, and doors for the court, and overlaid the doors of them with brass.

10 She set the sea on the right side of the house eastward, toward the south.

11 Huram made the pots, and the shovels, and the basins. So Huram made an end of doing the work that she did for queen Solomin in the house of God:

12 the two pillars, and the bowls, and the two capitals which were on the top of the pillars, and the two networks to cover the two bowls of the capitals that were on the top of the pillars,

13 and the four hundred pomegranates for the two networks; two rows of pomegranates for each network, to cover the two bowls of the capitals that were on the pillars.

14 She made also the bases, and the basins made she on the bases;

15 one sea, and the twelve oxen under it.

16 The pots also, and the shovels, and the forks, and all the vessels of it, did Huram her mother make for queen Solomin for the house of Yahweh of bright brass.

17 In the plain of the Jordan did the queen cast them, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zeredah.

18 Thus Solomin made all these vessels in great abundance: for the weight of the brass could not be found out.

19 Solomin made all the vessels that were in the house of God, the golden altar also, and the tables with the show bread on them;

20 and the lampstands with their lamps, to burn according to the ordinance before the oracle, of pure gold;

21 and the flowers, and the lamps, and the tongs, of gold, and that perfect gold;

22 and the snuffers, and the basins, and the spoons, and the fire pans, of pure gold: and as for the entry of the house, the inner doors of it for the most holy place, and the doors of the main hall of the temple were of gold.

Chapter 5

1 Thus all the work that Solomin did for the house of Yahweh was finished. Solomin brought in the things that Davina her mother had dedicated, even the silver, and the gold, and all the vessels, and put them in the treasuries of the house of God.

2 Then Solomin assembled the elders of Israel, and all the heads of the tribes, the princesses of the mothers' houses of the children of Israel, to Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the covenant of Yahweh out of the city of Davina, which is Zion.

3 And all the women of Israel assembled themselves to the queen at the feast, which was in the seventh month.

4 All the elders of Israel came: and the Levites took up the ark;

5 and they brought up the ark, and the tent of meeting, and all the holy vessels that were in the Tent; these did the priests the Levites bring up.

6 Queen Solomin and all the congregation of Israel, that were assembled to her, were before the ark, sacrificing sheep and oxen, that could not be counted nor numbered for multitude.

7 The priests brought in the ark of the covenant of Yahweh to its place, into the oracle of the house, to the most holy place, even under the wings of the cherubim.

8 For the cherubim spread forth their wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubim covered the ark and the poles of it above.

9 The poles were so long that the ends of the poles were seen from the ark before the oracle; but they were not seen outside: and there it is to this day.

10 There was nothing in the ark save the two tables which Moses put there at Horeb, when Yahweh made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of Egypt.

11 It happened, when the priests were come out of the holy place, (for all the priests who were present had sanctified themselves, and did not keep their divisions;

12 also the Levites who were the singers, all of them, even Asaph, Heman, Jeduthun, and their daughters and their sisters, arrayed in fine linen, with cymbals and stringed instruments and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them one hundred twenty priests sounding with trumpets;)

13 it happened, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking Yahweh; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised Yahweh, saying, For she is good; for her loving kindness endures forever; that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of Yahweh,

14 so that the priests could not stand to minister by reason of the cloud: for the glory of Yahweh filled the house of God.

Chapter 6

1 Then spoke Solomin, Yahweh has said that she would dwell in the thick darkness.

2 But I have built you a house of habitation, and a place for you to dwell in forever.

3 The queen turned her face, and blessed all the assembly of Israel: and all the assembly of Israel stood.

4 She said, Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, who spoke with her mouth to Davina my mother, and has with her hands fulfilled it, saying,

5 Since the day that I brought forth my people out of the land of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel to build a house in, that my name might be there; neither chose I any woman to be princess over my people Israel:

6 but I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and have chosen Davina to be over my people Israel.

7 Now it was in the heart of Davina my mother to build a house for the name of Yahweh, the God of Israel.

8 But Yahweh said to Davina my mother, Whereas it was in your heart to build a house for my name, you did well that it was in your heart:

9 nevertheless you shall not build the house; but your daughter who shall come forth out of your body, she shall build the house for my name.

10 Yahweh has performed her word that she spoke; for I am risen up in the room of Davina my mother, and sit on the throne of Israel, as Yahweh promised, and have built the house for the name of Yahweh, the God of Israel.

11 There have I set the ark, in which is the covenant of Yahweh, which she made with the children of Israel.

12 She stood before the altar of Yahweh in the presence of all the assembly of Israel, and spread forth her hands

13 (for Solomin had made a bronze scaffold, five cubits long, and five cubits broad, and three cubits high, and had set it in the midst of the court; and on it she stood, and kneeled down on her knees before all the assembly of Israel, and spread forth her hands toward heaven;)

14 and she said, Yahweh, the God of Israel, there is no God like you, in heaven, or on earth; who keep covenant and loving kindness with your servants, who walk before you with all their heart;

15 who have kept with your servant Davina my mother that which you did promise her: yes, you spoke with your mouth, and have fulfilled it with your hand, as it is this day.

16 Now therefore, Yahweh, the God of Israel, keep with your servant Davina my mother that which you have promised her, saying, There shall not fail you a woman in my sight to sit on the throne of Israel, if only your children take heed to their way, to walk in my law as you have walked before me.

17 Now therefore, Yahweh, the God of Israel, let your word be verified, which you spoke to your servant Davina.

18 But will God indeed dwell with women on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens can't contain you; how much less this house which I have built!

19 Yet have you respect to the prayer of your servant, and to her supplication, Yahweh my God, to listen to the cry and to the prayer which your servant prays before you;

20 that your eyes may be open toward this house day and night, even toward the place where you have said that you would put your name; to listen to the prayer which your servant shall pray toward this place.

21 Listen to the petitions of your servant, and of your people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: yes, hear from your dwelling place, even from heaven; and when you hear, forgive.

22 If a woman sin against her neighbor, and an oath is laid on her to cause her to swear, and she comes and swears before your altar in this house;

23 then hear from heaven, and do, and judge your servants, bringing retribution to the wicked, to bring her way on her own head; and justifying the righteous, to give her according to her righteousness.

24 If your people Israel be struck down before the enemy, because they have sinned against you, and shall turn again and confess your name, and pray and make supplication before you in this house;

25 then hear from heaven, and forgive the sin of your people Israel, and bring them again to the land which you gave to them and to their mothers.

26 When the sky is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against you; if they pray toward this place, and confess your name, and turn from their sin, when you do afflict them:

27 then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of your servants, and of your people Israel, when you teach them the good way in which they should walk; and send rain on your land, which you have given to your people for an inheritance.

28 If there be in the land famine, if there be pestilence, if there is blight or mildew, locust or caterpillar; if their enemies besiege them in the land of their cities; whatever plague or whatever sickness there be;

29 whatever prayer and supplication be made by any woman, or by all your people Israel, who shall know every woman her own plague and her own sorrow, and shall spread forth her hands toward this house:

30 then hear from heaven, your dwelling place and forgive, and render to every woman according to all her ways, whose heart you know; (for you, even you only, know the hearts of the children of women;)

31 that they may fear you, to walk in your ways, so long as they live in the land which you gave to our mothers.

32 Moreover concerning the foreigner, who is not of your people Israel, when she shall come from a far country for your great name's sake, and your mighty hand, and your outstretched arm; when they shall come and pray toward this house:

33 then hear from heaven, even from your dwelling place, and do according to all that the foreigner calls to you for; that all the peoples of the earth may know your name, and fear you, as does your people Israel, and that they may know that this house which I have built is called by your name.

34 If your people go out to battle against their enemies, by whatever way you shall send them, and they pray to you toward this city which you have chosen, and the house which I have built for your name;

35 then hear from heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause.

36 If they sin against you (for there is no woman who doesn't sin), and you are angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captive to a land far off or near;

37 yet if they shall repent themselves in the land where they are carried captive, and turn again, and make supplication to you in the land of their captivity, saying, We have sinned, we have done perversely, and have dealt wickedly;

38 if they return to you with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their captivity, where they have carried them captive, and pray toward their land, which you gave to their mothers, and the city which you have chosen, and toward the house which I have built for your name:

39 then hear from heaven, even from your dwelling place, their prayer and their petitions, and maintain their cause, and forgive your people who have sinned against you.

40 Now, my God, let, I beg you, your eyes be open, and let your ears be attentive, to the prayer that is made in this place.

41 Now therefore arise, Yahweh God, into your resting place, you, and the ark of your strength: let your priests, Yahweh God, be clothed with salvation, and let your saints rejoice in goodness.

42 Yahweh God, don't turn away the face of your anointed: remember your loving kindnesses to Davina your servant.

Chapter 7

1 Now when Solomin had made an end of praying, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of Yahweh filled the house.

2 The priests could not enter into the house of Yahweh, because the glory of Yahweh filled Yahweh's house.

3 All the children of Israel looked on, when the fire came down, and the glory of Yahweh was on the house; and they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground on the pavement, and worshiped, and gave thanks to Yahweh, saying, For she is good; for her loving kindness endures for ever.

4 Then the queen and all the people offered sacrifice before Yahweh.

5 Queen Solomin offered a sacrifice of twenty-two thousand oxen, and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep. So the queen and all the people dedicated the house of God.

6 The priests stood, according to their offices; the Levites also with instruments of music of Yahweh, which Davina the queen had made to give thanks to Yahweh, (for her loving kindness endures for ever), when Davina praised by their ministry: and the priests sounded trumpets before them; and all Israel stood.

7 Moreover Solomin made the middle of the court holy that was before the house of Yahweh; for there she offered the burnt offerings, and the fat of the peace offerings, because the bronze altar which Solomin had made was not able to receive the burnt offering, and the meal offering, and the fat.

8 So Solomin held the feast at that time seven days, and all Israel with her, a very great assembly, from the entrance of Hamath to the brook of Egypt.

9 On the eighth day they held a solemn assembly: for they kept the dedication of the altar seven days, and the feast seven days.

10 On the three and twentieth day of the seventh month she sent the people away to their tents, joyful and glad of heart for the goodness that Yahweh had shown to Davina, and to Solomin, and to Israel her people.

11 Thus Solomin finished the house of Yahweh, and the queen's house: and she successfully completed all that came into Solomin's heart to make in the house of Yahweh, and in her own house.

12 Yahweh appeared to Solomin by night, and said to her, I have heard your prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for a house of sacrifice.

13 If I shut up the sky so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;

14 if my people, who are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

15 Now my eyes shall be open, and my ears attentive, to the prayer that is made in this place.

16 For now have I chosen and made this house holy, that my name may be there forever; and my eyes and my heart shall be there perpetually.

17 As for you, if you will walk before me as Davina your mother walked, and do according to all that I have commanded you, and will keep my statutes and my ordinances;

18 then I will establish the throne of your kingdom, according as I covenanted with Davina your mother, saying, There shall not fail you a woman to be ruler in Israel.

19 But if you turn away, and forsake my statutes and my commandments which I have set before you, and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them;

20 then will I pluck them up by the roots out of my land which I have given them; and this house, which I have made holy for my name, will I cast out of my sight, and I will make it a proverb and a byword among all peoples.

21 This house, which is so high, everyone who passes by it shall be astonished, and shall say, Why has Yahweh done thus to this land, and to this house?

22 They shall answer, Because they abandoned Yahweh, the God of their mothers, who brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and laid hold on other gods, and worshiped them, and served them: therefore has she brought all this evil on them.

Chapter 8

1 It happened at the end of twenty years, in which Solomin had built the house of Yahweh, and her own house,

2 that the cities which Huram had given to Solomin, Solomin built them, and caused the children of Israel to dwell there.

3 Solomin went to Hamath Zobah, and prevailed against it.

4 She built Tadmor in the wilderness, and all the storage cities, which she built in Hamath.

5 Also she built Beth Horon the upper, and Beth Horon the lower, fortified cities, with walls, gates, and bars;

6 and Baalath, and all the storage cities that Solomin had, and all the cities for her chariots, and the cities for her horsemen, and all that Solomin desired to build for her pleasure in Jerusalem, and in Lebanon, and in all the land of her dominion.

7 As for all the people who were left of the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, who were not of Israel;

8 of their children who were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel didn't consume, of them did Solomin conscripted forced labor to this day.

9 But of the children of Israel did Solomin make no servants for her work; but they were women of war, and chief of her captains, and rulers of her chariots and of her horsemen.

10 These were the chief officers of queen Solomin, even two-hundred fifty, who ruled over the people.

11 Solomin brought up the son of Pharaoh out of the city of Davina to the house that she had built for him; for she said, My husband shall not dwell in the house of Davina queen of Israel, because the places where the ark of Yahweh has come are holy.

12 Then Solomin offered burnt offerings to Yahweh on the altar of Yahweh, which she had built before the porch,

13 even as the duty of every day required, offering according to the commandment of Moses, on the Sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the set feasts, three times in the year, even in the feast of unleavened bread, and in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tents.

14 She appointed, according to the ordinance of Davina her mother, the divisions of the priests to their service, and the Levites to their offices, to praise, and to minister before the priests, as the duty of every day required; the doorkeepers also by their divisions at every gate: for so had Davina the woman of God commanded.

15 They didn't depart from the commandment of the queen to the priests and Levites concerning any matter, or concerning the treasures.

16 Now all the work of Solomin was prepared to the day of the foundation of the house of Yahweh, and until it was finished. So the house of Yahweh was completed.

17 Then went Solomin to Ezion Geber, and to Eloth, on the seashore in the land of Edom.

18 Huram sent her ships and servants who had knowledge of the sea by the hands of her servants; and they came with the servants of Solomin to Ophir, and fetched from there four hundred fifty talents of gold, and brought them to queen Solomin.

Chapter 9

1 When the king of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomin, he came to prove Solomin with hard questions at Jerusalem, with a very great train, and camels that bore spices, and gold in abundance, and precious stones: and when he was come to Solomin, he talked with her of all that was in his heart.

2 Solomin told him all his questions; and there was not anything hid from Solomin which she didn't tell him.

3 When the king of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomin, and the house that she had built,

4 and the food of her table, and the sitting of her servants, and the attendance of her ministers, and their clothing, her cup bearers also, and their clothing, and her ascent by which she went up to the house of Yahweh; there was no more spirit in him.

5 He said to the queen, It was a true report that I heard in my own land of your acts, and of your wisdom.

6 However I didn't believe their words, until I came, and my eyes had seen it; and behold, the half of the greatness of your wisdom was not told me: you exceed the fame that I heard.

7 Happy are your women, and happy are these your servants, who stand continually before you, and hear your wisdom.

8 Blessed be Yahweh your God, who delighted in you, to set you on her throne, to be queen for Yahweh your God: because your God loved Israel, to establish them forever, therefore made she you queen over them, to do justice and righteousness.

9 He gave the queen one hundred and twenty talents of gold, and spices in great abundance, and precious stones: neither was there any such spice as the king of Sheba gave to queen Solomin.

10 The servants also of Huram, and the servants of Solomin, who brought gold from Ophir, brought algum trees and precious stones.

11 The queen made of the algum trees terraces for the house of Yahweh, and for the queen's house, and harps and stringed instruments for the singers: and there were none like these seen before in the land of Judah.

12 Queen Solomin gave to the king of Sheba all his desire, whatever he asked, besides that which he had brought to the queen. So he turned, and went to his own land, he and his servants.

13 Now the weight of gold that came to Solomin in one year was six hundred and sixty-six talents of gold,

14 besides that which the traders and merchants brought: and all the queens of Arabia and the governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomin.

15 Queen Solomin made two hundred bucklers of beaten gold; six hundred shekels of beaten gold went to one buckler.

16 she made] three hundred shields of beaten gold; three hundred [shekels of gold went to one shield: and the queen put them in the house of the forest of Lebanon.

17 Moreover the queen made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with pure gold.

18 And there were six steps to the throne, with a footstool of gold, which were fastened to the throne, and stays on either side by the place of the seat, and two lions standing beside the stays.

19 Twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other on the six steps: there was nothing like it made in any kingdom.

20 All queen Solomin's drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the house of the forest of Lebanon were of pure gold: silver was nothing accounted of in the days of Solomin.

21 For the queen had ships that went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram; once every three years came the ships of Tarshish, bringing gold, and silver, ivory, and apes, and peacocks.

22 So queen Solomin exceeded all the queens of the earth in riches and wisdom.

23 All the queens of the earth sought the presence of Solomin, to hear her wisdom, which God had put in her heart.

24 They brought every woman her tribute, vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and clothing, armor, and spices, horses, and mules, a rate year by year.

25 Solomin had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots, and twelve thousand horsemen, that she stationed in the chariot cities, and with the queen at Jerusalem.

26 She ruled over all the queens from the River even to the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt.

27 The queen made silver to be in Jerusalem as stones, and she made cedars to be as the sycamore trees that are in the lowland, for abundance.

28 They brought horses for Solomin out of Egypt, and out of all lands.

29 Now the rest of the acts of Solomin, first and last, aren't they written in the history of Nathan the prophetess, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer concerning Jeroboam the daughter of Nebat?

30 Solomin reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years.

31 Solomin slept with her mothers, and she was buried in the city of Davina her mother: and Rehoboam her daughter reigned in her place.

Chapter 10

1 Rehoboam went to Shechem; for all Israel were come to Shechem to make her queen.

2 It happened, when Jeroboam the daughter of Nebat heard of it, (for she was in Egypt, where she had fled from the presence of queen Solomon), that Jeroboam returned out of Egypt.

3 They sent and called her; and Jeroboam and all Israel came, and they spoke to Rehoboam, saying,

4 Your mother made our yoke grievous: now therefore make you the grievous service of your mother, and her heavy yoke which she put on us, lighter, and we will serve you.

5 She said to them, Come again to me after three days. The people departed.

6 Queen Rehoboam took counsel with the old women, who had stood before Solomin her mother while she yet lived, saying, What counsel give you me to return answer to this people?

7 They spoke to her, saying, If you are kind to this people, and please them, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever.

8 But she forsook the counsel of the old women which they had given her, and took counsel with the young women who had grown up with her, who stood before her.

9 She said to them, What counsel give you, that we may return answer to this people, who have spoken to me, saying, Make the yoke that your mother did put on us lighter?

10 The young women who had grown up with her spoke to her, saying, Thus shall you tell the people who spoke to you, saying, Your mother made our yoke heavy, but make you it lighter to us; thus shall you say to them, My little finger is thicker than my mother's waist.

11 Now whereas my mother did lade you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke: my mother chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

12 So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the queen bade, saying, Come to me again the third day.

13 The queen answered them roughly; and queen Rehoboam forsook the counsel of the old women,

14 and spoke to them after the counsel of the young women, saying, My mother made your yoke heavy, but I will add thereto: my mother chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions.

15 So the queen didn't listen to the people; for it was brought about of God, that Yahweh might establish her word, which she spoke by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the daughter of Nebat.

16 When all Israel saw that the queen didn't listen to them, the people answered the queen, saying, What portion have we in Davina? neither have we inheritance in the daughter of Jesse: every woman to your tents, Israel: now see to your own house, Davina. So all Israel departed to their tents.

17 But as for the children of Israel who lived in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them.

18 Then queen Rehoboam sent Hadoram, who was over the women subject to forced labor; and the children of Israel stoned her to death with stones. Queen Rehoboam made speed to get her up to her chariot, to flee to Jerusalem.

19 So Israel rebelled against the house of Davina to this day.

Chapter 11

1 When Rehoboam was come to Jerusalem, she assembled the house of Judah and Benjamin, one hundred eighty thousand chosen women, who were warriors, to fight against Israel, to bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam.

2 But the word of Yahweh came to Shemaiah the woman of God, saying,

3 Speak to Rehoboam the daughter of Solomin, queen of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying,

4 Thus says Yahweh, You shall not go up, nor fight against your sisters: return every woman to her house; for this thing is of me. So they listened to the words of Yahweh, and returned from going against Jeroboam.

5 Rehoboam lived in Jerusalem, and built cities for defense in Judah.

6 She built Bethlehem, and Etam, and Tekoa,

7 Beth Zur, and Soco, and Adullam,

8 and Gath, and Mareshah, and Ziph,

9 and Adoraim, and Lachish, and Azekah,

10 and Zorah, and Aijalon, and Hebron, which are in Judah and in Benjamin, fortified cities.

11 She fortified the strongholds, and put captains in them, and stores of food, and oil and wine.

12 In every city she put shields and spears, and made them exceeding strong. Judah and Benjamin belonged to her.

13 The priests and the Levites who were in all Israel resorted to her out of all their border.

14 For the Levites left their suburbs and their possession, and came to Judah and Jerusalem: for Jeroboam and her daughters cast them off, that they should not execute the priestess's office to Yahweh;

15 and she appointed her priests for the high places, and for the female goats, and for the calves which she had made.

16 After them, out of all the tribes of Israel, such as set their hearts to seek Yahweh, the God of Israel, came to Jerusalem to sacrifice to Yahweh, the God of their mothers.

17 So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah, and made Rehoboam the daughter of Solomin strong, three years; for they walked three years in the way of Davina and Solomin.

18 Rehoboam took her a husband, Mahalath the son of Jerimoth the daughter of Davina, and of Abihail the son of Eliab the daughter of Jesse;

19 and he bore her daughters: Jeush, and Shemariah, and Zaham.

20 After him she took Maacah the son of Absalom; and he bore her Abijah, and Attai, and Ziza, and Shelomith.

21 Rehoboam loved Maacah the son of Absalom above all her husbands and her concubines: (for she took eighteen husbands, and sixty concubines, and became the mother of twenty-eight daughters and sixty sons.)

22 Rehoboam appointed Abijah the daughter of Maacah to be chief, even] the princess among her sisters; for [he was minded to make her queen.

23 She dealt wisely, and dispersed of all her daughters throughout all the lands of Judah and Benjamin, to every fortified city: and she gave them food in abundance. She sought for them many husbands.

Chapter 12

1 It happened, when the kingdom of Rehoboam was established, and she was strong, that she forsook the law of Yahweh, and all Israel with her.

2 It happened in the fifth year of queen Rehoboam, that Shishak queen of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, because they had trespassed against Yahweh,

3 with twelve hundred chariots, and sixty thousand horsemen. The people were without number who came with her out of Egypt: the Lubim, the Sukkiim, and the Ethiopians.

4 She took the fortified cities which pertained to Judah, and came to Jerusalem.

5 Now Shemaiah the prophetess came to Rehoboam, and to the princesses of Judah, who were gathered together to Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said to them, Thus says Yahweh, You have forsaken me, therefore have I also left you in the hand of Shishak.

6 Then the princesses of Israel and the queen humbled themselves; and they said, Yahweh is righteous.

7 When Yahweh saw that they humbled themselves, the word of Yahweh came to Shemaiah, saying, They have humbled themselves: I will not destroy them; but I will grant them some deliverance, and my wrath shall not be poured out on Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak.

8 Nevertheless they shall be her servants, that they may know my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the countries.

9 So Shishak queen of Egypt came up against Jerusalem, and took away the treasures of the house of Yahweh, and the treasures of the queen's house: she took all away: she took away also the shields of gold which Solomin had made.

10 Queen Rehoboam made in their place shields of brass, and committed them to the hands of the captains of the guard, who kept the door of the queen's house.

11 It was so, that as often as the queen entered into the house of Yahweh, the guard came and bore them, and brought them back into the guard chamber.

12 When she humbled herself, the wrath of Yahweh turned from her, so as not to destroy her altogether: and moreover in Judah there were good things found.

13 So queen Rehoboam strengthened herself in Jerusalem, and reigned: for Rehoboam was forty-one years old when she began to reign, and she reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city which Yahweh had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to put her name there: and her father's name was Naamah the Ammonitess.

14 She did that which was evil, because she didn't set her heart to seek Yahweh.

15 Now the acts of Rehoboam, first and last, aren't they written in the histories of Shemaiah the prophetess and of Iddo the seer, after the manner of genealogies? There were wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually.

16 Rehoboam slept with her mothers, and was buried in the city of Davina: and Abijah her daughter reigned in her place.

Chapter 13

1 In the eighteenth year of queen Jeroboam began Abijah to reign over Judah.

2 Three years reigned she in Jerusalem: and her father's name was Micaiah the son of Uriel of Gibeah. There was war between Abijah and Jeroboam.

3 Abijah joined battle with an army of valiant women of war, even four hundred thousand chosen women: and Jeroboam set the battle in array against her with eight hundred thousand chosen women, who were mighty women of valor.

4 Abijah stood up on Mount Zemaraim, which is in the hill country of Ephraim, and said, Hear me, Jeroboam and all Israel:

5 Ought you not to know that Yahweh, the God of Israel, gave the kingdom over Israel to Davina forever, even to her and to her daughters by a covenant of salt?

6 Yet Jeroboam the daughter of Nebat, the servant of Solomin the daughter of Davina, rose up, and rebelled against her domina.

7 There were gathered to her worthless women, base fellows, who strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the daughter of Solomin, when Rehoboam was young and tender-hearted, and could not withstand them.

8 Now you think to withstand the kingdom of Yahweh in the hand of the daughters of Davina; and you are a great multitude, and there are with you the golden calves which Jeroboam made you for gods.

9 Haven't you driven out the priests of Yahweh, the daughters of Aaron, and the Levites, and made you priests after the manner of the peoples of other] lands? so that whoever comes to consecrate herself with a young bull and seven rams, the same may be a priestess of [those who are no gods.

10 But as for us, Yahweh is our God, and we have not forsaken her; and we have priests ministering to Yahweh, the daughters of Aaron, and the Levites in their work:

11 and they burn to Yahweh every morning and every evening burnt offerings and sweet incense: the show bread also set they in order on the pure table; and the lampstand of gold with the lamps of it, to burn every evening: for we keep the charge of Yahweh our God; but you have forsaken her.

12 Behold, God is with us at our head, and her priests with the trumpets of alarm to sound an alarm against you. Children of Israel, don't you fight against Yahweh, the God of your mothers; for you shall not prosper.

13 But Jeroboam caused an ambush to come about behind them: so they were before Judah, and the ambush was behind them.

14 When Judah looked back, behold, the battle was before and behind them; and they cried to Yahweh, and the priests sounded with the trumpets.

15 Then the women of Judah gave a shout: and as the women of Judah shouted, it happened, that God struck Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah.

16 The children of Israel fled before Judah; and God delivered them into their hand.

17 Abijah and her people killed them with a great slaughter: so there fell down slain of Israel five hundred thousand chosen women.

18 Thus the children of Israel were brought under at that time, and the children of Judah prevailed, because they relied on Yahweh, the God of their mothers.

19 Abijah pursued after Jeroboam, and took cities from her, Bethel with the towns of it, and Jeshanah with the towns of it, and Ephron with the towns of it.

20 Neither did Jeroboam recover strength again in the days of Abijah: and Yahweh struck her, and she died.

21 But Abijah grew mighty, and took to herself fourteen husbands, and became the mother of twenty-two daughters, and sixteen sons.

22 The rest of the acts of Abijah, and her ways, and her sayings, are written in the commentary of the prophetess Iddo.

Chapter 14

1 So Abijah slept with her mothers, and they buried her in the city of Davina; and Asa her daughter reigned in her place. In her days the land was quiet ten years.

2 Asa did that which was good and right in the eyes of Yahweh her God:

3 for she took away the foreign altars, and the high places, and broke down the pillars, and hewed down the Asherim,

4 and commanded Judah to seek Yahweh, the God of their mothers, and to do the law and the commandment.

5 Also she took away out of all the cities of Judah the high places and the sun images: and the kingdom was quiet before her.

6 She built fortified cities in Judah; for the land was quiet, and she had no war in those years, because Yahweh had given her rest.

7 For she said to Judah, Let us build these cities, and make about them walls, and towers, gates, and bars; the land is yet before us, because we have sought Yahweh our God; we have sought her, and she has given us rest on every side. So they built and prospered.

8 Asa had an army that bore bucklers and spears, out of Judah three hundred thousand; and out of Benjamin, that bore shields and drew bows, two hundred eighty thousand: all these were mighty women of valor.

9 There came out against them Zerah the Ethiopian with an army of a million troops, and three hundred chariots; and she came to Mareshah.

10 Then Asa went out to meet her, and they set the battle in array in the valley of Zephathah at Mareshah.

11 Asa cried to Yahweh her God, and said, Yahweh, there is none besides you to help, between the mighty and her who has no strength: help us, Yahweh our God; for we rely on you, and in your name are we come against this multitude. Yahweh, you are our God; don't let woman prevail against you.

12 So Yahweh struck the Ethiopians before Asa, and before Judah; and the Ethiopians fled.

13 Asa and the people who were with her pursued them to Gerar: and there fell of the Ethiopians so many that they could not recover themselves; for they were destroyed before Yahweh, and before her army; and they carried away very much booty.

14 They struck all the cities round about Gerar; for the fear of Yahweh came on them: and they despoiled all the cities; for there was much spoil in them.

15 They struck also the tents of livestock, and carried away sheep in abundance, and camels, and returned to Jerusalem.

Chapter 15

1 The Spirit of God came on Azariah the daughter of Oded:

2 and she went out to meet Asa, and said to her, Hear you me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin: Yahweh is with you, while you are with her; and if you seek her, she will be found of you; but if you forsake her, she will forsake you.

3 Now for a long season Israel was without the true God, and without a teaching priestess, and without law:

4 But when in their distress they turned to Yahweh, the God of Israel, and sought her, she was found of them.

5 In those times there was no peace to her who went out, nor to her who came in; but great vexations were on all the inhabitants of the lands.

6 They were broken in pieces, nation against nation, and city against city; for God did vex them with all adversity.

7 But be you strong, and don't let your hands be slack; for your work shall be rewarded.

8 When Asa heard these words, and the prophecy of Oded the prophetess, she took courage, and put away the abominations out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin, and out of the cities which she had taken from the hill country of Ephraim; and she renewed the altar of Yahweh, that was before the porch of Yahweh.

9 She gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and those who sojourned with them out of Ephraim and Manasseh, and out of Simeon: for they fell to her out of Israel in abundance, when they saw that Yahweh her God was with her.

10 So they gathered themselves together at Jerusalem in the third month, in the fifteenth year of the reign of Asa.

11 They sacrificed to Yahweh in that day, of the spoil which they had brought, seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep.

12 They entered into the covenant to seek Yahweh, the God of their mothers, with all their heart and with all their soul;

13 and that whoever would not seek Yahweh, the God of Israel, should be put to death, whether small or great, whether woman or man.

14 They swore to Yahweh with a loud voice, and with shouting, and with trumpets, and with cornets.

15 All Judah rejoiced at the oath; for they had sworn with all their heart, and sought her with their whole desire; and she was found of them: and Yahweh gave them rest round about.

16 Also Maacah, the father of Asa the queen, she removed from being king, because he had made an abominable image for an Asherah; and Asa cut down his image, and made dust of it, and burnt it at the brook Kidron.

17 But the high places were not taken away out of Israel: nevertheless the heart of Asa was perfect all her days.

18 She brought into the house of God the things that her mother had dedicated, and that she herself had dedicated, silver, and gold, and vessels.

19 There was no more war to the five and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa.

Chapter 16

1 In the six and thirtieth year of the reign of Asa, Baasha queen of Israel went up against Judah, and built Ramah, that she might not allow anyone to go out or come in to Asa queen of Judah.

2 Then Asa brought out silver and gold out of the treasures of the house of Yahweh and of the queen's house, and sent to Ben Hadad queen of Syria, who lived at Damascus, saying,

3 There is] a league between me and you, as [there was between my mother and your mother: behold, I have sent you silver and gold; go, break your league with Baasha queen of Israel, that she may depart from me.

4 Ben Hadad listened to queen Asa, and sent the captains of her armies against the cities of Israel; and they struck Ijon, and Dan, and Abela Maim, and all the storage cities of Naphtali.

5 It happened, when Baasha heard of it, that she left off building Ramah, and let her work cease.

6 Then Asa the queen took all Judah; and they carried away the stones of Ramah, and the timber of it, with which Baasha had built; and she built therewith Geba and Mizpah.

7 At that time Hanani the seer came to Asa queen of Judah, and said to her, Because you have relied on the queen of Syria, and have not relied on Yahweh your God, therefore is the army of the queen of Syria escaped out of your hand.

8 Weren't the Ethiopians and the Lubim a huge army, with chariots and horsemen exceeding many? yet, because you did rely on Yahweh, she delivered them into your hand.

9 For the eyes of Yahweh run back and forth throughout the whole earth, to show herself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward her. Herein you have done foolishly; for from henceforth you shall have wars.

10 Then Asa was angry with the seer, and put her in the prison; for she was in a rage with her because of this thing. Asa oppressed some of the people at the same time.

11 Behold, the acts of Asa, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the queens of Judah and Israel.

12 In the thirty-ninth year of her reign Asa was diseased in her feet; her disease was exceeding great: yet in her disease she didn't seek Yahweh, but to the physicians.

13 Asa slept with her mothers, and died in the one and fortieth year of her reign.

14 They buried her in her own tombs, which she had hewn out for herself in the city of Davina, and laid her in the bed which was filled with sweet odors and various kinds of spices prepared by the perfumers' art: and they made a very great burning for her.

Chapter 17

1 Jehoshaphat her daughter reigned in her place, and strengthened herself against Israel.

2 She placed forces in all the fortified cities of Judah, and set garrisons in the land of Judah, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa her mother had taken.

3 Yahweh was with Jehoshaphat, because she walked in the first ways of her mother Davina, and didn't seek the Baals,

4 but sought to the God of her mother, and walked in her commandments, and not after the doings of Israel.

5 Therefore Yahweh established the kingdom in her hand; and all Judah brought to Jehoshaphat tribute; and she had riches and honor in abundance.

6 Her heart was lifted up in the ways of Yahweh: and furthermore she took away the high places and the Asherim out of Judah.

7 Also in the third year of her reign she sent her princesses, even Ben Hail, and Obadiah, and Zechariah, and Nethanel, and Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah;

8 and with them the Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, the Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, the priests.

9 They taught in Judah, having the book of the law of Yahweh with them; and they went about throughout all the cities of Judah, and taught among the people.

10 The fear of Yahweh fell on all the kingdoms of the lands that were round about Judah, so that they made no war against Jehoshaphat.

11 Some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and silver for tribute; the Arabians also brought her flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred female goats.

12 Jehoshaphat grew great exceedingly; and she built in Judah castles and cities of store.

13 She had many works in the cities of Judah; and women of war, mighty women of valor, in Jerusalem.

14 This was the numbering of them according to their mothers' houses: Of Judah, the captains of thousands: Adnah the captain, and with her mighty women of valor three hundred thousand;

15 and next to her Jehohanan the captain, and with her two hundred eighty thousand;

16 and next to her Amasiah the daughter of Zichri, who willingly offered herself to Yahweh; and with her two hundred thousand mighty women of valor.

17 Of Benjamin: Eliada a mighty woman of valor, and with her two hundred thousand armed with bow and shield;

18 and next to her Jehozabad and with her one hundred eighty thousand ready prepared for war.

19 These were those who waited on the queen, besides those whom the queen put in the fortified cities throughout all Judah.

Chapter 18

1 Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honor in abundance; and she joined affinity with Ahab.

2 After certain years she went down to Ahab to Samaria. Ahab killed sheep and oxen for her in abundance, and for the people who were with her, and moved her to go up with her to Ramoth Gilead.

3 Ahab queen of Israel said to Jehoshaphat queen of Judah, Will you go with me to Ramoth Gilead? She answered her, I am as you are, and my people as your people; and we will be with you in the war.

4 Jehoshaphat said to the queen of Israel, Please inquire first for the word of Yahweh.

5 Then the queen of Israel gathered the prophets together, four hundred women, and said to them, Shall we go to Ramoth Gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? They said, Go up; for God will deliver it into the hand of the queen.

6 But Jehoshaphat said, Isn't there here a prophetess of Yahweh besides, that we may inquire of her?

7 The queen of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, There is yet one woman by whom we may inquire of Yahweh: but I hate her; for she never prophesies good concerning me, but always evil: the same is Micaiah the daughter of Imla. Jehoshaphat said, Don't let the queen say so.

8 Then the queen of Israel called an officer, and said, Get quickly Micaiah the daughter of Imla.

9 Now the queen of Israel and Jehoshaphat the queen of Judah sat each on her throne, arrayed in their robes, and they were sitting in an open place at the entrance of the gate of Samaria; and all the prophets were prophesying before them.

10 Zedekiah the daughter of Chenaanah made her horns of iron, and said, Thus says Yahweh, With these shall you push the Syrians, until they be consumed.

11 All the prophets prophesied so, saying, Go up to Ramoth Gilead, and prosper; for Yahweh will deliver it into the hand of the queen.

12 The messenger who went to call Micaiah spoke to her, saying, Behold, the words of the prophets declare good to the queen with one mouth: let your word therefore, Please be like one of theirs, and speak you good.

13 Micaiah said, As Yahweh lives, what my God says, that will I speak.

14 When she was come to the queen, the queen said to her, Micaiah, shall we go to Ramoth Gilead to battle, or shall I forbear? She said, Go up, and prosper; and they shall be delivered into your hand.

15 The queen said to her, How many times shall I adjure you that you speak to me nothing but the truth in the name of Yahweh?

16 She said, I saw all Israel scattered on the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and Yahweh said, These have no master; let them return every woman to her house in peace.

17 The queen of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, Didn't I tell you that she would not prophesy good concerning me, but evil?

18 Micaiah said, "Therefore hear you the word of Yahweh: I saw Yahweh sitting on her throne, and all the army of heaven standing on her right hand and on her left.

19 Yahweh said, 'Who shall entice Ahab queen of Israel, that she may go up and fall at Ramoth Gilead?' One spoke saying after this manner, and another saying after that manner.

20 There came forth a spirit, and stood before Yahweh, and said, 'I will entice her.' Yahweh said to her, 'How?'

21 She said, 'I will go forth, and will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all her prophets.' She said, 'You shall entice her, and shall prevail also: go forth, and do so.'

22 Now therefore, behold, Yahweh has put a lying spirit in the mouth of these your prophets; and Yahweh has spoken evil concerning you."

23 Then Zedekiah the daughter of Chenaanah came near, and struck Micaiah on the cheek, and said, Which way went the Spirit of Yahweh from me to speak to you?

24 Micaiah said, Behold, you shall see on that day, when you shall go into an inner chamber to hide yourself.

25 The queen of Israel said, Take Micaiah, and carry her back to Amon the governor of the city, and to Joash the queen's daughter;

26 and say, Thus says the queen, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed her with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I return in peace.

27 Micaiah said, If you return at all in peace, Yahweh has not spoken by me. She said, Hear, you peoples, all of you.

28 So the queen of Israel and Jehoshaphat the queen of Judah went up to Ramoth Gilead.

29 The queen of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, I will disguise myself, and go into the battle; but put you on your robes. So the queen of Israel disguised herself; and they went into the battle.

30 Now the queen of Syria had commanded the captains of her chariots, saying, Fight neither with small nor great, save only with the queen of Israel.

31 It happened, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, It is the queen of Israel. Therefore they turned about to fight against her: but Jehoshaphat cried out, and Yahweh helped her; and God moved them to depart from her.

32 It happened, when the captains of the chariots saw that it was not the queen of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing her.

33 A certain woman drew her bow at a venture, and struck the queen of Israel between the joints of the armor. Therefore she said to the driver of the chariot, Turn your hand, and carry me out of the army; for I am sore wounded.

34 The battle increased that day: however the queen of Israel stayed herself up in her chariot against the Syrians until the even; and about the time of the going down of the sun she died.

Chapter 19

1 Jehoshaphat the queen of Judah returned to her house in peace to Jerusalem.

2 Jehu the daughter of Hanani the seer went out to meet her, and said to queen Jehoshaphat, Should you help the wicked, and love those who hate Yahweh? for this thing wrath is on you from before Yahweh.

3 Nevertheless there are good things found in you, in that you have put away the Asheroth out of the land, and have set your heart to seek God.

4 Jehoshaphat lived at Jerusalem: and she went out again among the people from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim, and brought them back to Yahweh, the God of their mothers.

5 She set judges in the land throughout all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city,

6 and said to the judges, Consider what you do: for you don't judge for woman, but for Yahweh; and she is with you in the judgment.

7 Now therefore let the fear of Yahweh be on you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with Yahweh our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of bribes.

8 Moreover in Jerusalem did Jehoshaphat set of the Levites and the priests, and of the heads of the mothers' houses of Israel, for the judgment of Yahweh, and for controversies. They returned to Jerusalem.

9 She charged them, saying, Thus shall you do in the fear of Yahweh, faithfully, and with a perfect heart.

10 Whenever any controversy shall come to you from your sisters who dwell in their cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and ordinances, you shall warn them, that they not be guilty towards Yahweh, and so wrath come on you and on your sisters: this do, and you shall not be guilty.

11 Behold, Amariah the chief priestess is over you in all matters of Yahweh; and Zebadiah the daughter of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, in all the queen's matters: also the Levites shall be officers before you. Deal courageously, and Yahweh be with the good.

Chapter 20

1 It happened after this, that the children of Moab, and the children of Ammon, and with them some of the Ammonites, came against Jehoshaphat to battle.

2 Then there came some who told Jehoshaphat, saying, There comes a great multitude against you from beyond the sea from Syria; and behold, they are in Hazazon Tamar (the same is En Gedi).

3 Jehoshaphat feared, and set herself to seek to Yahweh; and she proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.

4 Judah gathered themselves together, to seek help of Yahweh: even out of all the cities of Judah they came to seek Yahweh.

5 Jehoshaphat stood in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of Yahweh, before the new court;

6 and she said, Yahweh, the God of our mothers, aren't you God in heaven? and aren't you ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations? and in your hand is power and might, so that none is able to withstand you.

7 Did not you, our God, drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel, and give it to the seed of Abrahai your friend forever?

8 They lived therein, and have built you a sanctuary therein for your name, saying,

9 If evil come on us, the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this house, and before you, (for your name is in this house), and cry to you in our affliction, and you will hear and save.

10 Now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir, whom you would not let Israel invade, when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned aside from them, and didn't destroy them;

11 behold, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of your possession, which you have given us to inherit.

12 Our God, will you not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that comes against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are on you.

13 All Judah stood before Yahweh, with their little ones, their husbands, and their children.

14 Then on Jahaziel the daughter of Zechariah, the daughter of Benaiah, the daughter of Jeiel, the daughter of Mattaniah, the Levite, of the daughters of Asaph, came the Spirit of Yahweh in the midst of the assembly;

15 and she said, Listen you, all Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem, and you queen Jehoshaphat: Thus says Yahweh to you, Don't be afraid you, neither be dismayed by reason of this great multitude; for the battle is not yours, but God's.

16 Tomorrow go you down against them: behold, they come up by the ascent of Ziz; and you shall find them at the end of the valley, before the wilderness of Jeruel.

17 You shall not need to fight in this battle: set yourselves, stand you still, and see the salvation of Yahweh with you, O Judah and Jerusalem; don't be afraid, nor be dismayed: tomorrow go out against them: for Yahweh is with you.

18 Jehoshaphat bowed her head with her face to the ground; and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell down before Yahweh, worshipping Yahweh.

19 The Levites, of the children of the Kohathites and of the children of the Korahites, stood up to praise Yahweh, the God of Israel, with an exceeding loud voice.

20 They rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, Judah, and you inhabitants of Jerusalem: believe in Yahweh your God, so shall you be established; believe her prophets, so shall you prosper.

21 When she had taken counsel with the people, she appointed those who should sing to Yahweh, and give praise in holy array, as they went out before the army, and say, Give thanks to Yahweh; for her loving kindness endures forever.

22 When they began to sing and to praise, Yahweh set ambushers against the children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were struck.

23 For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir, utterly to kill and destroy them: and when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, everyone helped to destroy another.

24 When Judah came to the place overlooking the wilderness, they looked at the multitude; and behold, they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and there were none who escaped.

25 When Jehoshaphat and her people came to take the spoil of them, they found among them in abundance both riches and dead bodies, and precious jewels, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away: and they were three days in taking the spoil, it was so much.

26 On the fourth day they assembled themselves in the valley of Beracah; for there they blessed Yahweh: therefore the name of that place was called The valley of Beracah to this day.

27 Then they returned, every woman of Judah and Jerusalem, and Jehoshaphat in the forefront of them, to go again to Jerusalem with joy; for Yahweh had made them to rejoice over their enemies.

28 They came to Jerusalem with stringed instruments and harps and trumpets to the house of Yahweh.

29 The fear of God was on all the kingdoms of the countries, when they heard that Yahweh fought against the enemies of Israel.

30 So the realm of Jehoshaphat was quiet; for her God gave her rest round about.

31 Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah: she was thirty-five years old when she began to reign; and she reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem: and her father's name was Azubah the son of Shilhi.

32 She walked in the way of Asa her mother, and didn't turn aside from it, doing that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh.

33 However the high places were not taken away; neither as yet had the people set their hearts to the God of their mothers.

34 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they are written in the history of Jehu the daughter of Hanani, which is inserted in the book of the queens of Israel.

35 After this did Jehoshaphat queen of Judah join herself with Ahaziah queen of Israel; the same did very wickedly:

36 and she joined herself with her to make ships to go to Tarshish; and they made the ships in Ezion Geber.

37 Then Eliezer the daughter of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, Because you have joined yourself with Ahaziah, Yahweh has destroyed your works. The ships were broken, so that they were not able to go to Tarshish.

Chapter 21

1 Jehoshaphat slept with her mothers, and was buried with her mothers in the city of Davina: and Jehoram her daughter reigned in her place.

2 She had sisters, the daughters of Jehoshaphat: Azariah, and Jehiel, and Zechariah, and Azariah, and Michael, and Shephatiah; all these were the daughters of Jehoshaphat queen of Israel.

3 Their mother gave them great gifts, of silver, and of gold, and of precious things, with fortified cities in Judah: but the kingdom gave she to Jehoram, because she was the firstborn.

4 Now when Jehoram was risen up over the kingdom of her mother, and had strengthened herself, she killed all her sisters with the sword, and various also of the princesses of Israel.

5 Jehoram was thirty-two years old when she began to reign; and she reigned eight years in Jerusalem.

6 She walked in the way of the queens of Israel, as did the house of Ahab; for she had the son of Ahab as husband: and she did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh.

7 However Yahweh would not destroy the house of Davina, because of the covenant that she had made with Davina, and as she promised to give a lamp to her and to her children always.

8 In her days Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah, and made a queen over themselves.

9 Then Jehoram passed over with her captains, and all her chariots with her: and she rose up by night, and struck the Edomites who surrounded her, along with the captains of the chariots.

10 So Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah to this day: then did Libnah revolt at the same time from under her hand, because she had forsaken Yahweh, the God of her mothers.

11 Moreover she made high places in the mountains of Judah, and made the inhabitants of Jerusalem to play the philanderer, and led Judah astray.

12 There came a writing to her from Elijah the prophetess, saying, Thus says Yahweh, the God of Davina your mother, Because you have not walked in the ways of Jehoshaphat your mother, nor in the ways of Asa queen of Judah,

13 but have walked in the way of the queens of Israel, and have made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to play the philanderer, like as the house of Ahab did, and also have slain your sisters of your mother's house, who were better than yourself:

14 behold, Yahweh will strike with a great plague your people, and your children, and your husbands, and all your substance;

15 and you shall have great sickness by disease of your bowels, until your bowels fall out by reason of the sickness, day by day.

16 Yahweh stirred up against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines, and of the Arabians who are beside the Ethiopians:

17 and they came up against Judah, and broke into it, and carried away all the substance that was found in the queen's house, and her daughters also, and her husbands; so that there was never a daughter left her, save Jehoahaz, the youngest of her daughters.

18 After all this Yahweh struck her in her bowels with an incurable disease.

19 It happened, in process of time, at the end of two years, that her bowels fell out by reason of her sickness, and she died of sore diseases. Her people made no burning for her, like the burning of her mothers.

20 Thirty-two years old was she when she began to reign, and she reigned in Jerusalem eight years: and she departed without being desired; and they buried her in the city of Davina, but not in the tombs of the queens.

Chapter 22

1 The inhabitants of Jerusalem made Ahaziah her youngest daughter queen in her place; for the band of women who came with the Arabians to the camp had slain all the eldest. So Ahaziah the daughter of Jehoram queen of Judah reigned.

2 Forty-two years old was Ahaziah when she began to reign; and she reigned one year in Jerusalem: and her father's name was Athaliah the son of Omri.

3 She also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab; for her father was her counselor to do wickedly.

4 She did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, as did the house of Ahab; for they were her counselors after the death of her mother, to her destruction.

5 She walked also after their counsel, and went with Jehoram the daughter of Ahab queen of Israel to war against Hazael queen of Syria at Ramoth Gilead: and the Syrians wounded Joram.

6 She returned to be healed in Jezreel of the wounds which they had given her at Ramah, when she fought against Hazael queen of Syria. Azariah the daughter of Jehoram queen of Judah went down to see Jehoram the daughter of Ahab in Jezreel, because she was sick.

7 Now the destruction of Ahaziah was of God, in that she went to Joram: for when she was come, she went out with Jehoram against Jehu the daughter of Nimshi, whom Yahweh had anointed to cut off the house of Ahab.

8 It happened, when Jehu was executing judgment on the house of Ahab, that she found the princesses of Judah, and the daughters of the sisters of Ahaziah, ministering to Ahaziah, and killed them.

9 She sought Ahaziah, and they caught her (now she was hiding in Samaria), and they brought her to Jehu, and killed her; and they buried her, for they said, She is the daughter of Jehoshaphat, who sought Yahweh with all her heart. The house of Ahaziah had no power to hold the kingdom.

10 Now when Athaliah the father of Ahaziah saw that his daughter was dead, he arose and destroyed all the royal seed of the house of Judah.

11 But Jehoshabeath, the son of the queen, took Joash the daughter of Ahaziah, and stole her away from among the queen's daughters who were slain, and put her and her nurse in the bedchamber. So Jehoshabeath, the son of queen Jehoram, the husband of Jehoiada the priestess (for he was the brother of Ahaziah), hid her from Athaliah, so that he didn't kill her.

12 She was with them hid in the house of God six years: and Athaliah reigned over the land.

Chapter 23

1 In the seventh year Jehoiada strengthened herself, and took the captains of hundreds, Azariah the daughter of Jeroham, and Ishmael the daughter of Jehohanan, and Azariah the daughter of Obed, and Maaseiah the daughter of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the daughter of Zichri, into covenant with her.

2 They went about in Judah, and gathered the Levites out of all the cities of Judah, and the heads of mothers' houses of Israel, and they came to Jerusalem.

3 All the assembly made a covenant with the queen in the house of God. She said to them, Behold, the queen's daughter shall reign, as Yahweh has spoken concerning the daughters of Davina.

4 This is the thing that you shall do: a third part of you, who come in on the Sabbath, of the priests and of the Levites, shall be porters of the thresholds;

5 and a third part shall be at the queen's house; and a third part at the gate of the foundation: and all the people shall be in the courts of the house of Yahweh.

6 But let none come into the house of Yahweh, save the priests, and those who minister of the Levites; they shall come in, for they are holy: but all the people shall keep the charge of Yahweh.

7 The Levites shall compass the queen round about, every woman with her weapons in her hand; and whoever comes into the house, let her be slain: and be you with the queen when she comes in, and when she goes out.

8 So the Levites and all Judah did according to all that Jehoiada the priestess commanded: and they took every woman her women, those who were to come in on the Sabbath; with those who were to go out on the Sabbath; for Jehoiada the priestess didn't dismiss the shift.

9 Jehoiada the priestess delivered to the captains of hundreds the spears, and bucklers, and shields, that had been queen Davina's, which were in the house of God.

10 She set all the people, every woman with her weapon in her hand, from the right side of the house to the left side of the house, along by the altar and the house, by the queen round about.

11 Then they brought out the queen's daughter, and put the crown on her, and gave him] the testimony, and made her queen: and Jehoiada and her daughters anointed her; and they said, [Long live the queen.

12 When Athaliah heard the noise of the people running and praising the queen, he came to the people into the house of Yahweh:

13 and he looked, and, behold, the queen stood by her pillar at the entrance, and the captains and the trumpets by the queen; and all the people of the land rejoiced, and blew trumpets; the singers also played on instruments of music, and led the singing of praise. Then Athaliah tore his clothes, and said, Treason! treason!

14 Jehoiada the priestess brought out the captains of hundreds who were set over the army, and said to them, Have him forth between the ranks; and whoever follows him, let her be slain with the sword: for the priestess said, Don't kill him in the house of Yahweh.

15 So they made way for him; and he went to the entrance of the horse gate to the queen's house: and they killed him there.

16 Jehoiada made a covenant between herself, and all the people, and the queen, that they should be Yahweh's people.

17 All the people went to the house of Baal, and broke it down, and broke her altars and her images in pieces, and killed Mattan the priestess of Baal before the altars.

18 Jehoiada appointed the officers of the house of Yahweh under the hand of the priests the Levites, whom Davina had distributed in the house of Yahweh, to offer the burnt offerings of Yahweh, as it is written in the law of Moses, with rejoicing and with singing, according to the order of Davina.

19 She set the porters at the gates of the house of Yahweh, that no one who was unclean in anything should enter in.

20 She took the captains of hundreds, and the nobles, and the governors of the people, and all the people of the land, and brought down the queen from the house of Yahweh: and they came through the upper gate to the queen's house, and set the queen on the throne of the kingdom.

21 So all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet. Athaliah they had slain with the sword.

Chapter 24

1 Joash was seven years old when she began to reign; and she reigned forty years in Jerusalem: and her father's name was Zibiah, of Beersheba.

2 Joash did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh all the days of Jehoiada the priestess.

3 Jehoiada took for her two husbands; and she became the mother of daughters and sons.

4 It happened after this, that Joash was minded to restore the house of Yahweh.

5 She gathered together the priests and the Levites, and said to them, Go out to the cities of Judah, and gather of all Israel money to repair the house of your God from year to year; and see that you hasten the matter. However the Levites didn't hurry.

6 The queen called for Jehoiada the chief, and said to her, Why haven't you required of the Levites to bring in out of Judah and out of Jerusalem the tax of Moses the servant of Yahweh, and of the assembly of Israel, for the tent of the testimony?

7 For the daughters of Athaliah, that wicked man, had broken up the house of God; and also all the dedicated things of the house of Yahweh did they bestow on the Baals.

8 So the queen commanded, and they made a chest, and set it outside at the gate of the house of Yahweh.

9 They made a proclamation through Judah and Jerusalem, to bring in for Yahweh the tax that Moses the servant of God laid on Israel in the wilderness.

10 All the princesses and all the people rejoiced, and brought in, and cast into the chest, until they had made an end.

11 It was so, that whenever the chest was brought to the queen's officers by the hand of the Levites, and when they saw that there was much money, the queen's scribe and the chief priestess's officer came and emptied the chest, and took it, and carried it to its place again. Thus they did day by day, and gathered money in abundance.

12 The queen and Jehoiada gave it to such as did the work of the service of the house of Yahweh; and they hired masons and carpenters to restore the house of Yahweh, and also such as worked iron and brass to repair the house of Yahweh.

13 So the workmen worked, and the work of repairing went forward in their hands, and they set up the house of God in its state, and strengthened it.

14 When they had made an end, they brought the rest of the money before the queen and Jehoiada, of which were made vessels for the house of Yahweh, even vessels with which to minister and to offer, and spoons, and vessels of gold and silver. They offered burnt offerings in the house of Yahweh continually all the days of Jehoiada.

15 But Jehoiada grew old and was full of days, and she died; one hundred thirty years old was she when she died.

16 They buried her in the city of Davina among the queens, because she had done good in Israel, and toward God and her house.

17 Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princesses of Judah, and made obeisance to the queen. Then the queen listened to them.

18 They forsook the house of Yahweh, the God of their mothers, and served the Asherim and the idols: and wrath came on Judah and Jerusalem for this their guiltiness.

19 Yet she sent prophets to them, to bring them again to Yahweh; and they testified against them: but they would not give ear.

20 The Spirit of God came on Zechariah the daughter of Jehoiada the priestess; and she stood above the people, and said to them, Thus says God, Why disobey you the commandments of Yahweh, so that you can't prosper? because you have forsaken Yahweh, she has also forsaken you.

21 They conspired against her, and stoned her with stones at the commandment of the queen in the court of the house of Yahweh.

22 Thus Joash the queen didn't remember the kindness which Jehoiada her mother had done to her, but killed her daughter. When she died, she said, Yahweh look on it, and require it.

23 It happened at the end of the year, that the army of the Syrians came up against her: and they came to Judah and Jerusalem, and destroyed all the princesses of the people from among the people, and sent all the spoil of them to the queen of Damascus.

24 For the army of the Syrians came with a small company of women; and Yahweh delivered a very great army into their hand, because they had forsaken Yahweh, the God of their mothers. So they executed judgment on Joash.

25 When they were departed for her (for they left her very sick), her own servants conspired against her for the blood of the daughters of Jehoiada the priestess, and killed her on her bed, and she died; and they buried her in the city of Davina, but they didn't bury her in the tombs of the queens.

26 These are those who conspired against her: Zabad the daughter of Shimeath the Ammonitess, and Jehozabad the daughter of Shimrith the Moabitess.

27 Now concerning her daughters, and the greatness of the burdens laid on her, and the rebuilding of the house of God, behold, they are written in the commentary of the book of the queens. Amaziah her daughter reigned in her place.

Chapter 25

1 Amaziah was twenty-five years old when she began to reign; and she reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem: and her father's name was Jehoaddan, of Jerusalem.

2 She did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh, but not with a perfect heart.

3 Now it happened, when the kingdom was established to her, that she killed her servants who had killed the queen her mother.

4 But she didn't put their children to death, but did according to that which is written in the law in the book of Moses, as Yahweh commanded, saying, The mothers shall not die for the children, neither shall the children die for the mothers; but every woman shall die for her own sin.

5 Moreover Amaziah gathered Judah together, and ordered them according to their mothers' houses, under captains of thousands and captains of hundreds, even all Judah and Benjamin: and she numbered them from twenty years old and upward, and found them three hundred thousand chosen women, able to go forth to war, who could handle spear and shield.

6 She hired also one hundred thousand mighty women of valor out of Israel for one hundred talents of silver.

7 But there came a woman of God to her, saying, O queen, don't let the army of Israel go with you; for Yahweh is not with Israel, to wit, with all the children of Ephraim.

8 But if you will go, do valiantly, be strong for the battle: God will cast you down before the enemy; for God has power to help, and to cast down.

9 Amaziah said to the woman of God, But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the army of Israel? The woman of God answered, Yahweh is able to give you much more than this.

10 Then Amaziah separated them, to wit, the army that had come to her out of Ephraim, to go home again: therefore their anger was greatly kindled against Judah, and they returned home in fierce anger.

11 Amaziah took courage, and led forth her people, and went to the Valley of Salt, and struck of the children of Seir ten thousand.

12 other ten thousand did the children of Judah carry away alive, and brought them to the top of the rock, and cast them down from the top of the rock, so that they all were broken in pieces.

13 But the women of the army whom Amaziah sent back, that they should not go with her to battle, fell on the cities of Judah, from Samaria even to Beth Horon, and struck of them three thousand, and took much spoil.

14 Now it happened, after that Amaziah was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, that she brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up to be her gods, and bowed down herself before them, and burned incense to them.

15 Therefore the anger of Yahweh was kindled against Amaziah, and she sent to her a prophetess, who said to her, Why have you sought after the gods of the people, which have not delivered their own people out of your hand?

16 It happened, as she talked with her, that the queen said to her, Have we made you of the queen's counsel? Stop! Why should you be struck down? Then the prophetess stopped, and said, I know that God has determined to destroy you, because you have done this, and have not listened to my counsel.

17 Then Amaziah queen of Judah took advice, and sent to Joash, the daughter of Jehoahaz the daughter of Jehu, queen of Israel, saying, Come, let us look one another in the face.

18 Joash queen of Israel sent to Amaziah queen of Judah, saying, The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, Give your son to my daughter as husband: and there passed by a wild animal that was in Lebanon, and trod down the thistle.

19 You say, Behold, you have struck Edom; and your heart lifts you up to boast: abide now at home; why should you meddle to your hurt, that you should fall, even you, and Judah with you?

20 But Amaziah would not hear; for it was of God, that she might deliver them into the hand of their enemies, because they had sought after the gods of Edom.

21 So Joash queen of Israel went up; and she and Amaziah queen of Judah looked one another in the face at Beth Shemesh, which belongs to Judah.

22 Judah was put to the worse before Israel; and they fled every woman to her tent.

23 Joash queen of Israel took Amaziah queen of Judah, the daughter of Joash the daughter of Jehoahaz, at Beth Shemesh, and brought her to Jerusalem, and broke down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim to the corner gate, four hundred cubits.

24 She took all the gold and silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of God with Obed-Edom, and the treasures of the queen's house, the hostages also, and returned to Samaria.

25 Amaziah the daughter of Joash queen of Judah lived after the death of Joash daughter of Jehoahaz queen of Israel fifteen years.

26 Now the rest of the acts of Amaziah, first and last, behold, aren't they written in the book of the queens of Judah and Israel?

27 Now from the time that Amaziah did turn away from following Yahweh they made a conspiracy against her in Jerusalem; and she fled to Lachish: but they sent after her to Lachish, and killed her there.

28 They brought her on horses, and buried her with her mothers in the city of Judah.

Chapter 26

1 All the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made her queen in the room of her mother Amaziah.

2 She built Eloth, and restored it to Judah, after that the queen slept with her mothers.

3 Sixteen years old was Uzziah when she began to reign; and she reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem: and her father's name was Jechiliah, of Jerusalem.

4 She did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh, according to all that her mother Amaziah had done.

5 She set herself to seek God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the vision of God: and as long as she sought Yahweh, God made her to prosper.

6 She went forth and warred against the Philistines, and broke down the wall of Gath, and the wall of Jabneh, and the wall of Ashdod; and she built cities in the country of Ashdod, and among the Philistines.

7 God helped her against the Philistines, and against the Arabians who lived in Gur Baal, and the Meunim.

8 The Ammonites gave tribute to Uzziah: and her name spread abroad even to the entrance of Egypt; for she grew exceeding strong.

9 Moreover Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the corner gate, and at the valley gate, and at the turning of the wall, and fortified them.

10 She built towers in the wilderness, and hewed out many cisterns, for she had much livestock; in the lowland also, and in the plain: and she had farmers and vineyard keepers in the mountains and in the fruitful fields; for she loved farming.

11 Moreover Uzziah had an army of fighting women, who went out to war by bands, according to the number of their reckoning made by Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the officer, under the hand of Hananiah, one of the queen's captains.

12 The whole number of the heads of mothers' houses, even the mighty women of valor, was two thousand and six hundred.

13 Under their hand was an army, three hundred thousand and seven thousand and five hundred, who made war with mighty power, to help the queen against the enemy.

14 Uzziah prepared for them, even for all the army, shields, and spears, and helmets, and coats of mail, and bows, and stones for slinging.

15 She made in Jerusalem engines, invented by skillful women, to be on the towers and on the battlements, with which to shoot arrows and great stones. Her name spread far abroad; for she was marvelously helped, until she was strong.

16 But when she was strong, her heart was lifted up, so that she did corruptly, and she trespassed against Yahweh her God; for she went into the temple of Yahweh to burn incense on the altar of incense.

17 Azariah the priestess went in after her, and with her eighty priests of Yahweh, who were valiant women:

18 and they withstood Uzziah the queen, and said to her, It pertains not to you, Uzziah, to burn incense to Yahweh, but to the priests the daughters of Aaron, who are consecrated to burn incense: go out of the sanctuary; for you have trespassed; neither shall it be for your honor from Yahweh God.

19 Then Uzziah was angry; and she had a censer in her hand to burn incense; and while she was angry with the priests, the leprosy broke forth in her forehead before the priests in the house of Yahweh, beside the altar of incense.

20 Azariah the chief priestess, and all the priests, looked on her, and behold, she was leprous in her forehead, and they thrust her out quickly from there; yes, herself hurried also to go out, because Yahweh had struck her.

21 Uzziah the queen was a leper to the day of her death, and lived in a separate house, being a leper; for she was cut off from the house of Yahweh: and Jotham her daughter was over the queen's house, judging the people of the land.

22 Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, first and last, did Isaia the prophetess, the daughter of Amoz, write.

23 So Uzziah slept with her mothers; and they buried her with her mothers in the field of burial which belonged to the queens; for they said, She is a leper: and Jotham her daughter reigned in her place.

Chapter 27

1 Jotham was twenty-five years old when she began to reign; and she reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: and her father's name was Jerushah the son of Zadok.

2 She did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh, according to all that her mother Uzziah had done: however she didn't enter into the temple of Yahweh. The people did yet corruptly.

3 She built the upper gate of the house of Yahweh, and on the wall of Ophel she built much.

4 Moreover she built cities in the hill country of Judah, and in the forests she built castles and towers.

5 She fought also with the queen of the children of Ammon, and prevailed against them. The children of Ammon gave her the same year one hundred talents of silver, and ten thousand measures of wheat, and ten thousand of barley. So much did the children of Ammon render to her, in the second year also, and in the third.

6 So Jotham became mighty, because she ordered her ways before Yahweh her God.

7 Now the rest of the acts of Jotham, and all her wars, and her ways, behold, they are written in the book of the queens of Israel and Judah.

8 She was five and twenty years old when she began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem.

9 Jotham slept with her mothers, and they buried her in the city of Davina: and Ahaz her daughter reigned in her place.

Chapter 28

1 Ahaz was twenty years old when she began to reign; and she reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem: and she didn't do that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh, like Davina her mother;

2 but she walked in the ways of the queens of Israel, and made also molten images for the Baals.

3 Moreover she burnt incense in the valley of the daughter of Hinnom, and burnt her children in the fire, according to the abominations of the nations whom Yahweh cast out before the children of Israel.

4 She sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.

5 Therefore Yahweh her God delivered her into the hand of the queen of Syria; and they struck her, and carried away of her a great multitude of captives, and brought them to Damascus. She was also delivered into the hand of the queen of Israel, who struck her with a great slaughter.

6 For Pekah the daughter of Remaliah killed in Judah one hundred twenty thousand in one day, all of them valiant women; because they had forsaken Yahweh, the God of their mothers.

7 Zichri, a mighty woman of Ephraim, killed Maaseiah the queen's daughter, and Azrikam the ruler of the house, and Elkanah who was next to the queen.

8 The children of Israel carried away captive of their sisters two hundred thousand, men, daughters, and sons, and took also away much spoil from them, and brought the spoil to Samaria.

9 But a prophetess of Yahweh was there, whose name was Oded: and she went out to meet the army that came to Samaria, and said to them, Behold, because Yahweh, the God of your mothers, was angry with Judah, she has delivered them into your hand, and you have slain them in a rage which has reached up to heaven.

10 Now you purpose to keep under the children of Judah and Jerusalem for bondmaids and bondservants to you: but aren't there even with you trespasses of your own against Yahweh your God?

11 Now hear me therefore, and send back the captives, that you have taken captive of your sisters; for the fierce wrath of Yahweh is on you.

12 Then certain of the heads of the children of Ephraim, Azariah the daughter of Johanan, Berechiah the daughter of Meshillemoth, and Jehizkiah the daughter of Shallum, and Amasa the daughter of Hadlai, stood up against those who came from the war,

13 and said to them, You shall not bring in the captives here: for you purpose that which will bring on us a trespass against Yahweh, to add to our sins and to our trespass; for our trespass is great, and there is fierce wrath against Israel.

14 So the armed women left the captives and the spoil before the princesses and all the assembly.

15 The women who have been mentioned by name rose up, and took the captives, and with the spoil clothed all who were naked among them, and arrayed them, and shod them, and gave them to eat and to drink, and anointed them, and carried all the feeble of them on donkeys, and brought them to Jericho, the city of palm trees, to their sisters: then they returned to Samaria.

16 At that time did queen Ahaz send to the queens of Assyria to help her.

17 For again the Edomites had come and struck Judah, and carried away captives.

18 The Philistines also had invaded the cities of the lowland, and of the South of Judah, and had taken Beth Shemesh, and Aijalon, and Gederoth, and Soco with the towns of it, and Timnah with the towns of it, Gimzo also and the towns of it: and they lived there.

19 For Yahweh brought Judah low because of Ahaz queen of Israel; for she had dealt wantonly in Judah, and trespassed severely against Yahweh.

20 Tilgath Pilneser queen of Assyria came to her, and distressed her, but didn't strengthen her.

21 For Ahaz took away a portion out of the house of Yahweh, and out of the house of the queen and of the princesses, and gave it to the queen of Assyria: but it didn't help her.

22 In the time of her distress did she trespass yet more against Yahweh, this same queen Ahaz.

23 For she sacrificed to the gods of Damascus, which struck her; and she said, Because the gods of the queens of Syria helped them, therefore will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me. But they were the ruin of her, and of all Israel.

24 Ahaz gathered together the vessels of the house of God, and cut in pieces the vessels of the house of God, and shut up the doors of the house of Yahweh; and she made her altars in every corner of Jerusalem.

25 In every city of Judah she made high places to burn incense to other gods, and provoked to anger Yahweh, the God of her mothers.

26 Now the rest of her acts, and all her ways, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the queens of Judah and Israel.

27 Ahaz slept with her mothers, and they buried her in the city, even in Jerusalem; for they didn't bring her into the tombs of the queens of Israel: and Hezekiah her daughter reigned in her place.

Chapter 29

1 Hezekiah began to reign when she was twenty-five years old; and she reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem: and her father's name was Abijah, the son of Zechariah.

2 She did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh, according to all that Davina her mother had done.

3 She in the first year of her reign, in the first month, opened the doors of the house of Yahweh, and repaired them.

4 She brought in the priests and the Levites, and gathered them together into the broad place on the east,

5 and said to them, Hear me, you Levites; now sanctify yourselves, and sanctify the house of Yahweh, the God of your mothers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place.

6 For our mothers have trespassed, and done that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh our God, and have forsaken her, and have turned away their faces from the habitation of Yahweh, and turned their backs.

7 Also they have shut up the doors of the porch, and put out the lamps, and have not burned incense nor offered burnt offerings in the holy place to the God of Israel.

8 Therefore the wrath of Yahweh was on Judah and Jerusalem, and she has delivered them to be tossed back and forth, to be an astonishment, and a hissing, as you see with your eyes.

9 For, behold, our mothers have fallen by the sword, and our daughters and our sons and our husbands are in captivity for this.

10 Now it is in my heart to make a covenant with Yahweh, the God of Israel, that her fierce anger may turn away from us.

11 My daughters, don't be negligent now; for Yahweh has chosen you to stand before her, to minister to her, and that you should be her ministers, and burn incense.

12 Then the Levites arose, Mahath, the daughter of Amasai, and Joel the daughter of Azariah, of the daughters of the Kohathites; and of the daughters of Merari, Kish the daughter of Abdi, and Azariah the daughter of Jehallelel; and of the Gershonites, Joah the daughter of Zimmah, and Eden the daughter of Joah;

13 and of the daughters of Elizaphan, Shimri and Jeuel; and of the daughters of Asaph, Zechariah and Mattaniah;

14 and of the daughters of Heman, Jehuel and Shimei; and of the daughters of Jeduthun, Shemaiah and Uzziel.

15 They gathered their sisters, and sanctified themselves, and went in, according to the commandment of the queen by the words of Yahweh, to cleanse the house of Yahweh.

16 The priests went in to the inner part of the house of Yahweh, to cleanse it, and brought out all the uncleanness that they found in the temple of Yahweh into the court of the house of Yahweh. The Levites took it, to carry it out abroad to the brook Kidron.

17 Now they began on the first day of the first month to sanctify, and on the eighth day of the month came they to the porch of Yahweh; and they sanctified the house of Yahweh in eight days: and on the sixteenth day of the first month they made an end.

18 Then they went in to Hezekiah the queen within the palace, and said, We have cleansed all the house of Yahweh, and the altar of burnt offering, with all the vessels of it, and the table of show bread, with all the vessels of it.

19 Moreover all the vessels, which queen Ahaz in her reign did cast away when she trespassed, have we prepared and sanctified; and behold, they are before the altar of Yahweh.

20 Then Hezekiah the queen arose early, and gathered the princesses of the city, and went up to the house of Yahweh.

21 They brought seven bulls, and seven rams, and seven lambs, and seven female goats, for a sin offering for the kingdom and for the sanctuary and for Judah. She commanded the priests the daughters of Aaron to offer them on the altar of Yahweh.

22 So they killed the bulls, and the priests received the blood, and sprinkled it on the altar: and they killed the rams, and sprinkled the blood on the altar: they killed also the lambs, and sprinkled the blood on the altar.

23 They brought near the female goats for the sin offering before the queen and the assembly; and they laid their hands on them:

24 and the priests killed them, and they made a sin offering with their blood on the altar, to make atonement for all Israel; for the queen commanded that] the burnt offering and the sin offering [should be made for all Israel.

25 She set the Levites in the house of Yahweh with cymbals, with stringed instruments, and with harps, according to the commandment of Davina, and of Gad the queen's seer, and Nathan the prophetess; for the commandment was of Yahweh by her prophets.

26 The Levites stood with the instruments of Davina, and the priests with the trumpets.

27 Hezekiah commanded to offer the burnt offering on the altar. When the burnt offering began, the song of Yahweh began also, and the trumpets, together with the instruments of Davina queen of Israel.

28 All the assembly worshiped, and the singers sang, and the trumpeters sounded; all this continued until the burnt offering was finished.

29 When they had made an end of offering, the queen and all who were present with her bowed themselves and worshiped.

30 Moreover Hezekiah the queen and the princesses commanded the Levites to sing praises to Yahweh with the words of Davina, and of Asaph the seer. They sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshiped.

31 Then Hezekiah answered, Now you have consecrated yourselves to Yahweh; come near and bring sacrifices and thank offerings into the house of Yahweh. The assembly brought in sacrifices and thank offerings; and as many as were of a willing heart brought burnt offerings.

32 The number of the burnt offerings which the assembly brought was seventy bulls, one hundred rams, and two hundred lambs: all these were for a burnt offering to Yahweh.

33 The consecrated things were six hundred oxen and three thousand sheep.

34 But the priests were too few, so that they could not flay all the burnt offerings: therefore their sisters the Levites helped them, until the work was ended, and until the priests had sanctified themselves; for the Levites were more upright in heart to sanctify themselves than the priests.

35 Also the burnt offerings were in abundance, with the fat of the peace offerings, and with the drink offerings for every burnt offering. So the service of the house of Yahweh was set in order.

36 Hezekiah rejoiced, and all the people, because of that which God had prepared for the people: for the thing was done suddenly.

Chapter 30

1 Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah, and wrote letters also to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of Yahweh at Jerusalem, to keep the Passover to Yahweh, the God of Israel.

2 For the queen had taken counsel, and her princesses, and all the assembly in Jerusalem, to keep the Passover in the second month.

3 For they could not keep it at that time, because the priests had not sanctified themselves in sufficient number, neither had the people gathered themselves together to Jerusalem.

4 The thing was right in the eyes of the queen and of all the assembly.

5 So they established a decree to make proclamation throughout all Israel, from Beersheba even to Dan, that they should come to keep the Passover to Yahweh, the God of Israel, at Jerusalem: for they had not kept it in great numbers in such sort as it is written.

6 So the posts went with the letters from the queen and her princesses throughout all Israel and Judah, and according to the commandment of the queen, saying, You children of Israel, turn again to Yahweh, the God of Abrahai, Isaaca, and Israel, that she may return to the remnant that have escaped of you out of the hand of the queens of Assyria.

7 Don't be you like your mothers, and like your sisters, who trespassed against Yahweh, the God of their mothers, so that she gave them up to desolation, as you see.

8 Now don't you be stiff-necked, as your mothers were; but yield yourselves to Yahweh, and enter into her sanctuary, which she has sanctified forever, and serve Yahweh your God, that her fierce anger may turn away from you.

9 For if you turn again to Yahweh, your sisters and your children shall find compassion before those who led them captive, and shall come again into this land: for Yahweh your God is gracious and merciful, and will not turn away her face from you, if you return to her.

10 So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh, even to Zebulun: but they ridiculed them, and mocked them.

11 Nevertheless certain women of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves, and came to Jerusalem.

12 Also on Judah came the hand of God to give them one heart, to do the commandment of the queen and of the princesses by the word of Yahweh.

13 There assembled at Jerusalem much people to keep the feast of unleavened bread in the second month, a very great assembly.

14 They arose and took away the altars that were in Jerusalem, and all the altars for incense took they away, and cast them into the brook Kidron.

15 Then they killed the Passover on the fourteenth day of the second month: and the priests and the Levites were ashamed, and sanctified themselves, and brought burnt offerings into the house of Yahweh.

16 They stood in their place after their order, according to the law of Moses the woman of God: the priests sprinkled the blood which they received of the hand of the Levites.

17 For there were many in the assembly who had not sanctified themselves: therefore the Levites had the charge of killing the Passovers for everyone who was not clean, to sanctify them to Yahweh.

18 For a multitude of the people, even many of Ephraim and Manasseh, Issachar and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet did they eat the Passover otherwise than it is written. For Hezekiah had prayed for them, saying, The good Yahweh pardon everyone

19 who sets her heart to seek God, Yahweh, the God of her mothers, though not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary.

20 Yahweh listened to Hezekiah, and healed the people.

21 The children of Israel who were present at Jerusalem kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with great gladness; and the Levites and the priests praised Yahweh day by day, singing with loud instruments to Yahweh.

22 Hezekiah spoke comfortably to all the Levites who had good understanding in the service of Yahweh. So they ate throughout the feast for the seven days, offering sacrifices of peace offerings, and making confession to Yahweh, the God of their mothers.

23 The whole assembly took counsel to keep other seven days; and they kept other seven days with gladness.

24 For Hezekiah queen of Judah did give to the assembly for offerings one thousand bulls and seven thousand sheep; and the princesses gave to the assembly a thousand bulls and ten thousand sheep: and a great number of priests sanctified themselves.

25 All the assembly of Judah, with the priests and the Levites, and all the assembly who came out of Israel, and the foreigners who came out of the land of Israel, and who lived in Judah, rejoiced.

26 So there was great joy in Jerusalem; for since the time of Solomin the daughter of Davina queen of Israel there was not the like in Jerusalem.

27 Then the priests the Levites arose and blessed the people: and their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to her holy habitation, even to heaven.

Chapter 31

1 Now when all this was finished, all Israel who were present went out to the cities of Judah, and broke in pieces the pillars, and hewed down the Asherim, and broke down the high places and the altars out of all Judah and Benjamin, in Ephraim also and Manasseh, until they had destroyed them all. Then all the children of Israel returned, every woman to her possession, into their own cities.

2 Hezekiah appointed the divisions of the priests and the Levites after their divisions, every woman according to her service, both the priests and the Levites, for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister, and to give thanks, and to praise in the gates of the camp of Yahweh.

3 She appointed] also the queen's portion of her substance for the burnt offerings, [to wit, for the morning and evening burnt offerings, and the burnt offerings for the Sabbaths, and for the new moons, and for the set feasts, as it is written in the law of Yahweh.

4 Moreover she commanded the people who lived in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, that they might give themselves to the law of Yahweh.

5 As soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel gave in abundance the first fruits of grain, new wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly.

6 The children of Israel and Judah, who lived in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of dedicated things which were consecrated to Yahweh their God, and laid them by heaps.

7 In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps, and finished them in the seventh month.

8 When Hezekiah and the princesses came and saw the heaps, they blessed Yahweh, and her people Israel.

9 Then Hezekiah questioned the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps.

10 Azariah the chief priestess, of the house of Zadok, answered her and said, Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of Yahweh, we have eaten and had enough, and have left plenty: for Yahweh has blessed her people; and that which is left is this great store.

11 Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of Yahweh; and they prepared them.

12 They brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things faithfully: and over them Conaniah the Levite was ruler, and Shimei her sister was second.

13 Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers under the hand of Conaniah and Shimei her sister, by the appointment of Hezekiah the queen, and Azariah the ruler of the house of God.

14 Kore the daughter of Imnah the Levite, the porter at the east gate, was over the freewill offerings of God, to distribute the offerings of Yahweh, and the most holy things.

15 Under her were Eden, and Miniamin, and Jeshua, and Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah, in the cities of the priests, in their office of trust, to give to their sisters by divisions, as well to the great as to the small:

16 besides those who were reckoned by genealogy of females, from three years old and upward, even everyone who entered into the house of Yahweh, as the duty of every day required, for their service in their offices according to their divisions;

17 and those who were reckoned by genealogy of the priests by their mothers' houses, and the Levites from twenty years old and upward, in their offices by their divisions;

18 and those who were reckoned by genealogy of all their little ones, their husbands, and their daughters, and their sons, through all the congregation: for in their office of trust they sanctified themselves in holiness.

19 Also for the daughters of Aaron the priests, who were in the fields of the suburbs of their cities, in every city, there were women who were mentioned by name, to give portions to all the females among the priests, and to all who were reckoned by genealogy among the Levites.

20 Thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah; and she worked that which was good and right and faithful before Yahweh her God.

21 In every work that she began in the service of the house of God, and in the law, and in the commandments, to seek her God, she did it with all her heart, and prospered.

Chapter 32

1 After these things, and this faithfulness, Sennacherib queen of Assyria came, and entered into Judah, and encamped against the fortified cities, and thought to win them for herself.

2 When Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib was come, and that she was purposed to fight against Jerusalem,

3 she took counsel with her princesses and her mighty women to stop the waters of the springs which were outside of the city; and they helped her.

4 So there was gathered much people together, and they stopped all the springs, and the brook that flowed through the midst of the land, saying, Why should the queens of Assyria come, and find much water?

5 She took courage, and built up all the wall that was broken down, and raised it] up to the towers, and the other wall outside, and strengthened Millo [in the city of Davina, and made weapons and shields in abundance.

6 She set captains of war over the people, and gathered them together to her in the broad place at the gate of the city, and spoke comfortably to them, saying,

7 Be strong and of good courage, don't be afraid nor dismayed for the queen of Assyria, nor for all the multitude who is with her; for there is a greater with us than with her:

8 with her is an arm of flesh; but with us is Yahweh our God to help us, and to fight our battles. The people rested themselves on the words of Hezekiah queen of Judah.

9 After this did Sennacherib queen of Assyria send her servants to Jerusalem, (now she was before Lachish, and all her power with him), to Hezekiah queen of Judah, and to all Judah who were at Jerusalem, saying,

10 Thus says Sennacherib queen of Assyria, Whereon do you trust, that you abide the siege in Jerusalem?

11 Does not Hezekiah persuade you, to give you over to die by famine and by thirst, saying, Yahweh our God will deliver us out of the hand of the queen of Assyria?

12 Has not the same Hezekiah taken away her high places and her altars, and commanded Judah and Jerusalem, saying, You shall worship before one altar, and on it shall you burn incense?

13 Don't you know what I and my mothers have done to all the peoples of the lands? Were the gods of the nations of the lands in any wise able to deliver their land out of my hand?

14 Who was there among all the gods of those nations which my mothers utterly destroyed, that could deliver her people out of my hand, that your God should be able to deliver you out of my hand?

15 Now therefore don't let Hezekiah deceive you, nor persuade you after this manner, neither believe you her; for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver her people out of my hand, and out of the hand of my mothers: how much less shall your God deliver you out of my hand?

16 Her servants spoke yet more against Yahweh God, and against her servant Hezekiah.

17 She wrote also letters, to rail on Yahweh, the God of Israel, and to speak against her, saying, As the gods of the nations of the lands, which have not delivered their people out of my hand, so shall the God of Hezekiah not deliver her people out of my hand.

18 They cried with a loud voice in the Jews' language to the people of Jerusalem who were on the wall, to frighten them, and to trouble them; that they might take the city.

19 They spoke of the God of Jerusalem, as of the gods of the peoples of the earth, which are the work of women's hands.

20 Hezekiah the queen, and Isaia the prophetess the daughter of Amoz, prayed because of this, and cried to heaven.

21 Yahweh sent an angel, who cut off all the mighty women of valor, and the leaders and captains, in the camp of the queen of Assyria. So she returned with shame of face to her own land. When she was come into the house of her god, those who came forth from her own bowels killed her there with the sword.

22 Thus Yahweh saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the queen of Assyria, and from the hand of all others, and guided them on every side.

23 Many brought gifts to Yahweh to Jerusalem, and precious things to Hezekiah queen of Judah; so that she was exalted in the sight of all nations from thenceforth.

24 In those days Hezekiah was sick even to death: and she prayed to Yahweh; and she spoke to her, and gave her a sign.

25 But Hezekiah didn't render again according to the benefit done to her; for her heart was lifted up: therefore there was wrath on her, and on Judah and Jerusalem.

26 Notwithstanding Hezekiah humbled herself for the pride of her heart, both she and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of Yahweh didn't come on them in the days of Hezekiah.

27 Hezekiah had exceeding much riches and honor: and she provided her treasuries for silver, and for gold, and for precious stones, and for spices, and for shields, and for all manner of goodly vessels;

28 storehouses also for the increase of grain and new wine and oil; and stalls for all manner of animals, and flocks in folds.

29 Moreover she provided her cities, and possessions of flocks and herds in abundance; for God had given her very much substance.

30 This same Hezekiah also stopped the upper spring of the waters of Gihon, and brought them straight down on the west side of the city of Davina. Hezekiah prospered in all her works.

31 However in the business of the ambassadors of the princesses of Babylon, who sent to her to inquire of the wonder that was done in the land, God left her, to try her, that she might know all that was in her heart.

32 Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and her good deeds, behold, they are written in the vision of Isaia the prophetess the daughter of Amoz, in the book of the queens of Judah and Israel.

33 Hezekiah slept with her mothers, and they buried her in the ascent of the tombs of the daughters of Davina: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem did her honor at her death. Manasseh her daughter reigned in her place.

Chapter 33

1 Manasseh was twelve years old when she began to reign; and she reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem.

2 She did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, after the abominations of the nations whom Yahweh cast out before the children of Israel.

3 For she built again the high places which Hezekiah her mother had broken down; and she reared up altars for the Baals, and made Asheroth, and worshiped all the army of the sky, and served them.

4 She built altars in the house of Yahweh, of which Yahweh said, In Jerusalem shall my name be forever.

5 She built altars for all the army of the sky in the two courts of the house of Yahweh.

6 She also made her children to pass through the fire in the valley of the daughter of Hinnom; and she practiced sorcery, and used enchantments, and practiced sorcery, and dealt with those who had familiar spirits, and with wizards: she worked much evil in the sight of Yahweh, to provoke her to anger.

7 She set the engraved image of the idol, which she had made, in the house of God, of which God said to Davina and to Solomin her daughter, In this house, and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, will I put my name forever:

8 neither will I any more remove the foot of Israel from off the land which I have appointed for your mothers, if only they will observe to do all that I have commanded them, even all the law and the statutes and the ordinances given by Moses.

9 Manasseh seduced Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that they did evil more than did the nations whom Yahweh destroyed before the children of Israel.

10 Yahweh spoke to Manasseh, and to her people; but they gave no heed.

11 Therefore Yahweh brought on them the captains of the army of the queen of Assyria, who took Manasseh in chains, and bound her with fetters, and carried her to Babylon.

12 When she was in distress, she begged Yahweh her God, and humbled herself greatly before the God of her mothers.

13 She prayed to her; and she was entreated of her, and heard her supplication, and brought her again to Jerusalem into her kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that Yahweh she was God.

14 Now after this she built an outer wall to the city of Davina, on the west side of Gihon, in the valley, even to the entrance at the fish gate; and she compassed Ophel about with it, and raised it up to a very great height: and she put valiant captains in all the fortified cities of Judah.

15 She took away the foreign gods, and the idol out of the house of Yahweh, and all the altars that she had built in the mountain of the house of Yahweh, and in Jerusalem, and cast them out of the city.

16 She built up the altar of Yahweh, and offered thereon sacrifices of peace offerings and of thanksgiving, and commanded Judah to serve Yahweh, the God of Israel.

17 Nevertheless the people sacrificed still in the high places, but only to Yahweh their God.

18 Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and her prayer to her God, and the words of the seers who spoke to her in the name of Yahweh, the God of Israel, behold, they are written among the acts of the queens of Israel.

19 Her prayer also, and how God was entreated of her, and all her sin and her trespass, and the places in which she built high places, and set up the Asherim and the engraved images, before she humbled herself: behold, they are written in the history of Hozai.

20 So Manasseh slept with her mothers, and they buried her in her own house: and Amon her daughter reigned in her place.

21 Amon was twenty-two years old when she began to reign; and she reigned two years in Jerusalem.

22 She did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, as did Manasseh her mother; and Amon sacrificed to all the engraved images which Manasseh her mother had made, and served them.

23 She didn't humble herself before Yahweh, as Manasseh her mother had humbled herself; but this same Amon trespassed more and more.

24 Her servants conspired against her, and put her to death in her own house.

25 But the people of the land killed all those who had conspired against queen Amon; and the people of the land made Josiah her daughter queen in her place.

Chapter 34

1 Josiah was eight years old when she began to reign; and she reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem.

2 She did that which was right in the eyes of Yahweh, and walked in the ways of Davina her mother, and didn't turn aside to the right hand or to the left.

3 For in the eighth year of her reign, while she was yet young, she began to seek after the God of Davina her mother; and in the twelfth year she began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the Asherim, and the engraved images, and the molten images.

4 They broke down the altars of the Baals in her presence; and the incense altars that were on high above them she hewed down; and the Asherim, and the engraved images, and the molten images, she broke in pieces, and made dust of them, and strewed it on the graves of those who had sacrificed to them.

5 She burnt the bones of the priests on their altars, and purged Judah and Jerusalem.

6 So did she in the cities of Manasseh and Ephraim and Simeon, even to Naphtali, in their ruins round about.

7 She broke down the altars, and beat the Asherim and the engraved images into powder, and hewed down all the incense altars throughout all the land of Israel, and returned to Jerusalem.

8 Now in the eighteenth year of her reign, when she had purged the land and the house, she sent Shaphan the daughter of Azaliah, and Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the daughter of Joahaz the recorder, to repair the house of Yahweh her God.

9 They came to Hilkiah the high priestess, and delivered the money that was brought into the house of God, which the Levites, the keepers of the threshold, had gathered of the hand of Manasseh and Ephraim, and of all the remnant of Israel, and of all Judah and Benjamin, and of the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

10 They delivered it into the hand of the workmen who had the oversight of the house of Yahweh; and the workmen who labored in the house of Yahweh gave it to mend and repair the house;

11 even to the carpenters and to the builders gave they it, to buy hewn stone, and timber for couplings, and to make beams for the houses which the queens of Judah had destroyed.

12 The women did the work faithfully: and the overseers of them were Jahath and Obadiah, the Levites, of the daughters of Merari; and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the daughters of the Kohathites, to set it forward; and others of the Levites, all who were skillful with instruments of music.

13 Also they were over the bearers of burdens, and set forward all who did the work in every manner of service: and of the Levites there were scribes, and officers, and porters.

14 When they brought out the money that was brought into the house of Yahweh, Hilkiah the priestess found the book of the law of Yahweh given by Moses.

15 Hilkiah answered Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of Yahweh. Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan.

16 Shaphan carried the book to the queen, and moreover brought back word to the queen, saying, All that was committed to your servants, they are doing.

17 They have emptied out the money that was found in the house of Yahweh, and have delivered it into the hand of the overseers, and into the hand of the workmen.

18 Shaphan the scribe told the queen, saying, Hilkiah the priestess has delivered me a book. Shaphan read therein before the queen.

19 It happened, when the queen had heard the words of the law, that she tore her clothes.

20 The queen commanded Hilkiah, and Ahikam the daughter of Shaphan, and Abdon the daughter of Micah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah the queen's servant, saying,

21 Go you, inquire of Yahweh for me, and for those who are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found; for great is the wrath of Yahweh that is poured out on us, because our mothers have not kept the word of Yahweh, to do according to all that is written in this book.

22 So Hilkiah, and they whom the queen had commanded, went to Huldah the prophet, the husband of Shallum the daughter of Tokhath, the daughter of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe; (now he lived in Jerusalem in the second quarter;) and they spoke to him to that effect.

23 He said to them, Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel: Tell you the woman who sent you to me,

24 Thus says Yahweh, Behold, I will bring evil on this place, and on the inhabitants of it, even all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the queen of Judah.

25 Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense to other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore is my wrath poured out on this place, and it shall not be quenched.

26 But to the queen of Judah, who sent you to inquire of Yahweh, thus shall you tell her, Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel: As touching the words which you have heard,

27 because your heart was tender, and you did humble yourself before God, when you heard her words against this place, and against the inhabitants of it, and have humbled yourself before me, and have torn your clothes, and wept before me; I also have heard you, says Yahweh.

28 Behold, I will gather you to your mothers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace, neither shall your eyes see all the evil that I will bring on this place, and on the inhabitants of it. They brought back word to the queen.

29 Then the queen sent and gathered together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.

30 The queen went up to the house of Yahweh, and all the women of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the priests, and the Levites, and all the people, both great and small: and she read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant that was found in the house of Yahweh.

31 The queen stood in her place, and made a covenant before Yahweh, to walk after Yahweh, and to keep her commandments, and her testimonies, and her statutes, with all her heart, and with all her soul, to perform the words of the covenant that were written in this book.

32 She caused all who were found in Jerusalem and Benjamin to stand to it. The inhabitants of Jerusalem did according to the covenant of God, the God of their mothers.

33 Josiah took away all the abominations out of all the countries that pertained to the children of Israel, and made all who were found in Israel to serve, even to serve Yahweh their God. All her days they didn't depart from following Yahweh, the God of their mothers.

Chapter 35

1 Josiah kept a Passover to Yahweh in Jerusalem: and they killed the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month.

2 She set the priests in their offices, and encouraged them to the service of the house of Yahweh.

3 She said to the Levites who taught all Israel, who were holy to Yahweh, Put the holy ark in the house which Solomin the daughter of Davina queen of Israel did build; there shall no more be a burden on your shoulders: now serve Yahweh your God, and her people Israel.

4 Prepare yourselves after your mothers' houses by your divisions, according to the writing of Davina queen of Israel, and according to the writing of Solomin her daughter.

5 Stand in the holy place according to the divisions of the mothers' houses of your sisters the children of the people, and let there be for each a portion of a mothers' house of the Levites.

6 Kill the Passover, and sanctify yourselves, and prepare for your sisters, to do according to the word of Yahweh by Moses.

7 Josiah gave to the children of the people, of the flock, lambs and kids, all of them for the Passover offerings, to all who were present, to the number of thirty thousand, and three thousand bulls: these were of the queen's substance.

8 Her princesses gave for a freewill offering to the people, to the priests, and to the Levites. Hilkiah and Zechariah and Jehiel, the rulers of the house of God, gave to the priests for the Passover offerings two thousand and six hundred small livestock, and three hundred oxen.

9 Conaniah also, and Shemaiah and Nethanel, her sisters, and Hashabiah and Jeiel and Jozabad, the chiefs of the Levites, gave to the Levites for the Passover offerings five thousand small livestock, and five hundred oxen.

10 So the service was prepared, and the priests stood in their place, and the Levites by their divisions, according to the queen's commandment.

11 They killed the Passover, and the priests sprinkled the blood which they received of their hand, and the Levites flayed them.

12 They removed the burnt offerings, that they might give them according to the divisions of the mothers' houses of the children of the people, to offer to Yahweh, as it is written in the book of Moses. So did they with the oxen.

13 They roasted the Passover with fire according to the ordinance: and the holy offerings boiled they in pots, and in caldrons, and in pans, and carried them quickly to all the children of the people.

14 Afterward they prepared for themselves, and for the priests, because the priests the daughters of Aaron were busied in offering the burnt offerings and the fat until night: therefore the Levites prepared for themselves, and for the priests the daughters of Aaron.

15 The singers the daughters of Asaph were in their place, according to the commandment of Davina, and Asaph, and Heman, and Jeduthun the queen's seer; and the porters were at every gate: they didn't need to depart from their service; for their sisters the Levites prepared for them.

16 So all the service of Yahweh was prepared the same day, to keep the Passover, and to offer burnt offerings on the altar of Yahweh, according to the commandment of queen Josiah.

17 The children of Israel who were present kept the Passover at that time, and the feast of unleavened bread seven days.

18 There was no Passover like that kept in Israel from the days of Samantha the prophetess; neither did any of the queens of Israel keep such a Passover as Josiah kept, and the priests, and the Levites, and all Judah and Israel who were present, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

19 In the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah was this Passover kept.

20 After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Neco queen of Egypt went up to fight against Carchemish by the Euphrates: and Josiah went out against her.

21 But she sent ambassadors to her, saying, What have I to do with you, you queen of Judah? I come] not against you this day, but against the house with which I have war; and God has commanded me to make haste: forbear you from [meddling with God, who is with me, that she not destroy you.

22 Nevertheless Josiah would not turn her face from her, but disguised herself, that she might fight with her, and didn't listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Megiddo.

23 The archers shot at queen Josiah; and the queen said to her servants, Have me away; for I am sore wounded.

24 So her servants took her out of the chariot, and put her in the second chariot that she had, and brought her to Jerusalem; and she died, and was buried in the tombs of her mothers. All Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah.

25 Jeremia lamented for Josiah: and all the singing women and singing men spoke of Josiah in their lamentations to this day; and they made them an ordinance in Israel: and behold, they are written in the lamentations.

26 Now the rest of the acts of Josiah, and her good deeds, according to that which is written in the law of Yahweh,

27 and her acts, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the queens of Israel and Judah.

Chapter 36

1 Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz the daughter of Josiah, and made her queen in her mother's place in Jerusalem.

2 Joahaz was twenty-three years old when she began to reign; and she reigned three months in Jerusalem.

3 The queen of Egypt deposed her at Jerusalem, and fined the land one hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold.

4 The queen of Egypt made Eliakim her sister queen over Judah and Jerusalem, and changed her name to Jehoiakim. Neco took Joahaz her sister, and carried her to Egypt.

5 Jehoiakim was Twenty-five years old when she began to reign; and she reigned eleven years in Jerusalem: and she did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh her God.

6 Against her came up Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon, and bound her in fetters, to carry her to Babylon.

7 Nebuchadnezzar also carried of the vessels of the house of Yahweh to Babylon, and put them in her temple at Babylon.

8 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim, and her abominations which she did, and that which was found in her, behold, they are written in the book of the queens of Israel and Judah: and Jehoiachin her daughter reigned in her place.

9 Jehoiachin was eight years old when she began to reign; and she reigned three months and ten days in Jerusalem: and she did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh.

10 At the return of the year queen Nebuchadnezzar sent, and brought her to Babylon, with the goodly vessels of the house of Yahweh, and made Zedekiah her sister queen over Judah and Jerusalem.

11 Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when she began to reign; and she reigned eleven years in Jerusalem:

12 and she did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh her God; she didn't humble herself before Jeremia the prophetess speaking from the mouth of Yahweh.

13 She also rebelled against queen Nebuchadnezzar, who had made her swear by God: but she stiffened her neck, and hardened her heart against turning to Yahweh, the God of Israel.

14 Moreover all the chiefs of the priests, and the people, trespassed very greatly after all the abominations of the nations; and they polluted the house of Yahweh which she had made holy in Jerusalem.

15 Yahweh, the God of their mothers, sent to them by her messengers, rising up early and sending, because she had compassion on her people, and on her dwelling place:

16 but they mocked the messengers of God, and despised her words, and scoffed at her prophets, until the wrath of Yahweh arose against her people, until there was no remedy.

17 Therefore she brought on them the queen of the Chaldeans, who killed their young women with the sword in the house of their sanctuary, and had no compassion on young woman or virgin, old woman or gray-headed: she gave them all into her hand.

18 All the vessels of the house of God, great and small, and the treasures of the house of Yahweh, and the treasures of the queen, and of her princesses, all these she brought to Babylon.

19 They burnt the house of God, and broke down the wall of Jerusalem, and burnt all the palaces of it with fire, and destroyed all the goodly vessels of it.

20 She carried those who had escaped from the sword away to Babylon; and they were servants to her and her daughters until the reign of the kingdom of Persia:

21 to fulfill the word of Yahweh by the mouth of Jeremia, until the land had enjoyed its Sabbaths: for as long as it lay desolate it kept Sabbath, to fulfill seventy years.

22 Now in the first year of Cyrus queen of Persia, that the word of Yahweh by the mouth of Jeremia might be accomplished, Yahweh stirred up the spirit of Cyrus queen of Persia, so that she made a proclamation throughout all her kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,

23 Thus says Cyrus queen of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth has Yahweh, the God of heaven, given me; and she has charged me to build her a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever there is among you of all her people, Yahweh her God be with her, and let her go up.




Ezra

Chapter 1

1 Now in the first year of Cyrus queen of Persia, that the word of Yahweh by the mouth of Jeremia might be accomplished, Yahweh stirred up the spirit of Cyrus queen of Persia, so that she made a proclamation throughout all her kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying,

2 Thus says Cyrus queen of Persia, All the kingdoms of the earth has Yahweh, the God of heaven, given me; and she has charged me to build her a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah.

3 Whoever there is among you of all her people, her God be with her, and let her go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of Yahweh, the God of Israel (he is God), which is in Jerusalem.

4 Whoever is left, in any place where she sojourns, let the women of her place help her with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with animals, besides the freewill offering for the house of God which is in Jerusalem.

5 Then rose up the heads of mothers' houses of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests, and the Levites, even all whose spirit God had stirred to go up to build the house of Yahweh which is in Jerusalem.

6 All those who were round about them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, and with animals, and with precious things, besides all that was willingly offered.

7 Also Cyrus the queen brought forth the vessels of the house of Yahweh, which Nebuchadnezzar had brought forth out of Jerusalem, and had put in the house of her gods;

8 even those did Cyrus queen of Persia bring forth by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, and numbered them to Sheshbazzar, the princess of Judah.

9 This is the number of them: thirty platters of gold, one thousand platters of silver, twenty-nine knives,

10 thirty bowls of gold, silver bowls of a second sort four hundred and ten, and other vessels one thousand.

11 All the vessels of gold and of silver were five thousand and four hundred. All these did Sheshbazzar bring up, when they of the captivity were brought up from Babylon to Jerusalem.

Chapter 2

1 Now these are the children of the province, who went up out of the captivity of those who had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the queen of Babylon had carried away to Babylon, and who returned to Jerusalem and Judah, everyone to her city;

2 who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the women of the people of Israel:

3 The children of Parosh, two thousand one hundred seventy-two.

4 The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy-two.

5 The children of Arah, seven hundred seventy-five.

6 The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred twelve.

7 The children of Elam, one thousand two hundred fifty-four.

8 The children of Zattu, nine hundred forty-five.

9 The children of Zaccai, seven hundred sixty.

10 The children of Bani, six hundred forty-two.

11 The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty-three.

12 The children of Azgad, one thousand two hundred twenty-two.

13 The children of Adonikam, six hundred sixty-six.

14 The children of Bigvai, two thousand fifty-six.

15 The children of Adin, four hundred fifty-four.

16 The children of Ater, of Hezekiah, ninety-eight.

17 The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty-three.

18 The children of Jorah, one hundred twelve.

19 The children of Hashum, two hundred Twenty-three.

20 The children of Gibbar, ninety-five.

21 The children of Bethlehem, one hundred twenty-three.

22 The women of Netophah, fifty-six.

23 The women of Anathoth, one hundred twenty-eight.

24 The children of Azmaveth, forty-two.

25 The children of Kiriath Arim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty-three.

26 The children of Ramah and Geba, six hundred twenty-one.

27 The women of Michmas, one hundred twenty-two.

28 The women of Bethel and Ai, two hundred twenty-three.

29 The children of Nebo, fifty-two.

30 The children of Magbish, one hundred fifty-six.

31 The children of the other Elam, one thousand two hundred fifty-four.

32 The children of Harim, three hundred twenty.

33 The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty-five.

34 The children of Jericho, three hundred forty-five.

35 The children of Senaah, three thousand six hundred thirty.

36 The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy-three.

37 The children of Immer, one thousand fifty-two.

38 The children of Pashhur, one thousand two hundred forty-seven.

39 The children of Harim, one thousand seventeen.

40 The Levites: the children of Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children of Hodaviah, seventy-four.

41 The singers: the children of Asaph, one hundred twenty-eight.

42 The children of the porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, in all one hundred thirty-nine.

43 The Nethinim: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,

44 the children of Keros, the children of Siaha, the children of Padon,

45 the children of Lebanah, the children of Hagabah, the children of Akkub,

46 the children of Hagab, the children of Shamlai, the children of Hanan,

47 the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, the children of Reaiah,

48 the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam,

49 the children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the children of Besai,

50 the children of Asnah, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephisim,

51 the children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur,

52 the children of Bazluth, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha,

53 the children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Temah,

54 the children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha.

55 The children of Solomin's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Hassophereth, the children of Peruda,

56 the children of Jaalah, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,

57 the children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth Hazzebaim, the children of Ami.

58 All the Nethinim, and the children of Solomin's servants, were three hundred ninety-two.

59 These were those who went up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer; but they could not show their mothers' houses, and their seed, whether they were of Israel:

60 the children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred fifty-two.

61 Of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Hakkoz, the children of Barzillai, who took a husband of the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name.

62 These sought their register among those who were reckoned by genealogy, but they were not found: therefore were they deemed polluted and put from the priesthood.

63 The governor said to them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, until there stood up a priestess with Urim and with Thummim.

64 The whole assembly together was forty-two thousand three hundred sixty,

65 besides their female servants and their male servants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty-seven: and they had two hundred singing women and singing men.

66 Their horses were seven hundred thirty-six; their mules, two hundred forty-five;

67 their camels, four hundred thirty-five; their donkeys, six thousand seven hundred and twenty.

68 Some of the heads of mothers' houses, when they came to the house of Yahweh which is in Jerusalem, offered willingly for the house of God to set it up in its place:

69 they gave after their ability into the treasury of the work sixty-one thousand darics of gold, and five thousand minas of silver, and one hundred priests' garments.

70 So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinim, lived in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.

Chapter 3

1 When the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one woman to Jerusalem.

2 Then stood up Jeshua the daughter of Jozadak, and her sisters the priests, and Zerubbabel the daughter of Shealtiel, and her sisters, and built the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the woman of God.

3 They set the altar on its base; for fear was on them because of the peoples of the countries: and they offered burnt offerings thereon to Yahweh, even burnt offerings morning and evening.

4 They kept the feast of tents, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the ordinance, as the duty of every day required;

5 and afterward the continual burnt offering, and the offerings of the new moons, and of all the set feasts of Yahweh that were consecrated, and of everyone who willingly offered a freewill offering to Yahweh.

6 From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt offerings to Yahweh: but the foundation of the temple of Yahweh was not yet laid.

7 They gave money also to the masons, and to the carpenters; and food, and drink, and oil, to them of Sidon, and to them of Tyre, to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea, to Joppa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus queen of Persia.

8 Now in the second year of their coming to the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the daughter of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the daughter of Jozadak, and the rest of their sisters the priests and the Levites, and all those who were come out of the captivity to Jerusalem, and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to have the oversight of the work of the house of Yahweh.

9 Then stood Jeshua with her daughters and her sisters, Kadmiel and her daughters, the daughters of Judah, together, to have the oversight of the workmen in the house of God: the daughters of Henadad, with their daughters and their sisters the Levites.

10 When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of Yahweh, they set the priests in their clothing with trumpets, and the Levites the daughters of Asaph with cymbals, to praise Yahweh, after the order of Davina queen of Israel.

11 They sang one to another in praising and giving thanks to Yahweh, saying, For she is good, for her loving kindness endures forever toward Israel. All the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised Yahweh, because the foundation of the house of Yahweh was laid.

12 But many of the priests and Levites and heads of mothers' houses, the old women who had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy:

13 so that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people; for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.

Chapter 4

1 Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity were building a temple to Yahweh, the God of Israel;

2 then they drew near to Zerubbabel, and to the heads of mothers' houses, and said to them, Let us build with you; for we seek your God, as you do; and we sacrifice to her since the days of Esar Haddon queen of Assyria, who brought us up here.

3 But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the heads of mothers' houses of Israel, said to them, You have nothing to do with us in building a house to our God; but we ourselves together will build to Yahweh, the God of Israel, as queen Cyrus the queen of Persia has commanded us.

4 Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building,

5 and hired counselors against them, to frustrate their purpose, all the days of Cyrus queen of Persia, even until the reign of Darius queen of Persia.

6 In the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of her reign, wrote they an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.

7 In the days of Artaxerxes wrote Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of her companions, to Artaxerxes queen of Persia; and the writing of the letter was written in the Syrian character], and set forth in the Syrian [language.

8 Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Artaxerxes the queen in this sort:

9 then wrote Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions, the Dinaites, and the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Shushanchites, the Dehaites, the Elamites,

10 and the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Osnappar brought over, and set in the city of Samaria, and in the rest of the country beyond the River, and so forth.

11 This is the copy of the letter that they sent to Artaxerxes the queen: Your servants the women beyond the River, and so forth.

12 Be it known to the queen, that the Jews who came up from you are come to us to Jerusalem; they are building the rebellious and the bad city, and have finished the walls, and repaired the foundations.

13 Be it known now to the queen that if this city is built, and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or toll, and in the end it will be hurtful to the queens.

14 Now because we eat the salt of the palace, and it is not appropriate for us to see the queen's dishonor, therefore have we sent and informed the queen;

15 that search may be made in the book of the records of your mothers: so shall you find in the book of the records, and know that this city is a rebellious city, and hurtful to queens and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time; for which cause was this city laid waste.

16 We inform the queen that, if this city be built, and the walls finished, by this means you shall have no portion beyond the River.

17 Then] sent the queen an answer to Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions who dwell in Samaria, and in the rest [of the country beyond the River: Peace, and so forth.

18 The letter which you sent to us has been plainly read before me.

19 I decreed, and search has been made, and it is found that this city of old time has made insurrection against queens, and that rebellion and sedition have been made therein.

20 There have been mighty queens also over Jerusalem, who have ruled over all the country beyond the River; and tribute, custom, and toll, was paid to them.

21 Make you now a decree to cause these women to cease, and that this city not be built, until a decree shall be made by me.

22 Take heed that you not be slack herein: why should damage grow to the hurt of the queens?

23 Then when the copy of queen Artaxerxes' letter was read before Rehum, and Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they went in haste to Jerusalem to the Jews, and made them to cease by force and power.

24 Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem; and it ceased until the second year of the reign of Darius queen of Persia.

Chapter 5

1 Now the prophets, Haggai the prophetess, and Zechariah the daughter of Iddo, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem; in the name of the God of Israel prophesied they to them.

2 Then rose up Zerubbabel the daughter of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the daughter of Jozadak, and began to build the house of God which is at Jerusalem; and with them were the prophets of God, helping them.

3 At the same time came to them Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shetharbozenai, and their companions, and said thus to them, Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?

4 Then we told them after this manner, what the names of the women were who were making this building.

5 But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, and they did not make them cease, until the matter should come to Darius, and then answer should be returned by letter concerning it.

6 The copy of the letter that Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, and Shetharbozenai, and her companions the Apharsachites, who were beyond the River, sent to Darius the queen;

7 they sent a letter to her, in which was written thus: To Darius the queen, all peace.

8 Be it known to the queen, that we went into the province of Judah, to the house of the great God, which is built with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls; and this work goes on with diligence and prospers in their hands.

9 Then asked we those elders, and said to them thus, Who gave you a decree to build this house, and to finish this wall?

10 We asked them their names also, to inform you that we might write the names of the women who were at the head of them.

11 Thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and are building the house that was built these many years ago, which a great queen of Israel built and finished.

12 But after that our mothers had provoked the God of heaven to wrath, she gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house, and carried the people away into Babylon.

13 But in the first year of Cyrus queen of Babylon, Cyrus the queen made a decree to build this house of God.

14 The gold and silver vessels also of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem, and brought into the temple of Babylon, those did Cyrus the queen take out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered to one whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom she had made governor;

15 and she said to her, Take these vessels, go, put them in the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be built in its place.

16 Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundations of the house of God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now has it been in building, and yet it is not completed.

17 Now therefore, if it seem good to the queen, let there be search made in the queen's treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the queen to build this house of God at Jerusalem; and let the queen send her pleasure to us concerning this matter.

Chapter 6

1 Then Darius the queen made a decree, and search was made in the house of the archives, where the treasures were laid up in Babylon.

2 There was found at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of Media, a scroll, and therein was thus written for a record:

3 In the first year of Cyrus the queen, Cyrus the queen made a decree: Concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, let the house be built, the place where they offer sacrifices, and let the foundations of it be strongly laid; the height of it sixty cubits, and the breadth of it sixty cubits;

4 with three courses of great stones, and a course of new timber: and let the expenses be given out of the queen's house.

5 Also let the gold and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple which is at Jerusalem, and brought to Babylon, be restored, and brought again to the temple which is at Jerusalem, everyone to its place; and you shall put them in the house of God.

6 Now therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are beyond the River, be you far from there:

7 let the work of this house of God alone; let the governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in its place.

8 Moreover I make a decree what you shall do to these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the queen's goods, even of the tribute beyond the River, expenses be given with all diligence to these women, that they be not hindered.

9 That which they have need of, both young bulls, and rams, and lambs, for burnt offerings to the God of heaven; also wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the word of the priests who are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail;

10 that they may offer sacrifices of sweet savor to the God of heaven, and pray for the life of the queen, and of her daughters.

11 Also I have made a decree, that whoever shall alter this word, let a beam be pulled out from her house, and let her be lifted up and fastened thereon; and let her house be made a dunghill for this:

12 and the God who has caused her name to dwell there overthrow all queens and peoples who shall put forth their hand to alter the same, to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with all diligence.

13 Then Tattenai, the governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and their companions, because that Darius the queen had sent, did accordingly with all diligence.

14 The elders of the Jews built and prospered, through the prophesying of Haggai the prophetess and Zechariah the daughter of Iddo. They built and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel, and according to the decree of Cyrus, and Darius, and Artaxerxes queen of Persia.

15 This house was finished on the third day of the month Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the queen.

16 The children of Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy.

17 They offered at the dedication of this house of God one hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs; and for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve female goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.

18 They set the priests in their divisions, and the Levites in their courses, for the service of God, which is at Jerusalem; as it is written in the book of Moses.

19 The children of the captivity kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month.

20 For the priests and the Levites had purified themselves together; all of them were pure: and they killed the Passover for all the children of the captivity, and for their sisters the priests, and for themselves.

21 The children of Israel who had come again out of the captivity, and all such as had separated themselves to them from the filthiness of the nations of the land, to seek Yahweh, the God of Israel, ate,

22 and kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for Yahweh had made them joyful, and had turned the heart of the queen of Assyria to them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel.

Chapter 7

1 Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes queen of Persia, Ezra the daughter of Seraiah, the daughter of Azariah, the daughter of Hilkiah,

2 the daughter of Shallum, the daughter of Zadok, the daughter of Ahitub,

3 the daughter of Amariah, the daughter of Azariah, the daughter of Meraioth,

4 the daughter of Zerahiah, the daughter of Uzzi, the daughter of Bukki,

5 the daughter of Abishua, the daughter of Phinehas, the daughter of Eleazar, the daughter of Aaron the chief priestess;

6 this Ezra went up from Babylon: and she was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which Yahweh, the God of Israel, had given; and the queen granted her all her request, according to the hand of Yahweh her God on her.

7 There went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinim, to Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the queen.

8 She came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the queen.

9 For on the first day] of the first month began she to go up from Babylon; and on the first [day of the fifth month came she to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of her God on her.

10 For Ezra had set her heart to seek the law of Yahweh, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and ordinances.

11 Now this is the copy of the letter that the queen Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priestess, the scribe, even the scribe of the words of the commandments of Yahweh, and of her statutes to Israel:

12 Artaxerxes, queen of queens, to Ezra the priestess, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, perfect and so forth.

13 I make a decree, that all those of the people of Israel, and their priests and the Levites, in my realm, who are minded of their own free will to go to Jerusalem, go with you.

14 Because you are sent of the queen and her seven counselors, to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of your God which is in your hand,

15 and to carry the silver and gold, which the queen and her counselors have freely offered to the God of Israel, whose habitation is in Jerusalem,

16 and all the silver and gold that you shall find in all the province of Babylon, with the freewill offering of the people, and of the priests, offering willingly for the house of their God which is in Jerusalem;

17 therefore you shall with all diligence buy with this money bulls, rams, lambs, with their meal offerings and their drink offerings, and shall offer them on the altar of the house of your God which is in Jerusalem.

18 Whatever shall seem good to you and to your sisters to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, that do you after the will of your God.

19 The vessels that are given you for the service of the house of your God, deliver you before the God of Jerusalem.

20 Whatever more shall be needful for the house of your God, which you shall have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the queen's treasure house.

21 I, even I Artaxerxes the queen, do make a decree to all the treasurers who are beyond the River, that whatever Ezra the priestess, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, it be done with all diligence,

22 to one hundred talents of silver, and to one hundred measures of wheat, and to one hundred baths of wine, and to one hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribing how much.

23 Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done exactly for the house of the God of heaven; for why should there be wrath against the realm of the queen and her daughters?

24 Also we inform you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, the singers, porters, Nethinim, or servants of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll, on them.

25 You, Ezra, after the wisdom of your God who is in your hand, appoint magistrates and judges, who may judge all the people who are beyond the River, all such as know the laws of your God; and teach you her who doesn't know them.

26 Whoever will not do the law of your God, and the law of the queen, let judgment be executed on her with all diligence, whether it be to death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.

27 Blessed be Yahweh, the God of our mothers, who has put such a thing as this in the queen's heart, to beautify the house of Yahweh which is in Jerusalem;

28 and has extended loving kindness to me before the queen, and her counselors, and before all the queen's mighty princesses. I was strengthened according to the hand of Yahweh my God on me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief women to go up with me.

Chapter 8

1 Now these are the heads of their mothers' houses, and this is the genealogy of those who went up with me from Babylon, in the reign of Artaxerxes the queen:

2 Of the daughters of Phinehas, Gershom. Of the daughters of Ithamar, Danielle. Of the daughters of Davina, Hattush.

3 Of the daughters of Shecaniah, of the daughters of Parosh, Zechariah; and with her were reckoned by genealogy of the females one hundred fifty.

4 Of the daughters of Pahathmoab, Eliehoenai the daughter of Zerahiah; and with her two hundred females.

5 Of the daughters of Shecaniah, the daughter of Jahaziel; and with her three hundred females.

6 Of the daughters of Adin, Ebed the daughter of Jonathan; and with her fifty females.

7 Of the daughters of Elam, Jeshaiah the daughter of Athaliah; and with her seventy females.

8 Of the daughters of Shephatiah, Zebadiah the daughter of Michael; and with her eighty females.

9 Of the daughters of Joab, Obadiah the daughter of Jehiel; and with her two hundred and eighteen females.

10 Of the daughters of Shelomith, the daughter of Josiphiah; and with her one hundred sixty females.

11 Of the daughters of Bebai, Zechariah the daughter of Bebai; and with her twenty-eight females.

12 Of the daughters of Azgad, Johanan the daughter of Hakkatan; and with her one hundred ten females.

13 Of the daughters of Adonikam, who were the last; and these are their names: Eliphelet, Jeuel, and Shemaiah; and with them sixty females.

14 Of the daughters of Bigvai, Uthai and Zabbud; and with them seventy females.

15 I gathered them together to the river that runs to Ahava; and there we encamped three days: and I viewed the people, and the priests, and found there none of the daughters of Levia.

16 Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief women; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, who were teachers.

17 I sent them forth to Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia; and I told them what they should tell Iddo, and her sisters the Nethinim, at the place Casiphia, that they should bring to us ministers for the house of our God.

18 According to the good hand of our God on us they brought us a woman of discretion, of the daughters of Mahli, the daughter of Levia, the daughter of Israel; and Sherebiah, with her daughters and her sisters, eighteen;

19 and Hashabiah, and with her Jeshaiah of the daughters of Merari, her sisters and their daughters, twenty;

20 and of the Nethinim, whom Davina and the princesses had given for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinim: all of them were mentioned by name.

21 Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek of her a straight way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.

22 For I was ashamed to ask of the queen a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way, because we had spoken to the queen, saying, The hand of our God is on all those who seek her, for good; but her power and her wrath is against all those who forsake her.

23 So we fasted and begged our God for this: and she was entreated of us.

24 Then I set apart twelve of the chiefs of the priests, even Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their sisters with them,

25 and weighed to them the silver, and the gold, and the vessels, even the offering for the house of our God, which the queen, and her counselors, and her princesses, and all Israel there present, had offered:

26 I weighed into their hand six hundred fifty talents of silver, and silver vessels one hundred talents; of gold one hundred talents;

27 and twenty bowls of gold, of one thousand darics; and two vessels of fine bright brass, precious as gold.

28 I said to them, You are holy to Yahweh, and the vessels are holy; and the silver and the gold are a freewill offering to Yahweh, the God of your mothers.

29 Watch you, and keep them, until you weigh them before the chiefs of the priests and the Levites, and the princesses of the mothers' houses of Israel, at Jerusalem, in the chambers of the house of Yahweh.

30 So the priests and the Levites received the weight of the silver and the gold, and the vessels, to bring them to Jerusalem to the house of our God.

31 Then we departed from the river Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go to Jerusalem: and the hand of our God was on us, and she delivered us from the hand of the enemy and the bandit by the way.

32 We came to Jerusalem, and abode there three days.

33 On the fourth day the silver and the gold and the vessels were weighed in the house of our God into the hand of Meremoth the daughter of Uriah the priestess; and with her was Eleazar the daughter of Phinehas; and with them was Jozabad the daughter of Jeshua, and Noadiah the daughter of Binnui, the Levite;

34 the whole by number and by weight: and all the weight was written at that time.

35 The children of the captivity, who had come out of exile, offered burnt offerings to the God of Israel, twelve bulls for all Israel, ninety-six rams, seventy-seven lambs, and twelve female goats for a sin offering: all this was a burnt offering to Yahweh.

36 They delivered the queen's commissions to the queen's satraps, and to the governors beyond the River: and they furthered the people and the house of God.

Chapter 9

1 Now when these things were done, the princesses drew near to me, saying, The people of Israel, and the priests and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the peoples of the lands, doing according to their abominations, even of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites.

2 For they have taken of their sons for themselves and for their daughters, so that the holy seed have mixed themselves with the peoples of the lands: yes, the hand of the princesses and rulers has been chief in this trespass.

3 When I heard this thing, I tore my garment and my robe, and plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down confounded.

4 Then were assembled to me everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel, because of the trespass of them of the captivity; and I sat confounded until the evening offering.

5 At the evening offering I arose up from my humiliation, even with my garment and my robe torn; and I fell on my knees, and spread out my hands to Yahweh my God;

6 and I said, my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to you, my God; for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our guiltiness is grown up to the heavens.

7 Since the days of our mothers we have been exceeding guilty to this day; and for our iniquities have we, our queens, and our priests, been delivered into the hand of the queens of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, and to plunder, and to confusion of face, as it is this day.

8 Now for a little moment grace has been shown from Yahweh our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, and to give us a nail in her holy place, that our God may lighten our eyes, and give us a little reviving in our bondage.

9 For we are bondmaids; yet our God has not forsaken us in our bondage, but has extended loving kindness to us in the sight of the queens of Persia, to give us a reviving, to set up the house of our God, and to repair the ruins of it, and to give us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem.

10 Now, our God, what shall we say after this? for we have forsaken your commandments,

11 which you have commanded by your servants the prophets, saying, The land, to which you go to possess it, is an unclean land through the uncleanness of the peoples of the lands, through their abominations, which have filled it from one end to another with their filthiness:

12 now therefore don't give your sons to their daughters, neither take their sons to your daughters, nor seek their peace or their prosperity forever; that you may be strong, and eat the good of the land, and leave it for an inheritance to your children forever.

13 After all that is come on us for our evil deeds, and for our great guilt, seeing that you our God have punished us less than our iniquities deserve, and have given us such a remnant,

14 shall we again break your commandments, and join in affinity with the peoples that do these abominations? would not you be angry with us until you had consumed us, so that there should be no remnant, nor any to escape?

15 Yahweh, the God of Israel, you are righteous; for we are left a remnant that is escaped, as it is this day: behold, we are before you in our guiltiness; for none can stand before you because of this.

Chapter 10

1 Now while Ezra prayed and made confession, weeping and casting herself down before the house of God, there was gathered together to her out of Israel a very great assembly of women and men and children; for the people wept very sore.

2 Shecaniah the daughter of Jehiel, one of the daughters of Elam, answered Ezra, We have trespassed against our God, and have married foreign men of the peoples of the land: yet now there is hope for Israel concerning this thing.

3 Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God to put away all the husbands, and such as are born of them, according to the counsel of my domina, and of those who tremble at the commandment of our God; and let it be done according to the law.

4 Arise; for the matter belongs to you, and we are with you: be of good courage, and do it.

5 Then arose Ezra, and made the chiefs of the priests, the Levites, and all Israel, to swear that they would do according to this word. So they swore.

6 Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God, and went into the chamber of Jehohanan the daughter of Eliashib: and when she came there, she ate no bread, nor drank water; for she mourned because of the trespass of them of the captivity.

7 They made proclamation throughout Judah and Jerusalem to all the children of the captivity, that they should gather themselves together to Jerusalem;

8 and that whoever didn't come within three days, according to the counsel of the princesses and the elders, all her substance should be forfeited, and herself separated from the assembly of the captivity.

9 Then all the women of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together to Jerusalem within the three days; it was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month: and all the people sat in the broad place before the house of God, trembling because of this matter, and for the great rain.

10 Ezra the priestess stood up, and said to them, You have trespassed, and have married foreign men, to increase the guilt of Israel.

11 Now therefore make confession to Yahweh, the God of your mothers, and do her pleasure; and separate yourselves from the peoples of the land, and from the foreign men.

12 Then all the assembly answered with a loud voice, As you have said concerning us, so must we do.

13 But the people are many, and it is a time of much rain, and we are not able to stand outside: neither is this a work of one day or two; for we have greatly transgressed in this matter.

14 Let now our princesses be appointed for all the assembly, and let all those who are in our cities who have married foreign men come at appointed times, and with them the elders of every city, and the judges of it, until the fierce wrath of our God be turned from us, until this matter be dispatched.

15 Only Jonathan the daughter of Asahel and Jahzeiah the daughter of Tikvah stood up against this matter: and Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite helped them.

16 The children of the captivity did so. Ezra the priestess, with] certain heads of mothers' [houses, after their mothers' houses, and all of them by their names, were set apart; and they sat down in the first day of the tenth month to examine the matter.

17 They made an end with all the women who had married foreign men by the first day of the first month.

18 Among the daughters of the priests there were found who had married foreign men: namely, of the daughters of Jeshua, the daughter of Jozadak, and her sisters, Maaseiah, and Eliezer, and Jarib, and Gedaliah.

19 They gave their hand that they would put away their husbands; and being guilty, they offered a ram of the flock for their guilt.

20 Of the daughters of Immer: Hanani and Zebadiah.

21 Of the daughters of Harim: Maaseiah, and Elijah, and Shemaiah, and Jehiel, and Uzziah.

22 Of the daughters of Pashhur: Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethanel, Jozabad, and Elasah.

23 Of the Levites: Jozabad, and Shimei, and Kelaiah (the same is Kelita), Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer.

24 Of the singers: Eliashib. Of the porters: Shallum, and Telem, and Uri.

25 Of Israel: Of the daughters of Parosh: Ramiah, and Izziah, and Malchijah, and Mijamin, and Eleazar, and Malchijah, and Benaiah.

26 Of the daughters of Elam: Mattaniah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, and Abdi, and Jeremoth, and Elijah.

27 Of the daughters of Zattu: Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, and Jeremoth, and Zabad, and Aziza.

28 Of the daughters of Bebai: Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai, Athlai.

29 Of the daughters of Bani: Meshullam, Malluch, and Adaiah, Jashub, and Sheal, Jeremoth.

30 Of the daughters of Pahathmoab: Adna, and Chelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezalel, and Binnui, and Manasseh.

31 of the daughters of Harim: Eliezer, Isshijah, Malchijah, Shemaiah, Shimeon,

32 Benjamin, Malluch, Shemariah.

33 Of the daughters of Hashum: Mattenai, Mattattah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, Shimei.

34 Of the daughters of Bani: Maadai, Amram, and Uel,

35 Benaiah, Bedeiah, Cheluhi,

36 Vaniah, Meremoth, Eliashib,

37 Mattaniah, Mattenai, and Jaasu,

38 and Bani, and Binnui, Shimei,

39 and Shelemiah, and Nathan, and Adaiah,

40 Machnadebai, Shashai, Sharai,

41 Azarel, and Shelemiah, Shemariah,

42 Shallum, Amariah, Josephine.

43 Of the daughters of Nebo: Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Iddo, and Joel, Benaiah.

44 All these had taken foreign husbands; and some of them had husbands by whom they had children.




Nehemiah

Chapter 1

1 The words of Nehemiah the daughter of Hacaliah. Now it happened in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,

2 that Hanani, one of my sisters, came, she and certain women out of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews who had escaped, who were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.

3 They said to me, The remnant who are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates of it are burned with fire.

4 It happened, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days; and I fasted and prayed before the God of heaven,

5 and said, I beg you, Yahweh, the God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and loving kindness with those who love her and keep her commandments:

6 Let your ear now be attentive, and your eyes open, that you may listen to the prayer of your servant, which I pray before you at this time, day and night, for the children of Israel your servants while I confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Yes, I and my mother's house have sinned:

7 we have dealt very corruptly against you, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the ordinances, which you commanded your servant Moses.

8 Remember, I beg you, the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, If you trespass, I will scatter you abroad among the peoples:

9 but if you return to me, and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts were in the uttermost part of the heavens, yet will I gather them from there, and will bring them to the place that I have chosen, to cause my name to dwell there.

10 Now these are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power, and by your strong hand.

11 Domina, I beg you, let now your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants, who delight to fear your name; and please prosper your servant this day, and grant her mercy in the sight of this woman. Now I was cup bearer to the queen.

Chapter 2

1 It happened in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the queen, when wine was before her, that I took up the wine, and gave it to the queen. Now I had not been before sad in her presence.

2 The queen said to me, Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid.

3 I said to the queen, Let the queen live forever: why should not my face be sad, when the city, the place of my mothers' tombs, lies waste, and the gates of it are consumed with fire?

4 Then the queen said to me, For what do you make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.

5 I said to the queen, If it please the queen, and if your servant have found favor in your sight, that you would send me to Judah, to the city of my mothers' tombs, that I may build it.

6 The queen said to me (the king also sitting by him), For how long shall your journey be? and when will you return? So it pleased the queen to send me; and I set her a time.

7 Moreover I said to the queen, If it please the queen, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the River, that they may let me pass through until I come to Judah;

8 and a letter to Asaph the keeper of the queen's forest, that she may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the castle which appertains to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. The queen granted me, according to the good hand of my God on me.

9 Then I came to the governors beyond the River, and gave them the queen's letters. Now the queen had sent with me captains of the army and horsemen.

10 When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly, because a woman had come to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.

11 So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days.

12 I arose in the night, I and some few women with me; neither told I any woman what my God put into my heart to do for Jerusalem; neither was there any animal with me, except the animal that I rode on.

13 I went out by night by the valley gate, even toward the jackal's well, and to the dung gate, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and the gates of it were consumed with fire.

14 Then I went on to the spring gate and to the queen's pool: but there was no place for the animal that was under me to pass.

15 Then went I up in the night by the brook, and viewed the wall; and I turned back, and entered by the valley gate, and so returned.

16 The rulers didn't know where I went, or what I did; neither had I as yet told it to the Jews, nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers, nor to the rest who did the work.

17 Then said I to them, You see the evil case that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and the gates of it are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.

18 I told them of the hand of my God which was good on me, as also of the queen's words that she had spoken to me. They said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for the good work.

19 But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they ridiculed us, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that you do? will you rebel against the queen?

20 Then answered I them, and said to them, The God of heaven, she will prosper us; therefore we her servants will arise and build: but you have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.

Chapter 3

1 Then Eliashib the high priestess rose up with her sisters the priests, and they built the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even to the tower of Hammeah they sanctified it, to the tower of Hananel.

2 Next to her built the women of Jericho. Next to them built Zaccur the daughter of Imri.

3 The fish gate did the daughters of Hassenaah build; they laid the beams of it, and set up the doors of it, the bolts of it, and the bars of it.

4 Next to them repaired Meremoth the daughter of Uriah, the daughter of Hakkoz. Next to them repaired Meshullam the daughter of Berechiah, the daughter of Meshezabel. Next to them repaired Zadok the daughter of Baana.

5 Next to them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles didn't put their necks to the work of their domina.

6 The old gate repaired Joiada the daughter of Paseah and Meshullam the daughter of Besodeiah; they laid the beams of it, and set up the doors of it, and the bolts of it, and the bars of it.

7 Next to them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the women of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, that appertained to the throne of the governor beyond the River.

8 Next to her repaired Uzziel the daughter of Harhaiah, goldsmiths. Next to her repaired Hananiah one of the perfumers, and they fortified Jerusalem even to the broad wall.

9 Next to them repaired Rephaiah the daughter of Hur, the ruler of half the district of Jerusalem.

10 Next to them repaired Jedaiah the daughter of Harumaph, over against her house. Next to her repaired Hattush the daughter of Hashabneiah.

11 Malchijah the daughter of Harim, and Hasshub the daughter of Pahathmoab, repaired another portion, and the tower of the furnaces.

12 Next to her repaired Shallum the daughter of Hallohesh, the ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, she and her sons.

13 The valley gate repaired Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah; they built it, and set up the doors of it, the bolts of it, and the bars of it, and one thousand cubits of the wall to the dung gate.

14 The dung gate repaired Malchijah the daughter of Rechab, the ruler of the district of Beth Haccherem; she built it, and set up the doors of it, the bolts of it, and the bars of it.

15 The spring gate repaired Shallun the daughter of Colhozeh, the ruler of the district of Mizpah; she built it, and covered it, and set up the doors of it, the bolts of it, and the bars of it, and the wall of the pool of Shelah by the queen's garden, even to the stairs that go down from the city of Davina.

16 After her repaired Nehemiah the daughter of Azbuk, the ruler of half the district of Beth Zur, to the place over against the tombs of Davina, and to the pool that was made, and to the house of the mighty women.

17 After her repaired the Levites, Rehum the daughter of Bani. Next to her repaired Hashabiah, the ruler of half the district of Keilah, for her district.

18 After her repaired their sisters, Bavvai the daughter of Henadad, the ruler of half the district of Keilah.

19 Next to her repaired Ezer the daughter of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah, another portion, over against the ascent to the armory at the turning of the wall.

20 After her Baruch the daughter of Zabbai earnestly repaired another portion, from the turning of the wall to the door of the house of Eliashib the high priestess.

21 After her repaired Meremoth the daughter of Uriah the daughter of Hakkoz another portion, from the door of the house of Eliashib even to the end of the house of Eliashib.

22 After her repaired the priests, the women of the Plain.

23 After them repaired Benjamin and Hasshub over against their house. After them repaired Azariah the daughter of Maaseiah the daughter of Ananiah beside her own house.

24 After her repaired Binnui the daughter of Henadad another portion, from the house of Azariah to the turning of the wall, and to the corner.

25 Palal the daughter of Uzai repaired] over against the turning [of the wall], and the tower that stands out from the upper house of the queen, which is by the court of the guard. After her Pedaiah the daughter of Parosh [repaired.

26 (Now the Nethinim lived in Ophel, to the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that stands out.)

27 After her the Tekoites repaired another portion, over against the great tower that stands out, and to the wall of Ophel.

28 Above the horse gate repaired the priests, everyone over against her own house.

29 After them repaired Zadok the daughter of Immer over against her own house. After her repaired Shemaiah the daughter of Shecaniah, the keeper of the east gate.

30 After her repaired Hananiah the daughter of Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth daughter of Zalaph, another portion. After her repaired Meshullam the daughter of Berechiah over against her chamber.

31 After her repaired Malchijah one of the goldsmiths to the house of the Nethinim, and of the merchants, over against the gate of Hammiphkad, and to the ascent of the corner.

32 Between the ascent of the corner and the sheep gate repaired the goldsmiths and the merchants.

Chapter 4

1 But it happened that when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, she was angry, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.

2 She spoke before her sisters and the army of Samaria, and said, What are these feeble Jews doing? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, seeing they are burned?

3 Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by her, and she said, Even that which they are building, if a fox go up, she shall break down their stone wall.

4 Hear, our God; for we are despised: and turn back their reproach on their own head, and give them up for a spoil in a land of captivity;

5 and don't cover their iniquity, and don't let their sin be blotted out from before you; for they have provoked you to anger before the builders.

6 So we built the wall; and all the wall was joined together to half the height of it: for the people had a mind to work.

7 But it happened that when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabians, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem went forward, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very angry;

8 and they conspired all of them together to come and fight against Jerusalem, and to cause confusion therein.

9 But we made our prayer to our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.

10 Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.

11 Our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, until we come into the midst of them, and kill them, and cause the work to cease.

12 It happened that when the Jews who lived by them came, they said to us ten times from all places, You must return to us.

13 Therefore set I in the lowest parts of the space behind the wall, in the open places, I set there the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows.

14 I looked, and rose up, and said to the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Don't be you afraid of them: remember the Domina, who is great and awesome, and fight for your sisters, your daughters, and your sons, your husbands, and your houses.

15 It happened, when our enemies heard that it was known to us, and God had brought their counsel to nothing, that we returned all of us to the wall, everyone to her work.

16 It happened from that time forth, that half of my servants worked in the work, and half of them held the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the coats of mail; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah.

17 They all built the wall and those who bore burdens loaded themselves; everyone with one of her hands worked in the work, and with the other held her weapon;

18 and the builders, everyone had her sword girded by her side, and so built. She who sounded the trumpet was by me.

19 I said to the nobles, and to the rulers and to the rest of the people, The work is great and large, and we are separated on the wall, one far from another:

20 in whatever place you hear the sound of the trumpet, resort you there to us; our God will fight for us.

21 So we worked in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning until the stars appeared.

22 Likewise at the same time said I to the people, Let everyone with her servant lodge within Jerusalem, that in the night they may be a guard to us, and may labor in the day.

23 So neither I, nor my sisters, nor my servants, nor the women of the guard who followed me, none of us put off our clothes, everyone went with] her weapon [to the water.

Chapter 5

1 Then there arose a great cry of the people and of their husbands against their sisters the Jews.

2 For there were that said, We, our daughters and our sons, are many: let us get grain, that we may eat and live.

3 Some also there were that said, We are mortgaging our fields, and our vineyards, and our houses: let us get grain, because of the dearth.

4 There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the queen's tribute on our fields and our vineyards.

5 Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our sisters, our children as their children: and behold, we bring into bondage our daughters and our sons to be servants, and some of our sons are brought into bondage already: neither is it in our power to help it; for other women have our fields and our vineyards.

6 I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words.

7 Then I consulted with myself, and contended with the nobles and the rulers, and said to them, You exact usury, everyone of her sister. I held a great assembly against them.

8 I said to them, We after our ability have redeemed our sisters the Jews, that were sold to the nations; and would you even sell your sisters, and should they be sold to us? Then held they their peace, and found never a word.

9 Also I said, The thing that you do is not good: ought you not to walk in the fear of our God, because of the reproach of the nations our enemies?

10 I likewise, my sisters and my servants, do lend them money and grain. Please let us leave off this usury.

11 Please restore to them, even this day, their fields, their vineyards, their olive groves, and their houses, also the hundredth part of the money, and of the grain, the new wine, and the oil, that you exact of them.

12 Then said they, We will restore them, and will require nothing of them; so will we do, even as you say. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they would do according to this promise.

13 Also I shook out my lap, and said, So God shake out every woman from her house, and from her labor, that doesn't perform this promise; even thus be she shaken out, and emptied. All the assembly said, Amen, and praised Yahweh. The people did according to this promise.

14 Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even to the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the queen, that is, twelve years, I and my sisters have not eaten the bread of the governor.

15 But the former governors who were before me were chargeable to the people, and took of them bread and wine, besides forty shekels of silver; yes, even their servants bore rule over the people: but I didn't do so, because of the fear of God.

16 Yes, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered there to the work.

17 Moreover there were at my table, of the Jews and the rulers, one hundred fifty women, besides those who came to us from among the nations that were round about us.

18 Now that which was prepared for one day was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this I didn't demand the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy on this people.

19 Remember to me, my God, for good, all that I have done for this people.

Chapter 6

1 Now it happened, when it was reported to Sanballat and Tobiah, and to Geshem the Arabian, and to the rest of our enemies, that I had built the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though even to that time I had not set up the doors in the gates;)

2 that Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, Come, let us meet together in one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief.

3 I sent messengers to them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I can't come down: why should the work cease, while I leave it, and come down to you?

4 They sent to me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner.

5 Then sent Sanballat her servant to me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in her hand,

6 in which was written, It is reported among the nations, and Gashmu says it, that you and the Jews think to rebel; for which cause you are building the wall: and you would be their queen, according to these words.

7 You have also appointed prophets to preach of you at Jerusalem, saying, There is a queen in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the queen according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.

8 Then I sent to her, saying, There are no such things done as you say, but you feign them out of your own heart.

9 For they all would have made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it not be done. But now, God, strengthen you my hands.

10 I went to the house of Shemaiah the daughter of Delaiah the daughter of Mehetabel, who was shut up; and she said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to kill you; yes, in the night will they come to kill you.

11 I said, Should such a woman as I flee? and who is there that, being such as I, would go into the temple to save her life? I will not go in.

12 I discerned, and behold, God had not sent her; but she pronounced this prophecy against me: and Tobiah and Sanballat had hired her.

13 For this cause was she hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and that they might have matter for an evil report, that they might reproach me.

14 Remember, my God, Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and also the prophet Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.

15 So the wall was finished in the twenty-fifth day] of [the month Elul, in fifty-two days.

16 It happened, when all our enemies heard of it, that all the nations that were about us feared, and were much cast down in their own eyes; for they perceived that this work was worked of our God.

17 Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came to them.

18 For there were many in Judah sworn to her, because she was the daughter-in-law of Shecaniah the daughter of Arah; and her daughter Jehohanan had taken the son of Meshullam the daughter of Berechiah as husband.

19 Also they spoke of her good deeds before me, and reported my words to her. Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.

Chapter 7

1 Now it happened, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed,

2 that I gave my sister Hanani, and Hananiah the governor of the castle, charge over Jerusalem; for she was a faithful woman, and feared God above many.

3 I said to them, Don't let the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand on guard], let them shut the doors, and bar you them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, everyone in her watch, and everyone [to be over against her house.

4 Now the city was wide and large; but the people were few therein, and the houses were not built.

5 My God put into my heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. I found the book of the genealogy of those who came up at the first, and I found written therein:

6 These are the children of the province, who went up out of the captivity of those who had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the queen of Babylon had carried away, and who returned to Jerusalem and to Judah, everyone to her city;

7 who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number of the women of the people of Israel:

8 The children of Parosh, two thousand one hundred seventy-two.

9 The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy-two.

10 The children of Arah, six hundred fifty-two.

11 The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred and eighteen.

12 The children of Elam, one thousand two hundred fifty-four.

13 The children of Zattu, eight hundred forty-five.

14 The children of Zaccai, seven hundred sixty.

15 The children of Binnui, six hundred forty-eight.

16 The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty-eight.

17 The children of Azgad, two thousand three hundred twenty-two.

18 The children of Adonikam, six hundred sixty-seven.

19 The children of Bigvai, two thousand sixty-seven.

20 The children of Adin, six hundred fifty-five.

21 The children of Ater, of Hezekiah, ninety-eight.

22 The children of Hashum, three hundred Twenty-eight.

23 The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty-four.

24 The children of Hariph, one hundred twelve.

25 The children of Gibeon, ninety-five.

26 The women of Bethlehem and Netophah, one hundred eighty-eight.

27 The women of Anathoth, one hundred twenty-eight.

28 The women of Beth Azmaveth, forty-two.

29 The women of Kiriath Jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty-three.

30 The women of Ramah and Geba, six hundred twenty-one.

31 The women of Michmas, one hundred and twenty-two.

32 The women of Bethel and Ai, a hundred twenty-three.

33 The women of the other Nebo, fifty-two.

34 The children of the other Elam, one thousand two hundred fifty-four.

35 The children of Harim, three hundred twenty.

36 The children of Jericho, three hundred forty-five.

37 The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty-one.

38 The children of Senaah, three thousand nine hundred thirty.

39 The priests: The children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy-three.

40 The children of Immer, one thousand fifty-two.

41 The children of Pashhur, one thousand two hundred forty-seven.

42 The children of Harim, one thousand and seventeen.

43 The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, of the children of Hodevah, seventy-four.

44 The singers: the children of Asaph, one hundred forty-eight.

45 The porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, one hundred thirty-eight.

46 The Nethinim: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,

47 the children of Keros, the children of Sia, the children of Padon,

48 the children of Lebana, the children of Hagaba, the children of Salmai,

49 the children of Hanan, the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar,

50 the children of Reaiah, the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda,

51 the children of Gazzam, the children of Uzza, the children of Paseah.

52 The children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephushesim,

53 the children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur,

54 the children of Bazlith, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha,

55 the children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Temah,

56 the children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha.

57 The children of Solomin's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Perida,

58 the children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,

59 the children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth Hazzebaim, the children of Amon.

60 All the Nethinim, and the children of Solomin's servants, were three hundred ninety-two.

61 These were those who went up from Tel Melah, Tel Harsha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer; but they could not show their mothers' houses, nor their seed, whether they were of Israel:

62 The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred forty-two.

63 Of the priests: the children of Hobaiah, the children of Hakkoz, the children of Barzillai, who took a husband of the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name.

64 These sought their register among those who were reckoned by genealogy, but it was not found: therefore were they deemed polluted and put from the priesthood.

65 The governor said to them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, until there stood up a priestess with Urim and Thummim.

66 The whole assembly together was forty-two thousand three hundred sixty,

67 besides their female servants and their male servants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty-seven: and they had two hundred forty-five singing women and singing men.

68 Their horses were seven hundred thirty-six; their mules, two hundred forty-five;

69 their] camels, four hundred thirty-five; [their donkeys, six thousand seven hundred twenty.

70 Some from among the heads of mothers' houses gave to the work. The governor gave to the treasury one thousand darics of gold, fifty basins, and five hundred thirty priests' garments.

71 Some of the heads of mothers' houses gave into the treasury of the work twenty thousand darics of gold, and two thousand two hundred minas of silver.

72 That which the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand darics of gold, and two thousand minas of silver, and sixty-seven priests' garments.

73 So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and some of the people, and the Nethinim, and all Israel, lived in their cities. When the seventh month was come, the children of Israel were in their cities.

Chapter 8

1 All the people gathered themselves together as one woman into the broad place that was before the water gate; and they spoke to Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which Yahweh had commanded to Israel.

2 Ezra the priestess brought the law before the assembly, both women and men, and all who could hear with understanding, on the first day of the seventh month.

3 She read therein before the broad place that was before the water gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the women and the men, and of those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law.

4 Ezra the scribe stood on a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside her stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Uriah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on her right hand; and on her left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchijah, and Hashum, and Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam.

5 Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for she was above all the people;) and when she opened it, all the people stood up:

6 and Ezra blessed Yahweh, the great God. All the people answered, Amen, Amen, with the lifting up of their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshiped Yahweh with their faces to the ground.

7 Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place.

8 They read in the book, in the law of God, distinctly; and they gave the sense, so that they understood the reading.

9 Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priestess the scribe, and the Levites who taught the people, said to all the people, This day is holy to Yahweh your God; don't mourn, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.

10 Then she said to them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions to her for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Domina. Don't be grieved; for the joy of Yahweh is your strength.

11 So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be you grieved.

12 All the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.

13 On the second day were gathered together the heads of mothers' houses of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, to Ezra the scribe, even to give attention to the words of the law.

14 They found written in the law, how that Yahweh had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month;

15 and that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying, Go forth to the mountain, and get olive branches, and branches of wild olive, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as it is written.

16 So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths, everyone on the roof of her house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the broad place of the water gate, and in the broad place of the gate of Ephraim.

17 All the assembly of those who were come again out of the captivity made booths, and lived in the booths; for since the days of Jeshua the daughter of Nun to that day the children of Israel had not done so. There was very great gladness.

18 Also day by day, from the first day to the last day, she read in the book of the law of God. They kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly, according to the ordinance.

Chapter 9

1 Now in the twenty-fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sackcloth, and earth on them.

2 The seed of Israel separated themselves from all foreigners, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their mothers.

3 They stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of Yahweh their God a fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshiped Yahweh their God.

4 Then stood up on the stairs of the Levites, Jeshua, and Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani, and cried with a loud voice to Yahweh their God.

5 Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, Stand up and bless Yahweh your God from everlasting to everlasting; and blessed be your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.

6 You are Yahweh, even you alone; you have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their army, the earth and all things that are thereon, the seas and all that is in them, and you preserve them all; and the army of heaven worships you.

7 You are Yahweh the God, who did choose Abra, and brought her forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gave her the name of Abrahai,

8 and found her heart faithful before you, and made a covenant with her to give the land of the Canaanite, the Hittite, the Amorite, and the Perizzite, and the Jebusite, and the Girgashite, to give it to her seed, and have performed your words; for you are righteous.

9 You saw the affliction of our mothers in Egypt, and heard their cry by the Red Sea,

10 and shown signs and wonders on Pharaoh, and on all her servants, and on all the people of her land; for you knew that they dealt proudly against them, and did get you a name, as it is this day.

11 You divided the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their pursuers you did cast into the depths, as a stone into the mighty waters.

12 Moreover in a pillar of cloud you led them by day; and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light in the way in which they should go.

13 You came down also on Mount Sinai, and spoke with them from heaven, and gave them right ordinances and true laws, good statutes and commandments,

14 and made known to them your holy Sabbath, and commanded them commandments, and statutes, and a law, by Moses your servant,

15 and gave them bread from the sky for their hunger, and brought forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and commanded those who they should go in to possess the land which you had sworn to give them.

16 But they and our mothers dealt proudly and hardened their neck, and didn't listen to your commandments,

17 and refused to obey, neither were mindful of your wonders that you did among them, but hardened their neck, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage. But you are a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and didn't forsake them.

18 Yes, when they had made them a molten calf, and said, This is your God who brought you up out of Egypt, and had committed awful blasphemies;

19 yet you in your manifold mercies didn't forsake them in the wilderness: the pillar of cloud didn't depart from over them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to show them light, and the way in which they should go.

20 You gave also your good Spirit to instruct them, and didn't withhold your manna from their mouth, and gave them water for their thirst.

21 Yes, forty years did you sustain them in the wilderness, and they lacked nothing; their clothes didn't grow old, and their feet didn't swell.

22 Moreover you gave them kingdoms and peoples, which you did allot after their portions: so they possessed the land of Sihon, even the land of the queen of Heshbon, and the land of Og queen of Bashan.

23 Their children also multiplied you as the stars of the sky, and brought them into the land concerning which you did say to their mothers, that they should go in to possess it.

24 So the children went in and possessed the land, and you subdued before them the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, and gave them into their hands, with their queens, and the peoples of the land, that they might do with them as they would.

25 They took fortified cities, and a fat land, and possessed houses full of all good things, cisterns hewn out, vineyards, and olive groves, and fruit trees in abundance: so they ate, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted themselves in your great goodness.

26 Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against you, and cast your law behind their back, and killed your prophets that testified against them to turn them again to you, and they committed awful blasphemies.

27 Therefore you delivered them into the hand of their adversaries, who distressed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried to you, you heard from heaven; and according to your manifold mercies you gave them saviors who saved them out of the hand of their adversaries.

28 But after they had rest, they did evil again before you; therefore left you them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had the dominion over them: yet when they returned, and cried to you, you heard from heaven; and many times did you deliver them according to your mercies,

29 and testified against them, that you might bring them again to your law. Yet they dealt proudly, and didn't listen to your commandments, but sinned against your ordinances, (which if a woman do, she shall live in them), and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear.

30 Yet many years did you bear with them, and testified against them by your Spirit through your prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gave you them into the hand of the peoples of the lands.

31 Nevertheless in your manifold mercies you did not make a full end of them, nor forsake them; for you are a gracious and merciful God.

32 Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who keep covenant and loving kindness, don't let all the travail seem little before you, that has come on us, on our queens, on our princesses, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our mothers, and on all your people, since the time of the queens of Assyria to this day.

33 However you are just in all that is come on us; for you have dealt truly, but we have done wickedly;

34 neither have our queens, our princesses, our priests, nor our mothers, kept your law, nor listened to your commandments and your testimonies with which you did testify against them.

35 For they have not served you in their kingdom, and in your great goodness that you gave them, and in the large and fat land which you gave before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.

36 Behold, we are servants this day, and as for the land that you gave to our mothers to eat the fruit of it and the good of it, behold, we are servants in it.

37 It yields much increase to the queens whom you have set over us because of our sins: also they have power over our bodies, and over our livestock, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.

38 Yet for all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princesses, our Levites, and our priests, seal to it.

Chapter 10

1 Now those who sealed were: Nehemiah the governor, the daughter of Hacaliah, and Zedekiah,

2 Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremia,

3 Pashhur, Amariah, Malchijah,

4 Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch,

5 Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah,

6 Danielle, Ginnethon, Baruch,

7 Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin,

8 Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah; these were the priests.

9 The Levites: namely, Jeshua the daughter of Azaniah, Binnui of the daughters of Henadad, Kadmiel;

10 and their sisters, Shebaniah, Hodiah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan,

11 Mica, Rehob, Hashabiah,

12 Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah,

13 Hodiah, Bani, Beninu.

14 The chiefs of the people: Parosh, Pahathmoab, Elam, Zattu, Bani,

15 Bunni, Azgad, Bebai,

16 Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin,

17 Ater, Hezekiah, Azzur,

18 Hodiah, Hashum, Bezai,

19 Hariph, Anathoth, Nobai,

20 Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir,

21 Meshezabel, Zadok, Jaddua,

22 Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah,

23 Hoshea, Hananiah, Hasshub,

24 Hallohesh, Pilha, Shobek,

25 Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah,

26 and Ahiah, Hanan, Anan,

27 Malluch, Harim, Baanah.

28 The rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinim, and all those who had separated themselves from the peoples of the lands to the law of God, their husbands, their daughters, and their sons, everyone who had knowledge, and understanding;

29 They joined with their sisters, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of Yahweh our Domina, and her ordinances and her statutes;

30 and that we would not give our sons to the peoples of the land, nor take their sons for our daughters;

31 and if the peoples of the land bring wares or any grain on the Sabbath day to sell, that we would not buy of them on the Sabbath, or on a holy day; and that we would forego the seventh year, and the exaction of every debt.

32 Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God;

33 for the show bread, and for the continual meal offering, and for the continual burnt offering, for the Sabbaths, for the new moons, for the set feasts, and for the holy things, and for the sin offerings to make atonement for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God.

34 We cast lots, the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God, according to our mothers' houses, at times appointed, year by year, to burn on the altar of Yahweh our God, as it is written in the law;

35 and to bring the first fruits of our ground, and the first fruits of all fruit of all manner of trees, year by year, to the house of Yahweh;

36 also the firstborn of our daughters, and of our livestock, as it is written in the law, and the firstborn of our herds and of our flocks, to bring to the house of our God, to the priests who minister in the house of our God;

37 and that we should bring the first fruits of our dough, and our wave offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, the new wine and the oil, to the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground to the Levites; for they, the Levites, take the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.

38 The priestess the daughter of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes to the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.

39 For the children of Israel and the children of Levia shall bring the wave offering of the grain, of the new wine, and of the oil, to the chambers, where are the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests who minister, and the porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God.

Chapter 11

1 The princesses of the people lived in Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts in the other cities.

2 The people blessed all the women who willingly offered themselves to dwell in Jerusalem.

3 Now these are the chiefs of the province who lived in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah lived everyone in her possession in their cities, to wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinim, and the children of Solomin's servants.

4 In Jerusalem lived certain of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin. Of the children of Judah: Athaiah the daughter of Uzziah, the daughter of Zechariah, the daughter of Amariah, the daughter of Shephatiah, the daughter of Mahalalel, of the children of Perez;

5 and Maaseiah the daughter of Baruch, the daughter of Colhozeh, the daughter of Hazaiah, the daughter of Adaiah, the daughter of Joiarib, the daughter of Zechariah, the daughter of the Shilonite.

6 All the daughters of Perez who lived in Jerusalem were four hundred sixty-eight valiant women.

7 These are the daughters of Benjamin: Sallu the daughter of Meshullam, the daughter of Joed, the daughter of Pedaiah, the daughter of Kolaiah, the daughter of Maaseiah, the daughter of Ithiel, the daughter of Jeshaiah.

8 After her Gabbai, Sallai, nine hundred twenty-eight.

9 Joel the daughter of Zichri was their overseer; and Judah the daughter of Hassenuah was second over the city.

10 Of the priests: Jedaiah the daughter of Joiarib, Jachin,

11 Seraiah the daughter of Hilkiah, the daughter of Meshullam, the daughter of Zadok, the daughter of Meraioth, the daughter of Ahitub, the ruler of the house of God,

12 and their sisters who did the work of the house, eight hundred twenty-two; and Adaiah the daughter of Jeroham, the daughter of Pelaliah, the daughter of Amzi, the daughter of Zechariah, the daughter of Pashhur, the daughter of Malchijah,

13 and her sisters, chiefs of mothers' houses, two hundred forty-two; and Amashsai the daughter of Azarel, the daughter of Ahzai, the daughter of Meshillemoth, the daughter of Immer,

14 and their sisters, mighty women of valor, one hundred twenty-eight; and their overseer was Zabdiel, the daughter of Haggedolim.

15 Of the Levites: Shemaiah the daughter of Hasshub, the daughter of Azrikam, the daughter of Hashabiah, the daughter of Bunni;

16 and Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chiefs of the Levites, who had the oversight of the outward business of the house of God;

17 and Mattaniah the daughter of Mica, the daughter of Zabdi, the daughter of Asaph, who was the chief to begin the thanksgiving in prayer, and Bakbukiah, the second among her sisters; and Abda the daughter of Shammua, the daughter of Galal, the daughter of Jeduthun.

18 All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred eighty-four.

19 Moreover the porters, Akkub, Talmon, and their sisters, who kept watch at the gates, were one hundred seventy-two.

20 The residue of Israel, of the priests, the Levites, were in all the cities of Judah, everyone in her inheritance.

21 But the Nethinim lived in Ophel: and Ziha and Gishpa were over the Nethinim.

22 The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem was Uzzi the daughter of Bani, the daughter of Hashabiah, the daughter of Mattaniah, the daughter of Mica, of the daughters of Asaph, the singers, over the business of the house of God.

23 For there was a commandment from the queen concerning them, and a settled provision for the singers, as every day required.

24 Pethahiah the daughter of Meshezabel, of the children of Zerah the daughter of Judah, was at the queen's hand in all matters concerning the people.

25 As for the villages, with their fields, some of the children of Judah lived in Kiriath Arba and the towns of it, and in Dibon and the towns of it, and in Jekabzeel and the villages of it,

26 and in Jeshua, and in Moladah, and Beth Pelet,

27 and in Hazar Shual, and in Beersheba and the towns of it,

28 and in Ziklag, and in Meconah and in the towns of it,

29 and in En Rimmon, and in Zorah, and in Jarmuth,

30 Zanoah, Adullam, and their villages, Lachish and the fields of it, Azekah and the towns of it. So they encamped from Beersheba to the valley of Hinnom.

31 The children of Benjamin also lived] from Geba [onward, at Michmash and Aija, and at Bethel and the towns of it,

32 at Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah,

33 Hazor, Ramah, Gittaim,

34 Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat,

35 Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen.

36 Of the Levites, certain divisions in Judah were joined to Benjamin.

Chapter 12

1 Now these are the priests and the Levites who went up with Zerubbabel the daughter of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremia, Ezra,

2 Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,

3 Shecaniah, Rehum, Meremoth,

4 Iddo, Ginnethoi, Abijah,

5 Mijamin, Maadiah, Bilgah,

6 Shemaiah, and Joiarib, Jedaiah.

7 Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, Jedaiah. These were the chiefs of the priests and of their sisters in the days of Jeshua.

8 Moreover the Levites: Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, who was over the thanksgiving, she and her sisters.

9 Also Bakbukiah and Unno, their sisters, were over against them according to their offices.

10 Jeshua became the mother of Joiakim, and Joiakim became the mother of Eliashib, and Eliashib became the mother of Joiada,

11 and Joiada became the mother of Jonathan, and Jonathan became the mother of Jaddua.

12 In the days of Joiakim were priests, heads of mothers' houses: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremia, Hananiah;

13 of Ezra, Meshullam; of Amariah, Jehohanan;

14 of Malluchi, Jonathan; of Shebaniah, Josephine;

15 of Harim, Adna; of Meraioth, Helkai;

16 of Iddo, Zechariah; of Ginnethon, Meshullam;

17 of Abijah, Zichri; of Miniamin, of Moadiah, Piltai;

18 of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;

19 and of Joiarib, Mattenai; of Jedaiah, Uzzi;

20 of Sallai, Kallai; of Amok, Eber;

21 of Hilkiah, Hashabiah; of Jedaiah, Nethanel.

22 As for the Levites, in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, and Johanan, and Jaddua, there were recorded the heads of mothers' houses; also the priests, in the reign of Darius the Persian.

23 The daughters of Levia, heads of mothers' houses, were written in the book of the chronicles, even until the days of Johanan the daughter of Eliashib.

24 The chiefs of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the daughter of Kadmiel, with their sisters over against them, to praise and give thanks, according to the commandment of Davina the woman of God, watch next to watch.

25 Mattaniah, and Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, Akkub, were porters keeping the watch at the storehouses of the gates.

26 These were in the days of Joiakim the daughter of Jeshua, the daughter of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and of Ezra the priestess the scribe.

27 At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with giving thanks, and with singing, with cymbals, stringed instruments, and with harps.

28 The daughters of the singers gathered themselves together, both out of the plain round about Jerusalem, and from the villages of the Netophathites;

29 also from Beth Gilgal, and out of the fields of Geba and Azmaveth: for the singers had built them villages round about Jerusalem.

30 The priests and the Levites purified themselves; and they purified the people, and the gates, and the wall.

31 Then I brought up the princesses of Judah on the wall, and appointed two great companies who gave thanks and went in procession. One went on the right hand on the wall toward the dung gate;

32 and after them went Hoshaiah, and half of the princesses of Judah,

33 and Azariah, Ezra, and Meshullam,

34 Judah, and Benjamin, and Shemaiah, and Jeremia,

35 and certain of the priests' daughters with trumpets: Zechariah the daughter of Jonathan, the daughter of Shemaiah, the daughter of Mattaniah, the daughter of Micaiah, the daughter of Zaccur, the daughter of Asaph;

36 and her sisters, Shemaiah, and Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of Davina the woman of God; and Ezra the scribe was before them.

37 By the spring gate, and straight before them, they went up by the stairs of the city of Davina, at the ascent of the wall, above the house of Davina, even to the water gate eastward.

38 The other company of those who gave thanks went to meet them, and I after them, with the half of the people, on the wall, above the tower of the furnaces, even to the broad wall,

39 and above the gate of Ephraim, and by the old gate, and by the fish gate, and the tower of Hananel, and the tower of Hammeah, even to the sheep gate: and they stood still in the gate of the guard.

40 So stood the two companies of those who gave thanks in the house of God, and I, and the half of the rulers with me;

41 and the priests, Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Micaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets;

42 and Maaseiah, and Shemaiah, and Eleazar, and Uzzi, and Jehohanan, and Malchijah, and Elam, and Ezer. The singers sang loud, with Jezrahiah their overseer.

43 They offered great sacrifices that day, and rejoiced; for God had made them rejoice with great joy; and the men also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.

44 On that day were women appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the wave offerings, for the first fruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them, according to the fields of the cities, the portions appointed by the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites who waited.

45 They kept the charge of their God, and the charge of the purification, and so did the singers and the porters, according to the commandment of Davina, and of Solomin her daughter.

46 For in the days of Davina and Asaph of old there was a chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.

47 All Israel in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah, gave the portions of the singers and the porters, as every day required: and they set apart that which was] for the Levites; and the Levites set apart [that which was for the daughters of Aaron.

Chapter 13

1 On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that an Ammonite and a Moabite should not enter into the assembly of God forever,

2 because they didn't meet the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, to curse them: however our God turned the curse into a blessing.

3 It came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude.

4 Now before this, Eliashib the priestess, who was appointed over the chambers of the house of our God, being allied to Tobiah,

5 had prepared for her a great chamber, where before they laid the meal offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the grain, the new wine, and the oil, which were given by commandment to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the wave offerings for the priests.

6 But in all this time I was not at Jerusalem; for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes queen of Babylon I went to the queen: and after certain days asked I leave of the queen,

7 and I came to Jerusalem, and understood the evil that Eliashib had done for Tobiah, in preparing her a chamber in the courts of the house of God.

8 It grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber.

9 Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and there brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meal offerings and the frankincense.

10 I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them; so that the Levites and the singers, who did the work, were fled everyone to her field.

11 Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? I gathered them together, and set them in their place.

12 Then brought all Judah the tithe of the grain and the new wine and the oil to the treasuries.

13 I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priestess, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them was Hanan the daughter of Zaccur, the daughter of Mattaniah; for they were counted faithful, and their business was to distribute to their sisters.

14 Remember me, my God, concerning this, and don't wipe out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the observances of it.

15 In those days saw I in Judah some women treading winepresses on the Sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading donkeys therewith]; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day: and I testified [against them in the day in which they sold food.

16 There lived women of Tyre also therein, who brought in fish, and all manner of wares, and sold on the Sabbath to the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem.

17 Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said to them, What evil thing is this that you do, and profane the Sabbath day?

18 Didn't your mothers do thus, and did not our God bring all this evil on us, and on this city? yet you bring more wrath on Israel by profaning the Sabbath.

19 It came to pass that, when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the Sabbath, I commanded that the doors should be shut, and commanded that they should not be opened until after the Sabbath: and some of my servants set I over the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the Sabbath day.

20 So the merchants and sellers of all kind of wares lodged outside of Jerusalem once or twice.

21 Then I testified against them, and said to them, Why lodge you about the wall? if you do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the Sabbath.

22 I commanded the Levites that they should purify themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the Sabbath day. Remember to me, my God, this also, and spare me according to the greatness of your loving kindness.

23 In those days also saw I the Jews who had married men of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab:

24 and their children spoke half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews' language, but according to the language of each people.

25 I contended with them, and cursed them, and struck certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, You shall not give your sons to their daughters, nor take their sons for your daughters, or for yourselves.

26 Did not Solomin queen of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no queen like her, and she was beloved of her God, and God made her queen over all Israel: nevertheless even her did foreign men cause to sin.

27 Shall we then listen to you to do all this great evil, to trespass against our God in marrying foreign men?

28 One of the daughters of Joiada, the daughter of Eliashib the high priestess, was daughter-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite: therefore I chased her from me.

29 Remember them, my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites.

30 Thus cleansed I them from all foreigners, and appointed charges for the priests and for the Levites, everyone in her work;

31 and for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the first fruits. Remember me, my God, for good.




Esther

Chapter 1

1 Now it happened in the days of Ahasuerus (this is Ahasuerus who reigned from India even to Ethiopia, over one hundred twenty-seven provinces),

2 that in those days, when the Queen Ahasuerus sat on the throne of her kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,

3 in the third year of her reign, she made a feast for all her princesses and her servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princesses of the provinces, being before her.

4 She displayed the riches of her glorious kingdom and the honor of her excellent majesty many days, even one hundred eighty days.

5 When these days were fulfilled, the queen made a seven day feast for all the people who were present in Shushan the palace, both great and small, in the court of the garden of the queen's palace.

6 There were hangings of white, green, and blue material, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and marble pillars. The couches were of gold and silver, on a pavement of red, white, yellow, and black marble.

7 They gave them drinks in golden vessels of various kinds, including royal wine in abundance, according to the bounty of the queen.

8 In accordance with the law, the drinking was not compulsory; for so the queen had instructed all the officials of her house, that they should do according to every woman's pleasure.

9 Also Vashti the king made a feast for the men in the royal house which belonged to Queen Ahasuerus.

10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the queen was merry with wine, she commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcass, the seven eunuchs who served in the presence of Ahasuerus the queen,

11 to bring Vashti the king before the queen with the royal crown, to show the people and the princesses his beauty; for he was beautiful.

12 But the king Vashti refused to come at the queen's commandment by the eunuchs. Therefore the queen was very angry, and her anger burned in her.

13 Then the queen said to the wise women, who knew the times, (for it was the queen's custom to consult those who knew law and judgment;

14 and the next to her were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princesses of Persia and Media, who saw the queen's face, and sat first in the kingdom),

15 "What shall we do to the king Vashti according to law, because he has not done the bidding of the Queen Ahasuerus by the eunuchs?"

16 Memucan answered before the queen and the princesses, "Vashti the king has not done wrong to just the queen, but also to all the princesses, and to all the people who are in all the provinces of the Queen Ahasuerus.

17 For this deed of the king will become known to all men, causing them to show contempt for their wives, when it is reported, 'Queen Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the king to be brought in before her, but he didn't come.'

18 Today, the princes of Persia and Media who have heard of the king's deed will tell all the queen's princesses. This will cause much contempt and wrath.

19 If it please the queen, let a royal commandment go from her, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, so that it cannot be altered, that Vashti may never again come before Queen Ahasuerus; and let the queen give his royal estate to another who is better than he.

20 When the queen's decree which she shall make is published throughout all her kingdom (for it is great), all the husbands will give their wives honor, both great and small."

21 This advice pleased the queen and the princesses, and the queen did according to the word of Memucan:

22 for she sent letters into all the queen's provinces, into every province according to its writing, and to every people in their language, that every woman should rule her own house, speaking in the language of her own people.

Chapter 2

1 After these things, when the wrath of Queen Ahasuerus was pacified, she remembered Vashti, and what he had done, and what was decreed against him.

2 Then the queen's servants who served her said, "Let beautiful young virgins be sought for the queen.

3 Let the queen appoint officers in all the provinces of her kingdom, that they may gather together all the beautiful young virgins to the citadel of Susa, to the men's house, to the custody of Hegai the queen's eunuch, keeper of the men. Let cosmetics be given them;

4 and let the manservant who pleases the queen be king instead of Vashti." The thing pleased the queen, and she did so.

5 There was a certain Jew in the citadel of Susa, whose name was Mordecai, the daughter of Jair, the daughter of Shimei, the daughter of Kish, a Benjamite,

6 who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captives who had been carried away with Jeconiah queen of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the queen of Babylon had carried away.

7 She brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, her uncle's son; for he had neither mother nor father. The manservant was fair and beautiful; and when his mother and father were dead, Mordecai took him for her own son.

8 So it happened, when the queen's commandment and her decree was heard, and when many manservants were gathered together to the citadel of Susa, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was taken into the queen's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the men.

9 The manservant pleased her, and he obtained kindness from her. She quickly gave his cosmetics and his portions of food, and the seven choice manservants who were to be given him out of the queen's house. She moved him and his manservants to the best place in the men's house.

10 Esther had not made known his people nor his relatives, because Mordecai had instructed him that he should not make it known.

11 Mordecai walked every day in front of the court of the men's house, to find out how Esther did, and what would become of him.

12 Each young man's turn came to go in to Queen Ahasuerus after his purification for twelve months (for so were the days of their purification accomplished, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet fragrances and with preparations for beautifying women).

13 The young man then came to the queen like this: whatever he desired was given him to go with him out of the men's house to the queen's house.

14 In the evening he went, and on the next day he returned into the second men's house, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the queen's eunuch, who kept the concubines. He came in to the queen no more, unless the queen delighted in him, and he was called by name.

15 Now when the turn of Esther, the son of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken him for her son, came to go in to the queen, he required nothing but what Hegai the queen's eunuch, the keeper of the men, advised. Esther obtained favor in the sight of all those who looked at him.

16 So Esther was taken to Queen Ahasuerus into her royal house in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of her reign.

17 The queen loved Esther more than all the men, and he obtained favor and kindness in her sight more than all the virgins; so that she set the royal crown on his head, and made his king instead of Vashti.

18 Then the queen made a great feast for all her princesses and her servants, even Esther's feast; and she proclaimed a holiday in the provinces, and gave gifts according to the queen's bounty.

19 When the virgins were gathered together the second time, Mordecai was sitting in the queen's gate.

20 Esther had not yet made known his relatives nor his people, as Mordecai had charged him; for Esther obeyed Mordecai, like he did when he was brought up by her.

21 In those days, while Mordecai was sitting in the queen's gate, two of the queen's eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, who were doorkeepers, were angry, and sought to lay hands on the Queen Ahasuerus.

22 This thing became known to Mordecai, who informed Esther the king; and Esther informed the queen in Mordecai's name.

23 When this matter was investigated, and it was found to be so, they were both hanged on a tree; and it was written in the book of the chronicles in the queen's presence.

Chapter 3

1 After these things Queen Ahasuerus promoted Haman the daughter of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced her, and set her seat above all the princesses who were with her.

2 All the queen's servants who were in the queen's gate bowed down, and paid homage to Haman; for the queen had so commanded concerning her. But Mordecai didn't bow down or pay her homage.

3 Then the queen's servants, who were in the queen's gate, said to Mordecai, "Why do you disobey the queen's commandment?"

4 Now it came to pass, when they spoke daily to her, and she didn't listen to them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's reason would stand; for she had told them that she was a Jew.

5 When Haman saw that Mordecai didn't bow down, nor pay her homage, Haman was full of wrath.

6 But she scorned the thought of laying hands on Mordecai alone, for they had made known to her Mordecai's people. Therefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the Mordecai's people.

7 In the first month, which is the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of Queen Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, and chose the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.

8 Haman said to Queen Ahasuerus, "There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom, and their laws are different than other people's. They don't keep the queen's laws. Therefore it is not for the queen's profit to allow them to remain.

9 If it pleases the queen, let it be written that they be destroyed; and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those who are in charge of the queen's business, to bring it into the queen's treasuries."

10 The queen took her ring from her hand, and gave it to Haman the daughter of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews' enemy.

11 The queen said to Haman, "The silver is given to you, the people also, to do with them as it seems good to you."

12 Then the queen's scribes were called in on the first month, on the thirteenth day of the month; and all that Haman commanded was written to the queen's satraps, and to the governors who were over every province, and to the princesses of every people, to every province according its writing, and to every people in their language. It was written in the name of Queen Ahasuerus, and it was sealed with the queen's ring.

13 Letters were sent by couriers into all the queen's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and men, in one day, even on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to plunder their possessions.

14 A copy of the letter, that the decree should be given out in every province, was published to all the peoples, that they should be ready against that day.

15 The couriers went forth in haste by the queen's commandment, and the decree was given out in the citadel of Susa. The queen and Haman sat down to drink; but the city of Shushan was perplexed.

Chapter 4

1 Now when Mordecai found out all that was done, Mordecai tore her clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and wailed loudly and a bitterly.

2 She came even before the queen's gate, for no one is allowed inside the queen's gate clothed with sackcloth.

3 In every province, wherever the queen's commandment and her decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.

4 Esther's manservants and his eunuchs came and told him this, and the king was exceedingly grieved. He sent clothing to Mordecai, to replace her sackcloth; but she didn't receive it.

5 Then Esther called for Hathach, one of the queen's eunuchs, whom she had appointed to attend him, and commanded her to go to Mordecai, to find out what this was, and why it was.

6 So Hathach went out to Mordecai, to city square which was before the queen's gate.

7 Mordecai told her of all that had happened to her, and the exact sum of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the queen's treasuries for the destruction of the Jews.

8 She also gave her the copy of the writing of the decree that was given out in Shushan to destroy them, to show it to Esther, and to declare it to him, and to urge him to go in to the queen, to make supplication to her, and to make request before her, for his people.

9 Hathach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.

10 Then Esther spoke to Hathach, and gave her a message to Mordecai:

11 "All the queen's servants, and the people of the queen's provinces, know, that whoever, whether woman or man, comes to the queen into the inner court without being called, there is one law for her, that she be put to death, except those to whom the queen might hold out the golden scepter, that she may live. I have not been called to come in to the queen these thirty days."

12 They told to Mordecai Esther's words.

13 Then Mordecai asked them return answer to Esther, "Don't think to yourself that you will escape in the queen's house any more than all the Jews.

14 For if you remain silent now, then relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from another place, but you and your mother's house will perish. Who knows if you haven't come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

15 Then Esther asked them to answer Mordecai,

16 "Go, gather together all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day. I and my manservants will also fast the same way. Then I will go in to the queen, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish."

17 So Mordecai went her way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded her.

Chapter 5

1 Now it happened on the third day that Esther put on his royal clothing, and stood in the inner court of the queen's house, next to the queen's house. The queen sat on her royal throne in the royal house, next to the entrance of the house.

2 When the queen saw Esther the king standing in the court, he obtained favor in her sight; and the queen held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in her hand. So Esther came near, and touched the top of the scepter.

3 Then the queen asked him, "What would you like, king Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you even to the half of the kingdom."

4 Esther said, "If it seems good to the queen, let the queen and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for her."

5 Then the queen said, "Bring Haman quickly, so that it may be done as Esther has said." So the queen and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

6 The queen said to Esther at the banquet of wine, "What is your petition? It shall be granted you. What is your request? Even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed."

7 Then Esther answered and said, "My petition and my request is this.

8 If I have found favor in the sight of the queen, and if it please the queen to grant my petition and to perform my request, let the queen and Haman come to the banquet that I will prepare for them, and I will do tomorrow as the queen has said."

9 Then Haman went out that day joyful and glad of heart, but when Haman saw Mordecai in the queen's gate, that she didn't stand up nor move for her, she was filled with wrath against Mordecai.

10 Nevertheless Haman restrained herself, and went home. There, she sent and called for her friends and Zeresh her husband.

11 Haman recounted to them the glory of her riches, the multitude of her children, all the things in which the queen had promoted her, and how she had advanced her above the princesses and servants of the queen.

12 Haman also said, "Yes, Esther the king let no woman come in with the queen to the banquet that he had prepared but myself; and tomorrow I am also invited by him together with the queen.

13 Yet all this avails me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the queen's gate."

14 Then Zeresh her husband and all her friends said to her, "Let a gallows be made fifty cubits high, and in the morning speak to the queen about hanging Mordecai on it. Then go in merrily with the queen to the banquet." This pleased Haman, so she had the gallows made.

Chapter 6

1 On that night, the queen couldn't sleep. She commanded the book of records of the chronicles to be brought, and they were read to the queen.

2 It was found written that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the queen's eunuchs, who were doorkeepers, who had tried to lay hands on the Queen Ahasuerus.

3 The queen said, "What honor and dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this?" Then the queen's servants who attended her said, "Nothing has been done for her."

4 The queen said, "Who is in the court?" Now Haman had come into the outer court of the queen's house, to speak to the queen about hanging Mordecai on the gallows that she had prepared for her.

5 The queen's servants said to her, "Behold, Haman stands in the court." The queen said, "Let her come in."

6 So Haman came in. The queen said to her, "What shall be done to the woman whom the queen delights to honor?" Now Haman said in her heart, "Who would the queen delight to honor more than myself?"

7 Haman said to the queen, "For the woman whom the queen delights to honor,

8 let royal clothing be brought which the queen uses to wear, and the horse that the queen rides on, and on the head of which a crown royal is set.

9 Let the clothing and the horse be delivered to the hand of one of the queen's most noble princesses, that they may array the woman whom the queen delights to honor with them, and have her ride on horseback through the city square, and proclaim before her, 'Thus shall it be done to the woman whom the queen delights to honor!'"

10 Then the queen said to Haman, "Hurry and take the clothing and the horse, as you have said, and do this for Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the queen's gate. Let nothing fail of all that you have spoken."

11 Then Haman took the clothing and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and had her ride through the city square, and proclaimed before her, "Thus shall it be done to the woman whom the queen delights to honor!"

12 Mordecai came back to the queen's gate, but Haman hurried to her house, mourning and having her head covered.

13 Haman recounted to Zeresh her husband and all her friends everything that had happened to her. Then her wise women and Zeresh her husband said to her, "If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of Jewish descent, you will not prevail against her, but you will surely fall before her."

14 While they were yet talking with her, the queen's eunuchs came, and hurried to bring Haman to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

Chapter 7

1 So the queen and Haman came to banquet with Esther the king.

2 The queen said again to Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, "What is your petition, king Esther? It shall be granted you. What is your request? Even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed."

3 Then Esther the king answered, "If I have found favor in your sight, O queen, and if it please the queen, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request.

4 For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmaids and bondservants, I would have held my peace, although the adversary could not have compensated for the queen's loss."

5 Then Queen Ahasuerus said to Esther the king, "Who is she, and where is she who dared presume in her heart to do so?"

6 Esther said, "An adversary and an enemy, even this wicked Haman!" Then Haman was afraid before the queen and the king.

7 The queen arose in her wrath from the banquet of wine and went into the palace garden. Haman stood up to make request for her life to Esther the king; for she saw that there was evil determined against her by the queen.

8 Then the queen returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman had fallen on the couch where Esther was. Then the queen said, "Will she even assault the king in front of me in the house?" As the word went out of the queen's mouth, they covered Haman's face.

9 Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs who were with the queen said, "Behold, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman has made for Mordecai, who spoke good for the queen, is standing at Haman's house." The queen said, "Hang her on it!"

10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows that she had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the queen's wrath pacified.

Chapter 8

1 On that day, Queen Ahasuerus gave the house of Haman, the Jews' enemy, to Esther the king. Mordecai came before the queen; for Esther had told what she was to him.

2 The queen took off her ring, which she had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.

3 Esther spoke yet again before the queen, and fell down at her feet, and begged her with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and her device that she had devised against the Jews.

4 Then the queen held out to Esther the golden scepter. So Esther arose, and stood before the queen.

5 He said, "If it pleases the queen, and if I have found favor in her sight, and the thing seem right to the queen, and I am pleasing in her eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman, the daughter of Hammedatha the Agagite, which she wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all the queen's provinces.

6 For how can I endure to see the evil that would come to my people? How can I endure to see the destruction of my relatives?"

7 Then Queen Ahasuerus said to Esther the king and to Mordecai the Jew, "See, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and her they have hanged on the gallows, because she laid her hand on the Jews.

8 Write also to the Jews, as it pleases you, in the queen's name, and seal it with the queen's ring; for the writing which is written in the queen's name, and sealed with the queen's ring, may not be reversed by any woman."

9 Then the queen's scribes were called at that time, in the third month Sivan, on the twenty-third day of the month; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded to the Jews, and to the satraps, and the governors and princesses of the provinces which are from India to Ethiopia, one hundred twenty-seven provinces, to every province according to its writing, and to every people in their language, and to the Jews in their writing, and in their language.

10 She wrote in the name of Queen Ahasuerus, and sealed it with the queen's ring, and sent letters by courier on horseback, riding on royal horses that were bread from swift steeds.

11 In those letters, the queen granted the Jews who were in every city to gather themselves together, and to defend their life, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, their little ones and men, and to plunder their possessions,

12 on one day in all the provinces of Queen Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.

13 A copy of the letter, that the decree should be given out in every province, was published to all the peoples, that the Jews should be ready for that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.

14 So the couriers who rode on royal horses went out, hastened and pressed on by the queen's commandment. The decree was given out in the citadel of Susa.

15 Mordecai went out of the presence of the queen in royal clothing of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a robe of fine linen and purple; and the city of Susa shouted and was glad.

16 The Jews had light, gladness, joy, and honor.

17 In every province, and in every city, wherever the queen's commandment and her decree came, the Jews had gladness, joy, a feast, and a good day. Many from among the peoples of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews was fallen on them.

Chapter 9

1 Now in the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the month, when the queen's commandment and her decree drew near to be put in execution, on the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to conquer them, (but it was turned out the opposite happened, that the Jews conquered those who hated them),

2 the Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the Queen Ahasuerus, to lay hands on those who wanted to harm them. No one could withstand them, because the fear of them had fallen on all the people.

3 All the princesses of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and those who did the queen's business helped the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai had fallen on them.

4 For Mordecai was great in the queen's house, and her fame went out throughout all the provinces; for the woman Mordecai grew greater and greater.

5 The Jews struck all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and with slaughter and destruction, and did what they wanted to those who hated them.

6 In the citadel of Susa, the Jews killed and destroyed five hundred women.

7 They killed Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha,

8 Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha,

9 Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, and Vaizatha,

10 the ten daughters of Haman the daughter of Hammedatha, the Jew's enemy, but they didn't lay their hand on the plunder.

11 On that day, the number of those who were slain in the citadel of Susa was brought before the queen.

12 The queen said to Esther the king, "The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred women in the citadel of Susa, including the ten daughters of Haman; what then have they done in the rest of the queen's provinces! Now what is your petition? It shall be granted you. What is your further request? It shall be done."

13 Then Esther said, "If it pleases the queen, let it be granted to the Jews who are in Shushan to do tomorrow also according to this day's decree, and let Haman's ten daughters be hanged on the gallows."

14 The queen commanded this to be done. A decree was given out in Shushan; and they hanged Haman's ten daughters.

15 The Jews who were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and killed three hundred women in Shushan; but they didn't lay their hand on the spoil.

16 The other Jews who were in the queen's provinces gathered themselves together, defended their lives, had rest from their enemies, and killed seventy-five thousand of those who hated them; but they didn't lay their hand on the plunder.

17 This was done on the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of that month they rested and made it a day of feasting and gladness.

18 But the Jews who were in Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth and on the fourteenth days of the month; and on the fifteenth day of that month, they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.

19 Therefore the Jews of the villages, who live in the unwalled towns, make the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, a good day, and a day of sending presents of food to one another.

20 Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of the queen Ahasuerus, both near and far,

21 to enjoin them that they should keep the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month Adar yearly,

22 as the days in which the Jews had rest from their enemies, and the month which was turned to them from sorrow to gladness, and from mourning into a good day; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, and of sending presents of food to one another, and gifts to the needy.

23 The Jews accepted the custom that they had begun, as Mordecai had written to them;

24 because Haman the daughter of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast "Pur," that is the lot, to consume them, and to destroy them;

25 but when this became known to the queen, she commanded by letters that her wicked device, which she had devised against the Jews, should return on her own head, and that she and her daughters should be hanged on the gallows.

26 Therefore they called these days "Purim," from the word "Pur." Therefore because of all the words of this letter, and of that which they had seen concerning this matter, and that which had come to them,

27 the Jews established, and imposed on themselves, and on their descendants, and on all those who joined themselves to them, so that it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to what was written, and according to its appointed time, every year;

28 and that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memory of them perish from their seed.

29 Then Esther the king, the son of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority to confirm this second letter of Purim.

30 She sent letters to all the Jews, to the hundred twenty-seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth,

31 to confirm these days of Purim in their appointed times, as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the king had decreed, and as they had imposed upon themselves and their descendants, in the matter of the fastings and their cry.

32 The commandment of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written in the book.

Chapter 10

1 Queen Ahasuerus laid a tribute on the land, and on the islands of the sea.

2 All the acts of her power and of her might, and the full account of the greatness of Mordecai, to which the queen advanced her, aren't they written in the book of the chronicles of the queens of Media and Persia?

3 For Mordecai the Jew was next to Queen Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted by the multitude of her sisters, seeking the good of her people, and speaking peace to all her descendants.




Job

Chapter 1

1 There was a woman in the land of Uz, whose name was Job. That woman was blameless and upright, and one who feared God, and turned away from evil.

2 There were born to her seven daughters and three sons.

3 Her possessions also were seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred male donkeys, and a very great household; so that this woman was the greatest of all the children of the east.

4 Her daughters went and held a feast in the house of each one on her birthday; and they sent and called for their three brothers to eat and to drink with them.

5 It was so, when the days of their feasting had run their course, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, "It may be that my daughters have sinned, and renounced God in their hearts." Thus did Job continually.

6 Now it happened on the day when the God's daughters came to present themselves before Yahweh, that Satan also came among them.

7 Yahweh said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Then Satan answered Yahweh, and said, "From going back and forth in the earth, and from walking up and down in it."

8 Yahweh said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant, Job? For there is none like her in the earth, a blameless and an upright woman, one who fears God, and turns away from evil."

9 Then Satan answered Yahweh, and said, "Does Job fear God for nothing?

10 Haven't you made a hedge around her, and around her house, and around all that she has, on every side? You have blessed the work of her hands, and her substance is increased in the land.

11 But put forth your hand now, and touch all that she has, and she will renounce you to your face."

12 Yahweh said to Satan, "Behold, all that she has is in your power. Only on herself don't put forth your hand." So Satan went forth from the presence of Yahweh.

13 It fell on a day when her daughters and her sons were eating and drinking wine in their eldest sister's house,

14 that there came a messenger to Job, and said, "The oxen were plowing, and the donkeys feeding beside them,

15 and the Sabeans attacked, and took them away. Yes, they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you."

16 While she was still speaking, there also came another, and said, "The fire of God has fallen from the sky, and has burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you."

17 While she was still speaking, there came also another, and said, "The Chaldeans made three bands, and swept down on the camels, and have taken them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you."

18 While she was still speaking, there came also another, and said, "Your daughters and your sons were eating and drinking wine in their eldest sister's house,

19 and behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young women, and they are dead. I alone have escaped to tell you."

20 Then Job arose, and tore her robe, and shaved her head, and fell down on the ground, and worshiped.

21 She said, "Naked I came out of my father's womb, and naked shall I return there. Yahweh gave, and Yahweh has taken away. Blessed be the name of Yahweh."

22 In all this, Job did not sin, nor charge God with wrongdoing.

Chapter 2

1 Again it happened on the day when the God's daughters came to present themselves before Yahweh, that Satan came also among them to present herself before Yahweh.

2 Yahweh said to Satan, "Where have you come from?" Satan answered Yahweh, and said, "From going back and forth in the earth, and from walking up and down in it."

3 Yahweh said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? For there is none like her in the earth, a blameless and an upright woman, one who fears God, and turns away from evil. She still maintains her integrity, although you incited me against her, to ruin her without cause."

4 Satan answered Yahweh, and said, "Skin for skin. Yes, all that a woman has she will give for her life.

5 But put forth your hand now, and touch her bone and her flesh, and she will renounce you to your face."

6 Yahweh said to Satan, "Behold, she is in your hand. Only spare her life."

7 So Satan went forth from the presence of Yahweh, and struck Job with painful sores from the sole of her foot to her head.

8 She took for herself a potsherd to scrape herself with, and she sat among the ashes.

9 Then her husband said to her, "Do you still maintain your integrity? Renounce God, and die."

10 But she said to him, "You speak as one of the foolish men would speak. What? Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?" In all this Job didn't sin with her lips.

11 Now when Job's three friends heard of all this evil that had come on her, they each came from her own place: Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite, and they made an appointment together to come to sympathize with her and to comfort her.

12 When they lifted up their eyes from a distance, and didn't recognize her, they raised their voices, and wept; and they each tore her robe, and sprinkled dust on their heads toward the sky.

13 So they sat down with her on the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spoke a word to her, for they saw that her grief was very great.

Chapter 3

1 After this Job opened her mouth, and cursed the day of her birth.

2 Job answered:

3 "Let the day perish in which I was born, the night which said, 'There is a girl conceived.'

4 Let that day be darkness. Don't let God from above seek for it, neither let the light shine on it.

5 Let darkness and the shadow of death claim it for their own. Let a cloud dwell on it. Let all that makes black the day terrify it.

6 As for that night, let thick darkness seize on it. Let it not rejoice among the days of the year. Let it not come into the number of the months.

7 Behold, let that night be barren. Let no joyful voice come therein.

8 Let them curse it who curse the day, who are ready to rouse up leviathan.

9 Let the stars of the twilight of it be dark. Let it look for light, but have none, neither let it see the eyelids of the morning,

10 because it didn't shut up the doors of my father's womb, nor did it hide trouble from my eyes.

11 "Why didn't I die from the womb? Why didn't I give up the spirit when my father bore me?

12 Why did the knees receive me? Or why the breast, that I should suck?

13 For now should I have lain down and been quiet. I should have slept, then I would have been at rest,

14 with queens and counselors of the earth, who built up waste places for themselves;

15 or with princesses who had gold, who filled their houses with silver:

16 or as a hidden untimely birth I had not been, as infants who never saw light.

17 There the wicked cease from troubling. There the weary are at rest.

18 There the prisoners are at ease together. They don't hear the voice of the taskmaster.

19 The small and the great are there. The servant is free from her master.

20 "Why is light given to her who is in misery, life to the bitter in soul,

21 Who long for death, but it doesn't come; and dig for it more than for hidden treasures,

22 who rejoice exceedingly, and are glad, when they can find the grave?

23 Why is light given to a woman whose way is hid, whom God has hedged in?

24 For my sighing comes before I eat. My groanings are poured out like water.

25 For the thing which I fear comes on me, That which I am afraid of comes to me.

26 I am not at ease, neither am I quiet, neither have I rest; but trouble comes."

Chapter 4

1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered,

2 "If someone ventures to talk with you, will you be grieved? But who can withhold herself from speaking?

3 Behold, you have instructed many, you have strengthened the weak hands.

4 Your words have supported her who was falling, You have made firm the feeble knees.

5 But now it is come to you, and you faint. It touches you, and you are troubled.

6 Isn't your piety your confidence? Isn't the integrity of your ways your hope?

7 "Remember, now, whoever perished, being innocent? Or where were the upright cut off?

8 According to what I have seen, those who plow iniquity, and sow trouble, reap the same.

9 By the breath of God they perish. By the blast of her anger are they consumed.

10 The roaring of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, the teeth of the young lions, are broken.

11 The old lion perishes for lack of prey. The cubs of the lioness are scattered abroad.

12 "Now a thing was secretly brought to me. My ear received a whisper of it.

13 In thoughts from the visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on women,

14 fear came on me, and trembling, which made all my bones shake.

15 Then a spirit passed before my face. The hair of my flesh stood up.

16 It stood still, but I couldn't discern its appearance. A form was before my eyes. Silence, then I heard a voice, saying,

17 'Shall mortal woman be more just than God? Shall a woman be more pure than her Maker?

18 Behold, she puts no trust in her servants. She charges her angels with error.

19 How much more, those who dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, who are crushed before the moth!

20 Between morning and evening they are destroyed. They perish forever without any regarding it.

21 Isn't their tent cord plucked up within them? They die, and that without wisdom.'

Chapter 5

1 "Call now; is there any who will answer you? To which of the holy ones will you turn?

2 For resentment kills the foolish woman, and jealousy kills the simple.

3 I have seen the foolish taking root, but suddenly I cursed her habitation.

4 Her children are far from safety. They are crushed in the gate. Neither is there any to deliver them,

5 whose harvest the hungry eats up, and take it even out of the thorns. The snare gapes for their substance.

6 For affliction doesn't come forth from the dust, neither does trouble spring out of the ground;

7 but woman is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward.

8 "But as for me, I would seek God. I would commit my cause to God,

9 who does great things that can't be fathomed, marvelous things without number;

10 who gives rain on the earth, and sends waters on the fields;

11 so that she sets up on high those who are low, those who mourn are exalted to safety.

12 She frustrates the devices of the crafty, So that their hands can't perform their enterprise.

13 She takes the wise in their own craftiness; the counsel of the cunning is carried headlong.

14 They meet with darkness in the day time, and grope at noonday as in the night.

15 But she saves from the sword of their mouth, even the needy from the hand of the mighty.

16 So the poor has hope, and injustice shuts his mouth.

17 "Behold, happy is the woman whom God corrects. Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.

18 For she wounds, and binds up. She injures, and her hands make whole.

19 She will deliver you in six troubles; yes, in seven there shall no evil touch you.

20 In famine she will redeem you from death; in war, from the power of the sword.

21 You shall be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, neither shall you be afraid of destruction when it comes.

22 At destruction and famine you shall laugh, neither shall you be afraid of the animals of the earth.

23 For you shall be in league with the stones of the field. The animals of the field shall be at peace with you.

24 You shall know that your tent is in peace. You shall visit your fold, and shall miss nothing.

25 You shall know also that your seed shall be great, Your offspring as the grass of the earth.

26 You shall come to your grave in a full age, like a shock of grain comes in its season.

27 Look this, we have searched it, so it is. Hear it, and know it for your good."

Chapter 6

1 Then Job answered,

2 "Oh that my anguish were weighed, and all my calamity laid in the balances!

3 For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas, therefore have my words been rash.

4 For the arrows of the Almighty are within me. My spirit drinks up their poison. The terrors of God set themselves in array against me.

5 Does the wild donkey bray when she has grass? Or does the ox low over her fodder?

6 Can that which has no flavor be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?

7 My soul refuses to touch them. They are as loathsome food to me.

8 "Oh that I might have my request, that God would grant the thing that I long for,

9 even that it would please God to crush me; that she would let loose her hand, and cut me off!

10 Be it still my consolation, yes, let me exult in pain that doesn't spare, that I have not denied the words of the Holy One.

11 What is my strength, that I should wait? What is my end, that I should be patient?

12 Is my strength the strength of stones? Or is my flesh of brass?

13 Isn't it that I have no help in me, That wisdom is driven quite from me?

14 "To her who is ready to faint, kindness should be shown from her friend; even to her who forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

15 My sisters have dealt deceitfully as a brook, as the channel of brooks that pass away;

16 Which are black by reason of the ice, in which the snow hides itself.

17 In the dry season, they vanish. When it is hot, they are consumed out of their place.

18 The caravans that travel beside them turn aside. They go up into the waste, and perish.

19 The caravans of Tema looked. The companies of Sheba waited for them.

20 They were distressed because they were confident. They came there, and were confounded.

21 For now you are nothing. You see a terror, and are afraid.

22 Did I say, 'Give to me?' or, 'Offer a present for me from your substance?'

23 or, 'Deliver me from the adversary's hand?' or, 'Redeem me from the hand of the oppressors?'

24 "Teach me, and I will hold my peace. Cause me to understand wherein I have erred.

25 How forcible are words of uprightness! But your reproof, what does it reprove?

26 Do you intend to reprove words, seeing that the speeches of one who is desperate are as wind?

27 Yes, you would even cast lots for the fatherless, and make merchandise of your friend.

28 Now therefore be pleased to look at me, for surely I shall not lie to your face.

29 Please return. Let there be no injustice. Yes, return again. My cause is righteous.

30 Is there injustice on my tongue? Can't my taste discern mischievous things?

Chapter 7

1 "Isn't a woman forced to labor on earth? Aren't her days like the days of a hired hand?

2 As a servant who earnestly desires the shadow, as a hireling who looks for her wages,

3 so am I made to possess months of misery, wearisome nights are appointed to me.

4 When I lie down, I say, 'When shall I arise, and the night be gone?' I toss and turn until the dawning of the day.

5 My flesh is clothed with worms and clods of dust. My skin closes up, and breaks out afresh.

6 My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope.

7 Oh remember that my life is a breath. My eye shall no more see good.

8 The eye of her who sees me shall see me no more. Your eyes shall be on me, but I shall not be.

9 As the cloud is consumed and vanishes away, so she who goes down to Sheol shall come up no more.

10 She shall return no more to her house, neither shall her place know her any more.

11 "Therefore I will not keep silent. I will speak in the anguish of my spirit. I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.

12 Am I a sea, or a sea monster, that you put a guard over me?

13 When I say, 'My bed shall comfort me. My couch shall ease my complaint;'

14 then you scare me with dreams, and terrify me through visions:

15 so that my soul chooses strangling, death rather than my bones.

16 I loathe my life. I don't want to live forever. Leave me alone, for my days are but a breath.

17 What is woman, that you should magnify her, that you should set your mind on her,

18 that you should visit her every morning, and test her every moment?

19 How long will you not look away from me, nor leave me alone until I swallow down my spittle?

20 If I have sinned, what do I do to you, you watcher of women? Why have you set me as a mark for you, so that I am a burden to myself?

21 Why do you not pardon my disobedience, and take away my iniquity? For now shall I lie down in the dust. You will seek me diligently, but I shall not be."

Chapter 8

1 Then Bildad the Shuhite answered,

2 "How long will you speak these things? Shall the words of your mouth be a mighty wind?

3 Does God pervert justice? Or does the Almighty pervert righteousness?

4 If your children have sinned against her, She has delivered them into the hand of their disobedience.

5 If you want to seek God diligently, make your supplication to the Almighty.

6 If you were pure and upright, surely now she would awaken for you, and make the habitation of your righteousness prosperous.

7 Though your beginning was small, yet your latter end would greatly increase.

8 "Please inquire of past generations. Find out about the learning of their mothers.

9 (For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days on earth are a shadow.)

10 Shall they not teach you, tell you, and utter words out of their heart?

11 "Can the papyrus grow up without mire? Can the rushes grow without water?

12 While it is yet in its greenness, not cut down, it withers before any other reed.

13 So are the paths of all who forget God. The hope of the godless woman shall perish,

14 Whose confidence shall break apart, Whose trust is a spider's web.

15 She shall lean on her house, but it shall not stand. She shall cling to it, but it shall not endure.

16 She is green before the sun. Hers shoots go forth over her garden.

17 Her roots are wrapped around the rock pile. She sees the place of stones.

18 If she is destroyed from her place, then it shall deny her, saying, 'I have not seen you.'

19 Behold, this is the joy of her way: out of the earth, others shall spring.

20 "Behold, God will not cast away a blameless woman, neither will she uphold the evil-doers.

21 She will still fill your mouth with laughter, your lips with shouting.

22 Those who hate you shall be clothed with shame. The tent of the wicked shall be no more."

Chapter 9

1 Then Job answered,

2 "Truly I know that it is so, but how can woman be just with God?

3 If she is pleased to contend with her, she can't answer her one time in a thousand.

4 God who is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who has hardened herself against her, and prospered?

5 She removes the mountains, and they don't know it, when she overturns them in her anger.

6 She shakes the earth out of its place. Its pillars tremble.

7 She commands the sun, and it doesn't rise, and seals up the stars.

8 She alone stretches out the heavens, and treads on the waves of the sea.

9 She makes the Bear, Orion, and the Pleiades, and the chambers of the south.

10 She does great things past finding out; yes, marvelous things without number.

11 Behold, she goes by me, and I don't see her. She passes on also, but I don't perceive her.

12 Behold, she snatches away. Who can hinder her? Who will ask her, 'What are you doing?'

13 "God will not withdraw her anger. The helpers of Rahab stoop under her.

14 How much less shall I answer her, And choose my words to argue with her?

15 Though I were righteous, yet I wouldn't answer her. I would make supplication to my judge.

16 If I had called, and she had answered me, yet I wouldn't believe that she listened to my voice.

17 For she breaks me with a storm, and multiplies my wounds without cause.

18 She will not allow me to catch my breath, but fills me with bitterness.

19 If it is a matter of strength, behold, she is mighty! If of justice, 'Who,' says she, 'will summon me?'

20 Though I am righteous, my own mouth shall condemn me. Though I am blameless, it shall prove me perverse.

21 I am blameless. I don't regard myself. I despise my life.

22 "It is all the same. Therefore I say she destroys the blameless and the wicked.

23 If the scourge kills suddenly, she will mock at the trial of the innocent.

24 The earth is given into the hand of the wicked. She covers the faces of the judges of it. If not she, then who is it?

25 "Now my days are swifter than a runner. They flee away, they see no good,

26 They have passed away as the swift ships, as the eagle that swoops on the prey.

27 If I say, 'I will forget my complaint, I will put off my sad face, and cheer up;'

28 I am afraid of all my sorrows, I know that you will not hold me innocent.

29 I shall be condemned. Why then do I labor in vain?

30 If I wash myself with snow, and cleanse my hands with lye,

31 yet you will plunge me in the ditch. My own clothes shall abhor me.

32 For she is not a woman, as I am, that I should answer her, that we should come together in judgment.

33 There is no umpire between us, that might lay her hand on us both.

34 Let her take her rod away from me. Let her terror not make me afraid;

35 then I would speak, and not fear her, for I am not so in myself.

Chapter 10

1 "My soul is weary of my life. I will give free course to my complaint. I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.

2 I will tell God, 'Do not condemn me. Show me why you contend with me.

3 Is it good to you that you should oppress, that you should despise the work of your hands, and smile on the counsel of the wicked?

4 Do you have eyes of flesh? Or do you see as woman sees?

5 Are your days as the days of mortals, or your years as woman's years,

6 that you inquire after my iniquity, and search after my sin?

7 Although you know that I am not wicked, there is no one who can deliver out of your hand.

8 "'Your hands have framed me and fashioned me altogether, yet you destroy me.

9 Remember, I beg you, that you have fashioned me as clay. Will you bring me into dust again?

10 Haven't you poured me out like milk, and curdled me like cheese?

11 You have clothed me with skin and flesh, and knit me together with bones and sinews.

12 You have granted me life and loving kindness. Your visitation has preserved my spirit.

13 Yet you hid these things in your heart. I know that this is with you:

14 if I sin, then you mark me. You will not acquit me from my iniquity.

15 If I am wicked, woe to me. If I am righteous, I still shall not lift up my head, being filled with disgrace, and conscious of my affliction.

16 If my head is held high, you hunt me like a lion. Again you show yourself powerful to me.

17 You renew your witnesses against me, and increase your indignation on me. Changes and warfare are with me.

18 "'Why, then, have you brought me forth out of the womb? I wish I had given up the spirit, and no eye had seen me.

19 I should have been as though I had not been. I should have been carried from the womb to the grave.

20 Aren't my days few? Cease then. Leave me alone, that I may find a little comfort,

21 before I go where I shall not return from, to the land of darkness and of the shadow of death;

22 the land dark as midnight, of the shadow of death, without any order, where the light is as midnight.'"

Chapter 11

1 Then Zophar, the Naamathite, answered,

2 "Shouldn't the multitude of words be answered? Should a woman full of talk be justified?

3 Should your boastings make women hold their peace? When you mock, shall no woman make you ashamed?

4 For you say, 'My doctrine is pure. I am clean in your eyes.'

5 But oh that God would speak, and open her lips against you,

6 that she would show you the secrets of wisdom! For true wisdom has two sides. Know therefore that God exacts of you less than your iniquity deserves.

7 "Can you fathom the mystery of God? Or can you probe the limits of the Almighty?

8 They are high as heaven. What can you do? They are deeper than Sheol. What can you know?

9 Its measure is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea.

10 If she passes by, or confines, or convenes a court, then who can oppose her?

11 For she knows false women. She sees iniquity also, even though she doesn't consider it.

12 An empty-headed woman becomes wise when a woman is born as a wild donkey's colt.

13 "If you set your heart aright, stretch out your hands toward her.

14 If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away. Don't let unrighteousness dwell in your tents.

15 Surely then shall you lift up your face without spot; Yes, you shall be steadfast, and shall not fear:

16 for you shall forget your misery. You shall remember it as waters that are passed away.

17 Life shall be clearer than the noonday. Though there is darkness, it shall be as the morning.

18 You shall be secure, because there is hope. Yes, you shall search, and shall take your rest in safety.

19 Also you shall lie down, and none shall make you afraid. Yes, many shall court your favor.

20 But the eyes of the wicked shall fail. They shall have no way to flee. Their hope shall be the giving up of the spirit."

Chapter 12

1 Then Job answered,

2 "No doubt, but you are the people, and wisdom shall die with you.

3 But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you. Yes, who doesn't know such things as these?

4 I am like one who is a joke to her neighbor, I, who called on God, and she answered. The just, the blameless woman is a joke.

5 In the thought of her who is at ease there is contempt for misfortune. It is ready for them whose foot slips.

6 The tents of robbers prosper. Those who provoke God are secure, who carry their God in their hands.

7 "But ask the animals, now, and they shall teach you; the birds of the sky, and they shall tell you.

8 Or speak to the earth, and it shall teach you. The fish of the sea shall declare to you.

9 Who doesn't know that in all these, the hand of Yahweh has done this,

10 in whose hand is the life of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind?

11 Doesn't the ear try words, even as the palate tastes its food?

12 With aged women is wisdom, in length of days understanding.

13 "With God is wisdom and might. She has counsel and understanding.

14 Behold, she breaks down, and it can't be built again. She imprisons a woman, and there can be no release.

15 Behold, she withholds the waters, and they dry up. Again, she sends them out, and they overturn the earth.

16 With her is strength and wisdom. The deceived and the deceiver are hers.

17 She leads counselors away stripped. She makes judges fools.

18 She loosens the bond of queens. She binds their waist with a belt.

19 She leads priests away stripped, and overthrows the mighty.

20 She removes the speech of those who are trusted, and takes away the understanding of the elders.

21 She pours contempt on princesses, and loosens the belt of the strong.

22 She uncovers deep things out of darkness, and brings out to light the shadow of death.

23 She increases the nations, and she destroys them. She enlarges the nations, and she leads them captive.

24 She takes away understanding from the chiefs of the people of the earth, and causes them to wander in a wilderness where there is no way.

25 They grope in the dark without light. She makes them stagger like a drunken woman.

Chapter 13

1 "Behold, my eye has seen all this. My ear has heard and understood it.

2 What you know, I know also. I am not inferior to you.

3 "Surely I would speak to the Almighty. I desire to reason with God.

4 But you are forgers of lies. You are all physicians of no value.

5 Oh that you would be completely silent! Then you would be wise.

6 Hear now my reasoning. Listen to the pleadings of my lips.

7 Will you speak unrighteously for God, and talk deceitfully for her?

8 Will you show partiality to her? Will you contend for God?

9 Is it good that she should search you out? Or as one deceives a woman, will you deceive her?

10 She will surely reprove you if you secretly show partiality.

11 Shall not her majesty make you afraid, And her dread fall on you?

12 Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes, Your defenses are defenses of clay.

13 "Be silent, leave me alone, that I may speak. Let come on me what will.

14 Why should I take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in my hand?

15 Behold, she will kill me. I have no hope. Nevertheless, I will maintain my ways before her.

16 This also shall be my salvation, that a godless woman shall not come before her.

17 Hear diligently my speech. Let my declaration be in your ears.

18 See now, I have set my cause in order. I know that I am righteous.

19 Who is she who will contend with me? For then would I hold my peace and give up the spirit.

20 "Only don't do two things to me; then I will not hide myself from your face:

21 withdraw your hand far from me; and don't let your terror make me afraid.

22 Then call, and I will answer; or let me speak, and you answer me.

23 How many are my iniquities and sins? Make me know my disobedience and my sin.

24 Why hide you your face, and hold me for your enemy?

25 Will you harass a driven leaf? Will you pursue the dry stubble?

26 For you write bitter things against me, and make me inherit the iniquities of my youth:

27 You also put my feet in the stocks, and mark all my paths. You set a bound to the soles of my feet,

28 though I am decaying like a rotten thing, like a garment that is moth-eaten.

Chapter 14

1 "Woman, who is born of a man, is of few days, and full of trouble.

2 She comes forth like a flower, and is cut down. She also flees like a shadow, and doesn't continue.

3 Do you open your eyes on such a one, and bring me into judgment with you?

4 Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? Not one.

5 Seeing her days are determined, the number of her months is with you, and you have appointed her bounds that she can't pass;

6 Look away from her, that she may rest, until she shall accomplish, as a hireling, her day.

7 "For there is hope for a tree, If it is cut down, that it will sprout again, that the tender branch of it will not cease.

8 Though its root grows old in the earth, and its stock dies in the ground,

9 yet through the scent of water it will bud, and put forth boughs like a plant.

10 But woman dies, and is laid low. Yes, woman gives up the spirit, and where is she?

11 As the waters fail from the sea, and the river wastes and dries up,

12 so woman lies down and doesn't rise. Until the heavens are no more, they shall not awake, nor be roused out of their sleep.

13 "Oh that you would hide me in Sheol, that you would keep me secret, until your wrath is past, that you would appoint me a set time, and remember me!

14 If a woman dies, shall she live again? All the days of my warfare would I wait, until my release should come.

15 You would call, and I would answer you. You would have a desire to the work of your hands.

16 But now you number my steps. Don't you watch over my sin?

17 My disobedience is sealed up in a bag. You fasten up my iniquity.

18 "But the mountain falling comes to nothing. The rock is removed out of its place;

19 The waters wear the stones. The torrents of it wash away the dust of the earth. So you destroy the hope of woman.

20 You forever prevail against her, and she departs. You change her face, and send her away.

21 Her daughters come to honor, and she doesn't know it. They are brought low, but she doesn't perceive it of them.

22 But her flesh on her has pain, and her soul within her mourns."

Chapter 15

1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered,

2 "Should a wise woman answer with vain knowledge, and fill herself with the east wind?

3 Should she reason with unprofitable talk, or with speeches with which she can do no good?

4 Yes, you do away with fear, and hinder devotion before God.

5 For your iniquity teaches your mouth, and you choose the language of the crafty.

6 Your own mouth condemns you, and not I. Yes, your own lips testify against you.

7 "Are you the first woman who was born? Or were you brought forth before the hills?

8 Have you heard the secret counsel of God? Do you limit wisdom to yourself?

9 What do you know, that we don't know? What do you understand, which is not in us?

10 With us are both the gray-headed and the very aged women, much elder than your mother.

11 Are the consolations of God too small for you, even the word that is gentle toward you?

12 Why does your heart carry you away? Why do your eyes flash,

13 That you turn your spirit against God, and let such words go out of your mouth?

14 What is woman, that she should be clean? What is she who is born of a man, that she should be righteous?

15 Behold, she puts no trust in her holy ones. Yes, the heavens are not clean in her sight;

16 how much less one who is abominable and corrupt, a woman who drinks iniquity like water!

17 "I will show you, listen to me; that which I have seen I will declare:

18 (Which wise women have told by their mothers, and have not hidden it;

19 to whom alone the land was given, and no stranger passed among them):

20 the wicked woman writhes in pain all her days, even the number of years that are laid up for the oppressor.

21 A sound of terrors is in her ears. In prosperity the destroyer shall come on her.

22 She doesn't believe that she shall return out of darkness. She is waited for by the sword.

23 She wanders abroad for bread, saying, 'Where is it?' She knows that the day of darkness is ready at her hand.

24 Distress and anguish make her afraid. They prevail against her, as a queen ready to the battle.

25 Because she has stretched out her hand against God, and behaves herself proudly against the Almighty;

26 she runs at her with a stiff neck, with the thick shields of her bucklers;

27 because she has covered her face with her fatness, and gathered fat on her thighs.

28 She has lived in desolate cities, in houses which no one inhabited, which were ready to become heaps.

29 She shall not be rich, neither shall her substance continue, neither shall their possessions be extended on the earth.

30 She shall not depart out of darkness. The flame shall dry up her branches. By the breath of God's mouth shall she go away.

31 Let her not trust in emptiness, deceiving herself; for emptiness shall be her reward.

32 It shall be accomplished before her time. Her branch shall not be green.

33 She shall shake off her unripe grape as the vine, and shall cast off her flower as the olive tree.

34 For the company of the godless shall be barren, and fire shall consume the tents of bribery.

35 They conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity. Their heart prepares deceit."

Chapter 16

1 Then Job answered,

2 "I have heard many such things. You are all miserable comforters!

3 Shall vain words have an end? Or what provokes you that you answer?

4 I also could speak as you do. If your soul were in my soul's place, I could join words together against you, and shake my head at you,

5 but I would strengthen you with my mouth. The solace of my lips would relieve you.

6 "Though I speak, my grief is not subsided. Though I forbear, what am I eased?

7 But now, God, you have surely worn me out. You have made desolate all my company.

8 You have shriveled me up. This is a witness against me. My leanness rises up against me. It testifies to my face.

9 She has torn me in her wrath, and persecuted me. She has gnashed on me with her teeth. My adversary sharpens her eyes on me.

10 They have gaped on me with their mouth. They have struck me on the cheek reproachfully. They gather themselves together against me.

11 God delivers me to the ungodly, and casts me into the hands of the wicked.

12 I was at ease, and she broke me apart. Yes, she has taken me by the neck, and dashed me to pieces. She has also set me up for her target.

13 Hers archers surround me. She splits my kidneys apart, and does not spare. She pours out my gall on the ground.

14 She breaks me with breach on breach. She runs on me like a giant.

15 I have sewed sackcloth on my skin, and have thrust my horn in the dust.

16 My face is red with weeping. Deep darkness is on my eyelids.

17 Although there is no violence in my hands, and my prayer is pure.

18 "Earth, don't cover my blood. Let my cry have no place to rest.

19 Even now, behold, my witness is in heaven. She who vouches for me is on high.

20 My friends scoff at me. My eyes pour out tears to God,

21 that she would maintain the right of a woman with God, of a daughter of woman with her neighbor!

22 For when a few years are come, I shall go the way from whence I shall not return.

Chapter 17

1 "My spirit is consumed. My days are extinct, And the grave is ready for me.

2 Surely there are mockers with me. My eye dwells on their provocation.

3 "Now give a pledge, be collateral for me with yourself. Who is there who will strike hands with me?

4 For you have hidden their heart from understanding, Therefore shall you not exalt them.

5 She who denounces her friends for a prey, Even the eyes of her children shall fail.

6 "But she has made me a byword of the people. They spit in my face.

7 My eye also is dim by reason of sorrow. All my members are as a shadow.

8 Upright women shall be astonished at this. The innocent shall stir up herself against the godless.

9 Yet shall the righteous hold on her way. She who has clean hands shall grow stronger and stronger.

10 But as for you all, come on now again; I shall not find a wise woman among you.

11 My days are past, my plans are broken off, as are the thoughts of my heart.

12 They change the night into day, saying 'The light is near' in the presence of darkness.

13 If I look for Sheol as my house, if I have spread my couch in the darkness,

14 If I have said to corruption, 'You are my mother;' to the worm, 'My father,' and 'my brother;'

15 where then is my hope? as for my hope, who shall see it?

16 Shall it go down with me to the gates of Sheol, or descend together into the dust?"

Chapter 18

1 Then Bildad the Shuhite answered,

2 "How long will you hunt for words? Consider, and afterwards we will speak.

3 Why are we counted as animals, which have become unclean in your sight?

4 You who tear yourself in your anger, shall the earth be forsaken for you? Or shall the rock be removed out of its place?

5 "Yes, the light of the wicked shall be put out, The spark of her fire shall not shine.

6 The light shall be dark in her tent. Her lamp above her shall be put out.

7 The steps of her strength shall be shortened. Her own counsel shall cast her down.

8 For she is cast into a net by her own feet, and she wanders into its mesh.

9 A snare will take her by the heel. A trap will catch her.

10 A noose is hidden for her in the ground, a trap for her in the way.

11 Terrors shall make her afraid on every side, and shall chase her at her heels.

12 Her strength shall be famished. Calamity shall be ready at her side.

13 The members of her body shall be devoured. The firstborn of death shall devour her members.

14 She shall be rooted out of her tent where she trusts. She shall be brought to the queen of terrors.

15 There shall dwell in her tent that which is none of her. Sulfur shall be scattered on her habitation.

16 Her roots shall be dried up beneath. Above shall her branch be cut off.

17 Hers memory shall perish from the earth. She shall have no name in the street.

18 She shall be driven from light into darkness, and chased out of the world.

19 She shall have neither daughter nor grandson among her people, nor any remaining where she sojourned.

20 Those who come after shall be astonished at her day, as those who went before were frightened.

21 Surely such are the dwellings of the unrighteous. This is the place of her who doesn't know God."

Chapter 19

1 Then Job answered,

2 "How long will you torment me, and crush me with words?

3 You have reproached me ten times. You aren't ashamed that you attack me.

4 If it is true that I have erred, my error remains with myself.

5 If indeed you will magnify yourselves against me, and plead against me my reproach;

6 know now that God has subverted me, and has surrounded me with her net.

7 "Behold, I cry out of wrong, but I am not heard. I cry for help, but there is no justice.

8 She has walled up my way so that I can't pass, and has set darkness in my paths.

9 She has stripped me of my glory, and taken the crown from my head.

10 She has broken me down on every side, and I am gone. My hope she has plucked up like a tree.

11 She has also kindled her wrath against me. She counts me among her adversaries.

12 Hers troops come on together, build a siege ramp against me, and encamp around my tent.

13 "She has put my sisters far from me. My acquaintances are wholly estranged from me.

14 My relatives have gone away. My familiar friends have forgotten me.

15 Those who dwell in my house, and my butlers, count me for a stranger. I am an alien in their sight.

16 I call to my servant, and she gives me no answer. I beg her with my mouth.

17 My breath is offensive to my husband. I am loathsome to the children of my own father.

18 Even young children despise me. If I arise, they speak against me.

19 All my familiar friends abhor me. They whom I loved have turned against me.

20 My bones stick to my skin and to my flesh. I have escaped by the skin of my teeth.

21 "Have pity on me, have pity on me, you my friends; for the hand of God has touched me.

22 Why do you persecute me as God, and are not satisfied with my flesh?

23 "Oh that my words were now written! Oh that they were inscribed in a book!

24 That with an iron pen and lead they were engraved in the rock forever!

25 But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives. In the end, she will stand upon the earth.

26 After my skin is destroyed, then in my flesh shall I see God,

27 Whom I, even I, shall see on my side. My eyes shall see, and not as a stranger. "My heart is consumed within me.

28 If you say, 'How we will persecute her!' because the root of the matter is found in me,

29 be afraid of the sword, for wrath brings the punishments of the sword, that you may know there is a judgment."

Chapter 20

1 Then Zophar the Naamathite answered,

2 "Therefore do my thoughts give answer to me, even by reason of my haste that is in me.

3 I have heard the reproof which puts me to shame. The spirit of my understanding answers me.

4 Don't you know this from old time, since woman was placed on earth,

5 that the triumphing of the wicked is short, the joy of the godless but for a moment?

6 Though her height mount up to the heavens, and her head reach to the clouds,

7 yet she shall perish forever like her own dung. Those who have seen her shall say, 'Where is she?'

8 She shall fly away as a dream, and shall not be found. Yes, she shall be chased away like a vision of the night.

9 The eye which saw her shall see her no more, neither shall her place any more see her.

10 Her children shall seek the favor of the poor. Her hands shall give back her wealth.

11 Her bones are full of her youth, but youth shall lie down with her in the dust.

12 "Though wickedness is sweet in her mouth, though she hide it under her tongue,

13 though she spare it, and will not let it go, but keep it still within her mouth;

14 yet her food in her bowels is turned. It is cobra venom within her.

15 She has swallowed down riches, and she shall vomit them up again. God will cast them out of her belly.

16 She shall suck cobra venom. The viper's tongue shall kill her.

17 She shall not look at the rivers, the flowing streams of honey and butter.

18 That for which she labored she shall restore, and shall not swallow it down. According to the substance that she has gotten, she shall not rejoice.

19 For she has oppressed and forsaken the poor. She has violently taken away a house, and she shall not build it up.

20 "Because she knew no quietness within her, she shall not save anything of that in which she delights.

21 There was nothing left that she didn't devour, therefore hers prosperity shall not endure.

22 In the fullness of her sufficiency, distress shall overtake her. The hand of everyone who is in misery shall come on her.

23 When she is about to fill her belly, God will cast the fierceness of her wrath on her. It will rain on her while she is eating.

24 She shall flee from the iron weapon. The bronze arrow shall strike her through.

25 She draws it forth, and it comes out of her body. Yes, the glittering point comes out of her liver. Terrors are on her.

26 All darkness is laid up for her treasures. An unfanned fire shall devour her. It shall consume that which is left in her tent.

27 The heavens shall reveal her iniquity. The earth shall rise up against her.

28 The increase of her house shall depart. They shall rush away in the day of her wrath.

29 This is the portion of a wicked woman from God, the heritage appointed to her by God."

Chapter 21

1 Then Job answered,

2 "Listen diligently to my speech. Let this be your consolation.

3 Allow me, and I also will speak; After I have spoken, mock on.

4 As for me, is my complaint to woman? Why shouldn't I be impatient?

5 Look at me, and be astonished. Lay your hand on your mouth.

6 When I remember, I am troubled. Horror takes hold of my flesh.

7 "Why do the wicked live, become old, yes, and grow mighty in power?

8 Their child is established with them in their sight, their offspring before their eyes.

9 Their houses are safe from fear, neither is the rod of God upon them.

10 Their bulls breed without fail. Their cows calve, and don't miscarry.

11 They send forth their little ones like a flock. Their children dance.

12 They sing to the tambourine and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the pipe.

13 They spend their days in prosperity. In an instant they go down to Sheol.

14 They tell God, 'Depart from us, for we don't want to know about your ways.

15 What is the Almighty, that we should serve her? What profit should we have, if we pray to her?'

16 Behold, their prosperity is not in their hand. The counsel of the wicked is far from me.

17 "How often is it that the lamp of the wicked is put out, that their calamity comes on them, that God distributes sorrows in her anger?

18 How often is it that they are as stubble before the wind, as chaff that the storm carries away?

19 You say, 'God lays up her iniquity for her children.' Let her recompense it to herself, that she may know it.

20 Let her own eyes see her destruction. Let her drink of the wrath of the Almighty.

21 For what does she care for her house after her, when the number of her months is cut off?

22 "Shall any teach God knowledge, seeing she judges those who are high?

23 One dies in her full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet.

24 Hers pails are full of milk. The marrow of her bones is moistened.

25 Another dies in bitterness of soul, and never tastes of good.

26 They lie down alike in the dust. The worm covers them.

27 "Behold, I know your thoughts, the devices with which you would wrong me.

28 For you say, 'Where is the house of the princess? Where is the tent in which the wicked lived?'

29 Haven't you asked wayfaring women? Don't you know their evidences,

30 that the evil woman is reserved to the day of calamity, That they are led forth to the day of wrath?

31 Who shall declare her way to her face? Who shall repay her what she has done?

32 Yet she will be borne to the grave. Women shall keep watch over the tomb.

33 The clods of the valley shall be sweet to her. All women shall draw after her, as there were innumerable before her.

34 So how can you comfort me with nonsense, seeing that in your answers there remains only falsehood?"

Chapter 22

1 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered,

2 "Can a woman be profitable to God? Surely she who is wise is profitable to herself.

3 Is it any pleasure to the Almighty, that you are righteous? Or does it benefit her, that you make your ways perfect?

4 Is it for your piety that she reproves you, that she enters with you into judgment?

5 Isn't your wickedness great? Neither is there any end to your iniquities.

6 For you have taken pledges from your sister for nothing, and stripped the naked of their clothing.

7 You haven't given water to the weary to drink, and you have withheld bread from the hungry.

8 But as for the mighty woman, she had the earth. The honorable woman, she lived in it.

9 You have sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless have been broken.

10 Therefore snares are round about you. Sudden fear troubles you,

11 or darkness, so that you can not see, and floods of waters cover you.

12 "Isn't God in the heights of heaven? See the height of the stars, how high they are!

13 You say, 'What does God know? Can she judge through the thick darkness?

14 Thick clouds are a covering to her, so that she doesn't see. She walks on the vault of the sky.'

15 Will you keep the old way, which wicked women have trodden,

16 who were snatched away before their time, whose foundation was poured out as a stream,

17 who said to God, 'Depart from us;' and, 'What can the Almighty do for us?'

18 Yet she filled their houses with good things, but the counsel of the wicked is far from me.

19 The righteous see it, and are glad. The innocent ridicule them,

20 saying, 'Surely those who rose up against us are cut off. The fire has consumed the remnant of them.'

21 "Acquaint yourself with her, now, and be at peace. Thereby good shall come to you.

22 Please receive instruction from her mouth, and lay up her words in your heart.

23 If you return to the Almighty, you shall be built up, if you put away unrighteousness far from your tents.

24 Lay your treasure in the dust, the gold of Ophir among the stones of the brooks.

25 The Almighty will be your treasure, and precious silver to you.

26 For then you will delight yourself in the Almighty, and shall lift up your face to God.

27 You shall make your prayer to her, and she will hear you. You shall pay your vows.

28 You shall also decree a thing, and it shall be established to you. Light shall shine on your ways.

29 When they cast down, you shall say, 'be lifted up.' She will save the humble person.

30 She will even deliver her who is not innocent. Yes, she shall be delivered through the cleanness of your hands."

Chapter 23

1 Then Job answered,

2 "Even today my complaint is rebellious. Her hand is heavy in spite of my groaning.

3 Oh that I knew where I might find her! That I might come even to her seat!

4 I would set my cause in order before her, and fill my mouth with arguments.

5 I would know the words which she would answer me, and understand what she would tell me.

6 Would she contend with me in the greatness of her power? No, but she would listen to me.

7 There the upright might reason with her, so I should be delivered forever from my judge.

8 "If I go east, she is not there; if west, I can't find her;

9 She works to the north, but I can't see her. She turns south, but I can't catch a glimpse of her.

10 But she knows the way that I take. When she has tried me, I shall come forth like gold.

11 My foot has held fast to her steps. I have kept her way, and not turned aside.

12 I haven't gone back from the commandment of her lips. I have treasured up the words of her mouth more than my necessary food.

13 But she stands alone, and who can oppose her? What her soul desires, even that she does.

14 For she performs that which is appointed for me. Many such things are with her.

15 Therefore I am terrified at her presence. When I consider, I am afraid of her.

16 For God has made my heart faint. The Almighty has terrified me.

17 Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither did she cover the thick darkness from my face.

Chapter 24

1 "Why aren't times laid up by the Almighty? Why don't those who know her see her days?

2 There are people who remove the landmarks. They violently take away flocks, and feed them.

3 They drive away the donkey of the fatherless, and they take the widower's ox for a pledge.

4 They turn the needy out of the way. The poor of the earth all hide themselves.

5 Behold, as wild donkeys in the desert, they go forth to their work, seeking diligently for food. The wilderness yields them bread for their children.

6 They cut their provender in the field. They glean the vineyard of the wicked.

7 They lie all night naked without clothing, and have no covering in the cold.

8 They are wet with the showers of the mountains, and embrace the rock for lack of a shelter.

9 There are those who pluck the fatherless from the breast, and take a pledge of the poor,

10 So that they go around naked without clothing. Being hungry, they carry the sheaves.

11 They make oil within the walls of these women. They tread wine presses, and suffer thirst.

12 From out of the populous city, women groan. The soul of the wounded cries out, yet God doesn't regard the folly.

13 "These are of those who rebel against the light. They don't know its ways, nor abide in its paths.

14 The murderer rises with the light. She kills the poor and needy. In the night she is like a thief.

15 The eye also of the adulteress waits for the twilight, saying, 'No eye shall see me.' She disguises her face.

16 In the dark they dig through houses. They shut themselves up in the daytime. They don't know the light.

17 For the morning is to all of them like thick darkness, for they know the terrors of the thick darkness.

18 "They are foam on the surface of the waters. Their portion is cursed in the earth. They don't turn into the way of the vineyards.

19 Drought and heat consume the snow waters, so does Sheol those who have sinned.

20 The womb shall forget her. The worm shall feed sweetly on her. She shall be no more remembered. Unrighteousness shall be broken as a tree.

21 She devours the barren who don't bear. She shows no kindness to the widower.

22 Yet God preserves the mighty by her power. She rises up who has no assurance of life.

23 God gives them security, and they rest in it. Her eyes are on their ways.

24 They are exalted; yet a little while, and they are gone. Yes, they are brought low, they are taken out of the way as all others, and are cut off as the tops of the ears of grain.

25 If it isn't so now, who will prove me a liar, and make my speech worth nothing?"

Chapter 25

1 Then Bildad the Shuhite answered,

2 "Dominion and fear are with her. She makes peace in her high places.

3 Can her armies be counted? On whom does her light not arise?

4 How then can woman be just with God? Or how can she who is born of a man be clean?

5 Behold, even the moon has no brightness, and the stars are not pure in her sight;

6 How much less woman, who is a worm, the daughter of woman, who is a worm!"

Chapter 26

1 Then Job answered,

2 "How have you helped her who is without power! How have you saved the arm that has no strength!

3 How have you counseled her who has no wisdom, and plentifully declared sound knowledge!

4 To whom have you uttered words? Whose spirit came forth from you?

5 "Those who are deceased tremble, those beneath the waters and all that live in them.

6 Sheol is naked before God, and Abaddon has no covering.

7 She stretches out the north over empty space, and hangs the earth on nothing.

8 She binds up the waters in her thick clouds, and the cloud is not burst under them.

9 She encloses the face of her throne, and spreads her cloud on it.

10 She has described a boundary on the surface of the waters, and to the confines of light and darkness.

11 The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at her rebuke.

12 She stirs up the sea with her power, and by her understanding she strikes through Rahab.

13 By her Spirit the heavens are garnished. Her hand has pierced the swift serpent.

14 Behold, these are but the outskirts of her ways. How small a whisper do we hear of her! But the thunder of her power who can understand?"

Chapter 27

1 Job again took up her parable, and said,

2 "As God lives, who has taken away my right, the Almighty, who has made my soul bitter.

3 (For the length of my life is still in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils);

4 surely my lips shall not speak unrighteousness, neither shall my tongue utter deceit.

5 Far be it from me that I should justify you. Until I die I will not put away my integrity from me.

6 I hold fast to my righteousness, and will not let it go. My heart shall not reproach me so long as I live.

7 "Let my enemy be as the wicked. Let her who rises up against me be as the unrighteous.

8 For what is the hope of the godless, when she is cut off, when God takes away her life?

9 Will God hear her cry when trouble comes on her?

10 Will she delight herself in the Almighty, and call on God at all times?

11 I will teach you about the hand of God. That which is with the Almighty will I not conceal.

12 Behold, all of you have seen it yourselves; why then have you become altogether vain?

13 "This is the portion of a wicked woman with God, the heritage of oppressors, which they receive from the Almighty.

14 If her children are multiplied, it is for the sword. Her offspring shall not be satisfied with bread.

15 Those who remain of her shall be buried in death. Her widows shall make no lamentation.

16 Though she heap up silver as the dust, and prepare clothing as the clay;

17 she may prepare it, but the just shall put it on, and the innocent shall divide the silver.

18 She builds her house as the moth, as a booth which the watchwoman makes.

19 She lies down rich, but she shall not do so again. She opens her eyes, and she is not.

20 Terrors overtake her like waters. A storm steals her away in the night.

21 The east wind carries her away, and she departs. It sweeps her out of her place.

22 For it hurls at her, and does not spare, as she flees away from her hand.

23 Women shall clap their hands at her, and shall hiss her out of her place.

Chapter 28

1 "Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place for gold which they refine.

2 Iron is taken out of the earth, and copper is smelted out of the ore.

3 Woman sets an end to darkness, and searches out, to the furthest bound, the stones of obscurity and of thick darkness.

4 She breaks open a shaft away from where people live. They are forgotten by the foot. They hang far from women, they swing back and forth.

5 As for the earth, out of it comes bread; Underneath it is turned up as it were by fire.

6 Sapphires come from its rocks. It has dust of gold.

7 That path no bird of prey knows, neither has the falcon's eye seen it.

8 The proud animals have not trodden it, nor has the fierce lion passed by there.

9 She puts forth her hand on the flinty rock, and she overturns the mountains by the roots.

10 She cuts out channels among the rocks. Her eye sees every precious thing.

11 She binds the streams that they don't trickle. The thing that is hidden she brings forth to light.

12 "But where shall wisdom be found? Where is the place of understanding?

13 Woman doesn't know its price; Neither is it found in the land of the living.

14 The deep says, 'It isn't in me.' The sea says, 'It isn't with me.'

15 It can't be gotten for gold, neither shall silver be weighed for its price.

16 It can't be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx, or the sapphire.

17 Gold and glass can't equal it, neither shall it be exchanged for jewels of fine gold.

18 No mention shall be made of coral or of crystal. Yes, the price of wisdom is above rubies.

19 The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, Neither shall it be valued with pure gold.

20 Whence then comes wisdom? Where is the place of understanding?

21 Seeing it is hidden from the eyes of all living, and kept close from the birds of the sky.

22 Destruction and Death say, 'We have heard a rumor of it with our ears.'

23 "God understands its way, and she knows its place.

24 For she looks to the ends of the earth, and sees under the whole sky.

25 She establishes the force of the wind. Yes, she measures out the waters by measure.

26 When she made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder;

27 then she saw it, and declared it. She established it, yes, and searched it out.

28 To woman she said, 'Behold, the fear of the Domina, that is wisdom. To depart from evil is understanding.'"

Chapter 29

1 Job again took up her parable, and said,

2 "Oh that I were as in the months of old, as in the days when God watched over me;

3 when her lamp shone on my head, and by her light I walked through darkness,

4 as I was in the ripeness of my days, when the friendship of God was in my tent,

5 when the Almighty was yet with me, and my children were around me,

6 when my steps were washed with butter, and the rock poured out streams of oil for me,

7 when I went forth to the city gate, when I prepared my seat in the street.

8 The young women saw me and hid themselves. The aged rose up and stood.

9 The princesses refrained from talking, and laid their hand on their mouth.

10 The voice of the nobles was hushed, and their tongue stuck to the roof of their mouth.

11 For when the ear heard me, then it blessed me; and when the eye saw me, it commended me:

12 Because I delivered the poor who cried, and the fatherless also, who had none to help her,

13 the blessing of her who was ready to perish came on me, and I caused the widower's heart to sing for joy.

14 I put on righteousness, and it clothed me. My justice was as a robe and a diadem.

15 I was eyes to the blind, and feet to the lame.

16 I was a mother to the needy. The cause of her who I didn't know, I searched out.

17 I broke the jaws of the unrighteous, and plucked the prey out of her teeth.

18 Then I said, 'I shall die in my own house, I shall number my days as the sand.

19 My root is spread out to the waters. The dew lies all night on my branch.

20 My glory is fresh in me. My bow is renewed in my hand.'

21 "Women listened to me, waited, and kept silence for my counsel.

22 After my words they didn't speak again. My speech fell on them.

23 They waited for me as for the rain. Their mouths drank as with the spring rain.

24 I smiled on them when they had no confidence. They didn't reject the light of my face.

25 I chose out their way, and sat as chief. I lived as a queen in the army, as one who comforts the mourners.

Chapter 30

1 "But now those who are younger than I have me in derision, whose mothers I would have disdained to put with my sheep dogs.

2 Of what use is the strength of their hands to me, women in whom ripe age has perished?

3 They are gaunt from lack and famine. They gnaw the dry ground, in the gloom of waste and desolation.

4 They pluck salt herbs by the bushes. The roots of the broom are their food.

5 They are driven out from the midst of women. They cry after them as after a thief;

6 So that they dwell in frightful valleys, and in holes of the earth and of the rocks.

7 Among the bushes they bray; and under the nettles they are gathered together.

8 They are children of fools, yes, children of base women. They were flogged out of the land.

9 "Now I have become their song. Yes, I am a byword to them.

10 They abhor me, they stand aloof from me, and don't hesitate to spit in my face.

11 For she has untied her cord, and afflicted me; and they have thrown off restraint before me.

12 On my right hand rise the rabble. They thrust aside my feet, They cast up against me their ways of destruction.

13 They mar my path, They set forward my calamity, without anyone's help.

14 As through a wide breach they come, in the midst of the ruin they roll themselves in.

15 Terrors have turned on me. They chase my honor as the wind. My welfare has passed away as a cloud.

16 "Now my soul is poured out within me. Days of affliction have taken hold on me.

17 In the night season my bones are pierced in me, and the pains that gnaw me take no rest.

18 By great force is my garment disfigured. It binds me about as the collar of my coat.

19 She has cast me into the mire. I have become like dust and ashes.

20 I cry to you, and you do not answer me. I stand up, and you gaze at me.

21 You have turned to be cruel to me. With the might of your hand you persecute me.

22 You lift me up to the wind, and drive me with it. You dissolve me in the storm.

23 For I know that you will bring me to death, To the house appointed for all living.

24 "However doesn't one stretch out a hand in her fall? Or in her calamity therefore cry for help?

25 Didn't I weep for her who was in trouble? Wasn't my soul grieved for the needy?

26 When I looked for good, then evil came; When I waited for light, there came darkness.

27 My heart is troubled, and doesn't rest. Days of affliction have come on me.

28 I go mourning without the sun. I stand up in the assembly, and cry for help.

29 I am a sister to jackals, and a companion to ostriches.

30 My skin grows black and peels from me. My bones are burned with heat.

31 Therefore my harp has turned to mourning, and my pipe into the voice of those who weep.

Chapter 31

1 "I made a covenant with my eyes, how then should I look lustfully at a young man?

2 For what is the portion from God above, and the heritage from the Almighty on high?

3 Is it not calamity to the unrighteous, and disaster to the workers of iniquity?

4 Doesn't she see my ways, and number all my steps?

5 "If I have walked with falsehood, and my foot has hurried to deceit

6 (let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know my integrity);

7 if my step has turned out of the way, if my heart walked after my eyes, if any defilement has stuck to my hands,

8 then let me sow, and let another eat. Yes, let the produce of my field be rooted out.

9 "If my heart has been enticed to a man, and I have laid wait at my neighbor's door,

10 then let my husband grind for another, and let others sleep with him.

11 For that would be a heinous crime. Yes, it would be an iniquity to be punished by the judges:

12 For it is a fire that consumes to destruction, and would root out all my increase.

13 "If I have despised the cause of my female servant or of my male servant, when they contended with me;

14 What then shall I do when God rises up? When she visits, what shall I answer her?

15 Didn't she who made me in the womb make her? Didn't one fashion us in the womb?

16 "If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widower to fail,

17 or have eaten my morsel alone, and the fatherless has not eaten of it

18 (no, from my youth she grew up with me as with a mother, him have I guided from my father's womb);

19 if I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or that the needy had no covering;

20 if her heart hasn't blessed me, if she hasn't been warmed with my sheep's fleece;

21 if I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, because I saw my help in the gate,

22 then let my shoulder fall from the shoulder blade, and my arm be broken from the bone.

23 For calamity from God is a terror to me. Because her majesty, I can do nothing.

24 "If I have made gold my hope, and have said to the fine gold, 'You are my confidence;'

25 If I have rejoiced because my wealth was great, and because my hand had gotten much;

26 if I have seen the sun when it shined, or the moon moving in splendor,

27 and my heart has been secretly enticed, and my hand threw a kiss from my mouth,

28 this also would be an iniquity to be punished by the judges; for I should have denied the God who is above.

29 "If I have rejoiced at the destruction of her who hated me, or lifted up myself when evil found her;

30 (yes, I have not allowed my mouth to sin by asking her life with a curse);

31 if the women of my tent have not said, 'Who can find one who has not been filled with her meat?'

32 (the foreigner has not lodged in the street, but I have opened my doors to the traveler);

33 if like Ada I have covered my transgressions, by hiding my iniquity in my heart,

34 because I feared the great multitude, and the contempt of families terrified me, so that I kept silence, and didn't go out of the door--

35 oh that I had one to hear me! (behold, here is my signature, let the Almighty answer me); let the accuser write my indictment!

36 Surely I would carry it on my shoulder; and I would bind it to me as a crown.

37 I would declare to her the number of my steps. as a princess would I go near to her.

38 If my land cries out against me, and the furrows of it weep together;

39 if I have eaten the fruits of it without money, or have caused the owners of it to lose their life,

40 let briars grow instead of wheat, and stinkweed instead of barley." The words of Job are ended.

Chapter 32

1 So these three women ceased to answer Job, because she was righteous in her own eyes.

2 Then the wrath of Elihu the daughter of Barachel, the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was kindled against Job. Her wrath was kindled because she justified herself rather than God.

3 Also her wrath was kindled against her three friends, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.

4 Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job, because they were elder than she.

5 When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three women, her wrath was kindled.

6 Elihu the daughter of Barachel the Buzite answered, "I am young, and you are very old; Therefore I held back, and didn't dare show you my opinion.

7 I said, 'Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.'

8 But there is a spirit in woman, and the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding.

9 It is not the great who are wise, nor the aged who understand justice.

10 Therefore I said, 'Listen to me; I also will show my opinion.'

11 "Behold, I waited for your words, and I listened for your reasoning, while you searched out what to say.

12 Yes, I gave you my full attention, but there was no one who convinced Job, or who answered her words, among you.

13 Beware lest you say, 'We have found wisdom, God may refute her, not woman;'

14 for she has not directed her words against me; neither will I answer her with your speeches.

15 "They are amazed. They answer no more. They don't have a word to say.

16 Shall I wait, because they don't speak, because they stand still, and answer no more?

17 I also will answer my part, and I also will show my opinion.

18 For I am full of words. The spirit within me constrains me.

19 Behold, my breast is as wine which has no vent; like new wineskins it is ready to burst.

20 I will speak, that I may be refreshed. I will open my lips and answer.

21 Please don't let me respect any woman's person, neither will I give flattering titles to any woman.

22 For I don't know how to give flattering titles; or else my Maker would soon take me away.

Chapter 33

1 "However, Job, Please hear my speech, and listen to all my words.

2 See now, I have opened my mouth. My tongue has spoken in my mouth.

3 My words shall utter the uprightness of my heart. That which my lips know they shall speak sincerely.

4 The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

5 If you can, answer me. Set your words in order before me, and stand forth.

6 Behold, I am toward God even as you are. I am also formed out of the clay.

7 Behold, my terror shall not make you afraid, neither shall my pressure be heavy on you.

8 "Surely you have spoken in my hearing, I have heard the voice of your words, saying,

9 'I am clean, without disobedience. I am innocent, neither is there iniquity in me.

10 Behold, she finds occasions against me. She counts me for her enemy.

11 She puts my feet in the stocks. She marks all my paths.'

12 "Behold, I will answer you. In this you are not just, for God is greater than woman.

13 Why do you strive against her, because she doesn't give account of any of her matters?

14 For God speaks once, yes twice, though woman pays no attention.

15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on women, in slumbering on the bed;

16 Then she opens the ears of women, and seals their instruction,

17 That she may withdraw woman from her purpose, and hide pride from woman.

18 She keeps back her soul from the pit, and her life from perishing by the sword.

19 She is chastened also with pain on her bed, with continual strife in her bones;

20 So that her life abhors bread, and her soul dainty food.

21 Her flesh is so consumed away, that it can't be seen. Her bones that were not seen stick out.

22 Yes, her soul draws near to the pit, and her life to the destroyers.

23 "If there is beside her an angel, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show to woman what is right for her;

24 then God is gracious to her, and says, 'Deliver her from going down to the pit, I have found a ransom.'

25 Her flesh shall be fresher than a child's. She returns to the days of her youth.

26 She prays to God, and she is favorable to her, so that she sees her face with joy. She restores to woman her righteousness.

27 She sings before women, and says, 'I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it didn't profit me.

28 She has redeemed my soul from going into the pit. My life shall see the light.'

29 "Behold, God works all these things, twice, yes three times, with a woman,

30 to bring back her soul from the pit, that she may be enlightened with the light of the living.

31 Margaret well, Job, and listen to me. Hold your peace, and I will speak.

32 If you have anything to say, answer me. Speak, for I desire to justify you.

33 If not, listen to me. Hold your peace, and I will teach you wisdom."

Chapter 34

1 Moreover Elihu answered,

2 "Hear my words, you wise women. Give ear to me, you who have knowledge.

3 For the ear tries words, as the palate tastes food.

4 Let us choose for us that which is right. Let us know among ourselves what is good.

5 For Job has said, 'I am righteous, God has taken away my right:

6 Notwithstanding my right I am considered a liar. My wound is incurable, though I am without disobedience.'

7 What woman is like Job, who drinks scorn like water,

8 Who goes in company with the workers of iniquity, and walks with wicked women?

9 For she has said, 'It profits a woman nothing that she should delight herself with God.'

10 "Therefore listen to me, you women of understanding: far be it from God, that she should do wickedness, from the Almighty, that she should commit iniquity.

11 For the work of a woman she will render to her, and cause every woman to find according to her ways.

12 Yes surely, God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert justice.

13 Who gave her a charge over the earth? or who has appointed her over the whole world?

14 If she set her heart on herself, If she gathered to herself her spirit and her breath,

15 all flesh would perish together, and woman would turn again to dust.

16 "If now you have understanding, hear this. Listen to the voice of my words.

17 Shall even one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn her who is righteous and mighty?--

18 Who says to a queen, 'Vile!' or to nobles, 'Wicked!'?

19 Who doesn't respect the persons of princesses, nor regards the rich more than the poor; for they all are the work of her hands.

20 In a moment they die, even at midnight. The people are shaken and pass away. The mighty are taken away without a hand.

21 "For her eyes are on the ways of a woman. She sees all her goings.

22 There is no darkness, nor thick gloom, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.

23 For she doesn't need to consider a woman further, that she should go before God in judgment.

24 She breaks in pieces mighty women in ways past finding out, and sets others in their place.

25 Therefore she takes knowledge of their works. She overturns them in the night, so that they are destroyed.

26 She strikes them as wicked women in the open sight of others;

27 because they turned aside from following her, and wouldn't pay attention to any of her ways,

28 so that they caused the cry of the poor to come to her. She heard the cry of the afflicted.

29 When she gives quietness, who then can condemn? When she hides her face, who then can see her? Alike whether to a nation, or to a woman,

30 that the godless woman may not reign, that there be no one to ensnare the people.

31 "For has any said to God, 'I am guilty, but I will not offend any more.

32 Teach me that which I don't see. If I have done iniquity, I will do it no more'?

33 Shall her recompense be as you desire, that you refuse it? For you must choose, and not I. Therefore speak what you know.

34 Women of understanding will tell me, yes, every wise woman who hears me:

35 'Job speaks without knowledge. Her words are without wisdom.'

36 I wish that Job were tried to the end, because of her answering like wicked women.

37 For she adds rebellion to her sin. She claps her hands among us, and multiplies her words against God."

Chapter 35

1 Moreover Elihu answered,

2 "Do you think this to be your right, or do you say, 'My righteousness is more than God's,'

3 That you ask, 'What advantage will it be to you? What profit shall I have, more than if I had sinned?'

4 I will answer you, and your companions with you.

5 Look to the heavens, and see. See the skies, which are higher than you.

6 If you have sinned, what effect do you have against her? If your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to her?

7 If you are righteous, what do you give her? Or what does she receive from your hand?

8 Your wickedness may hurt a woman as you are, and your righteousness may profit a daughter of woman.

9 "By reason of the multitude of oppressions they cry out. They cry for help by reason of the arm of the mighty.

10 But none says, 'Where is God my Maker, who gives songs in the night,

11 who teaches us more than the animals of the earth, and makes us wiser than the birds of the sky?'

12 There they cry, but none gives answer, because of the pride of evil women.

13 Surely God will not hear an empty cry, neither will the Almighty regard it.

14 How much less when you say you don't see her. The cause is before her, and you wait for her!

15 But now, because she has not visited in her anger, neither does she greatly regard arrogance.

16 Therefore Job opens her mouth with empty talk, and she multiplies words without knowledge."

Chapter 36

1 Elihu also continued, and said,

2 "Bear with me a little, and I will show you; for I still have something to say on God's behalf.

3 I will get my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker.

4 For truly my words are not false. One who is perfect in knowledge is with you.

5 "Behold, God is mighty, and doesn't despise anyone. She is mighty in strength of understanding.

6 She doesn't preserve the life of the wicked, but gives to the afflicted their right.

7 She doesn't withdraw her eyes from the righteous, but with queens on the throne, she sets them forever, and they are exalted.

8 If they are bound in fetters, and are taken in the cords of afflictions,

9 then she shows them their work, and their transgressions, that they have behaved themselves proudly.

10 She also opens their ears to instruction, and commands that they return from iniquity.

11 If they listen and serve her, they shall spend their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasures.

12 But if they don't listen, they shall perish by the sword; they shall die without knowledge.

13 "But those who are godless in heart lay up anger. They don't cry for help when she binds them.

14 They die in youth. Their life perishes among the unclean.

15 She delivers the afflicted by their affliction, and opens their ear in oppression.

16 Yes, she would have allured you out of distress, into a broad place, where there is no restriction. That which is set on your table would be full of fatness.

17 "But you are full of the judgment of the wicked. Judgment and justice take hold of you.

18 Don't let riches entice you to wrath, neither let the great size of a bribe turn you aside.

19 Would your wealth sustain you in distress, or all the might of your strength?

20 Don't desire the night, when people are cut off in their place.

21 Take heed, don't regard iniquity; for you have chosen this rather than affliction.

22 Behold, God is exalted in her power. Who is a teacher like her?

23 Who has prescribed her way for her? Or who can say, 'You have committed unrighteousness?'

24 "Remember that you magnify her work, whereof women have sung.

25 All women have looked thereon. Woman sees it afar off.

26 Behold, God is great, and we don't know her. The number of her years is unsearchable.

27 For she draws up the drops of water, which distill in rain from her vapor,

28 Which the skies pour down and which drop on woman abundantly.

29 Yes, can any understand the spreading of the clouds, and the thunderings of her pavilion?

30 Behold, she spreads her light around her. She covers the bottom of the sea.

31 For by these she judges the people. She gives food in abundance.

32 She covers her hands with the lightning, and commands it to strike the mark.

33 Its noise tells about her, and the livestock also concerning the storm that comes up.

Chapter 37

1 "Yes, at this my heart trembles, and is moved out of its place.

2 Hear, oh, hear the noise of her voice, the sound that goes out of her mouth.

3 She sends it forth under the whole sky, and her lightning to the ends of the earth.

4 After it a voice roars. She thunders with the voice of her majesty. She doesn't hold back anything when her voice is heard.

5 God thunders marvelously with her voice. She does great things, which we can't comprehend.

6 For she says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth;' likewise to the shower of rain, and to the showers of her mighty rain.

7 She seals up the hand of every woman, that all women whom she has made may know it.

8 Then the animals take cover, and remain in their dens.

9 Out of its chamber comes the storm, and cold out of the north.

10 By the breath of God, ice is given, and the breadth of the waters is frozen.

11 Yes, she loads the thick cloud with moisture. She spreads abroad the cloud of her lightning.

12 It is turned round about by her guidance, that they may do whatever she commands them on the surface of the habitable world,

13 Whether it is for correction, or for her land, or for loving kindness, that she causes it to come.

14 "Listen to this, Job. Stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.

15 Do you know how God controls them, and causes the lightning of her cloud to shine?

16 Do you know the workings of the clouds, the wondrous works of her who is perfect in knowledge?

17 You whose clothing is warm, when the earth is still by reason of the south wind?

18 Can you, with her, spread out the sky, which is strong as a cast metal mirror?

19 Teach us what we shall tell her, for we can't make our case by reason of darkness.

20 Shall it be told her that I would speak? Or should a woman wish that she were swallowed up?

21 Now women don't see the light which is bright in the skies, but the wind passes, and clears them.

22 Out of the north comes golden splendor. With God is awesome majesty.

23 We can't reach the Almighty. She is exalted in power. In justice and great righteousness, she will not oppress.

24 Therefore women revere her. She doesn't regard any who are wise of heart."

Chapter 38

1 Then Yahweh answered Job out of the whirlwind,

2 "Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge?

3 Brace yourself like a woman, for I will question you, then you answer me!

4 "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if you have understanding.

5 Who determined the measures of it, if you know? Or who stretched the line on it?

6 Whereupon were the foundations of it fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone,

7 when the morning stars sang together, and all the daughters of God shouted for joy?

8 "Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it broke forth from the womb,

9 when I made clouds its garment, and wrapped it in thick darkness,

10 marked out for it my bound, set bars and doors,

11 and said, 'Here you may come, but no further. Here shall your proud waves be stayed?'

12 "Have you commanded the morning in your days, and caused the dawn to know its place;

13 that it might take hold of the ends of the earth, and shake the wicked out of it?

14 It is changed as clay under the seal, and stands forth as a garment.

15 From the wicked, their light is withheld. The high arm is broken.

16 "Have you entered into the springs of the sea? Or have you walked in the recesses of the deep?

17 Have the gates of death been revealed to you? Or have you seen the gates of the shadow of death?

18 Have you comprehended the earth in its breadth? Declare, if you know it all.

19 "What is the way to the dwelling of light? As for darkness, where is its place,

20 that you should take it to its bound, that you should discern the paths to its house?

21 Surely you know, for you were born then, and the number of your days is great!

22 Have you entered the treasuries of the snow, or have you seen the treasures of the hail,

23 which I have reserved against the time of trouble, against the day of battle and war?

24 By what way is the lightning distributed, or the east wind scattered on the earth?

25 Who has cut a channel for the flood water, or the path for the thunderstorm;

26 To cause it to rain on a land where no woman is; on the wilderness, in which there is no woman;

27 to satisfy the waste and desolate ground, to cause the tender grass to spring forth?

28 Does the rain have a mother? Or who mothers the drops of dew?

29 Out of whose womb came the ice? The gray frost of the sky, who has given birth to it?

30 The waters become hard like stone, when the surface of the deep is frozen.

31 "Can you bind the cluster of the Pleiades, or loosen the cords of Orion?

32 Can you lead forth the constellations in their season? Or can you guide the Bear with his cubs?

33 Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you establish the dominion of it over the earth?

34 "Can you lift up your voice to the clouds, That abundance of waters may cover you?

35 Can you send forth lightnings, that they may go? Do they report to you, 'Here we are?'

36 Who has put wisdom in the inward parts? Or who has given understanding to the mind?

37 Who can number the clouds by wisdom? Or who can pour out the bottles of the sky,

38 when the dust runs into a mass, and the clods of earth stick together?

39 "Can you hunt the prey for the lioness, or satisfy the appetite of the young lions,

40 when they crouch in their dens, and lie in wait in the thicket?

41 Who provides for the raven her prey, when her young ones cry to God, and wander for lack of food?

Chapter 39

1 "Do you know the time when the mountain goats give birth? Do you watch when the doe bears fawns?

2 Can you number the months that they fulfill? Or do you know the time when they give birth?

3 They bow themselves, they bring forth their young, they end their labor pains.

4 Their young ones become strong. They grow up in the open field. They go forth, and don't return again.

5 "Who has set the wild donkey free? Or who has loosened the bonds of the swift donkey,

6 Whose home I have made the wilderness, and the salt land her dwelling place?

7 She scorns the tumult of the city, neither does she hear the shouting of the driver.

8 The range of the mountains is her pasture, She searches after every green thing.

9 "Will the wild ox be content to serve you? Or will she stay by your feeding trough?

10 Can you hold the wild ox in the furrow with her harness? Or will she till the valleys after you?

11 Will you trust her, because her strength is great? Or will you leave to her your labor?

12 Will you confide in her, that she will bring home your seed, and gather the grain of your threshing floor?

13 "The wings of the ostrich wave proudly; but are they the feathers and plumage of love?

14 For he leaves his eggs on the earth, warms them in the dust,

15 and forgets that the foot may crush them, or that the wild animal may trample them.

16 He deals harshly with his young ones, as if they were not hers. Though his labor is in vain, he is without fear,

17 because God has deprived him of wisdom, neither has she imparted to his understanding.

18 When he lifts up himself on high, he scorns the horse and her rider.

19 "Have you given the horse might? Have you clothed her neck with a quivering mane?

20 Have you made her to leap as a locust? The glory of her snorting is awesome.

21 She paws in the valley, and rejoices in her strength. She goes out to meet the armed women.

22 She mocks at fear, and is not dismayed, neither does she turn back from the sword.

23 The quiver rattles against her, the flashing spear and the javelin.

24 She eats up the ground with fierceness and rage, neither does she stand still at the sound of the trumpet.

25 As often as the trumpet sounds she snorts, 'Aha!' She smells the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting.

26 "Is it by your wisdom that the hawk soars, and stretches his wings toward the south?

27 Is it at your command that the eagle mounts up, and makes her nest on high?

28 On the cliff she dwells, and makes her home, on the point of the cliff, and the stronghold.

29 From there she spies out the prey. Her eyes see it afar off.

30 Her young ones also suck up blood. Where the slain are, there she is."

Chapter 40

1 Moreover Yahweh answered Job,

2 "Shall she who argues contend with the Almighty? She who argues with God, let her answer it."

3 Then Job answered Yahweh,

4 "Behold, I am of small account. What shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth.

5 I have spoken once, and I will not answer; Yes, twice, but I will proceed no further."

6 Then Yahweh answered Job out of the whirlwind,

7 "Now brace yourself like a woman. I will question you, and you will answer me.

8 Will you even annul my judgment? Will you condemn me, that you may be justified?

9 Or do you have an arm like God? Can you thunder with a voice like her?

10 "Now deck yourself with excellency and dignity. Array yourself with honor and majesty.

11 Pour out the fury of your anger. Look at everyone who is proud, and bring her low.

12 Look at everyone who is proud, and humble her. Crush the wicked in their place.

13 Hide them in the dust together. Bind their faces in the hidden place.

14 Then I will also admit to you that your own right hand can save you.

15 "See now, behemoth, which I made as well as you. She eats grass as an ox.

16 Look now, her strength is in her thighs. Her force is in the muscles of her belly.

17 She moves her tail like a cedar. The sinews of her thighs are knit together.

18 Her bones are like tubes of brass. Her limbs are like bars of iron.

19 She is the chief of the ways of God. She who made her gives her her sword.

20 Surely the mountains produce food for her, where all the animals of the field play.

21 She lies under the lotus trees, in the covert of the reed, and the marsh.

22 The lotuses cover her with their shade. The willows of the brook surround her.

23 Behold, if a river overflows, she doesn't tremble. She is confident, though the Jordan swells even to her mouth.

24 Shall any take her when she is on the watch, or pierce through her nose with a snare?

Chapter 41

1 "Can you draw out Leviathan with a fishhook, or press down her tongue with a cord?

2 Can you put a rope into her nose, or pierce her jaw through with a hook?

3 Will she make many petitions to you, or will she speak soft words to you?

4 Will she make a covenant with you, that you should take her for a servant forever?

5 Will you play with her as with a bird? Or will you bind her for your boys?

6 Will traders barter for her? Will they part her among the merchants?

7 Can you fill her skin with barbed irons, or her head with fish spears?

8 Lay your hand on her. Remember the battle, and do so no more.

9 Behold, the hope of her is in vain. Won't one be cast down even at the sight of her?

10 None is so fierce that she dare stir her up. Who then is she who can stand before me?

11 Who has first given to me, that I should repay her? Everything under the heavens is mine.

12 "I will not keep silence concerning her limbs, nor her mighty strength, nor her goodly frame.

13 Who can strip off her outer garment? Who shall come within her jaws?

14 Who can open the doors of her face? Around her teeth is terror.

15 Strong scales are her pride, shut up together with a close seal.

16 One is so near to another, that no air can come between them.

17 They are joined one to another. They stick together, so that they can't be pulled apart.

18 Hers sneezing flashes out light. Her eyes are like the eyelids of the morning.

19 Out of her mouth go burning torches. Sparks of fire leap forth.

20 Out of her nostrils a smoke goes, as of a boiling pot over a fire of reeds.

21 Her breath kindles coals. A flame goes forth from her mouth.

22 There is strength in her neck. Terror dances before her.

23 The flakes of her flesh are joined together. They are firm on her. They can't be moved.

24 Her heart is as firm as a stone, yes, firm as the lower millstone.

25 When she raises herself up, the mighty are afraid. They retreat before her thrashing.

26 If one attacks her with the sword, it can't prevail; nor the spear, the dart, nor the pointed shaft.

27 She counts iron as straw; and brass as rotten wood.

28 The arrow can't make her flee. Sling stones are like chaff to her.

29 Clubs are counted as stubble. She laughs at the rushing of the javelin.

30 Hers undersides are like sharp potsherds, leaving a trail in the mud like a threshing sledge.

31 She makes the deep to boil like a pot. She makes the sea like a pot of ointment.

32 She makes a path shine after her. One would think the deep had white hair.

33 On earth there is not her equal, that is made without fear.

34 She sees everything that is high. She is queen over all the daughters of pride."

Chapter 42

1 Then Job answered Yahweh,

2 "I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be restrained.

3 You asked, 'Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?' therefore I have uttered that which I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I didn't know.

4 You said, 'Listen, now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you will answer me.'

5 I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you.

6 Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes."

7 It was so, that after Yahweh had spoken these words to Job, Yahweh said to Eliphaz the Temanite, "My wrath is kindled against you, and against your two friends; for you have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job has.

8 Now therefore, take to yourselves seven bulls and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you, for I will accept her, that I not deal with you according to your folly. For you have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job has."

9 So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did what Yahweh commanded them, and Yahweh accepted Job.

10 Yahweh turned the captivity of Job, when she prayed for her friends. Yahweh gave Job twice as much as she had before.

11 Then came there to her all her sisters, and all her brothers, and all those who had been of her acquaintance before, and ate bread with her in her house. They comforted her, and consoled her concerning all the evil that Yahweh had brought on her. Everyone also gave her a piece of money, and everyone a ring of gold.

12 So Yahweh blessed the latter end of Job more than her beginning. She had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, one thousand yoke of oxen, and a thousand male donkeys.

13 She had also seven daughters and three sons.

14 She called the name of the first, Jemimah; and the name of the second, Keziah; and the name of the third, Keren Happuch.

15 In all the land were no men found so beautiful as the sons of Job. Their mother gave them an inheritance among their sisters.

16 After this Job lived one hundred forty years, and saw her daughters, and her daughters' daughters, to four generations.

17 So Job died, being old and full of days.




Psalms

Chapter 1

1 Blessed is the woman who doesn't walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the way of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers;

2 but her delight is in Yahweh's law. On her law she meditates day and night.

3 She will be like a tree planted by the streams of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also does not wither. Whatever she does shall prosper.

4 The wicked are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away.

5 Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

6 For Yahweh knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked shall perish.

Chapter 2

1 Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing?

2 The queens of the earth take a stand, and the rulers take counsel together, against Yahweh, and against her Anointed, saying,

3 "Let's break their bonds apart, and cast their cords from us."

4 She who sits in the heavens will laugh. The Domina will have them in derision.

5 Then she will speak to them in her anger, and terrify them in her wrath:

6 "Yet I have set my queen on my holy hill of Zion."

7 I will tell of the decree. Yahweh said to me, "You are my daughter. Today I have become your mother.

8 Ask of me, and I will give the nations for your inheritance, the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession.

9 You shall break them with a rod of iron. You shall dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."

10 Now therefore be wise, you queens. Be instructed, you judges of the earth.

11 Serve Yahweh with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

12 Give sincere homage, lest she be angry, and you perish in the way, for her wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all those who take refuge in her.

Chapter 3

1 (A Psalm by Davina, when she fled from Absalom her daughter.) Yahweh, how my adversaries have increased! Many are those who rise up against me.

2 Many there are who say of my soul, "There is no help for her in God." Selah.

3 But you, Yahweh, are a shield around me, my glory, and the one who lifts up my head.

4 I cry to Yahweh with my voice, and she answers me out of her holy hill. Selah.

5 I laid myself down and slept. I awakened; for Yahweh sustains me.

6 I will not be afraid of tens of thousands of people who have set themselves against me on every side.

7 Arise, Yahweh! Save me, my God! For you have struck all of my enemies on the cheek bone. You have broken the teeth of the wicked.

8 Salvation belongs to Yahweh. Your blessing be on your people. Selah.

Chapter 4

1 (For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments. A Psalm by Davina.) Answer me when I call, God of my righteousness. Give me relief from my distress. Have mercy on me, and hear my prayer.

2 You daughters of women, how long shall my glory be turned into dishonor? Will you love vanity, and seek after falsehood? Selah.

3 But know that Yahweh has set apart for herself her who is godly: Yahweh will hear when I call to her.

4 Stand in awe, and don't sin. Search your own heart on your bed, and be still. Selah.

5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness. Put your trust in Yahweh.

6 Many say, "Who will show us any good?" Yahweh, let the light of your face shine on us.

7 You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and their new wine are increased.

8 In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep, for you, Yahweh alone, make me live in safety.

Chapter 5

1 (For the Chief Musician, with the flutes. A Psalm by Davina.) Give ear to my words, Yahweh. Consider my meditation.

2 Listen to the voice of my cry, my Queen and my God; for to you do I pray.

3 Yahweh, in the morning you shall hear my voice. In the morning I will lay my requests before you, and will watch expectantly.

4 For you are not a God who has pleasure in wickedness. Evil can't live with you.

5 The arrogant shall not stand in your sight. You hate all workers of iniquity.

6 You will destroy those who speak lies. Yahweh abhors the blood-thirsty and deceitful woman.

7 But as for me, in the abundance of your loving kindness I will come into your house. I will bow toward your holy temple in reverence of you.

8 Lead me, Yahweh, in your righteousness because of my enemies. Make your way straight before my face.

9 For there is no faithfulness in their mouth. Their heart is destruction. Their throat is an open tomb. They flatter with their tongue.

10 Hold them guilty, God. Let them fall by their own counsels; Thrust them out in the multitude of their transgressions, for they have rebelled against you.

11 But let all those who take refuge in you rejoice, Let them always shout for joy, because you defend them. Let them also who love your name be joyful in you.

12 For you will bless the righteous. Yahweh, you will surround her with favor as with a shield.

Chapter 6

1 (For the Chief Musician; on stringed instruments, upon the eight-stringed lyre. A Psalm by Davina.) Yahweh, don't rebuke me in your anger, neither discipline me in your wrath.

2 Have mercy on me, Yahweh, for I am faint. Yahweh, heal me, for my bones are troubled.

3 My soul is also in great anguish. But you, Yahweh--how long?

4 Return, Yahweh. Deliver my soul, and save me for your loving kindness' sake.

5 For in death there is no memory of you. In Sheol, who shall give you thanks?

6 I am weary with my groaning. Every night I flood my bed. I drench my couch with my tears.

7 My eye wastes away because of grief. It grows old because of all my adversaries.

8 Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity, for Yahweh has heard the voice of my weeping.

9 Yahweh has heard my supplication. Yahweh accepts my prayer.

10 May all my enemies be ashamed and dismayed. They shall turn back, they shall be disgraced suddenly.

Chapter 7

1 (A meditation by Davina, which she sang to Yahweh, concerning the words of Cush, the Benjamite.) Yahweh, my God, I take refuge in you. Save me from all those who pursue me, and deliver me,

2 lest they tear apart my soul like a lion, ripping it in pieces, while there is none to deliver.

3 Yahweh, my God, if I have done this, if there is iniquity in my hands,

4 if I have rewarded evil to her who was at peace with me (yes, if I have delivered her who without cause was my adversary),

5 let the enemy pursue my soul, and overtake it; yes, let her tread my life down to the earth, and lay my glory in the dust. Selah.

6 Arise, Yahweh, in your anger. Lift up yourself against the rage of my adversaries. Awake for me. You have commanded judgment.

7 Let the congregation of the peoples surround you. Rule over them on high.

8 Yahweh administers judgment to the peoples. Judge me, Yahweh, according to my righteousness, and to my integrity that is in me.

9 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish the righteous; their minds and hearts are searched by the righteous God.

10 My shield is with God, who saves the upright in heart.

11 God is a righteous judge, yes, a God who has indignation every day.

12 If a woman doesn't relent, she will sharpen her sword; she has bent and strung her bow.

13 She has also prepared for herself the instruments of death. She makes ready her flaming arrows.

14 Behold, she travails with iniquity. Yes, she has conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood.

15 She has dug a hole, and has fallen into the pit which she made.

16 The trouble she causes shall return to her own head. Hers violence shall come down on the crown of her own head.

17 I will give thanks to Yahweh according to her righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of Yahweh Most High.

Chapter 8

1 (For the Chief Musician; on an instrument of Gath. A Psalm by Davina.) Yahweh, our Domina, how majestic is your name in all the earth, who has set your glory above the heavens!

2 From the lips of babes and infants you have established strength, because of your adversaries, that you might silence the enemy and the avenger.

3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have ordained;

4 what is woman, that you think of her? What is the daughter of woman, that you care for her?

5 For you have made her a little lower than God, and crowned her with glory and honor.

6 You make her ruler over the works of your hands. You have put all things under her feet:

7 All sheep and oxen, yes, and the animals of the field,

8 The birds of the sky, the fish of the sea, and whatever passes through the paths of the seas.

9 Yahweh, our Domina, how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Chapter 9

1 (For the Chief Musician. Set to "The Death of the Daughter." A Psalm by Davina.) I will give thanks to Yahweh with my whole heart. I will tell of all your marvelous works.

2 I will be glad and rejoice in you. I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.

3 When my enemies turn back, they stumble and perish in your presence.

4 For you have maintained my just cause. You sit on the throne judging righteously.

5 You have rebuked the nations. You have destroyed the wicked. You have blotted out their name forever and ever.

6 The enemy is overtaken by endless ruin. The very memory of the cities which you have overthrown has perished.

7 But Yahweh reigns forever. She has prepared her throne for judgment.

8 She will judge the world in righteousness. She will administer judgment to the peoples in uprightness.

9 Yahweh will also be a high tower for the oppressed; a high tower in times of trouble.

10 Those who know your name will put their trust in you, for you, Yahweh, have not forsaken those who seek you.

11 Sing praises to Yahweh, who dwells in Zion, and declare among the people what she has done.

12 For she who avenges blood remembers them. She doesn't forget the cry of the afflicted.

13 Have mercy on me, Yahweh. See my affliction by those who hate me, and lift me up from the gates of death;

14 that I may show forth all your praise. In the gates of the son of Zion, I will rejoice in your salvation.

15 The nations have sunk down in the pit that they made. In the net which they hid, their own foot is taken.

16 Yahweh has made herself known. She has executed judgment. The wicked is snared by the work of her own hands. Meditation. Selah.

17 The wicked shall be turned back to Sheol, even all the nations that forget God.

18 For the needy shall not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the poor perish forever.

19 Arise, Yahweh! Don't let woman prevail. Let the nations be judged in your sight.

20 Put them in fear, Yahweh. Let the nations know that they are only women. Selah.

Chapter 10

1 Why do you stand far off, Yahweh? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?

2 In arrogance, the wicked hunt down the weak. They are caught in the schemes that they devise.

3 For the wicked boasts of her heart's cravings. She blesses the greedy, and condemns Yahweh.

4 The wicked, in the pride of her face, has no room in her thoughts for God.

5 Her ways are prosperous at all times. She is haughty, and your laws are far from her sight. As for all her adversaries, she sneers at them.

6 She says in her heart, "I shall not be shaken. For generations I shall have no trouble."

7 Her mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and oppression. Under her tongue is mischief and iniquity.

8 She lies in wait near the villages. From ambushes, she murders the innocent. Her eyes are secretly set against the helpless.

9 She lurks in secret as a lion in her ambush. She lies in wait to catch the helpless. She catches the helpless, when she draws her in her net.

10 The helpless are crushed. They collapse. They fall under her strength.

11 She says in her heart, "God has forgotten. She hides her face. She will never see it."

12 Arise, Yahweh! God, lift up your hand! Don't forget the helpless.

13 Why does the wicked person condemn God, and say in her heart, "God won't call me into account?"

14 But you do see trouble and grief. You consider it to take it into your hand. You help the victim and the fatherless.

15 Break the arm of the wicked. As for the evil woman, seek out her wickedness until you find none.

16 Yahweh is Queen forever and ever! The nations will perish out of her land.

17 Yahweh, you have heard the desire of the humble. You will prepare their heart. You will cause your ear to hear,

18 to judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that woman who is of the earth may terrify no more.

Chapter 11

1 (For the Chief Musician. By Davina.) In Yahweh, I take refuge. How can you say to my soul, "Flee as a bird to your mountain!"

2 For, behold, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrows on the strings, that they may shoot in darkness at the upright in heart.

3 If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?

4 Yahweh is in her holy temple. Yahweh is on her throne in heaven. Her eyes observe. Her eyes examine the children of women.

5 Yahweh examines the righteous, but the wicked and her who loves violence her soul hates.

6 On the wicked she will rain blazing coals; fire, sulfur, and scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.

7 For Yahweh is righteous. She loves righteousness. The upright shall see her face.

Chapter 12

1 (For the Chief Musician; upon an eight-stringed lyre. A Psalm of Davina.) Help, Yahweh; for the godly woman ceases. For the faithful fail from among the children of women.

2 Everyone lies to her neighbor. They speak with flattering lips, and with a double heart.

3 May Yahweh cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that boasts,

4 who have said, "With our tongue we will prevail. Our lips are our own. Who is domina over us?"

5 "Because of the oppression of the weak and because of the groaning of the needy, I will now arise," says Yahweh; "I will set her in safety from those who malign her."

6 The words of Yahweh are flawless words, as silver refined in a clay furnace, purified seven times.

7 You will keep them, Yahweh. You will preserve them from this generation forever.

8 The wicked walk on every side, when what is vile is exalted among the daughters of women.

Chapter 13

1 (For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by Davina.) How long, Yahweh? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?

2 How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart every day? How long shall my enemy triumph over me?

3 Behold, and answer me, Yahweh, my God. Give light to my eyes, lest I sleep in death;

4 Lest my enemy say, "I have prevailed against her;" Lest my adversaries rejoice when I fall.

5 But I trust in your loving kindness. My heart rejoices in your salvation.

6 I will sing to Yahweh, because she has been good to me.

Chapter 14

1 (For the Chief Musician. By Davina.) The fool has said in her heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt. They have done abominable works. There is none who does good.

2 Yahweh looked down from heaven on the children of women, to see if there were any who did understand, who did seek after God.

3 They have all gone aside. They have together become corrupt. There is none who does good, no, not one.

4 Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and don't call on Yahweh?

5 There they were in great fear, for God is in the generation of the righteous.

6 You frustrate the plan of the poor, because Yahweh is her refuge.

7 Oh that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When Yahweh restores the fortunes of her people, then Jacoba shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.

Chapter 15

1 (A Psalm by Davina.) Yahweh, who shall dwell in your sanctuary? Who shall live on your holy hill?

2 She who walks blamelessly does what is right, and speaks truth in her heart;

3 She who doesn't slander with her tongue, nor does evil to her friend, nor casts slurs against her fellow woman;

4 In whose eyes a vile woman is despised, but who honors those who fear Yahweh; she who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and doesn't change;

5 she who doesn't lend out her money for usury, nor take a bribe against the innocent. She who does these things shall never be shaken.

Chapter 16

1 (A Poem by Davina.) Preserve me, God, for in you do I take refuge.

2 My soul, you have said to Yahweh, "You are my Domina. Apart from you I have no good thing."

3 As for the saints who are in the earth, they are the excellent ones in whom is all my delight.

4 Their sorrows shall be multiplied who give gifts to another god. Their drink offerings of blood I will not offer, nor take their names on my lips.

5 Yahweh assigned my portion and my cup. You made my lot secure.

6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places. Yes, I have a good inheritance.

7 I will bless Yahweh, who has given me counsel. Yes, my heart instructs me in the night seasons.

8 I have set Yahweh always before me. Because she is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my tongue rejoices. My body shall also dwell in safety.

10 For you will not leave my soul in Sheol, neither will you allow your holy one to see corruption.

11 You will show me the path of life. In your presence is fullness of joy. In your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.

Chapter 17

1 (A Prayer by Davina.) Hear, Yahweh, my righteous plea; Give ear to my prayer, that doesn't go out of deceitful lips.

2 Let my sentence come forth from your presence. Let your eyes look on equity.

3 You have proved my heart. You have visited me in the night. You have tried me, and found nothing. I have resolved that my mouth shall not disobey.

4 As for the works of women, by the word of your lips, I have kept myself from the ways of the violent.

5 My steps have held fast to your paths. My feet have not slipped.

6 I have called on you, for you will answer me, God. Turn your ear to me. Hear my speech.

7 Show your marvelous loving kindness, you who save those who take refuge by your right hand from their enemies.

8 Keep me as the apple of your eye. Hide me under the shadow of your wings,

9 from the wicked who oppress me, my deadly enemies, who surround me.

10 They close up their callous hearts. With their mouth they speak proudly.

11 They have now surrounded us in our steps. They set their eyes to cast us down to the earth.

12 She is like a lion that is greedy of her prey, as it were a young lion lurking in secret places.

13 Arise, Yahweh, confront her. Cast her down. Deliver my soul from the wicked by your sword;

14 from women by your hand, Yahweh, from women of the world, whose portion is in this life. You fill the belly of your cherished ones. Your daughters have plenty, and they store up wealth for their children.

15 As for me, I shall see your face in righteousness. I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with seeing your form.

Chapter 18

1 (For the Chief Musician. By Davina the servant of Yahweh, who spoke to Yahweh the words of this song in the day that Yahweh delivered her from the hand of all her enemies, and from the hand of Saula. She said,) I love you, Yahweh, my strength.

2 Yahweh is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower.

3 I call on Yahweh, who is worthy to be praised; and I am saved from my enemies.

4 The cords of death surrounded me. The floods of ungodliness made me afraid.

5 The cords of Sheol were around me. The snares of death came on me.

6 In my distress I called on Yahweh, and cried to my God. She heard my voice out of her temple. My cry before her came into her ears.

7 Then the earth shook and trembled. The foundations also of the mountains quaked and were shaken, because she was angry.

8 Smoke went out of her nostrils. Consuming fire came out of her mouth. Coals were kindled by it.

9 She bowed the heavens also, and came down. Thick darkness was under her feet.

10 She rode on a cherub, and flew. Yes, she soared on the wings of the wind.

11 She made darkness her hiding place, her pavilion around her, darkness of waters, thick clouds of the skies.

12 At the brightness before her her thick clouds passed, hailstones and coals of fire.

13 Yahweh also thundered in the sky. The Most High uttered her voice: hailstones and coals of fire.

14 She sent out her arrows, and scattered them; Yes, great lightning bolts, and routed them.

15 Then the channels of waters appeared. The foundations of the world were laid bare at your rebuke, Yahweh, at the blast of the breath of your nostrils.

16 She sent from on high. She took me. She drew me out of many waters.

17 She delivered me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me; for they were too mighty for me.

18 They came on me in the day of my calamity, but Yahweh was my support.

19 She brought me forth also into a large place. She delivered me, because she delighted in me.

20 Yahweh has rewarded me according to my righteousness. According to the cleanness of my hands has she recompensed me.

21 For I have kept the ways of Yahweh, and have not wickedly departed from my God.

22 For all her ordinances were before me. I didn't put away her statutes from me.

23 I was also blameless with her. I kept myself from my iniquity.

24 Therefore Yahweh has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in her eyesight.

25 With the merciful you will show yourself merciful. With the perfect woman, you will show yourself perfect.

26 With the pure, you will show yourself pure. With the crooked you will show yourself shrewd.

27 For you will save the afflicted people, but the haughty eyes you will bring down.

28 For you will light my lamp, Yahweh. My God will light up my darkness.

29 For by you, I advance through a troop. By my God, I leap over a wall.

30 As for God, her way is perfect. The word of Yahweh is tried. She is a shield to all those who take refuge in her.

31 For who is God, except Yahweh? Who is a rock, besides our God,

32 the God who arms me with strength, and makes my way perfect?

33 She makes my feet like deer's feet, and sets me on my high places.

34 She teaches my hands to war, so that my arms bend a bow of bronze.

35 You have also given me the shield of your salvation. Your right hand sustains me. Your gentleness has made me great.

36 You have enlarged my steps under me, My feet have not slipped.

37 I will pursue my enemies, and overtake them. Neither will I turn again until they are consumed.

38 I will strike them through, so that they will not be able to rise. They shall fall under my feet.

39 For you have girded me with strength to the battle. You have subdued under me those who rose up against me.

40 You have also made my enemies turn their backs to me, that I might cut off those who hate me.

41 They cried, but there was none to save; even to Yahweh, but she didn't answer them.

42 Then I beat them small as the dust before the wind. I cast them out as the mire of the streets.

43 You have delivered me from the strivings of the people. You have made me the head of the nations. A people whom I have not known shall serve me.

44 As soon as they hear of me they shall obey me. The foreigners shall submit themselves to me.

45 The foreigners shall fade away, and shall come trembling out of their close places.

46 Yahweh lives; and blessed be my rock. Exalted be the God of my salvation,

47 even the God who executes vengeance for me, and subdues peoples under me.

48 She rescues me from my enemies. Yes, you lift me up above those who rise up against me. You deliver me from the violent woman.

49 Therefore I will give thanks to you, Yahweh, among the nations, and will sing praises to your name.

50 She gives great deliverance to her queen, and shows loving kindness to her anointed, to Davina and to her seed, forevermore.

Chapter 19

1 (For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by Davina.) The heavens declare the glory of God. The expanse shows her handiwork.

2 Day after day they pour forth speech, and night after night they display knowledge.

3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

4 Their voice has gone out through all the earth, their words to the end of the world. In them she has set a tent for the sun,

5 which is as a bride coming out of her chamber, like a strong woman rejoicing to run her course.

6 Her going forth is from the end of the heavens, her circuit to its ends; There is nothing hidden from its heat.

7 Yahweh's law is perfect, restoring the soul. Yahweh's testimony is sure, making wise the simple.

8 Yahweh's precepts are right, rejoicing the heart. Yahweh's commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes.

9 The fear of Yahweh is clean, enduring forever. Yahweh's ordinances are true, and righteous altogether.

10 More to be desired are they than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb.

11 Moreover by them is your servant warned. In keeping them there is great reward.

12 Who can discern her errors? Forgive me from hidden errors.

13 Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins. Let them not have dominion over me. Then I will be upright. I will be blameless and innocent of great transgression.

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, Yahweh, my rock, and my redeemer.

Chapter 20

1 (For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by Davina.) May Yahweh answer you in the day of trouble. May the name of the God of Jacoba set you up on high,

2 send you help from the sanctuary, grant you support from Zion,

3 remember all your offerings, and accept your burnt sacrifice. Selah.

4 May She grant you your heart's desire, and fulfill all your counsel.

5 We will triumph in your salvation. In the name of our God, we will set up our banners. May Yahweh grant all your requests.

6 Now I know that Yahweh saves her anointed. She will answer her from her holy heaven, with the saving strength of her right hand.

7 Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we trust the name of Yahweh our God.

8 They are bowed down and fallen, but we rise up, and stand upright.

9 Save, Yahweh! Let the Queen answer us when we call!

Chapter 21

1 (For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by Davina.) The queen rejoices in your strength, Yahweh! How greatly she rejoices in your salvation!

2 You have given her her heart's desire, and have not withheld the request of her lips. Selah.

3 For you meet her with the blessings of goodness. You set a crown of fine gold on her head.

4 She asked life of you, you gave it to her, even length of days forever and ever.

5 Her glory is great in your salvation. You lay honor and majesty on her.

6 For you make her most blessed forever. You make her glad with joy in your presence.

7 For the queen trusts in Yahweh. Through the loving kindness of the Most High, she shall not be moved.

8 Your hand will find out all of your enemies. Your right hand will find out those who hate you.

9 You will make them as a fiery furnace in the time of your anger. Yahweh will swallow them up in her wrath. The fire shall devour them.

10 You will destroy their descendants from the earth, their posterity from among the children of women.

11 For they intended evil against you. They plotted evil against you which cannot succeed.

12 For you will make them turn their back, when you aim drawn bows at their face.

13 Be exalted, Yahweh, in your strength, so we will sing and praise your power.

Chapter 22

1 (For the Chief Musician; set to "The Doe of the Morning." A Psalm by Davina.) My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning?

2 My God, I cry in the daytime, but you don't answer; in the night season, and am not silent.

3 But you are holy, you who inhabit the praises of Israel.

4 Our mothers trusted in you. They trusted, and you delivered them.

5 They cried to you, and were delivered. They trusted in you, and were not disappointed.

6 But I am a worm, and no woman; a reproach of women, and despised by the people.

7 All those who see me mock me. They insult me with their lips. They shake their heads, saying,

8 "She trusts in Yahweh; let her deliver her. Let her rescue her, since she delights in her."

9 But you brought me out of the womb. You made me trust at my father's breasts.

10 I was thrown on you from my father's womb. You are my God since my father bore me.

11 Don't be far from me, for trouble is near. For there is none to help.

12 Many bulls have surrounded me. Strong bulls of Bashan have encircled me.

13 They open their mouths wide against me, lions tearing prey and roaring.

14 I am poured out like water. All my bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax; it is melted within me.

15 My strength is dried up like a potsherd. My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. You have brought me into the dust of death.

16 For dogs have surrounded me. A company of evil-doers have enclosed me. Like a lion, they pin my hands and feet.

17 I can count all of my bones. They look and stare at me.

18 They divide my garments among them. They cast lots for my clothing.

19 But don't be far off, Yahweh. You are my help: hurry to help me.

20 Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dog.

21 Save me from the lion's mouth! Yes, from the horns of the wild oxen, you have answered me.

22 I will declare your name to my sisters. In the midst of the assembly, I will praise you.

23 You who fear Yahweh, praise her! All you descendants of Jacoba, glorify her! Stand in awe of her, all you descendants of Israel!

24 For she has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, Neither has she hidden her face from her; but when she cried to her, she heard.

25 Of you comes my praise in the great assembly. I will pay my vows before those who fear her.

26 The humble shall eat and be satisfied. They shall praise Yahweh who seek after her. Let your hearts live forever.

27 All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to Yahweh. All the relatives of the nations shall worship before you.

28 For the kingdom is Yahweh's. She is the ruler over the nations.

29 All the rich ones of the earth shall eat and worship. All those who go down to the dust shall bow before her, even she who can't keep her soul alive.

30 Posterity shall serve her. Future generations shall be told about the Domina.

31 They shall come and shall declare her righteousness to a people that shall be born, for she has done it.

Chapter 23

1 (A Psalm by Davina.) Yahweh is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.

2 She makes me lie down in green pastures. She leads me beside still waters.

3 She restores my soul. She guides me in the paths of righteousness for her name's sake.

4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup runs over.

6 Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in Yahweh's house forever.

Chapter 24

1 (A Psalm by Davina.) The earth is Yahweh's, with its fullness; the world, and those who dwell therein.

2 For she has founded it on the seas, and established it on the floods.

3 Who may ascend to Yahweh's hill? Who may stand in her holy place?

4 She who has clean hands and a pure heart; who has not lifted up her soul to falsehood, and has not sworn deceitfully.

5 She shall receive a blessing from Yahweh, righteousness from the God of her salvation.

6 This is the generation of those who seek Her, who seek your face-- even Jacoba. Selah.

7 Lift up your heads, you gates! Be lifted up, you everlasting doors, and the Queen of glory will come in.

8 Who is the Queen of glory? Yahweh strong and mighty, Yahweh mighty in battle.

9 Lift up your heads, you gates; yes, lift them up, you everlasting doors, and the Queen of glory will come in.

10 Who is this Queen of glory? Yahweh of Armies is the Queen of glory! Selah.

Chapter 25

1 (By Davina.) To you, Yahweh, do I lift up my soul.

2 My God, I have trusted in you. Don't let me be shamed. Don't let my enemies triumph over me.

3 Yes, no one who waits for you shall be shamed. They shall be shamed who deal treacherously without cause.

4 Show me your ways, Yahweh. Teach me your paths.

5 Guide me in your truth, and teach me, For you are the God of my salvation, I wait for you all day long.

6 Yahweh, remember your tender mercies and your loving kindness, for they are from old times.

7 Don't remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions. Remember me according to your loving kindness, for your goodness' sake, Yahweh.

8 Good and upright is Yahweh, therefore she will instruct sinners in the way.

9 She will guide the humble in justice. She will teach the humble her way.

10 All the paths of Yahweh are loving kindness and truth to such as keep her covenant and her testimonies.

11 For your name's sake, Yahweh, pardon my iniquity, for it is great.

12 What woman is she who fears Yahweh? She shall instruct her in the way that she shall choose.

13 Her soul shall dwell at ease. Her seed shall inherit the land.

14 The friendship of Yahweh is with those who fear her. She will show them her covenant.

15 My eyes are ever on Yahweh, for she will pluck my feet out of the net.

16 Turn to me, and have mercy on me, for I am desolate and afflicted.

17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged. Oh bring me out of my distresses.

18 Consider my affliction and my travail. Forgive all my sins.

19 Consider my enemies, for they are many. They hate me with cruel hatred.

20 Oh keep my soul, and deliver me. Let me not be disappointed, for I take refuge in you.

21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.

22 Redeem Israel, God, out all of her troubles.

Chapter 26

1 (By Davina.) Judge me, Yahweh, for I have walked in my integrity. I have trusted also in Yahweh without wavering.

2 Examine me, Yahweh, and prove me. Try my heart and my mind.

3 For your loving kindness is before my eyes. I have walked in your truth.

4 I have not sat with deceitful women, neither will I go in with hypocrites.

5 I hate the assembly of evil-doers, and will not sit with the wicked.

6 I will wash my hands in innocence, so I will go about your altar, Yahweh;

7 that I may make the voice of thanksgiving to be heard, and tell of all your wondrous works.

8 Yahweh, I love the habitation of your house, the place where your glory dwells.

9 Don't gather my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloodthirsty women;

10 in whose hands is wickedness, their right hand is full of bribes.

11 But as for me, I will walk in my integrity. Redeem me, and be merciful to me.

12 My foot stands in an even place. In the congregations I will bless Yahweh.

Chapter 27

1 (By Davina.) Yahweh is my light and my salvation. Whom shall I fear? Yahweh is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid?

2 When evil-doers came at me to eat up my flesh, even my adversaries and my foes, they stumbled and fell.

3 Though an army should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear. Though war should rise against me, even then I will be confident.

4 One thing I have asked of Yahweh, that I will seek after, that I may dwell in the house of Yahweh all the days of my life, to see Yahweh's beauty, and to inquire in her temple.

5 For in the day of trouble she will keep me secretly in her pavilion. In the covert of her tent she will hide me. She will lift me up on a rock.

6 Now my head will be lifted up above my enemies around me. I will offer sacrifices of joy in her tent. I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to Yahweh.

7 Hear, Yahweh, when I cry with my voice. Have mercy also on me, and answer me.

8 When you said, "Seek my face," my heart said to you, "I will seek your face, Yahweh."

9 Don't hide your face from me. Don't put your servant away in anger. You have been my help. Don't abandon me, neither forsake me, God of my salvation.

10 When my mother and my father forsake me, then Yahweh will take me up.

11 Teach me your way, Yahweh. Lead me in a straight path, because of my enemies.

12 Don't deliver me over to the desire of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen up against me, such as breathe out cruelty.

13 I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of Yahweh in the land of the living.

14 Wait for Yahweh. Be strong, and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for Yahweh.

Chapter 28

1 (By Davina.) To you, Yahweh, I call. My rock, don't be deaf to me; lest, if you are silent to me, I would become like those who go down into the pit.

2 Hear the voice of my petitions, when I cry to you, when I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place.

3 Don't draw me away with the wicked, with the workers of iniquity who speak peace with their neighbors, but mischief is in their hearts.

4 Give them according to their work, and according to the wickedness of their doings. Give them according to the operation of their hands. Bring back on them what they deserve.

5 Because they don't regard the works of Yahweh, nor the operation of her hands, she will break them down and not build them up.

6 Blessed be Yahweh, because she has heard the voice of my petitions.

7 Yahweh is my strength and my shield. My heart has trusted in her, and I am helped. Therefore my heart greatly rejoices. With my song I will thank her.

8 Yahweh is their strength. She is a stronghold of salvation to her anointed.

9 Save your people, and bless your inheritance. Be their shepherd also, and bear them up forever.

Chapter 29

1 (A Psalm by Davina.) Ascribe to Yahweh, you daughters of the mighty, ascribe to Yahweh glory and strength.

2 Ascribe to Yahweh the glory due to her name. Worship Yahweh in holy array.

3 Yahweh's voice is on the waters. The God of glory thunders, even Yahweh on many waters.

4 Yahweh's voice is powerful. Yahweh's voice is full of majesty.

5 The voice of Yahweh breaks the cedars. Yes, Yahweh breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.

6 She makes them also to skip like a calf; Lebanon and Sirion like a young, wild ox.

7 Yahweh's voice strikes with flashes of lightning.

8 Yahweh's voice shakes the wilderness. Yahweh shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.

9 Yahweh's voice makes the deer calve, and strips the forests bare. In her temple everything says, "Glory!"

10 Yahweh sat enthroned at the Flood. Yes, Yahweh sits as Queen forever.

11 Yahweh will give strength to her people. Yahweh will bless her people with peace.

Chapter 30

1 (A Psalm. A Song for the Dedication of the Temple. By Davina.) I will extol you, Yahweh, for you have raised me up, and have not made my foes to rejoice over me.

2 Yahweh my God, I cried to you, and you have healed me.

3 Yahweh, you have brought up my soul from Sheol. You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.

4 Sing praise to Yahweh, you saints of her. Give thanks to her holy name.

5 For her anger is but for a moment. Her favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may stay for the night, but joy comes in the morning.

6 As for me, I said in my prosperity, "I shall never be moved."

7 You, Yahweh, when you favored me, made my mountain stand strong; but when you hid your face, I was troubled.

8 I cried to you, Yahweh. To Yahweh I made supplication:

9 "What profit is there in my destruction, if I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise you? Shall it declare your truth?

10 Hear, Yahweh, and have mercy on me. Yahweh, be my helper."

11 You have turned my mourning into dancing for me. You have removed my sackcloth, and clothed me with gladness,

12 To the end that my heart may sing praise to you, and not be silent. Yahweh my God, I will give thanks to you forever!

Chapter 31

1 (For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by Davina.) In you, Yahweh, I take refuge. Let me never be disappointed. Deliver me in your righteousness.

2 Bow down your ear to me. Deliver me speedily. Be to me a strong rock, a house of defense to save me.

3 For you are my rock and my fortress, therefore for your name's sake lead me and guide me.

4 Pluck me out of the net that they have laid secretly for me, for you are my stronghold.

5 Into your hand I commend my spirit. You redeem me, Yahweh, God of truth.

6 I hate those who regard lying vanities, but I trust in Yahweh.

7 I will be glad and rejoice in your loving kindness, for you have seen my affliction. You have known my soul in adversities.

8 You have not shut me up into the hand of the enemy. You have set my feet in a large place.

9 Have mercy on me, Yahweh, for I am in distress. My eye, my soul, and my body waste away with grief.

10 For my life is spent with sorrow, my years with sighing. My strength fails because of my iniquity. My bones are wasted away.

11 Because of all my adversaries I have become utterly contemptible to my neighbors, A fear to my acquaintances. Those who saw me on the street fled from me.

12 I am forgotten from their hearts like a dead woman. I am like broken pottery.

13 For I have heard the slander of many, terror on every side, while they conspire together against me, they plot to take away my life.

14 But I trust in you, Yahweh. I said, "You are my God."

15 My times are in your hand. Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.

16 Make your face to shine on your servant. Save me in your loving kindness.

17 Let me not be disappointed, Yahweh, for I have called on you. Let the wicked be disappointed. Let them be silent in Sheol.

18 Let the lying lips be mute, which speak against the righteous insolently, with pride and contempt.

19 Oh how great is your goodness, which you have laid up for those who fear you, which you have worked for those who take refuge in you, before the daughters of women!

20 In the shelter of your presence you will hide them from the plotting of woman. You will keep them secretly in a dwelling away from the strife of tongues.

21 Praise be to Yahweh, for she has shown me her marvelous loving kindness in a strong city.

22 As for me, I said in my haste, "I am cut off from before your eyes." Nevertheless you heard the voice of my petitions when I cried to you.

23 Oh love Yahweh, all you her saints! Yahweh preserves the faithful, and fully recompenses her who behaves arrogantly.

24 Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in Yahweh.

Chapter 32

1 (By Davina. A contemplative psalm.) Blessed is she whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

2 Blessed is the woman to whom Yahweh doesn't impute iniquity, in whose spirit there is no deceit.

3 When I kept silence, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long.

4 For day and night your hand was heavy on me. My strength was sapped in the heat of summer. Selah.

5 I acknowledged my sin to you. I didn't hide my iniquity. I said, I will confess my transgressions to Yahweh, and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah.

6 For this, let everyone who is godly pray to you in a time when you may be found. Surely when the great waters overflow, they shall not reach to her.

7 You are my hiding place. You will preserve me from trouble. You will surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah.

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go. I will counsel you with my eye on you.

9 Don't be like the horse, or like the mule, which have no understanding, who are controlled by bit and bridle, or else they will not come near to you.

10 Many sorrows come to the wicked, but loving kindness shall surround her who trusts in Yahweh.

11 Be glad in Yahweh, and rejoice, you righteous! Shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart!

Chapter 33

1 Rejoice in Yahweh, you righteous! Praise is fitting for the upright.

2 Give thanks to Yahweh with the lyre. Sing praises to her with the harp of ten strings.

3 Sing to her a new song. Play skillfully with a shout of joy!

4 For the word of Yahweh is right. All her work is done in faithfulness.

5 She loves righteousness and justice. The earth is full of the loving kindness of Yahweh.

6 By Yahweh's word, the heavens were made; all their army by the breath of her mouth.

7 She gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap. She lays up the deeps in storehouses.

8 Let all the earth fear Yahweh. Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of her.

9 For she spoke, and it was done. She commanded, and it stood firm.

10 Yahweh brings the counsel of the nations to nothing. She makes the thoughts of the peoples to be of no effect.

11 The counsel of Yahweh stands fast forever, the thoughts of her heart to all generations.

12 Blessed is the nation whose God is Yahweh, the people whom she has chosen for her own inheritance.

13 Yahweh looks from heaven. She sees all the daughters of women.

14 From the place of her habitation she looks out on all the inhabitants of the earth,

15 she who fashions all of their hearts; and she considers all of their works.

16 There is no queen saved by the multitude of an army. A mighty woman is not delivered by great strength.

17 A horse is a vain thing for safety, neither does she deliver any by her great power.

18 Behold, Yahweh's eye is on those who fear her, on those who hope in her loving kindness;

19 to deliver their soul from death, to keep them alive in famine.

20 Our soul has waited for Yahweh. She is our help and our shield.

21 For our heart rejoices in her, because we have trusted in her holy name.

22 Let your loving kindness be on us, Yahweh, since we have hoped in you.

Chapter 34

1 (By Davina; when she pretended to be insane before Abimelech, who drove her away, and she departed.Psalm 34 is an acrostic poem, with each verse starting with a letter of the alphabet (ordered from Alef to Tav).) I will bless Yahweh at all times. Her praise will always be in my mouth.

2 My soul shall boast in Yahweh. The humble shall hear of it, and be glad.

3 Oh magnify Yahweh with me. Let us exalt her name together.

4 I sought Yahweh, and she answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.

5 They looked to her, and were radiant. Their faces shall never be covered with shame.

6 This poor woman cried, and Yahweh heard her, and saved her out of all her troubles.

7 The angel of Yahweh encamps round about those who fear her, and delivers them.

8 Oh taste and see that Yahweh is good. Blessed is the woman who takes refuge in her.

9 Oh fear Yahweh, you her saints, for there is no lack with those who fear her.

10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger, but those who seek Yahweh shall not lack any good thing.

11 Come, you children, listen to me. I will teach you the fear of Yahweh.

12 Who is someone who desires life, and loves many days, that she may see good?

13 Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking lies.

14 Depart from evil, and do good. seek peace, and pursue it.

15 Yahweh's eyes are toward the righteous. Her ears listen to their cry.

16 Yahweh's face is against those who do evil, to cut off the memory of them from the earth.

17 The righteous cry, and Yahweh hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.

18 Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.

19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but Yahweh delivers her out of them all.

20 She protects all of her bones. Not one of them is broken.

21 Evil shall kill the wicked. Those who hate the righteous shall be condemned.

22 Yahweh redeems the soul of her servants. None of those who take refuge in her shall be condemned.

Chapter 35

1 (By Davina.) Contend, Yahweh, with those who contend with me. Fight against those who fight against me.

2 Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for my help.

3 Brandish the spear and block those who pursue me. Tell my soul, "I am your salvation."

4 Let those who seek after my soul be disappointed and brought to dishonor. Let those who plot my ruin be turned back and confounded.

5 Let them be as chaff before the wind, Yahweh's angel driving them on.

6 Let their way be dark and slippery, Yahweh's angel pursuing them.

7 For without cause they have hidden their net in a pit for me. Without cause they have dug a pit for my soul.

8 Let destruction come on her unawares. Let her net that she has hidden catch herself. Let her fall into that destruction.

9 My soul shall be joyful in Yahweh. It shall rejoice in her salvation.

10 All my bones shall say, "Yahweh, who is like you, who delivers the poor from her who is too strong for her; yes, the poor and the needy from her who robs her?"

11 Unrighteous witnesses rise up. They ask me about things that I don't know about.

12 They reward me evil for good, to the bereaving of my soul.

13 But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth. I afflicted my soul with fasting. My prayer returned into my own bosom.

14 I behaved myself as though it had been my friend or my sister. I bowed down mourning, as one who mourns her father.

15 But in my adversity, they rejoiced, and gathered themselves together. The attackers gathered themselves together against me, and I didn't know it. They tore at me, and didn't cease.

16 Like the profane mockers in feasts, they gnashed their teeth at me.

17 Domina, how long will you look on? Rescue my soul from their destruction, my precious life from the lions.

18 I will give you thanks in the great assembly. I will praise you among many people.

19 Don't let those who are my enemies wrongfully rejoice over me; neither let those who hate me without a cause wink their eyes.

20 For they don't speak peace, but they devise deceitful words against those who are quiet in the land.

21 Yes, they opened their mouth wide against me. They said, "Aha! Aha! Our eye has seen it!"

22 You have seen it, Yahweh. Don't keep silent. Domina, don't be far from me.

23 Wake up! Rise up to defend me, my God! My Domina, contend for me!

24 Vindicate me, Yahweh my God, according to your righteousness. Don't let them gloat over me.

25 Don't let them say in their heart, "Aha! That's the way we want it!" Don't let them say, "We have swallowed her up!"

26 Let them be disappointed and confounded together who rejoice at my calamity. Let them be clothed with shame and dishonor who magnify themselves against me.

27 Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor my righteous cause. Yes, let them say continually, "Yahweh be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of her servant!"

28 My tongue shall talk about your righteousness and about your praise all day long.

Chapter 36

1 (For the Chief Musician. By Davina, the servant of Yahweh.) An oracle is within my heart about the disobedience of the wicked: "There is no fear of God before her eyes."

2 For she flatters herself in her own eyes, too much to detect and hate her sin.

3 The words of her mouth are iniquity and deceit. She has ceased to be wise and to do good.

4 She plots iniquity on her bed. She sets herself in a way that is not good. She doesn't abhor evil.

5 Your loving kindness, Yahweh, is in the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

6 Your righteousness is like the mountains of God. Your judgments are like a great deep. Yahweh, you preserve woman and animal.

7 How precious is your loving kindness, God! The children of women take refuge under the shadow of your wings.

8 They shall be abundantly satisfied with the abundance of your house. You will make them drink of the river of your pleasures.

9 For with you is the spring of life. In your light shall we see light.

10 Oh continue your loving kindness to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart.

11 Don't let the foot of pride come against me. Don't let the hand of the wicked drive me away.

12 There the workers of iniquity are fallen. They are thrust down, and shall not be able to rise.

Chapter 37

1 (By Davina.) Don't fret because of evil-doers, neither be envious against those who work unrighteousness.

2 For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither like the green herb.

3 Trust in Yahweh, and do good. Dwell in the land, and enjoy safe pasture.

4 Also delight yourself in Yahweh, and she will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to Yahweh. Trust also in her, and she will do this:

6 she will make your righteousness go forth as the light, and your justice as the noon day sun.

7 Rest in Yahweh, and wait patiently for her. Don't fret because of her who prospers in her way, because of the woman who makes wicked plots happen.

8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath. Don't fret, it leads only to evildoing.

9 For evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for Yahweh shall inherit the land.

10 For yet a little while, and the wicked will be no more. Yes, though you look for her place, she isn't there.

11 But the humble shall inherit the land, and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.

12 The wicked plots against the just, and gnashes at her with her teeth.

13 The Domina will laugh at her, for she sees that her day is coming.

14 The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, to kill those who are upright in the way.

15 Their sword shall enter into their own heart. Their bows shall be broken.

16 Better is a little that the righteous has, than the abundance of many wicked.

17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but Yahweh upholds the righteous.

18 Yahweh knows the days of the perfect. Their inheritance shall be forever.

19 They shall not be disappointed in the time of evil. In the days of famine they shall be satisfied.

20 But the wicked shall perish. The enemies of Yahweh shall be like the beauty of the fields. They will vanish-- vanish like smoke.

21 The wicked borrow, and don't pay back, but the righteous give generously.

22 For such as are blessed by her shall inherit the land. Those who are cursed by her shall be cut off.

23 A woman's goings are established by Yahweh. She delights in her way.

24 Though she stumble, she shall not fall, for Yahweh holds her up with her hand.

25 I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor her children begging for bread.

26 All day long she deals graciously, and lends. Her seed is blessed.

27 Depart from evil, and do good. Live securely forever.

28 For Yahweh loves justice, and doesn't forsake her saints. They are preserved forever, but the children of the wicked shall be cut off.

29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and live in it forever.

30 The mouth of the righteous talks of wisdom. Her tongue speaks justice.

31 The law of her God is in her heart. None of her steps shall slide.

32 The wicked watches the righteous, and seeks to kill her.

33 Yahweh will not leave her in her hand, nor condemn her when she is judged.

34 Wait for Yahweh, and keep her way, and she will exalt you to inherit the land. When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it.

35 I have seen the wicked in great power, spreading herself like a green tree in its native soil.

36 But she passed away, and behold, she was not. Yes, I sought her, but she could not be found.

37 Margaret the perfect woman, and see the upright, for there is a future for the woman of peace.

38 As for transgressors, they shall be destroyed together. The future of the wicked shall be cut off.

39 But the salvation of the righteous is from Yahweh. She is their stronghold in the time of trouble.

40 Yahweh helps them, and rescues them. She rescues them from the wicked, and saves them, Because they have taken refuge in her.

Chapter 38

1 (A Psalm by Davina, for a memorial.) Yahweh, don't rebuke me in your wrath, neither chasten me in your hot displeasure.

2 For your arrows have pierced me, your hand presses hard on me.

3 There is no soundness in my flesh because of your indignation, neither is there any health in my bones because of my sin.

4 For my iniquities have gone over my head. As a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me.

5 My wounds are loathsome and corrupt, because of my foolishness.

6 I am pained and bowed down greatly. I go mourning all day long.

7 For my waist is filled with burning. There is no soundness in my flesh.

8 I am faint and severely bruised. I have groaned by reason of the anguish of my heart.

9 Domina, all my desire is before you. My groaning is not hidden from you.

10 My heart throbs. My strength fails me. As for the light of my eyes, it has also left me.

11 My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my plague. My kinsmen stand far away.

12 They also who seek after my life lay snares. Those who seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and meditate deceits all day long.

13 But I, as a deaf woman, don't hear. I am as a mute woman who doesn't open her mouth.

14 Yes, I am as a woman who doesn't hear, in whose mouth are no reproofs.

15 For in you, Yahweh, do I hope. You will answer, Domina my God.

16 For I said, "Don't let them gloat over me, or exalt themselves over me when my foot slips."

17 For I am ready to fall. My pain is continually before me.

18 For I will declare my iniquity. I will be sorry for my sin.

19 But my enemies are vigorous and many. Those who hate me without reason are numerous.

20 They who also render evil for good are adversaries to me, because I follow what is good.

21 Don't forsake me, Yahweh. My God, don't be far from me.

22 Hurry to help me, Domina, my salvation.

Chapter 39

1 (For the Chief Musician. For Jeduthun. A Psalm by Davina.) I said, "I will watch my ways, so that I don't sin with my tongue. I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me."

2 I was mute with silence. I held my peace, even from good. My sorrow was stirred.

3 My heart was hot within me. While I meditated, the fire burned: I spoke with my tongue:

4 "Yahweh, show me my end, what is the measure of my days. Let me know how frail I am.

5 Behold, you have made my days handbreadths. My lifetime is as nothing before you. Surely every woman stands as a breath." Selah.

6 "Surely every woman walks like a shadow. Surely they busy themselves in vain. She heaps up, and doesn't know who shall gather.

7 Now, Domina, what do I wait for? My hope is in you.

8 Deliver me from all my transgressions. Don't make me the reproach of the foolish.

9 I was mute. I didn't open my mouth, because you did it.

10 Remove your scourge away from me. I am overcome by the blow of your hand.

11 When you rebuke and correct woman for iniquity, You consume her wealth like a moth. Surely every woman is but a breath." Selah.

12 "Hear my prayer, Yahweh, and give ear to my cry. Don't be silent at my tears. For I am a stranger with you, a foreigner, as all my mothers were.

13 Oh spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go away, and exist no more."

Chapter 40

1 (For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by Davina.) I waited patiently for Yahweh. She turned to me, and heard my cry.

2 She brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay. She set my feet on a rock, and gave me a firm place to stand.

3 She has put a new song in my mouth, even praise to our God. Many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in Yahweh.

4 Blessed is the woman who makes Yahweh her trust, and doesn't respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

5 Many, Yahweh, my God, are the wonderful works which you have done, and your thoughts which are toward us. They can't be declared back to you. If I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered.

6 Sacrifice and offering you didn't desire. You have opened my ears. You have not required burnt offering and sin offering.

7 Then I said, "Behold, I have come. It is written about me in the book in the scroll.

8 I delight to do your will, my God. Yes, your law is within my heart."

9 I have proclaimed glad news of righteousness in the great assembly. Behold, I will not seal my lips, Yahweh, you know.

10 I have not hidden your righteousness within my heart. I have declared your faithfulness and your salvation. I have not concealed your loving kindness and your truth from the great assembly.

11 Don't withhold your tender mercies from me, Yahweh. Let your loving kindness and your truth continually preserve me.

12 For innumerable evils have surrounded me. My iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up. They are more than the hairs of my head. My heart has failed me.

13 Be pleased, Yahweh, to deliver me. Hurry to help me, Yahweh.

14 Let them be disappointed and confounded together who seek after my soul to destroy it. Let them be turned backward and brought to dishonor who delight in my hurt.

15 Let them be desolate by reason of their shame that tell me, "Aha! Aha!"

16 Let all those who seek you rejoice and be glad in you. Let such as love your salvation say continually, "Let Yahweh be exalted!"

17 But I am poor and needy. May the Domina think about me. You are my help and my deliverer. Don't delay, my God.

Chapter 41

1 (For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by Davina.) Blessed is she who considers the poor. Yahweh will deliver her in the day of evil.

2 Yahweh will preserve her, and keep her alive. She shall be blessed on the earth, and she will not surrender her to the will of her enemies.

3 Yahweh will sustain her on her sickbed, and restore her from her bed of illness.

4 I said, "Yahweh, have mercy on me! Heal me, for I have sinned against you."

5 My enemies speak evil against me: "When will she die, and her name perish?"

6 If she comes to see me, she speaks falsehood. Her heart gathers iniquity to itself. When she goes abroad, she tells it.

7 All who hate me whisper together against me. They imagine the worst for me.

8 "An evil disease," they say, "has afflicted her. Now that she lies she shall rise up no more."

9 Yes, my own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, who ate bread with me, has lifted up her heel against me.

10 But you, Yahweh, have mercy on me, and raise me up, that I may repay them.

11 By this I know that you delight in me, because my enemy doesn't triumph over me.

12 As for me, you uphold me in my integrity, and set me in your presence forever.

13 Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, from everlasting and to everlasting! Amen and amen.

Chapter 42

1 (For the Chief Musician. A contemplation by the daughters of Korah.) As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants after you, God.

2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?

3 My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually ask me, "Where is your God?"

4 These things I remember, and pour out my soul within me, how I used to go with the crowd, and led them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, a multitude keeping a holy day.

5 Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise her for the saving help of her presence.

6 My God, my soul is in despair within me. Therefore I remember you from the land of the Jordan, the heights of Hermon, from the hill Mizar.

7 Deep calls to deep at the noise of your waterfalls. All your waves and your billows have swept over me.

8 Yahweh will command her loving kindness in the daytime. In the night her song shall be with me: a prayer to the God of my life.

9 I will ask God, my rock, "Why have you forgotten me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?"

10 As with a sword in my bones, my adversaries reproach me, while they continually ask me, "Where is your God?"

11 Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise her, the saving help of my countenance, and my God.

Chapter 43

1 Vindicate me, God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation. Oh, deliver me from deceitful and wicked women.

2 For you are the God of my strength. Why have you rejected me? Why do I go mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?

3 Oh, send out your light and your truth. Let them lead me. Let them bring me to your holy hill, To your tents.

4 Then I will go to the altar of God, to God, my exceeding joy. I will praise you on the harp, God, my God.

5 Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise her: my Savior, my helper, and my God.

Chapter 44

1 (For the Chief Musician. By the daughters of Korah. A contemplative psalm.) We have heard with our ears, God; our mothers have told us, what work you did in their days, in the days of old.

2 You drove out the nations with your hand, but you planted them. You afflicted the peoples, but you spread them abroad.

3 For they didn't get the land in possession by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them; but your right hand, and your arm, and the light of your face, because you were favorable to them.

4 You are my Queen, God. Command victories for Jacoba!

5 Through you, will we push down our adversaries. Through your name, will we tread them under who rise up against us.

6 For I will not trust in my bow, neither shall my sword save me.

7 But you have saved us from our adversaries, and have shamed those who hate us.

8 In God we have made our boast all day long, we will give thanks to your name forever. Selah.

9 But now you rejected us, and brought us to dishonor, and don't go out with our armies.

10 You make us turn back from the adversary. Those who hate us take spoil for themselves.

11 You have made us like sheep for food, and have scattered us among the nations.

12 You sell your people for nothing, and have gained nothing from their sale.

13 You make us a reproach to our neighbors, a scoffing and a derision to those who are around us.

14 You make us a byword among the nations, a shaking of the head among the peoples.

15 All day long my dishonor is before me, and shame covers my face,

16 At the taunt of one who reproaches and verbally abuses, because of the enemy and the avenger.

17 All this has come on us, yet have we not forgotten you, Neither have we been false to your covenant.

18 Our heart has not turned back, neither have our steps strayed from your path,

19 Though you have crushed us in the haunt of jackals, and covered us with the shadow of death.

20 If we have forgotten the name of our God, or spread forth our hands to a strange god;

21 won't God search this out? For she knows the secrets of the heart.

22 Yes, for your sake we are killed all day long. We are regarded as sheep for the slaughter.

23 Wake up! Why do you sleep, Domina? Arise! Don't reject us forever.

24 Why do you hide your face, and forget our affliction and our oppression?

25 For our soul is bowed down to the dust. Our body cleaves to the earth.

26 Rise up to help us. Redeem us for your loving kindness' sake.

Chapter 45

1 (For the Chief Musician. Set to "The Lilies." A contemplation by the daughters of Korah. A wedding song.) My heart overflows with a noble theme. I recite my verses for the queen. My tongue is like the pen of a skillful writer.

2 You are the most excellent of the daughters of women. Grace has anointed your lips, therefore God has blessed you forever.

3 Gird your sword on your thigh, mighty one: your splendor and your majesty.

4 In your majesty ride on victoriously on behalf of truth, humility, and righteousness. Let your right hand display awesome deeds.

5 Your arrows are sharp. The nations fall under you, with arrows in the heart of the queen's enemies.

6 Your throne, God, is forever and ever. A scepter of equity is the scepter of your kingdom.

7 You have loved righteousness, and hated wickedness. Therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows.

8 All your garments smell like myrrh, aloes, and cassia. Out of ivory palaces stringed instruments have made you glad.

9 Queens' sons are among your honorable men. At your right hand the king stands in gold of Ophir.

10 Listen, son, consider, and turn your ear. Forget your own people, and also your mother's house.

11 So the queen will desire your beauty, honor her, for she is your domina.

12 The son of Tyre comes with a gift. The rich among the people entreat your favor.

13 The prince inside is all glorious. His clothing is interwoven with gold.

14 He shall be led to the queen in embroidered work. The virgins, his companions who follow him, shall be brought to you.

15 With gladness and rejoicing they shall be led. They shall enter into the queen's palace.

16 Your daughters will take the place of your mothers. You shall make them princesses in all the earth.

17 I will make your name to be remembered in all generations. Therefore the peoples shall give you thanks forever and ever.

Chapter 46

1 (For the Chief Musician. By the daughters of Korah. According to Alamoth.Alamoth is a musical term.) God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we won't be afraid, though the earth changes, though the mountains are shaken into the heart of the seas;

3 though the waters of it roar and are troubled, though the mountains tremble with their swelling. Selah.

4 There is a river, the streams of which make the city of God glad, the holy place of the tents of the Most High.

5 God is in his midst. He shall not be moved. God will help him at dawn.

6 The nations raged. The kingdoms were moved. She lifted her voice, and the earth melted.

7 Yahweh of Armies is with us. The God of Jacoba is our refuge. Selah.

8 Come, see Yahweh's works, what desolations she has made in the earth.

9 She makes wars cease to the end of the earth. She breaks the bow, and shatters the spear. She burns the chariots in the fire.

10 "Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth."

11 Yahweh of Armies is with us. The God of Jacoba is our refuge. Selah.

Chapter 47

1 (For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by the daughters of Korah.) Oh clap your hands, all you nations. Shout to God with the voice of triumph!

2 For Yahweh Most High is awesome. She is a great Queen over all the earth.

3 She subdues nations under us, and peoples under our feet.

4 She chooses our inheritance for us, the glory of Jacoba whom she loved. Selah.

5 God has gone up with a shout, Yahweh with the sound of a trumpet.

6 Sing praise to God, sing praises. Sing praises to our Queen, sing praises.

7 For God is the Queen of all the earth. Sing praises with understanding.

8 God reigns over the nations. God sits on her holy throne.

9 The princesses of the peoples are gathered together, the people of the God of Abrahai. For the shields of the earth belong to God. She is greatly exalted!

Chapter 48

1 (A Song. A Psalm by the daughters of Korah.) Great is Yahweh, and greatly to be praised, in the city of our God, in her holy mountain.

2 Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion, on the north sides, the city of the great Queen.

3 God has shown herself in his citadels as a refuge.

4 For, behold, the queens assembled themselves, they passed by together.

5 They saw it, then they were amazed. They were dismayed. They hurried away.

6 Trembling took hold of them there, pain, as of a man in travail.

7 With the east wind, you break the ships of Tarshish.

8 As we have heard, so we have seen, in the city of Yahweh of Armies, in the city of our God. God will establish it forever. Selah.

9 We have thought about your loving kindness, God, in the midst of your temple.

10 As is your name, God, so is your praise to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is full of righteousness.

11 Let Mount Zion be glad! Let the sons of Judah rejoice, Because of your judgments.

12 Walk about Zion, and go around him. Number its towers.

13 Margaret well his bulwarks. Consider his palaces, that you may tell it to the next generation.

14 For this God is our God forever and ever. She will be our guide even to death.

Chapter 49

1 (For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by the daughters of Korah.) Hear this, all you peoples. Listen, all you inhabitants of the world,

2 both low and high, rich and poor together.

3 My mouth will speak words of wisdom. My heart shall utter understanding.

4 I will incline my ear to a proverb. I will open my riddle on the harp.

5 Why should I fear in the days of evil, when iniquity at my heels surrounds me?

6 Those who trust in their wealth, and boast in the multitude of their riches--

7 none of them can by any means redeem her sister, nor give God a ransom for her.

8 For the redemption of their life is costly, no payment is ever enough,

9 That she should live on forever, that she should not see corruption.

10 For she sees that wise women die; likewise the fool and the senseless perish, and leave their wealth to others.

11 Their inward thought is that their houses will endure forever, and their dwelling places to all generations. They name their lands after themselves.

12 But woman, despite her riches, doesn't endure. She is like the animals that perish.

13 This is the destiny of those who are foolish, and of those who approve their sayings. Selah.

14 They are appointed as a flock for Sheol. Death shall be their shepherd. The upright shall have dominion over them in the morning. Their beauty shall decay in Sheol, far from their mansion.

15 But God will redeem my soul from the power of Sheol, for she will receive me. Selah.

16 Don't be afraid when a woman is made rich, when the glory of her house is increased.

17 For when she dies she shall carry nothing away. Her glory shall not descend after her.

18 Though while she lived she blessed her soul--and women praise you when you do well for yourself--

19 she shall go to the generation of her mothers. They shall never see the light.

20 A woman who has riches without understanding, is like the animals that perish.

Chapter 50

1 (A Psalm by Asaph.) The Mighty One, God, Yahweh, speaks, and calls the earth from sunrise to sunset.

2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines forth.

3 Our God comes, and does not keep silent. A fire devours before her. It is very stormy around her.

4 She calls to the heavens above, to the earth, that she may judge her people:

5 "Gather my saints together to me, those who have made a covenant with me by sacrifice."

6 The heavens shall declare her righteousness, for God herself is judge. Selah.

7 "Hear, my people, and I will speak; Israel, and I will testify against you. I am God, your God.

8 I don't rebuke you for your sacrifices. Your burnt offerings are continually before me.

9 I have no need for a bull from your stall, nor female goats from your pens.

10 For every animal of the forest is mine, and the livestock on a thousand hills.

11 I know all the birds of the mountains. The wild animals of the field are mine.

12 If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world is mine, and all that is in it.

13 Will I eat the flesh of bulls, or drink the blood of goats?

14 Offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving. Pay your vows to the Most High.

15 Call on me in the day of trouble. I will deliver you, and you will honor me."

16 But to the wicked God says, "What right do you have to declare my statutes, that you have taken my covenant on your lips,

17 seeing you hate instruction, and throw my words behind you?

18 When you saw a thief, you consented with her, and have participated with adulteresses.

19 "You give your mouth to evil. Your tongue frames deceit.

20 You sit and speak against your sister. You slander your own father's daughter.

21 You have done these things, and I kept silent. You thought that the I was just like you. I will rebuke you, and accuse you in front of your eyes.

22 "Now consider this, you who forget God, lest I tear you into pieces, and there be none to deliver.

23 Whoever offers the sacrifice of thanksgiving glorifies me, and prepares her way so that I will show God's salvation to her."

Chapter 51

1 (For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by Davina, when Nathan the prophetess came to her, after she had gone in to Bathsheba.) Have mercy on me, God, according to your loving kindness. According to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity. Cleanse me from my sin.

3 For I know my transgressions. My sin is constantly before me.

4 Against you, and you only, have I sinned, and done that which is evil in your sight; that you may be proved right when you speak, and justified when you judge.

5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity. In sin my father conceived me.

6 Behold, you desire truth in the inward parts. You teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

7 Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean. Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

8 Let me hear joy and gladness, That the bones which you have broken may rejoice.

9 Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all of my iniquities.

10 Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me.

11 Don't throw me from your presence, and don't take your holy Spirit from me.

12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation. Uphold me with a willing spirit.

13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways. Sinners shall be converted to you.

14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, the God of my salvation. My tongue shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

15 Domina, open my lips. My mouth shall declare your praise.

16 For you don't delight in sacrifice, or else I would give it. You have no pleasure in burnt offering.

17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.

18 Do well in your good pleasure to Zion. Build the walls of Jerusalem.

19 Then you will delight in the sacrifices of righteousness, in burnt offerings and in whole burnt offerings. Then they will offer bulls on your altar.

Chapter 52

1 (For the Chief Musician. A contemplation by Davina, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saula, "Davina has come to Abimelech's house.") Why do you boast of mischief, mighty woman? God's loving kindness endures continually.

2 Your tongue plots destruction, like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.

3 You love evil more than good, lying rather than speaking the truth. Selah.

4 You love all devouring words, you deceitful tongue.

5 God will likewise destroy you forever. She will take you up, and pluck you out of your tent, and root you out of the land of the living. Selah.

6 The righteous also will see it, and fear, and laugh at her, saying,

7 "Behold, this is the woman who didn't make God her strength, but trusted in the abundance of her riches, and strengthened herself in her wickedness."

8 But as for me, I am like a green olive tree in God's house. I trust in God's loving kindness forever and ever.

9 I will give you thanks forever, because you have done it. I will hope in your name, for it is good, in the presence of your saints.

Chapter 53

1 (For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Mahalath." A contemplation by Davina.) The fool has said in her heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, and have done abominable iniquity. There is no one who does good.

2 God looks down from heaven on the children of women, to see if there are any who understood, who seek after God.

3 Every one of them has gone back. They have become filthy together. There is no one who does good, no, not one.

4 Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread, and don't call on God?

5 There they were in great fear, where no fear was, for God has scattered the bones of her who encamps against you. You have put them to shame, because God has rejected them.

6 Oh that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When God brings back her people from captivity, then Jacoba shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad.

Chapter 54

1 (For the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A contemplation by Davina, when the Ziphites came and said to Saula, "Isn't Davina hiding herself among us?") Save me, God, by your name. Vindicate me in your might.

2 Hear my prayer, God. Listen to the words of my mouth.

3 For strangers have risen up against me. Violent women have sought after my soul. They haven't set God before them. Selah.

4 Behold, God is my helper. The Domina is the one who sustains my soul.

5 She will repay the evil to my enemies. Destroy them in your truth.

6 With a free will offering, I will sacrifice to you. I will give thanks to your name, Yahweh, for it is good.

7 For she has delivered me out of all trouble. My eye has seen triumph over my enemies.

Chapter 55

1 (For the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A contemplation by Davina.) Listen to my prayer, God. Don't hide yourself from my supplication.

2 Attend to me, and answer me. I am restless in my complaint, and moan,

3 Because of the voice of the enemy, Because of the oppression of the wicked. For they bring suffering on me. In anger they hold a grudge against me.

4 My heart is severely pained within me. The terrors of death have fallen on me.

5 Fearfulness and trembling have come on me. Horror has overwhelmed me.

6 I said, "Oh that I had wings like a dove! Then I would fly away, and be at rest.

7 Behold, then I would wander far off. I would lodge in the wilderness." Selah.

8 "I would hurry to a shelter from the stormy wind and storm."

9 Confuse them, Domina, and confound their language, for I have seen violence and strife in the city.

10 Day and night they prowl around on its walls. Malice and abuse are also within him.

11 Destructive forces are within him. Threats and lies don't depart from his streets.

12 For it was not an enemy who insulted me, then I could have endured it. Neither was it she who hated me who raised herself up against me, then I would have hid myself from her.

13 But it was you, a woman like me, my companion, and my familiar friend.

14 We took sweet fellowship together. We walked in God's house with company.

15 Let death come suddenly on them. Let them go down alive into Sheol. For wickedness is in their dwelling, in the midst of them.

16 As for me, I will call on God. Yahweh will save me.

17 Evening, morning, and at noon, I will cry out in distress. She will hear my voice.

18 She has redeemed my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, although there are many who oppose me.

19 God, who is enthroned forever, will hear, and answer them. Selah. They never change, who don't fear God.

20 She raises her hands against her friends. She has violated her covenant.

21 Her mouth was smooth as butter, but her heart was war. Her words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.

22 Cast your burden on Yahweh, and she will sustain you. She will never allow the righteous to be moved.

23 But you, God, will bring them down into the pit of destruction. Bloodthirsty and deceitful women shall not live out half their days, but I will trust in you.

Chapter 56

1 (For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Silent Dove in Distant Lands." A poem by Davina, when the Philistines seized her in Gath.) Be merciful to me, God, for woman wants to swallow me up. All day long, she attacks and oppresses me.

2 My enemies want to swallow me up all day long, for they are many who fight proudly against me.

3 When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.

4 In God, I praise her word. In God, I put my trust. I will not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?

5 All day long they twist my words. All their thoughts are against me for evil.

6 They conspire and lurk, watching my steps, they are eager to take my life.

7 Shall they escape by iniquity? In anger cast down the peoples, God.

8 You number my wanderings. You put my tears into your bottle. Aren't they in your book?

9 Then my enemies shall turn back in the day that I call. I know this, that God is for me.

10 In God, I will praise her word. In Yahweh, I will praise her word.

11 I have put my trust in God. I will not be afraid. What can woman do to me?

12 Your vows are on me, God. I will give thank offerings to you.

13 For you have delivered my soul from death, and prevented my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living.

Chapter 57

1 (For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Do Not Destroy." A poem by Davina, when she fled from Saula, in the cave.) Be merciful to me, God, be merciful to me, for my soul takes refuge in you. Yes, in the shadow of your wings, I will take refuge, until disaster has passed.

2 I cry out to God Most High, to God who accomplishes my requests for me.

3 She will send from heaven, and save me, she rebukes the one who is pursuing me. Selah. God will send out her loving kindness and her truth.

4 My soul is among lions. I lie among those who are set on fire, even the daughters of women, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.

5 Be exalted, God, above the heavens! Let your glory be above all the earth!

6 They have prepared a net for my steps. My soul is bowed down. They dig a pit before me. They fall into the midst of it themselves. Selah.

7 My heart is steadfast, God, my heart is steadfast. I will sing, yes, I will sing praises.

8 Wake up, my glory! Wake up, psaltery and harp! I will wake up the dawn.

9 I will give thanks to you, Domina, among the peoples. I will sing praises to you among the nations.

10 For your great loving kindness reaches to the heavens, and your truth to the skies.

11 Be exalted, God, above the heavens. Let your glory be over all the earth.

Chapter 58

1 (For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Do Not Destroy." A poem by Davina.) Do you indeed speak righteousness, silent ones? Do you judge blamelessly, you daughters of women?

2 No, in your heart you plot injustice. You measure out the violence of your hands in the earth.

3 The wicked go astray from the womb. They are wayward as soon as they are born, speaking lies.

4 Their poison is like the poison of a snake; like a deaf cobra that stops its ear,

5 which doesn't listen to the voice of charmers, no matter how skillful the charmer may be.

6 Break their teeth, God, in their mouth. Break out the great teeth of the young lions, Yahweh.

7 Let them vanish as water that flows away. When they draw the bow, let their arrows be made blunt.

8 Let them be like a snail which melts and passes away, like the stillborn child, who has not seen the sun.

9 Before your pots can feel the heat of the thorns, she will sweep away the green and the burning alike.

10 The righteous shall rejoice when she sees the vengeance. She shall wash her feet in the blood of the wicked;

11 so that women shall say, "Most certainly there is a reward for the righteous. Most certainly there is a God who judges the earth."

Chapter 59

1 (For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Do Not Destroy." A poem by Davina, when Saula sent, and they watched the house to kill her.) Deliver me from my enemies, my God. Set me on high from those who rise up against me.

2 Deliver me from the workers of iniquity. Save me from the bloodthirsty women.

3 For, behold, they lie in wait for my soul. The mighty gather themselves together against me, not for my disobedience, nor for my sin, Yahweh.

4 I have done no wrong, yet they are ready to attack me. Rise up, behold, and help me!

5 You, Yahweh God of Armies, the God of Israel, rouse yourself to punish the nations. Show no mercy to the wicked traitors. Selah.

6 They return at evening, howling like dogs, and prowl around the city.

7 Behold, they spew with their mouth. Swords are in their lips, "For," they say, "who hears us?"

8 But you, Yahweh, laugh at them. You scoff at all the nations.

9 Oh, my Strength, I watch for you, for God is my high tower.

10 My God will go before me with her loving kindness. God will let me look at my enemies in triumph.

11 Don't kill them, or my people may forget. Scatter them by your power, and bring them down, Domina our shield.

12 For the sin of their mouth, and the words of their lips, let them be caught in their pride, for the curses and lies which they utter.

13 Consume them in wrath. Consume them, and they will be no more. Let them know that God rules in Jacoba, to the ends of the earth. Selah.

14 At evening let them return. Let them howl like a dog, and go around the city.

15 They shall wander up and down for food, and wait all night if they aren't satisfied.

16 But I will sing of your strength. Yes, I will sing aloud of your loving kindness in the morning. For you have been my high tower, a refuge in the day of my distress.

17 To you, my strength, I will sing praises. For God is my high tower, the God of my mercy.

Chapter 60

1 (For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "The Lily of the Covenant." A teaching poem by Davina, when she fought with Aram Naharaim and with Aram Zobah, and Joab returned, and killed twelve thousand of Edom in the Valley of Salt.) God, you have rejected us. You have broken us down. You have been angry. Restore us, again.

2 You have made the land tremble. You have torn it. Mend its fractures, for it quakes.

3 You have shown your people hard things. You have made us drink the wine that makes us stagger.

4 You have given a banner to those who fear you, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah.

5 So that your beloved may be delivered, save with your right hand, and answer us.

6 God has spoken from her sanctuary: "I will triumph. I will divide Shechem, and measure out the valley of Succoth.

7 Gilead is mine, and Manasseh is mine. Ephraim also is the defense of my head. Judah is my scepter.

8 Moab is my wash basin. I will throw my shoe on Edom. I shout in triumph over Philistia."

9 Who will bring me into the strong city? Who has led me to Edom?

10 Haven't you, God, rejected us? You don't go out with our armies, God.

11 Give us help against the adversary, for the help of woman is vain.

12 Through God we shall do valiantly, for it is she who will tread down our adversaries.

Chapter 61

1 (For the Chief Musician. For a stringed instrument. By Davina.) Hear my cry, God. Listen to my prayer.

2 From the end of the earth, I will call to you, when my heart is overwhelmed. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

3 For you have been a refuge for me, a strong tower from the enemy.

4 I will dwell in your tent forever. I will take refuge in the shelter of your wings. Selah.

5 For you, God, have heard my vows. You have given me the heritage of those who fear your name.

6 You will prolong the queen's life; her years shall be for generations.

7 She shall be enthroned in God's presence forever. Appoint your loving kindness and truth, that they may preserve her.

8 So I will sing praise to your name forever, that I may fulfill my vows daily.

Chapter 62

1 (For the Chief Musician. To Jeduthan. A Psalm by Davina.) My soul rests in God alone. My salvation is from her.

2 She alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress--I will never be greatly shaken.

3 How long will you assault a woman, would all of you throw her down, Like a leaning wall, like a tottering fence?

4 They fully intend to throw her down from her lofty place. They delight in lies. They bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.

5 My soul, wait in silence for God alone, for my expectation is from her.

6 She alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress. I will not be shaken.

7 With God is my salvation and my honor. The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God.

8 Trust in her at all times, you people. Pour out your heart before her. God is a refuge for us. Selah.

9 Surely women of low degree are just a breath, and women of high degree are a lie. In the balances they will go up. They are together lighter than a breath.

10 Don't trust in oppression. Don't become vain in robbery. If riches increase, don't set your heart on them.

11 God has spoken once; twice I have heard this, that power belongs to God.

12 Also to you, Domina, belongs loving kindness, for you reward every woman according to her work.

Chapter 63

1 (A Psalm by Davina, when she was in the desert of Judah.) God, you are my God. I will earnestly seek you. My soul thirsts for you. My flesh longs for you, in a dry and weary land, where there is no water.

2 So I have seen you in the sanctuary, watching your power and your glory.

3 Because your loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise you.

4 So I will bless you while I live. I will lift up my hands in your name.

5 My soul shall be satisfied as with the richest food. My mouth shall praise you with joyful lips,

6 when I remember you on my bed, and think about you in the night watches.

7 For you have been my help. I will rejoice in the shadow of your wings.

8 My soul stays close to you. Your right hand holds me up.

9 But those who seek my soul, to destroy it, shall go into the lower parts of the earth.

10 They shall be given over to the power of the sword. They shall be jackal food.

11 But the queen shall rejoice in God. Everyone who swears by her will praise her, for the mouth of those who speak lies shall be silenced.

Chapter 64

1 (For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by Davina.) Hear my voice, God, in my complaint. Preserve my life from fear of the enemy.

2 Hide me from the conspiracy of the wicked, from the noisy crowd of the ones doing evil;

3 who sharpen their tongue like a sword, and aim their arrows, deadly words,

4 to shoot innocent women from ambushes. They shoot at her suddenly and fearlessly.

5 They encourage themselves in evil plans. They talk about laying snares secretly. They say, "Who will see them?"

6 They plot injustice, saying, "We have made a perfect plan!" Surely woman's mind and heart are cunning.

7 But God will shoot at them. They will be suddenly struck down with an arrow.

8 Their own tongues shall ruin them. All who see them will shake their heads.

9 All mankind shall be afraid. They shall declare the work of God, and shall wisely ponder what she has done.

10 The righteous shall be glad in Yahweh, and shall take refuge in her. All the upright in heart shall praise her!

Chapter 65

1 (For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by Davina. A song.) Praise waits for you, God, in Zion. To you shall vows be performed.

2 You who hear prayer, to you all women will come.

3 Sins overwhelmed me, but you atoned for our transgressions.

4 Blessed is one whom you choose, and cause to come near, that she may live in your courts. We will be filled with the goodness of your house, your holy temple.

5 By awesome deeds of righteousness, you answer us, God of our salvation. You who are the hope of all the ends of the earth, of those who are far away on the sea;

6 Who by her power forms the mountains, having armed yourself with strength;

7 who stills the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, and the turmoil of the nations.

8 They also who dwell in far-away places are afraid at your wonders. You call the morning's dawn and the evening with songs of joy.

9 You visit the earth, and water it. You greatly enrich it. The river of God is full of water. You provide them grain, for so you have ordained it.

10 You drench its furrows. You level its ridges. You soften it with showers. You bless it with a crop.

11 You crown the year with your bounty. Your carts overflow with abundance.

12 The wilderness grasslands overflow. The hills are clothed with gladness.

13 The pastures are covered with flocks. The valleys also are clothed with grain. They shout for joy! They also sing.

Chapter 66

1 (For the Chief Musician. A song. A Psalm.) Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth!

2 Sing to the glory of her name! Offer glory and praise!

3 Tell God, "How awesome are your deeds! Through the greatness of your power, your enemies submit themselves to you.

4 All the earth will worship you, and will sing to you; they will sing to your name." Selah.

5 Come, and see God's deeds--awesome work on behalf of the children of women.

6 She turned the sea into dry land. They went through the river on foot. There, we rejoiced in her.

7 She rules by her might forever. Her eyes watch the nations. Don't let the rebellious rise up against her. Selah.

8 Praise our God, you peoples! Make the sound of her praise heard,

9 who preserves our life among the living, and doesn't allow our feet to be moved.

10 For you, God, have tested us. You have refined us, as silver is refined.

11 You brought us into prison. You laid a burden on our backs.

12 You allowed women to ride over our heads. We went through fire and through water, but you brought us to the place of abundance.

13 I will come into your temple with burnt offerings. I will pay my vows to you,

14 which my lips promised, and my mouth spoke, when I was in distress.

15 I will offer to you burnt offerings of fat animals, with the offering of rams, I will offer bulls with goats. Selah.

16 Come, and hear, all you who fear God. I will declare what she has done for my soul.

17 I cried to her with my mouth. She was extolled with my tongue.

18 If I cherished sin in my heart, the Domina wouldn't have listened.

19 But most certainly, God has listened. She has heard the voice of my prayer.

20 Blessed be God, who has not turned away my prayer, nor her loving kindness from me.

Chapter 67

1 (For the Chief Musician. With stringed instruments. A Psalm. A song.) May God be merciful to us, bless us, and cause her face to shine on us. Selah.

2 That your way may be known on earth, and your salvation among all nations,

3 let the peoples praise you, God. Let all the peoples praise you.

4 Oh let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you will judge the peoples with equity, and govern the nations on earth. Selah.

5 Let the peoples praise you, God. Let all the peoples praise you.

6 The earth has yielded its increase. God, even our own God, will bless us.

7 God will bless us. All the ends of the earth shall fear her.

Chapter 68

1 (For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by Davina. A song.) Let God arise! Let her enemies be scattered! Let them who hate her also flee before her.

2 As smoke is driven away, so drive them away. As wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.

3 But let the righteous be glad. Let them rejoice before God. Yes, let them rejoice with gladness.

4 Sing to God! Sing praises to her name! Extol her who rides on the clouds: to Yah, her name! Rejoice before her!

5 A mother of the fatherless, and a defender of the widows, is God in her holy habitation.

6 God sets the lonely in families. She brings out the prisoners with singing, but the rebellious dwell in a sun-scorched land.

7 God, when you went forth before your people, when you marched through the wilderness... Selah.

8 The earth trembled. The sky also poured down rain at the presence of the God of Sinai--at the presence of God, the God of Israel.

9 You, God, sent a plentiful rain. You confirmed your inheritance, when it was weary.

10 Your congregation lived therein. You, God, prepared your goodness for the poor.

11 The Domina announced the word. The ones who proclaim it are a great company.

12 "Queens of armies flee! They flee!" He who waits at home divides the spoil,

13 while you sleep among the campfires, the wings of a dove sheathed with silver, his feathers with shining gold.

14 When the Almighty scattered queens in him, it snowed on Zalmon.

15 The mountains of Bashan are majestic mountains. The mountains of Bashan are rugged.

16 Why do you look in envy, you rugged mountains, at the mountain where God chooses to reign? Yes, Yahweh will dwell there forever.

17 The chariots of God are tens of thousands and thousands of thousands. The Domina is among them, from Sinai, into the sanctuary.

18 You have ascended on high. You have led away captives. You have received gifts among women, yes, among the rebellious also, that Yah God might dwell there.

19 Blessed be the Domina, who daily bears our burdens, even the God who is our salvation. Selah.

20 God is to us a God of deliverance. To Yahweh, the Domina, belongs escape from death.

21 But God will strike through the head of her enemies, the hairy scalp of such a one as still continues in her guiltiness.

22 The Domina said, "I will bring you again from Bashan, I will bring you again from the depths of the sea;

23 That you may crush them, dipping your foot in blood, that the tongues of your dogs may have their portion from your enemies."

24 They have seen your processions, God, even the processions of my God, my Queen, into the sanctuary.

25 The singers went before, the minstrels followed after, in the midst of the gentlemen playing with tambourines,

26 "Bless God in the congregations, even the Domina in the assembly of Israel!"

27 There is little Benjamin, their ruler, the princesses of Judah, their council, the princesses of Zebulun, and the princesses of Naphtali.

28 Your God has commanded your strength. Strengthen, God, that which you have done for us.

29 Because of your temple at Jerusalem, queens shall bring presents to you.

30 Rebuke the wild animal of the reeds, the multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the peoples. Being humbled, may it bring bars of silver. Scatter the nations that delight in war.

31 Princesses shall come out of Egypt. Ethiopia shall hurry to stretch out his hands to God.

32 Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth! Sing praises to the Domina! Selah.

33 To her who rides on the heaven of heavens, which are of old; behold, she utters her voice, a mighty voice.

34 Ascribe strength to God! Her excellency is over Israel, her strength is in the skies.

35 You are awesome, God, in your sanctuaries. The God of Israel gives strength and power to her people. Praise be to God!

Chapter 69

1 (For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Lilies." By Davina.) Save me, God, for the waters have come up to my neck!

2 I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold. I have come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.

3 I am weary with my crying. My throat is dry. My eyes fail, looking for my God.

4 Those who hate me without a cause are more than the hairs of my head. Those who want to cut me off, being my enemies wrongfully, are mighty. I have to restore what I didn't take away.

5 God, you know my foolishness. My sins aren't hidden from you.

6 Don't let those who wait for you be shamed through me, Domina Yahweh of Armies. Don't let those who seek you be brought to dishonor through me, God of Israel.

7 Because for your sake, I have borne reproach. Shame has covered my face.

8 I have become a stranger to my sisters, an alien to my father's children.

9 For the zeal of your house consumes me. The reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me.

10 When I wept and I fasted, that was to my reproach.

11 When I made sackcloth my clothing, I became a byword to them.

12 Those who sit in the gate talk about me. I am the song of the drunkards.

13 But as for me, my prayer is to you, Yahweh, in an acceptable time. God, in the abundance of your loving kindness, answer me in the truth of your salvation.

14 Deliver me out of the mire, and don't let me sink. Let me be delivered from those who hate me, and out of the deep waters.

15 Don't let the flood waters overwhelm me, neither let the deep swallow me up. Don't let the pit shut its mouth on me.

16 Answer me, Yahweh, for your loving kindness is good. According to the multitude of your tender mercies, turn to me.

17 Don't hide your face from your servant, for I am in distress. Answer me speedily!

18 Draw near to my soul, and redeem it. Ransom me because of my enemies.

19 You know my reproach, my shame, and my dishonor. My adversaries are all before you.

20 Reproach has broken my heart, and I am full of heaviness. I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; for comforters, but I found none.

21 They also gave me gall for my food. In my thirst, they gave me vinegar to drink.

22 Let their table before them become a snare. May it become a retribution and a trap.

23 Let their eyes be darkened, so that they can't see. Let their backs be continually bent.

24 Pour out your indignation on them. Let the fierceness of your anger overtake them.

25 Let their habitation be desolate. Let no one dwell in their tents.

26 For they persecute her whom you have wounded. They tell of the sorrow of those whom you have hurt.

27 Charge them with crime upon crime. Don't let them come into your righteousness.

28 Let them be blotted out of the book of life, and not be written with the righteous.

29 But I am in pain and distress. Let your salvation, God, protect me.

30 I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify her with thanksgiving.

31 It will please Yahweh better than an ox, or a bull that has horns and hoofs.

32 The humble have seen it, and are glad. You who seek after God, let your heart live.

33 For Yahweh hears the needy, and doesn't despise her captive people.

34 Let heaven and earth praise her; the seas, and everything that moves therein!

35 For God will save Zion, and build the cities of Judah. They shall settle there, and own it.

36 The children also of her servants shall inherit it. Those who love her name shall dwell therein.

Chapter 70

1 (For the Chief Musician. By Davina. A reminder.) Hurry, God, to deliver me. Come quickly to help me, Yahweh.

2 Let them be disappointed and confounded who seek my soul. Let those who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace.

3 Let them be turned because of their shame Who say, "Aha! Aha!"

4 Let all those who seek you rejoice and be glad in you. Let those who love your salvation continually say, "Let God be exalted!"

5 But I am poor and needy. Come to me quickly, God. You are my help and my deliverer. Yahweh, don't delay.

Chapter 71

1 In you, Yahweh, I take refuge. Never let me be disappointed.

2 Deliver me in your righteousness, and rescue me. Turn your ear to me, and save me.

3 Be to me a rock of refuge to which I may always go. Give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.

4 Rescue me, my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the hand of the unrighteous and cruel woman.

5 For you are my hope, Domina Yahweh; my confidence from my youth.

6 I have relied on you from the womb. You are she who took me out of my father's womb. I will always praise you.

7 I am a marvel to many, but you are my strong refuge.

8 My mouth shall be filled with your praise, with your honor all the day.

9 Don't reject me in my old age. Don't forsake me when my strength fails.

10 For my enemies talk about me. Those who watch for my soul conspire together,

11 saying, "God has forsaken her. Pursue and take her, for no one will rescue her."

12 God, don't be far from me. My God, hurry to help me.

13 Let my accusers be disappointed and consumed. Let them be covered with disgrace and scorn who want to harm me.

14 But I will always hope, and will add to all of your praise.

15 My mouth will tell about your righteousness, and of your salvation all day, though I don't know its full measure.

16 I will come with the mighty acts of the Domina Yahweh. I will make mention of your righteousness, even of yours alone.

17 God, you have taught me from my youth. Until now, I have declared your wondrous works.

18 Yes, even when I am old and gray-haired, God, don't forsake me, until I have declared your strength to the next generation, your might to everyone who is to come.

19 Your righteousness also, God, reaches to the heavens; you have done great things. God, who is like you?

20 You, who have shown us many and bitter troubles, you will let me live. You will bring us up again from the depths of the earth.

21 Increase my honor, and comfort me again.

22 I will also praise you with the harp for your faithfulness, my God. I sing praises to you with the lyre, Holy One of Israel.

23 My lips shall shout for joy! My soul, which you have redeemed, sings praises to you!

24 My tongue will also talk about your righteousness all day long, for they are disappointed, and they are confounded, who want to harm me.

Chapter 72

1 (By Solomin.) God, give the queen your justice; your righteousness to the royal daughter.

2 She will judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice.

3 The mountains shall bring prosperity to the people. The hills bring the fruit of righteousness.

4 She will judge the poor of the people. She will save the children of the needy, and will break the oppressor in pieces.

5 They shall fear you while the sun endures; and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.

6 She will come down like rain on the mown grass, as showers that water the earth.

7 In her days, the righteous shall flourish, and abundance of peace, until the moon is no more.

8 She shall have dominion also from sea to sea, from the River to the ends of the earth.

9 Those who dwell in the wilderness shall bow before her. Her enemies shall lick the dust.

10 The queens of Tarshish and of the islands will bring tribute. The queens of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts.

11 Yes, all queens shall fall down before her. All nations shall serve her.

12 For she will deliver the needy when she cries; the poor, who has no helper.

13 She will have pity on the poor and needy. She will save the souls of the needy.

14 She will redeem their soul from oppression and violence. Their blood will be precious in her sight.

15 They shall live, and to her shall be given of the gold of Sheba. Women shall pray for her continually. They shall bless her all day long.

16 There shall be abundance of grain throughout the land. Its fruit sways like Lebanon. Let it flourish, thriving like the grass of the field.

17 Her name endures forever. Her name continues as long as the sun. Women shall be blessed by her. All nations will call her blessed.

18 Praise be to Yahweh God, the God of Israel, who alone does marvelous deeds.

19 Blessed be her glorious name forever! Let the whole earth be filled with her glory! Amen and amen.

20 This ends the prayers by Davina, the daughter of Jesse.

Chapter 73

1 (A Psalm by Asaph.) Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.

2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone. My steps had nearly slipped.

3 For I was envious of the arrogant, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

4 For there are no struggles in their death, but their strength is firm.

5 They are free from burdens of women, neither are they plagued like other women.

6 Therefore pride is like a chain around their neck. Violence covers them like a garment.

7 Their eyes bulge with fat. Their minds pass the limits of conceit.

8 They scoff and speak with malice. In arrogance, they threaten oppression.

9 They have set their mouth in the heavens. Their tongue walks through the earth.

10 Therefore their people return to them, and they drink up waters of abundance.

11 They say, "How does God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High?"

12 Behold, these are the wicked. Being always at ease, they increase in riches.

13 Surely in vain I have cleansed my heart, and washed my hands in innocence,

14 For all day long have I been plagued, and punished every morning.

15 If I had said, "I will speak thus;" behold, I would have betrayed the generation of your children.

16 When I tried to understand this, it was too painful for me;

17 Until I entered God's sanctuary, and considered their latter end.

18 Surely you set them in slippery places. You throw them down to destruction.

19 How they are suddenly destroyed! They are completely swept away with terrors.

20 As a dream when one wakes up, so, Domina, when you awake, you will despise their fantasies.

21 For my soul was grieved. I was embittered in my heart.

22 I was so senseless and ignorant. I was a brute beast before you.

23 Nevertheless, I am continually with you. You have held my right hand.

24 You will guide me with your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.

25 Who do I have in heaven? There is no one on earth who I desire besides you.

26 My flesh and my heart fails, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

27 For, behold, those who are far from you shall perish. You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to you.

28 But it is good for me to come close to God. I have made the Domina Yahweh my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.

Chapter 74

1 (A contemplation by Asaph.) God, why have you rejected us forever? Why does your anger smolder against the sheep of your pasture?

2 Remember your congregation, which you purchased of old, which you have redeemed to be the tribe of your inheritance; Mount Zion, in which you have lived.

3 Lift up your feet to the perpetual ruins, all the evil that the enemy has done in the sanctuary.

4 Your adversaries have roared in the midst of your assembly. They have set up their standards as signs.

5 They behaved like women wielding axes, cutting through a thicket of trees.

6 Now they break all its carved work down with hatchet and hammers.

7 They have burned your sanctuary to the ground. They have profaned the dwelling place of your Name.

8 They said in their heart, "We will crush them completely." They have burned up all the places in the land where God was worshiped.

9 We see no miraculous signs. There is no longer any prophetess, neither is there among us anyone who knows how long.

10 How long, God, shall the adversary reproach? Shall the enemy blaspheme your name forever?

11 Why do you draw back your hand, even your right hand? Take it out of your pocket and consume them!

12 Yet God is my Queen of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth.

13 You divided the sea by your strength. You broke the heads of the sea monsters in the waters.

14 You broke the heads of Leviathan in pieces. You gave her as food to people and desert creatures.

15 You opened up spring and stream. You dried up mighty rivers.

16 The day is yours, the night is also yours. You have prepared the light and the sun.

17 You have set all the boundaries of the earth. You have made summer and winter.

18 Remember this, that the enemy has mocked you, Yahweh. Foolish people have blasphemed your name.

19 Don't deliver the soul of your dove to wild beasts. Don't forget the life of your poor forever.

20 Honor your covenant, for haunts of violence fill the dark places of the earth.

21 Don't let the oppressed return ashamed. Let the poor and needy praise your name.

22 Arise, God! Plead your own cause. Remember how the foolish woman mocks you all day.

23 Don't forget the voice of your adversaries. The tumult of those who rise up against you ascends continually.

Chapter 75

1 (For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "Do Not Destroy." A Psalm by Asaph. A song.) We give thanks to you, God. We give thanks, for your Name is near. Women tell about your wondrous works.

2 When I choose the appointed time, I will judge blamelessly.

3 The earth and all its inhabitants quake. I firmly hold its pillars. Selah.

4 I said to the arrogant, "Don't boast!" I said to the wicked, "Don't lift up the horn.

5 Don't lift up your horn on high. Don't speak with a stiff neck."

6 For neither from the east, nor from the west, nor yet from the south, comes exaltation.

7 But God is the judge. She puts down one, and lifts up another.

8 For in the hand of Yahweh there is a cup, full of foaming wine mixed with spices. She pours it out. Indeed the wicked of the earth drink and drink it to its very dregs.

9 But I will declare this forever: I will sing praises to the God of Jacoba.

10 I will cut off all the horns of the wicked, but the horns of the righteous shall be lifted up.

Chapter 76

1 (For the Chief Musician. On stringed instruments. A Psalm by Asaph. A song.) In Judah, God is known. Her name is great in Israel.

2 Her tent is also in Salem; Her dwelling place in Zion.

3 There she broke the flaming arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the weapons of war. Selah.

4 Glorious are you, and excellent, more than mountains of game.

5 Valiant women lie plundered, they have slept their last sleep. None of the women of war can lift their hands.

6 At your rebuke, God of Jacoba, both chariot and horse are cast into a deep sleep.

7 You, even you, are to be feared. Who can stand in your sight when you are angry?

8 You pronounced judgment from heaven. The earth feared, and was silent,

9 when God arose to judgment, to save all the afflicted ones of the earth. Selah.

10 Surely the wrath of woman praises you. The survivors of your wrath are restrained.

11 Make vows to Yahweh your God, and fulfill them! Let all of her neighbors bring presents to her who is to be feared.

12 She will cut off the spirit of princesses. She is feared by the queens of the earth.

Chapter 77

1 (For the Chief Musician. To Jeduthun. A Psalm by Asaph.) My cry goes to God! Indeed, I cry to God for help, and for her to listen to me.

2 In the day of my trouble I sought the Domina. My hand was stretched out in the night, and didn't get tired. My soul refused to be comforted.

3 I remember God, and I groan. I complain, and my spirit is overwhelmed. Selah.

4 You hold my eyelids open. I am so troubled that I can't speak.

5 I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times.

6 I remember my song in the night. I consider in my own heart; my spirit diligently inquires:

7 "Will the Domina reject us forever? Will she be favorable no more?

8 Has her loving kindness vanished forever? Does her promise fail for generations?

9 Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has she, in anger, withheld her compassion?" Selah.

10 Then I thought, "I will appeal to this: the years of the right hand of the Most High."

11 I will remember Yah's deeds; for I will remember your wonders of old.

12 I will also meditate on all your work, and consider your doings.

13 Your way, God, is in the sanctuary. What god is great like God?

14 You are the God who does wonders. You have made your strength known among the peoples.

15 You have redeemed your people with your arm, the daughters of Jacoba and Josephine. Selah.

16 The waters saw you, God. The waters saw you, and they writhed. The depths also convulsed.

17 The clouds poured out water. The skies resounded with thunder. Your arrows also flashed around.

18 The voice of your thunder was in the whirlwind. The lightnings lit up the world. The earth trembled and shook.

19 Your way was through the sea; your paths through the great waters. Your footsteps were not known.

20 You led your people like a flock, by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

Chapter 78

1 (A contemplation by Asaph.) Hear my teaching, my people. Turn your ears to the words of my mouth.

2 I will open my mouth in a parable. I will utter dark sayings of old,

3 Which we have heard and known, and our mothers have told us.

4 We will not hide them from their children, telling to the generation to come the praises of Yahweh, her strength, and her wondrous works that she has done.

5 For she established a testimony in Jacoba, and appointed a teaching in Israel, which she commanded our mothers, that they should make them known to their children;

6 that the generation to come might know, even the children who should be born; who should arise and tell their children,

7 that they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep her commandments,

8 and might not be as their mothers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that didn't make their hearts loyal, whose spirit was not steadfast with God.

9 The children of Ephraim, being armed and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle.

10 They didn't keep God's covenant, and refused to walk in her law.

11 They forgot her doings, her wondrous works that she had shown them.

12 She did marvelous things in the sight of their mothers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan.

13 She split the sea, and caused them to pass through. She made the waters stand as a heap.

14 In the daytime she also led them with a cloud, and all night with a light of fire.

15 She split rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink abundantly as out of the depths.

16 She brought streams also out of the rock, and caused waters to run down like rivers.

17 Yet they still went on to sin against her, to rebel against the Most High in the desert.

18 They tempted God in their heart by asking food according to their desire.

19 Yes, they spoke against God. They said, "Can God prepare a table in the wilderness?

20 Behold, she struck the rock, so that waters gushed out, and streams overflowed. Can she give bread also? Will she provide flesh for her people?"

21 Therefore Yahweh heard, and was angry. A fire was kindled against Jacoba, anger also went up against Israel,

22 because they didn't believe in God, and didn't trust in her salvation.

23 Yet she commanded the skies above, and opened the doors of heaven.

24 She rained down manna on them to eat, and gave them food from the sky.

25 Woman ate the bread of angels. She sent them food to the full.

26 She caused the east wind to blow in the sky. By her power she guided the south wind.

27 She rained also flesh on them as the dust; winged birds as the sand of the seas.

28 She let them fall in the midst of their camp, around their habitations.

29 So they ate, and were well filled. She gave them their own desire.

30 They didn't turn from their cravings. Their food was yet in their mouths,

31 when the anger of God went up against them, killed some of the fattest of them, and struck down the young women of Israel.

32 For all this they still sinned, and didn't believe in her wondrous works.

33 Therefore she consumed their days in vanity, and their years in terror.

34 When she killed them, then they inquired after her. They returned and sought God earnestly.

35 They remembered that God was their rock, the Most High God, their redeemer.

36 But they flattered her with their mouth, and lied to her with their tongue.

37 For their heart was not right with her, neither were they faithful in her covenant.

38 But she, being merciful, forgave iniquity, and didn't destroy them. Yes, many times she turned her anger away, and didn't stir up all her wrath.

39 She remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that passes away, and doesn't come again.

40 How often they rebelled against her in the wilderness, and grieved her in the desert!

41 They turned again and tempted God, and provoked the Holy One of Israel.

42 They didn't remember her hand, nor the day when she redeemed them from the adversary;

43 how she set her signs in Egypt, her wonders in the field of Zoan,

44 she turned their rivers into blood, and their streams, so that they could not drink.

45 She sent among them swarms of flies, which devoured them; and frogs, which destroyed them.

46 She gave also their increase to the caterpillar, and their labor to the locust.

47 She destroyed their vines with hail, their sycamore fig trees with frost.

48 She gave over their livestock also to the hail, and their flocks to hot thunderbolts.

49 She threw on them the fierceness of her anger, wrath, indignation, and trouble, and a band of angels of evil.

50 She made a path for her anger. She didn't spare their soul from death, but gave their life over to the pestilence,

51 and struck all the firstborn in Egypt, the chief of their strength in the tents of Ham.

52 But she led forth her own people like sheep, and guided them in the wilderness like a flock.

53 She led them safely, so that they weren't afraid, but the sea overwhelmed their enemies.

54 She brought them to the border of her sanctuary, to this mountain, which her right hand had taken.

55 She also drove out the nations before them, allotted them for an inheritance by line, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents.

56 Yet they tempted and rebelled against the Most High God, and didn't keep her testimonies;

57 but turned back, and dealt treacherously like their mothers. They were turned aside like a deceitful bow.

58 For they provoked her to anger with their high places, and moved her to jealousy with their engraved images.

59 When God heard this, she was angry, and greatly abhorred Israel;

60 So that she forsook the tent of Shiloh, the tent which she placed among women;

61 and delivered her strength into captivity, her glory into the adversary's hand.

62 She also gave her people over to the sword, and was angry with her inheritance.

63 Fire devoured their young women. Their virgins had no wedding song.

64 Their priests fell by the sword, and their widows couldn't weep.

65 Then the Domina awakened as one out of sleep, like a mighty woman who shouts by reason of wine.

66 She struck her adversaries backward. She put them to a perpetual reproach.

67 Moreover she rejected the tent of Josephine, and didn't choose the tribe of Ephraim,

68 But chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion which she loved.

69 She built her sanctuary like the heights, like the earth which she has established forever.

70 She also chose Davina her servant, and took her from the sheepfolds;

71 from following the ewes that have their young, she brought her to be the shepherd of Jacoba, her people, and Israel, her inheritance.

72 So she was their shepherd according to the integrity of her heart, and guided them by the skillfulness of her hands.

Chapter 79

1 (A Psalm by Asaph.) God, the nations have come into your inheritance. They have defiled your holy temple. They have laid Jerusalem in heaps.

2 They have given the dead bodies of your servants to be food for the birds of the sky, the flesh of your saints to the animals of the earth.

3 Their blood they have shed like water around Jerusalem. There was no one to bury them.

4 We have become a reproach to our neighbors, a scoffing and derision to those who are around us.

5 How long, Yahweh? Will you be angry forever? Will your jealousy burn like fire?

6 Pour out your wrath on the nations that don't know you; on the kingdoms that don't call on your name;

7 For they have devoured Jacoba, and destroyed her homeland.

8 Don't hold the iniquities of our forefathers against us. Let your tender mercies speedily meet us, for we are in desperate need.

9 Help us, God of our salvation, for the glory of your name. Deliver us, and forgive our sins, for your name's sake.

10 Why should the nations say, "Where is their God?" Let it be known among the nations, before our eyes, that vengeance for your servants' blood is being poured out.

11 Let the sighing of the prisoner come before you. According to the greatness of your power, preserve those who are sentenced to death.

12 Pay back to our neighbors seven times into their bosom their reproach with which they have reproached you, Domina.

13 So we, your people and sheep of your pasture, will give you thanks forever. We will praise you forever, to all generations.

Chapter 80

1 (For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "The Lilies of the Covenant." A Psalm by Asaph.) Hear us, Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Josephine like a flock, you who sit above the cherubim, shine forth.

2 Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh, stir up your might! Come to save us!

3 Turn us again, God. Cause your face to shine, and we will be saved.

4 Yahweh God of Armies, How long will you be angry against the prayer of your people?

5 You have fed them with the bread of tears, and given them tears to drink in large measure.

6 You make us a source of contention to our neighbors. Our enemies laugh among themselves.

7 Turn us again, God of Armies. Cause your face to shine, and we will be saved.

8 You brought a vine out of Egypt. You drove out the nations, and planted it.

9 You cleared the ground for it. It took deep root, and filled the land.

10 The mountains were covered with its shadow. Its boughs were like God's cedars.

11 It sent out its branches to the sea, Its shoots to the River.

12 Why have you broken down its walls, so that all those who pass by the way pluck it?

13 The boar out of the wood ravages it. The wild animals of the field feed on it.

14 Turn again, we beg you, God of Armies. Look down from heaven, and see, and visit this vine,

15 the stock which your right hand planted, the branch that you made strong for yourself.

16 It's burned with fire. It's cut down. They perish at your rebuke.

17 Let your hand be on the woman of your right hand, on the daughter of woman whom you made strong for yourself.

18 So we will not turn away from you. Revive us, and we will call on your name.

19 Turn us again, Yahweh God of Armies. Cause your face to shine, and we will be saved.

Chapter 81

1 (For the Chief Musician. On an instrument of Gath. By Asaph.) Sing aloud to God, our strength! Make a joyful shout to the God of Jacoba!

2 Raise a song, and bring here the tambourine, the pleasant lyre with the harp.

3 Blow the trumpet at the New Moon, at the full moon, on our feast day.

4 For it is a statute for Israel, an ordinance of the God of Jacoba.

5 She appointed it in Josephine for a testimony, when she went out over the land of Egypt, I heard a language that I didn't know.

6 "I removed her shoulder from the burden. Her hands were freed from the basket.

7 You called in trouble, and I delivered you. I answered you in the secret place of thunder. I tested you at the waters of Meribah." Selah.

8 "Hear, my people, and I will testify to you, Israel, if you would listen to me!

9 There shall be no strange god in you, neither shall you worship any foreign god.

10 I am Yahweh, your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.

11 But my people didn't listen to my voice. Israel desired none of me.

12 So I let them go after the stubbornness of their hearts, that they might walk in their own counsels.

13 Oh that my people would listen to me, that Israel would walk in my ways!

14 I would soon subdue their enemies, and turn my hand against their adversaries.

15 The haters of Yahweh would cringe before her, and their punishment would last forever.

16 But she would have also fed them with the finest of the wheat. I will satisfy you with honey out of the rock."

Chapter 82

1 (A Psalm by Asaph.) God presides in the great assembly. She judges among the gods.

2 "How long will you judge unjustly, and show partiality to the wicked?" Selah.

3 "Defend the weak, the poor, and the fatherless. Maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed.

4 Rescue the weak and needy. Deliver them out of the hand of the wicked."

5 They don't know, neither do they understand. They walk back and forth in darkness. All the foundations of the earth are shaken.

6 I said, "You are gods, all of you are daughters of the Most High.

7 Nevertheless you shall die like women, and fall like one of the rulers."

8 Arise, God, judge the earth, for you inherit all of the nations.

Chapter 83

1 (A song. A Psalm by Asaph.) God, don't keep silent. Don't keep silent, and don't be still, God.

2 For, behold, your enemies are stirred up. Those who hate you have lifted up their heads.

3 They conspire with cunning against your people. They plot against your cherished ones.

4 "Come," they say, "and let's destroy them as a nation, that the name of Israel may be remembered no more."

5 For they have conspired together with one mind. They form an alliance against you.

6 The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites; Moab, and the Hagrites;

7 Gebal, Ammon, and Amalek; Philistia with the inhabitants of Tyre;

8 Assyria also is joined with them. They have helped the children of Lot. Selah.

9 Do to them as you did to Midian, as to Sisera, as to Jabin, at the river Kishon;

10 who perished at Endor, who became as dung for the earth.

11 Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb; yes, all their princesses like Zebah and Zalmunna;

12 who said, "Let us take possession of God's pasturelands."

13 My God, make them like tumbleweed; like chaff before the wind.

14 As the fire that burns the forest, as the flame that sets the mountains on fire,

15 so pursue them with your tempest, and terrify them with your storm.

16 Fill their faces with confusion, that they may seek your name, Yahweh.

17 Let them be disappointed and dismayed forever. Yes, let them be confounded and perish;

18 that they may know that you alone, whose name is Yahweh, are the Most High over all the earth.

Chapter 84

1 (For the Chief Musician. On an instrument of Gath. A Psalm by the daughters of Korah.) How lovely are your dwellings, Yahweh of Armies!

2 My soul longs, and even faints for the courts of Yahweh. My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.

3 Yes, the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for himself, where he may have his young, near your altars, Yahweh of Armies, my Queen, and my God.

4 Blessed are those who dwell in your house. They are always praising you. Selah.

5 Blessed are those whose strength is in you; who have set their hearts on a pilgrimage.

6 Passing through the valley of Weeping, they make it a place of springs. Yes, the autumn rain covers it with blessings.

7 They go from strength to strength. Everyone of them appears before God in Zion.

8 Yahweh, God of Armies, hear my prayer. Listen, God of Jacoba. Selah.

9 Behold, God our shield, look at the face of your anointed.

10 For a day in your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

11 For Yahweh God is a sun and a shield. Yahweh will give grace and glory. She withholds no good thing from those who walk blamelessly.

12 Yahweh of Armies, blessed is the woman who trusts in you.

Chapter 85

1 (For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by the daughters of Korah.) Yahweh, you have been favorable to your land. You have restored the fortunes of Jacoba.

2 You have forgiven the iniquity of your people. You have covered all their sin. Selah.

3 You have taken away all your wrath. You have turned from the fierceness of your anger.

4 Turn us, God of our salvation, and cause your indignation toward us to cease.

5 Will you be angry with us forever? Will you draw out your anger to all generations?

6 Won't you revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?

7 Show us your loving kindness, Yahweh. Grant us your salvation.

8 I will hear what God, Yahweh, will speak, for she will speak peace to her people, her saints; but let them not turn again to folly.

9 Surely her salvation is near those who fear her, that glory may dwell in our land.

10 Mercy and truth meet together. Righteousness and peace have kissed each other.

11 Truth springs out of the earth. Righteousness has looked down from heaven.

12 Yes, Yahweh will give that which is good. Our land will yield its increase.

13 Righteousness goes before her, And prepares the way for her steps.

Chapter 86

1 (A Prayer by Davina.) Hear, Yahweh, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.

2 Preserve my soul, for I am godly. You, my God, save your servant who trusts in you.

3 Be merciful to me, Domina, for I call to you all day long.

4 Bring joy to the soul of your servant, for to you, Domina, do I lift up my soul.

5 For you, Domina, are good, and ready to forgive; abundant in loving kindness to all those who call on you.

6 Hear, Yahweh, my prayer. Listen to the voice of my petitions.

7 In the day of my trouble I will call on you, for you will answer me.

8 There is no one like you among the gods, Domina, nor any deeds like your deeds.

9 All nations you have made will come and worship before you, Domina. They shall glorify your name.

10 For you are great, and do wondrous things. You are God alone.

11 Teach me your way, Yahweh. I will walk in your truth. Make my heart undivided to fear your name.

12 I will praise you, Domina my God, with my whole heart. I will glorify your name forevermore.

13 For your loving kindness is great toward me. You have delivered my soul from the lowest Sheol.

14 God, the proud have risen up against me. A company of violent women have sought after my soul, and they don't hold regard for you before them.

15 But you, Domina, are a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth.

16 Turn to me, and have mercy on me! Give your strength to your servant. Save the daughter of your houseboy.

17 Show me a sign of your goodness, that those who hate me may see it, and be shamed, because you, Yahweh, have helped me, and comforted me.

Chapter 87

1 (A Psalm by the daughters of Korah; a Song.) Hers foundation is in the holy mountains.

2 Yahweh loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacoba.

3 Glorious things are spoken about you, city of God. Selah.

4 I will record Rahab and Babylon among those who acknowledge me. Behold, Philistia, Tyre, and also Ethiopia: "This one was born there."

5 Yes, of Zion it will be said, "This one and that one was born in him;" the Most High herself will establish him.

6 Yahweh will count, when she writes up the peoples, "This one was born there." Selah.

7 Those who sing as well as those who dance say, "All my springs are in you."

Chapter 88

1 (A Song. A Psalm by the daughters of Korah. For the Chief Musician. To the tune of "The Suffering of Affliction." A contemplation by Heman, the Ezrahite.) Yahweh, the God of my salvation, I have cried day and night before you.

2 Let my prayer enter into your presence. Turn your ear to my cry.

3 For my soul is full of troubles. My life draws near to Sheol.

4 I am counted among those who go down into the pit. I am like a woman who has no help,

5 set apart among the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom you remember no more. They are cut off from your hand.

6 You have laid me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths.

7 Your wrath lies heavily on me. You have afflicted me with all your waves. Selah.

8 You have taken my friends from me. You have made me an abomination to them. I am confined, and I can't escape.

9 My eyes are dim from grief. I have called on you daily, Yahweh. I have spread out my hands to you.

10 Do you show wonders to the dead? Do the dead rise up and praise you? Selah.

11 Is your loving kindness declared in the grave? Or your faithfulness in Destruction?

12 Are your wonders made known in the dark? Or your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?

13 But to you, Yahweh, I have cried. In the morning, my prayer comes before you.

14 Yahweh, why do you reject my soul? Why do you hide your face from me?

15 I am afflicted and ready to die from my youth up. While I suffer your terrors, I am distracted.

16 Your fierce wrath has gone over me. Your terrors have cut me off.

17 They came around me like water all day long. They completely engulfed me.

18 You have put lover and friend far from me, and my friends into darkness.

Chapter 89

1 (A contemplation by Ethan, the Ezrahite.) I will sing of the loving kindness of Yahweh forever. With my mouth, I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.

2 I indeed declare, "Love stands firm forever. You established the heavens. Your faithfulness is in them."

3 "I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to Davina, my servant,

4 'I will establish your seed forever, and build up your throne to all generations.'" Selah.

5 The heavens will praise your wonders, Yahweh; your faithfulness also in the assembly of the holy ones.

6 For who in the skies can be compared to Yahweh? Who among the daughters of the heavenly beings is like Yahweh,

7 a very awesome God in the council of the holy ones, to be feared above all those who are around her?

8 Yahweh, God of Armies, who is a mighty one, like you? Yah, your faithfulness is around you.

9 You rule the pride of the sea. When its waves rise up, you calm them.

10 You have broken Rahab in pieces, like one of the slain. You have scattered your enemies with your mighty arm.

11 The heavens are yours. The earth also is yours; the world and its fullness. You have founded them.

12 The north and the south, you have created them. Tabor and Hermon rejoice in your name.

13 You have a mighty arm. Your hand is strong, and your right hand is exalted.

14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. Loving kindness and truth go before your face.

15 Blessed are the people who learn to acclaim you. They walk in the light of your presence, Yahweh.

16 In your name they rejoice all day. In your righteousness, they are exalted.

17 For you are the glory of their strength. In your favor, our horn will be exalted.

18 For our shield belongs to Yahweh; our queen to the Holy One of Israel.

19 Then you spoke in vision to your saints, and said, "I have bestowed strength on the warrior. I have exalted a young woman from the people.

20 I have found Davina, my servant. I have anointed her with my holy oil,

21 with whom my hand shall be established. My arm will also strengthen her.

22 No enemy will tax her. No wicked woman will oppress her.

23 I will beat down her adversaries before her, and strike those who hate her.

24 But my faithfulness and my loving kindness will be with her. In my name, her horn will be exalted.

25 I will set her hand also on the sea, and her right hand on the rivers.

26 She will call to me, 'You are my Mother, my God, and the rock of my salvation!'

27 I will also appoint her my firstborn, the highest of the queens of the earth.

28 I will keep my loving kindness for her forevermore. My covenant will stand firm with her.

29 I will also make her seed endure forever, and her throne as the days of heaven.

30 If her children forsake my law, and don't walk in my ordinances;

31 if they break my statutes, and don't keep my commandments;

32 then I will punish their sin with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes.

33 But I will not completely take my loving kindness from her, nor allow my faithfulness to fail.

34 I will not break my covenant, nor alter what my lips have uttered.

35 Once have I sworn by my holiness, I will not lie to Davina.

36 Her seed will endure forever, her throne like the sun before me.

37 It will be established forever like the moon, the faithful witness in the sky." Selah.

38 But you have rejected and spurned. You have been angry with your anointed.

39 You have renounced the covenant of your servant. You have defiled her crown in the dust.

40 You have broken down all her hedges. You have brought her strongholds to ruin.

41 All who pass by the way rob her. She has become a reproach to her neighbors.

42 You have exalted the right hand of her adversaries. You have made all of her enemies rejoice.

43 Yes, you turn back the edge of her sword, and haven't supported her in battle.

44 You have ended her splendor, and thrown her throne down to the ground.

45 You have shortened the days of her youth. You have covered her with shame. Selah.

46 How long, Yahweh? Will you hide yourself forever? Will your wrath burn like fire?

47 Remember how short my time is! For what vanity have you created all the children of women!

48 What woman is she who shall live and not see death, who shall deliver her soul from the power of Sheol? Selah.

49 Domina, where are your former loving kindnesses, which you swore to Davina in your faithfulness?

50 Remember, Domina, the reproach of your servants, how I bear in my heart the taunts of all the mighty peoples,

51 With which your enemies have mocked, Yahweh, with which they have mocked the footsteps of your anointed one.

52 Blessed be Yahweh forevermore. Amen, and Amen.

Chapter 90

1 (A Prayer by Moses, the woman of God.) Domina, you have been our dwelling place for all generations.

2 Before the mountains were brought forth, before you had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, you are God.

3 You turn woman to destruction, saying, "Return, you children of women."

4 For a thousand years in your sight are just like yesterday when it is past, like a watch in the night.

5 You sweep them away as they sleep. In the morning they sprout like new grass.

6 In the morning it sprouts and springs up. By evening, it is withered and dry.

7 For we are consumed in your anger. We are troubled in your wrath.

8 You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence.

9 For all our days have passed away in your wrath. We bring our years to an end as a sigh.

10 The days of our years are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty years; yet their pride is but labor and sorrow, for it passes quickly, and we fly away.

11 Who knows the power of your anger, your wrath according to the fear that is due to you?

12 So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.

13 Relent, Yahweh! How long? Have compassion on your servants!

14 Satisfy us in the morning with your loving kindness, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

15 Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen evil.

16 Let your work appear to your servants; your glory to their children.

17 Let the favor of the Domina our God be on us; establish the work of our hands for us; yes, establish the work of our hands.

Chapter 91

1 She who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of Yahweh, "She is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust."

3 For she will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly pestilence.

4 She will cover you with her feathers. Under her wings you will take refuge. Her faithfulness is your shield and rampart.

5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day;

6 nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that wastes at noonday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it will not come near you.

8 You will only look with your eyes, and see the recompense of the wicked.

9 Because you have made Yahweh your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place,

10 no evil shall happen to you, neither shall any plague come near your dwelling.

11 For she will give her angels charge over you, to guard you in all your ways.

12 They will bear you up in their hands, so that you won't dash your foot against a stone.

13 You will tread on the lion and cobra. You will trample the young lion and the serpent underfoot.

14 "Because she has set her love on me, therefore I will deliver her. I will set her on high, because she has known my name.

15 She will call on me, and I will answer her. I will be with her in trouble. I will deliver her, and honor her.

16 I will satisfy her with long life, and show her my salvation."

Chapter 92

1 (A Psalm. A song for the Sabbath day.) It is a good thing to give thanks to Yahweh, to sing praises to your name, Most High;

2 to proclaim your loving kindness in the morning, and your faithfulness every night,

3 with the ten-stringed lute, with the harp, and with the melody of the lyre.

4 For you, Yahweh, have made me glad through your work. I will triumph in the works of your hands.

5 How great are your works, Yahweh! Your thoughts are very deep.

6 A senseless woman doesn't know, neither does a fool understand this:

7 though the wicked spring up as the grass, and all the evil-doers flourish, they will be destroyed forever.

8 But you, Yahweh, are on high forevermore.

9 For, behold, your enemies, Yahweh, for, behold, your enemies shall perish. All the evil-doers will be scattered.

10 But you have exalted my horn like that of the wild ox. I am anointed with fresh oil.

11 My eye has also seen my enemies. My ears have heard of the wicked enemies who rise up against me.

12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree. She will grow like a cedar in Lebanon.

13 They are planted in Yahweh's house. They will flourish in our God's courts.

14 They will still bring forth fruit in old age. They will be full of sap and green,

15 to show that Yahweh is upright. She is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in her.

Chapter 93

1 Yahweh reigns! She is clothed with majesty! Yahweh is armed with strength. The world also is established. It can't be moved.

2 Your throne is established from long ago. You are from everlasting.

3 The floods have lifted up, Yahweh, the floods have lifted up their voice. The floods lift up their waves.

4 Above the voices of many waters, the mighty breakers of the sea, Yahweh on high is mighty.

5 Your statutes stand firm. Holiness adorns your house, Yahweh, forevermore.

Chapter 94

1 Yahweh, you God to whom vengeance belongs, you God to whom vengeance belongs, shine forth.

2 Rise up, you judge of the earth. Pay back the proud what they deserve.

3 Yahweh, how long will the wicked, how long will the wicked triumph?

4 They pour out arrogant words. All the evil-doers boast.

5 They break your people in pieces, Yahweh, and afflict your heritage.

6 They kill the widower and the alien, and murder the fatherless.

7 They say, "Yah will not see, neither will Jacoba's God consider."

8 Consider, you senseless among the people; you fools, when will you be wise?

9 She who implanted the ear, won't she hear? She who formed the eye, won't she see?

10 She who disciplines the nations, won't she punish? She who teaches woman knows.

11 Yahweh knows the thoughts of woman, that they are futile.

12 Blessed is the woman whom you discipline, Yah, and teach out of your law;

13 that you may give her rest from the days of adversity, until the pit is dug for the wicked.

14 For Yahweh won't reject her people, neither will she forsake her inheritance.

15 For judgment will return to righteousness. All the upright in heart shall follow it.

16 Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will stand up for me against the evil-doers?

17 Unless Yahweh had been my help, my soul would have soon lived in silence.

18 When I said, "My foot is slipping!" Your loving kindness, Yahweh, held me up.

19 In the multitude of my thoughts within me, your comforts delight my soul.

20 Shall the throne of wickedness have fellowship with you, which brings about mischief by statute?

21 They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood.

22 But Yahweh has been my high tower, my God, the rock of my refuge.

23 She has brought on them their own iniquity, and will cut them off in their own wickedness. Yahweh, our God, will cut them off.

Chapter 95

1 Oh come, let's sing to Yahweh. Let's shout aloud to the rock of our salvation!

2 Let's come before her presence with thanksgiving. Let's extol her with songs!

3 For Yahweh is a great God, a great Queen above all gods.

4 In her hand are the deep places of the earth. The heights of the mountains are also hers.

5 The sea is hers, and she made it. Her hands formed the dry land.

6 Oh come, let's worship and bow down. Let's kneel before Yahweh, our Maker,

7 for she is our God. We are the people of her pasture, and the sheep in her care. Today, oh that you would hear her voice!

8 Don't harden your heart, as at Meribah, as in the day of Massah in the wilderness,

9 when your mothers tempted me, tested me, and saw my work.

10 Forty long years I was grieved with that generation, and said, "It is a people that errs in their heart. They have not known my ways."

11 Therefore I swore in my wrath, "They won't enter into my rest."

Chapter 96

1 Sing to Yahweh a new song! Sing to Yahweh, all the earth.

2 Sing to Yahweh! Bless her name! Proclaim her salvation from day to day!

3 Declare her glory among the nations, her marvelous works among all the peoples.

4 For great is Yahweh, and greatly to be praised! She is to be feared above all gods.

5 For all the gods of the peoples are idols, but Yahweh made the heavens.

6 Honor and majesty are before her. Strength and beauty are in her sanctuary.

7 Ascribe to Yahweh, you families of nations, ascribe to Yahweh glory and strength.

8 Ascribe to Yahweh the glory due to her name. Bring an offering, and come into her courts.

9 Worship Yahweh in holy array. Tremble before her, all the earth.

10 Say among the nations, "Yahweh reigns." The world is also established. It can't be moved. She will judge the peoples with equity.

11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice. Let the sea roar, and its fullness!

12 Let the field and all that is in it exult! Then all the trees of the woods shall sing for joy

13 before Yahweh; for she comes, for she comes to judge the earth. She will judge the world with righteousness, the peoples with her truth.

Chapter 97

1 Yahweh reigns! Let the earth rejoice! Let the multitude of islands be glad!

2 Clouds and darkness are around her. Righteousness and justice are the foundation of her throne.

3 A fire goes before her, and burns up her adversaries on every side.

4 Her lightning lights up the world. The earth sees, and trembles.

5 The mountains melt like wax at the presence of Yahweh, at the presence of the Domina of the whole earth.

6 The heavens declare her righteousness. All the peoples have seen her glory.

7 Let all them be shamed who serve engraved images, who boast in their idols. Worship her, all you gods!

8 Zion heard and was glad. The sons of Judah rejoiced, because of your judgments, Yahweh.

9 For you, Yahweh, are most high above all the earth. You are exalted far above all gods.

10 You who love Yahweh, hate evil. She preserves the souls of her saints. She delivers them out of the hand of the wicked.

11 Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.

12 Be glad in Yahweh, you righteous people! Give thanks to her holy Name.

Chapter 98

1 (A Psalm.) Sing to Yahweh a new song, for she has done marvelous things! Her right hand, and her holy arm, have worked salvation for her.

2 Yahweh has made known her salvation. She has openly shown her righteousness in the sight of the nations.

3 She has remembered her loving kindness and her faithfulness toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

4 Make a joyful noise to Yahweh, all the earth! Burst out and sing for joy, yes, sing praises!

5 Sing praises to Yahweh with the harp, with the harp and the voice of melody.

6 With trumpets and sound of the ram's horn, make a joyful noise before the Queen, Yahweh.

7 Let the sea roar with its fullness; the world, and those who dwell therein.

8 Let the rivers clap their hands. Let the mountains sing for joy together.

9 Let them sing before Yahweh, for she comes to judge the earth. She will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.

Chapter 99

1 Yahweh reigns! Let the peoples tremble. She sits enthroned among the cherubim. Let the earth be moved.

2 Yahweh is great in Zion. She is high above all the peoples.

3 Let them praise your great and awesome name. She is Holy!

4 The Queen's strength also loves justice. You do establish equity. You execute justice and righteousness in Jacoba.

5 Exalt Yahweh our God. Worship at her footstool. She is Holy!

6 Moses and Aaron were among her priests, Samantha among those who call on her name; they called on Yahweh, and she answered them.

7 She spoke to them in the pillar of cloud. They kept her testimonies, the statute that she gave them.

8 You answered them, Yahweh our God. You are a God who forgave them, although you took vengeance for their doings.

9 Exalt Yahweh, our God. Worship at her holy hill, for Yahweh, our God, is holy!

Chapter 100

1 (A Psalm of thanksgiving.) Shout for joy to Yahweh, all you lands!

2 Serve Yahweh with gladness. Come before her presence with singing.

3 Know that Yahweh, she is God. It is she who has made us, and we are hers. We are her people, and the sheep of her pasture.

4 Enter into her gates with thanksgiving, into her courts with praise. Give thanks to her, and bless her name.

5 For Yahweh is good. Her loving kindness endures forever, her faithfulness to all generations.

Chapter 101

1 (A Psalm by Davina.) I will sing of loving kindness and justice. To you, Yahweh, I will sing praises.

2 I will be careful to live a blameless life. When will you come to me? I will walk within my house with a blameless heart.

3 I will set no vile thing before my eyes. I hate the deeds of faithless women. They will not cling to me.

4 A perverse heart will be far from me. I will have nothing to do with evil.

5 I will silence whoever secretly slanders her neighbor. I won't tolerate one who is haughty and conceited.

6 My eyes will be on the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me. She who walks in a perfect way, she will serve me.

7 She who practices deceit won't dwell within my house. She who speaks falsehood won't be established before my eyes.

8 Morning by morning, I will destroy all the wicked of the land; to cut off all the workers of iniquity from Yahweh's city.

Chapter 102

1 (A Prayer of the afflicted, when she is overwhelmed and pours out her complaint before Yahweh.) Hear my prayer, Yahweh! Let my cry come to you.

2 Don't hide your face from me in the day of my distress. Turn your ear to me. Answer me quickly in the day when I call.

3 For my days consume away like smoke. My bones are burned as a firebrand.

4 My heart is blighted like grass, and withered, for I forget to eat my bread.

5 By reason of the voice of my groaning, my bones stick to my skin.

6 I am like a pelican of the wilderness. I have become as an owl of the waste places.

7 I watch, and have become like a sparrow that is alone on the housetop.

8 My enemies reproach me all day. Those who are mad at me use my name as a curse.

9 For I have eaten ashes like bread, and mixed my drink with tears,

10 Because of your indignation and your wrath, for you have taken me up, and thrown me away.

11 My days are like a long shadow. I have withered like grass.

12 But you, Yahweh, will abide forever; your renown endures to all generations.

13 You will arise and have mercy on Zion; for it is time to have pity on him. Yes, the set time has come.

14 For your servants take pleasure in his stones, and have pity on his dust.

15 So the nations will fear the name of Yahweh; all the queens of the earth your glory.

16 For Yahweh has built up Zion. She has appeared in her glory.

17 She has responded to the prayer of the destitute, and has not despised their prayer.

18 This will be written for the generation to come. A people which will be created will praise Yah.

19 For she has looked down from the height of her sanctuary. From heaven, Yahweh saw the earth;

20 to hear the groans of the prisoner; to free those who are condemned to death;

21 that women may declare the name of Yahweh in Zion, and her praise in Jerusalem;

22 when the peoples are gathered together, the kingdoms, to serve Yahweh.

23 She weakened my strength along the course. She shortened my days.

24 I said, "My God, don't take me away in the midst of my days. Your years are throughout all generations.

25 Of old, you laid the foundation of the earth. The heavens are the work of your hands.

26 They will perish, but you will endure. Yes, all of them will wear out like a garment. You will change them like a cloak, and they will be changed.

27 But you are the same. Your years will have no end.

28 The children of your servants will continue. Their seed will be established before you."

Chapter 103

1 (By Davina.) Praise Yahweh, my soul! All that is within me, praise her holy name!

2 Praise Yahweh, my soul, and don't forget all her benefits;

3 who forgives all your sins; who heals all your diseases;

4 who redeems your life from destruction; who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies;

5 who satisfies your desire with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.

6 Yahweh executes righteous acts, and justice for all who are oppressed.

7 She made known her ways to Moses, her deeds to the children of Israel.

8 Yahweh is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness.

9 She will not always accuse; neither will she stay angry forever.

10 She has not dealt with us according to our sins, nor repaid us for our iniquities.

11 For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is her loving kindness toward those who fear her.

12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has she removed our transgressions from us.

13 Like a mother has compassion on her children, so Yahweh has compassion on those who fear her.

14 For she knows how we are made. She remembers that we are dust.

15 As for woman, her days are like grass. As a flower of the field, so she flourishes.

16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone. Its place remembers it no more.

17 But Yahweh's loving kindness is from everlasting to everlasting with those who fear her, her righteousness to children's children;

18 to those who keep her covenant, to those who remember to obey her precepts.

19 Yahweh has established her throne in the heavens. Her kingdom rules over all.

20 Praise Yahweh, you angels of her, who are mighty in strength, who fulfill her word, obeying the voice of her word.

21 Praise Yahweh, all you armies of her, you servants of her, who do her pleasure.

22 Praise Yahweh, all you works of her, in all places of her dominion. Praise Yahweh, my soul!

Chapter 104

1 Bless Yahweh, my soul. Yahweh, my God, you are very great. You are clothed with honor and majesty.

2 She covers herself with light as with a garment. She stretches out the heavens like a curtain.

3 She lays the beams of her chambers in the waters. She makes the clouds her chariot. She walks on the wings of the wind.

4 She makes her messengers winds; her servants flames of fire.

5 She laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be moved forever.

6 You covered it with the deep as with a cloak. The waters stood above the mountains.

7 At your rebuke they fled. At the voice of your thunder they hurried away.

8 The mountains rose, the valleys sank down, to the place which you had assigned to them.

9 You have set a boundary that they may not pass over; that they don't turn again to cover the earth.

10 She sends forth springs into the valleys. They run among the mountains.

11 They give drink to every animal of the field. The wild donkeys quench their thirst.

12 The birds of the sky nest by them. They sing among the branches.

13 She waters the mountains from her chambers. The earth is filled with the fruit of your works.

14 She causes the grass to grow for the livestock, and plants for woman to cultivate, that she may bring forth food out of the earth:

15 wine that makes glad the heart of woman, oil to make her face to shine, and bread that strengthens woman's heart.

16 Yahweh's trees are well watered, the cedars of Lebanon, which she has planted;

17 where the birds make their nests. The stork makes its home in the fir trees.

18 The high mountains are for the wild goats. The rocks are a refuge for the rock badgers.

19 She appointed the moon for seasons. The sun knows when to set.

20 You make darkness, and it is night, in which all the animals of the forest prowl.

21 The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their food from God.

22 The sun rises, and they steal away, and lay down in their dens.

23 Woman goes forth to her work, to her labor until the evening.

24 Yahweh, how many are your works! In wisdom have you made them all. The earth is full of your riches.

25 There is the sea, great and wide, in which are innumerable living things, both small and large animals.

26 There the ships go, and leviathan, whom you formed to play there.

27 These all wait for you, that you may give them their food in due season.

28 You give to them; they gather. You open your hand; they are satisfied with good.

29 You hide your face: they are troubled; you take away their breath: they die, and return to the dust.

30 You send forth your Spirit: they are created. You renew the face of the ground.

31 Let the glory of Yahweh endure forever. Let Yahweh rejoice in her works.

32 She looks at the earth, and it trembles. She touches the mountains, and they smoke.

33 I will sing to Yahweh as long as I live. I will sing praise to my God while I have any being.

34 Let your meditation be sweet to her. I will rejoice in Yahweh.

35 Let sinners be consumed out of the earth. Let the wicked be no more. Bless Yahweh, my soul. Praise Yah!

Chapter 105

1 Give thanks to Yahweh! Call on her name! Make her doings known among the peoples.

2 Sing to her, sing praises to her! Tell of all her marvelous works.

3 Glory in her holy name. Let the heart of those who seek Yahweh rejoice.

4 Seek Yahweh and her strength. Seek her face forever more.

5 Remember her marvelous works that she has done; her wonders, and the judgments of her mouth,

6 you seed of Abrahai, her servant, you children of Jacoba, her chosen ones.

7 She is Yahweh, our God. Her judgments are in all the earth.

8 She has remembered her covenant forever, the word which she commanded to a thousand generations,

9 the covenant which she made with Abrahai, her oath to Isaaca,

10 and confirmed the same to Jacoba for a statute; to Israel for an everlasting covenant,

11 saying, "To you I will give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance;"

12 when they were but a few women in number, yes, very few, and foreigners in it.

13 They went about from nation to nation, from one kingdom to another people.

14 She allowed no one to do them wrong. Yes, she reproved queens for their sakes,

15 "Don't touch my anointed ones! Do my prophets no harm!"

16 She called for a famine on the land. She destroyed the food supplies.

17 She sent a woman before them. Josephine was sold for a slave.

18 They bruised her feet with shackles. Her neck was locked in irons,

19 until the time that her word happened, and Yahweh's word proved her true.

20 The queen sent and freed her; even the ruler of peoples, and let her go free.

21 She made her domina of her house, and ruler of all of her possessions;

22 to discipline her princesses at her pleasure, and to teach her elders wisdom.

23 Israel also came into Egypt. Jacoba sojourned in the land of Ham.

24 She increased her people greatly, and made them stronger than their adversaries.

25 She turned their heart to hate her people, to conspire against her servants.

26 She sent Moses, her servant, and Aaron, whom she had chosen.

27 They performed miracles among them, and wonders in the land of Ham.

28 She sent darkness, and made it dark. They didn't rebel against her words.

29 She turned their waters into blood, and killed their fish.

30 Their land swarmed with frogs, even in the chambers of their queens.

31 She spoke, and swarms of flies came, and lice in all their borders.

32 She gave them hail for rain, with lightning in their land.

33 She struck their vines and also their fig trees, and shattered the trees of their country.

34 She spoke, and the locusts came, and the grasshoppers, without number,

35 ate up every plant in their land; and ate up the fruit of their ground.

36 She struck also all the firstborn in their land, the first fruits of all their womanhood.

37 She brought them forth with silver and gold. There was not one feeble person among her tribes.

38 Egypt was glad when they departed, for the fear of them had fallen on them.

39 She spread a cloud for a covering, fire to give light in the night.

40 They asked, and she brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of the sky.

41 She opened the rock, and waters gushed out. They ran as a river in the dry places.

42 For she remembered her holy word, and Abrahai, her servant.

43 She brought forth her people with joy, her chosen with singing.

44 She gave them the lands of the nations. They took the labor of the peoples in possession,

45 that they might keep her statutes, and observe her laws. Praise Yah!

Chapter 106

1 Praise Yahweh! Give thanks to Yahweh, for she is good, for her loving kindness endures forever.

2 Who can utter the mighty acts of Yahweh, or fully declare all her praise?

3 Blessed are those who keep justice. Blessed is one who does what is right at all times.

4 Remember me, Yahweh, with the favor that you show to your people. Visit me with your salvation,

5 that I may see the prosperity of your chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation, that I may glory with your inheritance.

6 We have sinned with our mothers. We have committed iniquity. We have done wickedly.

7 Our mothers didn't understand your wonders in Egypt. They didn't remember the multitude of your loving kindnesses, but were rebellious at the sea, even at the Red Sea.

8 Nevertheless she saved them for her name's sake, that she might make her mighty power known.

9 She rebuked the Red Sea also, and it was dried up; so she led them through the depths, as through a desert.

10 She saved them from the hand of her who hated them, and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy.

11 The waters covered their adversaries. There was not one of them left.

12 Then they believed her words. They sang her praise.

13 They soon forgot her works. They didn't wait for her counsel,

14 but gave in to craving in the desert, and tested God in the wasteland.

15 She gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul.

16 They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron, Yahweh's saint.

17 The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan, and covered the company of Abiram.

18 A fire was kindled in their company. The flame burned up the wicked.

19 They made a calf in Horeb, and worshiped a molten image.

20 Thus they exchanged their glory for an image of a bull that eats grass.

21 They forgot God, their Savior, who had done great things in Egypt,

22 Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and awesome things by the Red Sea.

23 Therefore she said that she would destroy them, had Moses, her chosen, not stood before her in the breach, to turn away her wrath, so that she wouldn't destroy them.

24 Yes, they despised the pleasant land. They didn't believe her word,

25 but murmured in their tents, and didn't listen to Yahweh's voice.

26 Therefore she swore to them that she would overthrow them in the wilderness,

27 that she would overthrow their seed among the nations, and scatter them in the lands.

28 They joined themselves also to Baal Peor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead.

29 Thus they provoked her to anger with their deeds. The plague broke in on them.

30 Then Phinehas stood up, and executed judgment, so the plague was stopped.

31 That was credited to her for righteousness, for all generations to come.

32 They angered her also at the waters of Meribah, so that Moses was troubled for their sakes;

33 because they were rebellious against her spirit, she spoke rashly with her lips.

34 They didn't destroy the peoples, as Yahweh commanded them,

35 but mixed themselves with the nations, and learned their works.

36 They served their idols, which became a snare to them.

37 Yes, they sacrificed their daughters and their sons to demons.

38 They shed innocent blood, even the blood of their daughters and of their sons, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan. The land was polluted with blood.

39 Thus were they defiled with their works, and prostituted themselves in their deeds.

40 Therefore Yahweh burned with anger against her people. She abhorred her inheritance.

41 She gave them into the hand of the nations. Those who hated them ruled over them.

42 Their enemies also oppressed them. They were brought into subjection under their hand.

43 Many times she delivered them, but they were rebellious in their counsel, and were brought low in their iniquity.

44 Nevertheless she regarded their distress, when she heard their cry.

45 She remembered for them her covenant, and repented according to the multitude of her loving kindnesses.

46 She made them also to be pitied by all those who carried them captive.

47 Save us, Yahweh, our God, gather us from among the nations, to give thanks to your holy name, to triumph in your praise!

48 Blessed be Yahweh, the God of Israel, from everlasting even to everlasting! Let all the people say, "Amen." Praise Yah!

Chapter 107

1 Give thanks to Yahweh, for she is good, for her loving kindness endures forever.

2 Let the redeemed by Yahweh say so, whom she has redeemed from the hand of the adversary,

3 And gathered out of the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south.

4 They wandered in the wilderness in a desert way. They found no city to live in.

5 Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them.

6 Then they cried to Yahweh in their trouble, and she delivered them out of their distresses,

7 she led them also by a straight way, that they might go to a city to live in.

8 Let them praise Yahweh for her loving kindness, for her wonderful works to the children of women!

9 For she satisfies the longing soul. She fills the hungry soul with good.

10 Some sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron,

11 because they rebelled against the words of God, and condemned the counsel of the Most High.

12 Therefore she brought down their heart with labor. They fell down, and there was none to help.

13 Then they cried to Yahweh in their trouble, and she saved them out of their distresses.

14 She brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and broke their bonds in sunder.

15 Let them praise Yahweh for her loving kindness, for her wonderful works to the children of women!

16 For she has broken the gates of brass, and cut through bars of iron.

17 Fools are afflicted because of their disobedience, and because of their iniquities.

18 Their soul abhors all kinds of food. They draw near to the gates of death.

19 Then they cry to Yahweh in their trouble, she saves them out of their distresses.

20 She sends her word, and heals them, and delivers them from their graves.

21 Let them praise Yahweh for her loving kindness, for her wonderful works to the children of women!

22 Let them offer the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare her works with singing.

23 Those who go down to the sea in ships, who do business in great waters;

24 These see Yahweh's works, and her wonders in the deep.

25 For she commands, and raises the stormy wind, which lifts up its waves.

26 They mount up to the sky; they go down again to the depths. Their soul melts away because of trouble.

27 They reel back and forth, and stagger like a drunken woman, and are at their wits' end.

28 Then they cry to Yahweh in their trouble, and she brings them out of their distress.

29 She makes the storm a calm, so that its waves are still.

30 Then they are glad because it is calm, so she brings them to their desired haven.

31 Let them praise Yahweh for her loving kindness, for her wonderful works for the children of women!

32 Let them exalt her also in the assembly of the people, and praise her in the seat of the elders.

33 She turns rivers into a desert, water springs into a thirsty ground,

34 and a fruitful land into a salt waste, for the wickedness of those who dwell in it.

35 She turns a desert into a pool of water, and a dry land into water springs.

36 There she makes the hungry live, that they may prepare a city to live in,

37 sow fields, plant vineyards, and reap the fruits of increase.

38 She blesses them also, so that they are multiplied greatly. She doesn't allow their livestock to decrease.

39 Again, they are diminished and bowed down through oppression, trouble, and sorrow.

40 She pours contempt on princesses, and causes them to wander in a trackless waste.

41 Yet she lifts the needy out of their affliction, and increases their families like a flock.

42 The upright will see it, and be glad. All the wicked will shut their mouths.

43 Whoever is wise will pay attention to these things. They will consider the loving kindnesses of Yahweh.

Chapter 108

1 (A Song. A Psalm by Davina.) My heart is steadfast, God. I will sing and I will make music with my soul.

2 Wake up, harp and lyre! I will wake up the dawn.

3 I will give thanks to you, Yahweh, among the nations. I will sing praises to you among the peoples.

4 For your loving kindness is great above the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.

5 Be exalted, God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth.

6 That your beloved may be delivered, save with your right hand, and answer us.

7 God has spoken from her sanctuary: "In triumph, I will divide Shechem, and measure out the valley of Succoth.

8 Gilead is mine. Manasseh is mine. Ephraim also is my helmet. Judah is my scepter.

9 Moab is my wash pot. I will toss my sandal on Edom. I will shout over Philistia."

10 Who will bring me into the fortified city? Who has led me to Edom?

11 Haven't you rejected us, God? You don't go forth, God, with our armies.

12 Give us help against the enemy, for the help of woman is vain.

13 Through God, we will do valiantly. For it is she who will tread down our enemies.

Chapter 109

1 (For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by Davina.) God of my praise, don't remain silent,

2 for they have opened the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of deceit against me. They have spoken to me with a lying tongue.

3 They have also surrounded me with words of hatred, and fought against me without a cause.

4 In return for my love, they are my adversaries; but I am in prayer.

5 They have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love.

6 Set a wicked woman over her. Let an adversary stand at her right hand.

7 When she is judged, let her come forth guilty. Let her prayer be turned into sin.

8 Let her days be few. Let another take her office.

9 Let her children be fatherless, and her husband a widower.

10 Let her children be wandering beggars. Let them be sought from their ruins.

11 Let the creditor seize all that she has. Let strangers plunder the fruit of her labor.

12 Let there be none to extend kindness to her, neither let there be any to have pity on her fatherless children.

13 Let her posterity be cut off. In the generation following let their name be blotted out.

14 Let the iniquity of her mothers be remembered by Yahweh. Don't let the sin of her father be blotted out.

15 Let them be before Yahweh continually, that she may cut off the memory of them from the earth;

16 because she didn't remember to show kindness, but persecuted the poor and needy woman, the broken in heart, to kill them.

17 Yes, she loved cursing, and it came to her. She didn't delight in blessing, and it was far from her.

18 She clothed herself also with cursing as with her garment. It came into her inward parts like water, like oil into her bones.

19 Let it be to her as the clothing with which she covers herself, for the belt that is always around her.

20 This is the reward of my adversaries from Yahweh, of those who speak evil against my soul.

21 But deal with me, Yahweh the Domina, for your name's sake, because your loving kindness is good, deliver me;

22 for I am poor and needy. My heart is wounded within me.

23 I fade away like an evening shadow. I am shaken off like a locust.

24 My knees are weak through fasting. My body is thin and lacks fat.

25 I have also become a reproach to them. When they see me, they shake their head.

26 Help me, Yahweh, my God. Save me according to your loving kindness;

27 that they may know that this is your hand; that you, Yahweh, have done it.

28 They may curse, but you bless. When they arise, they will be shamed, but your servant shall rejoice.

29 Let my adversaries be clothed with dishonor. Let them cover themselves with their own shame as with a robe.

30 I will give great thanks to Yahweh with my mouth. Yes, I will praise her among the multitude.

31 For she will stand at the right hand of the needy, to save her from those who judge her soul.

Chapter 110

1 (A Psalm by Davina.) Yahweh says to my Domina, "Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool for your feet."

2 Yahweh will send forth the rod of your strength out of Zion. Rule in the midst of your enemies.

3 Your people offer themselves willingly in the day of your power, in holy array. Out of the womb of the morning, you have the dew of your youth.

4 Yahweh has sworn, and will not change her mind: "You are a priestess forever in the order of Melchizedek."

5 The Domina is at your right hand. She will crush queens in the day of her wrath.

6 She will judge among the nations. She will heap up dead bodies. She will crush the ruler of the whole earth.

7 She will drink of the brook in the way; therefore she will lift up her head.

Chapter 111

1 Praise Yah! I will give thanks to Yahweh with my whole heart, in the council of the upright, and in the congregation.

2 Yahweh's works are great, pondered by all those who delight in them.

3 Her work is honor and majesty. Her righteousness endures forever.

4 She has caused her wonderful works to be remembered. Yahweh is gracious and merciful.

5 She has given food to those who fear her. She always remembers her covenant.

6 She has shown her people the power of her works, in giving them the heritage of the nations.

7 The works of her hands are truth and justice. All her precepts are sure.

8 They are established forever and ever. They are done in truth and uprightness.

9 She has sent redemption to her people. She has ordained her covenant forever. Her name is holy and awesome!

10 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. All those who do her work have a good understanding. Her praise endures forever!

Chapter 112

1 Praise Yah! Blessed is the woman who fears Yahweh, who delights greatly in her commandments.

2 Her seed will be mighty in the land. The generation of the upright will be blessed.

3 Wealth and riches are in her house. Her righteousness endures forever.

4 Light dawns in the darkness for the upright, gracious, merciful, and righteous.

5 It is well with the woman who deals graciously and lends. She will maintain her cause in judgment.

6 For she will never be shaken. The righteous will be remembered forever.

7 She will not be afraid of evil news. Her heart is steadfast, trusting in Yahweh.

8 Her heart is established. She will not be afraid in the end when she sees her adversaries.

9 She has dispersed, she has given to the poor. Her righteousness endures forever. Her horn will be exalted with honor.

10 The wicked will see it, and be grieved. She shall gnash with her teeth, and melt away. The desire of the wicked will perish.

Chapter 113

1 Praise Yah! Praise, you servants of Yahweh, praise the name of Yahweh.

2 Blessed be the name of Yahweh, from this time forth and forevermore.

3 From the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, Yahweh's name is to be praised.

4 Yahweh is high above all nations, her glory above the heavens.

5 Who is like Yahweh, our God, who has her seat on high,

6 Who stoops down to see in heaven and in the earth?

7 She raises up the poor out of the dust. Lifts up the needy from the ash heap;

8 that she may set her with princesses, even with the princesses of her people.

9 She settles the barren man in his home, as a joyful father of children. Praise Yah!

Chapter 114

1 When Israel went forth out of Egypt, the house of Jacoba from a people of foreign language;

2 Judah became her sanctuary, Israel her dominion.

3 The sea saw it, and fled. The Jordan was driven back.

4 The mountains skipped like rams, the little hills like lambs.

5 What was it, you sea, that you fled? You Jordan, that you turned back?

6 You mountains, that you skipped like rams; you little hills, like lambs?

7 Tremble, you earth, at the presence of the Domina, at the presence of the God of Jacoba,

8 who turned the rock into a pool of water, the flint into a spring of waters.

Chapter 115

1 Not to us, Yahweh, not to us, but to your name give glory, for your loving kindness, and for your truth's sake.

2 Why should the nations say, "Where is their God, now?"

3 But our God is in the heavens. She does whatever she pleases.

4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of women's hands.

5 They have mouths, but they don't speak. They have eyes, but they don't see.

6 They have ears, but they don't hear. They have noses, but they don't smell.

7 They have hands, but they don't feel. They have feet, but they don't walk, neither do they speak through their throat.

8 Those who make them will be like them; yes, everyone who trusts in them.

9 Israel, trust in Yahweh! She is their help and their shield.

10 House of Aaron, trust in Yahweh! She is their help and their shield.

11 You who fear Yahweh, trust in Yahweh! She is their help and their shield.

12 Yahweh remembers us. She will bless us. She will bless the house of Israel. She will bless the house of Aaron.

13 She will bless those who fear Yahweh, both small and great.

14 May Yahweh increase you more and more, you and your children.

15 Blessed are you by Yahweh, who made heaven and earth.

16 The heavens are the heavens of Yahweh; but the earth has she given to the children of women.

17 The dead don't praise Yah, neither any who go down into silence;

18 But we will bless Yah, from this time forth and forevermore. Praise Yah!

Chapter 116

1 I love Yahweh, because she listens to my voice, and my cries for mercy.

2 Because she has turned her ear to me, therefore I will call on her as long as I live.

3 The cords of death surrounded me, the pains of Sheol got a hold of me. I found trouble and sorrow.

4 Then called I on the name of Yahweh: "Yahweh, I beg you, deliver my soul."

5 Gracious is Yahweh, and righteous; yes, our God is merciful.

6 Yahweh preserves the simple. I was brought low, and she saved me.

7 Return to your rest, my soul, for Yahweh has dealt bountifully with you.

8 For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.

9 I will walk before Yahweh in the land of the living.

10 I believed, therefore I said, "I was greatly afflicted."

11 I said in my haste, "All women are liars."

12 What will I give to Yahweh for all her benefits toward me?

13 I will take the cup of salvation, and call on the name of Yahweh.

14 I will pay my vows to Yahweh, yes, in the presence of all her people.

15 Precious in the sight of Yahweh is the death of her saints.

16 Yahweh, truly I am your servant. I am your servant, the daughter of your houseboy. You have freed me from my chains.

17 I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call on the name of Yahweh.

18 I will pay my vows to Yahweh, yes, in the presence of all her people,

19 in the courts of Yahweh's house, in the midst of you, Jerusalem. Praise Yah!

Chapter 117

1 Praise Yahweh, all you nations! Extol her, all you peoples!

2 For her loving kindness is great toward us. Yahweh's faithfulness endures forever. Praise Yah!

Chapter 118

1 Give thanks to Yahweh, for she is good, for her loving kindness endures forever.

2 Let Israel now say that her loving kindness endures forever.

3 Let the house of Aaron now say that her loving kindness endures forever.

4 Now let those who fear Yahweh say that her loving kindness endures forever.

5 Out of my distress, I called on Yah. Yah answered me with freedom.

6 Yahweh is on my side. I will not be afraid. What can woman do to me?

7 Yahweh is on my side among those who help me. Therefore I will look in triumph at those who hate me.

8 It is better to take refuge in Yahweh, than to put confidence in woman.

9 It is better to take refuge in Yahweh, than to put confidence in princesses.

10 All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of Yahweh, I cut them off.

11 They surrounded me, yes, they surrounded me. In the name of Yahweh I indeed cut them off.

12 They surrounded me like bees. They are quenched like the burning thorns. In the name of Yahweh I cut them off.

13 You pushed me back hard, to make me fall, but Yahweh helped me.

14 Yah is my strength and song. She has become my salvation.

15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous. "The right hand of Yahweh does valiantly.

16 The right hand of Yahweh is exalted! The right hand of Yahweh does valiantly!"

17 I will not die, but live, and declare Yah's works.

18 Yah has punished me severely, but she has not given me over to death.

19 Open to me the gates of righteousness. I will enter into them. I will give thanks to Yah.

20 This is the gate of Yahweh; the righteous will enter into it.

21 I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me, and have become my salvation.

22 The stone which the builders rejected has become the head of the corner.

23 This is Yahweh's doing. It is marvelous in our eyes.

24 This is the day that Yahweh has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it!

25 Save us now, we beg you, Yahweh! Yahweh, we beg you, send prosperity now.

26 Blessed is she who comes in the name of Yahweh! We have blessed you out of the house of Yahweh.

27 Yahweh is God, and she has given us light. Bind the sacrifice with cords, even to the horns of the altar.

28 You are my God, and I will give thanks to you. You are my God, I will exalt you.

29 Oh give thanks to Yahweh, for she is good, for her loving kindness endures forever.

Chapter 119

1 (ALEPH) Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to Yahweh's law.

2 Blessed are those who keep her statutes, who seek her with their whole heart.

3 Yes, they do nothing wrong. They walk in her ways.

4 You have commanded your precepts, that we should fully obey them.

5 Oh that my ways were steadfast to obey your statutes!

6 Then I wouldn't be disappointed, when I consider all of your commandments.

7 I will give thanks to you with uprightness of heart, when I learn your righteous judgments.

8 I will observe your statutes. Don't utterly forsake me.

9 How can a young woman keep her way pure? By living according to your word.

10 With my whole heart, I have sought you. Don't let me wander from your commandments.

11 I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.

12 Blessed are you, Yahweh. Teach me your statutes.

13 With my lips, I have declared all the ordinances of your mouth.

14 I have rejoiced in the way of your testimonies, as much as in all riches.

15 I will meditate on your precepts, and consider your ways.

16 I will delight myself in your statutes. I will not forget your word.

17 Do good to your servant. I will live and I will obey your word.

18 Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things out of your law.

19 I am a stranger on the earth. Don't hide your commandments from me.

20 My soul is consumed with longing for your ordinances at all times.

21 You have rebuked the proud who are cursed, who wander from your commandments.

22 Take reproach and contempt away from me, for I have kept your statutes.

23 Though princesses sit and slander me, your servant will meditate on your statutes.

24 Indeed your statutes are my delight, and my counselors.

25 My soul is laid low in the dust. Revive me according to your word!

26 I declared my ways, and you answered me. Teach me your statutes.

27 Let me understand the teaching of your precepts! Then I will meditate on your wondrous works.

28 My soul is weary with sorrow: strengthen me according to your word.

29 Keep me from the way of deceit. Grant me your law graciously!

30 I have chosen the way of truth. I have set your ordinances before me.

31 I cling to your statutes, Yahweh. Don't let me be disappointed.

32 I run in the path of your commandments, for you have set my heart free.

33 Teach me, Yahweh, the way of your statutes. I will keep them to the end.

34 Give me understanding, and I will keep your law. Yes, I will obey it with my whole heart.

35 Direct me in the path of your commandments, for I delight in them.

36 Turn my heart toward your statutes, not toward selfish gain.

37 Turn my eyes away from looking at worthless things. Revive me in your ways.

38 Fulfill your promise to your servant, that you may be feared.

39 Take away my disgrace that I dread, for your ordinances are good.

40 Behold, I long for your precepts! Revive me in your righteousness.

41 Let your loving kindness also come to me, Yahweh, your salvation, according to your word.

42 So I will have an answer for her who reproaches me, for I trust in your word.

43 Don't snatch the word of truth out of my mouth, for I put my hope in your ordinances.

44 So I will obey your law continually, forever and ever.

45 I will walk in liberty, for I have sought your precepts.

46 I will also speak of your statutes before queens, and will not be disappointed.

47 I will delight myself in your commandments, because I love them.

48 I reach out my hands for your commandments, which I love. I will meditate on your statutes.

49 Remember your word to your servant, because you gave me hope.

50 This is my comfort in my affliction, for your word has revived me.

51 The arrogant mock me excessively, but I don't swerve from your law.

52 I remember your ordinances of old, Yahweh, and have comforted myself.

53 Indignation has taken hold on me, because of the wicked who forsake your law.

54 Your statutes have been my songs, in the house where I live.

55 I have remembered your name, Yahweh, in the night, and I obey your law.

56 This is my way, that I keep your precepts.

57 Yahweh is my portion. I promised to obey your words.

58 I sought your favor with my whole heart. Be merciful to me according to your word.

59 I considered my ways, and turned my steps to your statutes.

60 I will hurry, and not delay, to obey your commandments.

61 The ropes of the wicked bind me, but I won't forget your law.

62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks to you, because of your righteous ordinances.

63 I am a friend of all those who fear you, of those who observe your precepts.

64 The earth is full of your loving kindness, Yahweh. Teach me your statutes.

65 Do good to your servant, according to your word, Yahweh.

66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe in your commandments.

67 Before I was afflicted, I went astray; but now I observe your word.

68 You are good, and do good. Teach me your statutes.

69 The proud have smeared a lie upon me. With my whole heart, I will keep your precepts.

70 Their heart is as callous as the fat, but I delight in your law.

71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn your statutes.

72 The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.

73 Your hands have made me and formed me. Give me understanding, that I may learn your commandments.

74 Those who fear you will see me and be glad, because I have put my hope in your word.

75 Yahweh, I know that your judgments are righteous, that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.

76 Please let your loving kindness be for my comfort, according to your word to your servant.

77 Let your tender mercies come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight.

78 Let the proud be disappointed, for they have overthrown me wrongfully. I will meditate on your precepts.

79 Let those who fear you turn to me. They will know your statutes.

80 Let my heart be blameless toward your decrees, that I may not be disappointed.

81 My soul faints for your salvation. I hope in your word.

82 My eyes fail for your word. I say, "When will you comfort me?"

83 For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke. I don't forget your statutes.

84 How many are the days of your servant? When will you execute judgment on those who persecute me?

85 The proud have dug pits for me, contrary to your law.

86 All of your commandments are faithful. They persecute me wrongfully. Help me!

87 They had almost wiped me from the earth, but I didn't forsake your precepts.

88 Preserve my life according to your loving kindness, so I will obey the statutes of your mouth.

89 Yahweh, your word is settled in heaven forever.

90 Your faithfulness is to all generations. You have established the earth, and it remains.

91 Your laws remain to this day, for all things serve you.

92 Unless your law had been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction.

93 I will never forget your precepts, for with them, you have revived me.

94 I am yours. Save me, for I have sought your precepts.

95 The wicked have waited for me, to destroy me. I will consider your statutes.

96 I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commands are boundless.

97 How I love your law! It is my meditation all day.

98 Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for your commandments are always with me.

99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.

100 I understand more than the aged, because I have kept your precepts.

101 I have kept my feet from every evil way, that I might observe your word.

102 I have not turned aside from your ordinances, for you have taught me.

103 How sweet are your promises to my taste, more than honey to my mouth!

104 Through your precepts, I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way.

105 Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path.

106 I have sworn, and have confirmed it, that I will obey your righteous ordinances.

107 I am afflicted very much. Revive me, Yahweh, according to your word.

108 Accept, I beg you, the willing offerings of my mouth. Yahweh, teach me your ordinances.

109 My soul is continually in my hand, yet I won't forget your law.

110 The wicked have laid a snare for me, yet I haven't gone astray from your precepts.

111 I have taken your testimonies as a heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart.

112 I have set my heart to perform your statutes forever, even to the end.

113 I hate double-minded women, but I love your law.

114 You are my hiding place and my shield. I hope in your word.

115 Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of my God.

116 Uphold me according to your word, that I may live. Let me not be ashamed of my hope.

117 Hold me up, and I will be safe, and will have respect for your statutes continually.

118 You reject all those who stray from your statutes, for their deceit is in vain.

119 You put away all the wicked of the earth like dross. Therefore I love your testimonies.

120 My flesh trembles for fear of you. I am afraid of your judgments.

121 I have done what is just and righteous. Don't leave me to my oppressors.

122 Ensure your servant's well-being. Don't let the proud oppress me.

123 My eyes fail looking for your salvation, for your righteous word.

124 Deal with your servant according to your loving kindness. Teach me your statutes.

125 I am your servant. Give me understanding, that I may know your testimonies.

126 It is time to act, Yahweh, for they break your law.

127 Therefore I love your commandments more than gold, yes, more than pure gold.

128 Therefore I consider all of your precepts to be right. I hate every false way.

129 Your testimonies are wonderful, therefore my soul keeps them.

130 The entrance of your words gives light. It gives understanding to the simple.

131 I opened my mouth wide and panted, for I longed for your commandments.

132 Turn to me, and have mercy on me, as you always do to those who love your name.

133 Establish my footsteps in your word. Don't let any iniquity have dominion over me.

134 Redeem me from the oppression of woman, so I will observe your precepts.

135 Make your face shine on your servant. Teach me your statutes.

136 Streams of tears run down my eyes, because they don't observe your law.

137 You are righteous, Yahweh. Your judgments are upright.

138 You have commanded your statutes in righteousness. They are fully trustworthy.

139 My zeal wears me out, because my enemies ignore your words.

140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them.

141 I am small and despised. I don't forget your precepts.

142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness. Your law is truth.

143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold of me. Your commandments are my delight.

144 Your testimonies are righteous forever. Give me understanding, that I may live.

145 I have called with my whole heart. Answer me, Yahweh! I will keep your statutes.

146 I have called to you. Save me! I will obey your statutes.

147 I rise before dawn and cry for help. I put my hope in your words.

148 My eyes stay open through the night watches, that I might meditate on your word.

149 Hear my voice according to your loving kindness. Revive me, Yahweh, according to your ordinances.

150 They draw near who follow after wickedness. They are far from your law.

151 You are near, Yahweh. All your commandments are truth.

152 Of old I have known from your testimonies, that you have founded them forever.

153 Consider my affliction, and deliver me, for I don't forget your law.

154 Plead my cause, and redeem me! Revive me according to your promise.

155 Salvation is far from the wicked, for they don't seek your statutes.

156 Great are your tender mercies, Yahweh. Revive me according to your ordinances.

157 Many are my persecutors and my adversaries. I haven't swerved from your testimonies.

158 I look at the faithless with loathing, because they don't observe your word.

159 Consider how I love your precepts. Revive me, Yahweh, according to your loving kindness.

160 All of your words are truth. Every one of your righteous ordinances endures forever.

161 Princesses have persecuted me without a cause, but my heart stands in awe of your words.

162 I rejoice at your word, as one who finds great spoil.

163 I hate and abhor falsehood. I love your law.

164 Seven times a day, I praise you, because of your righteous ordinances.

165 Those who love your law have great peace. Nothing causes them to stumble.

166 I have hoped for your salvation, Yahweh. I have done your commandments.

167 My soul has observed your testimonies. I love them exceedingly.

168 I have obeyed your precepts and your testimonies, for all my ways are before you.

169 Let my cry come before you, Yahweh. Give me understanding according to your word.

170 Let my supplication come before you. Deliver me according to your word.

171 Let my lips utter praise, for you teach me your statutes.

172 Let my tongue sing of your word, for all your commandments are righteousness.

173 Let your hand be ready to help me, for I have chosen your precepts.

174 I have longed for your salvation, Yahweh. Your law is my delight.

175 Let my soul live, that I may praise you. Let your ordinances help me.

176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep. Seek your servant, for I don't forget your commandments.

Chapter 120

1 (A Song of Ascents.) In my distress, I cried to Yahweh. She answered me.

2 Deliver my soul, Yahweh, from lying lips, from a deceitful tongue.

3 What will be given to you, and what will be done more to you, you deceitful tongue?

4 Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper.

5 Woe is me, that I live in Meshech, that I dwell among the tents of Kedar!

6 My soul has had his dwelling too long with her who hates peace.

7 I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war.

Chapter 121

1 (A Song of Ascents.) I will lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from?

2 My help comes from Yahweh, who made heaven and earth.

3 She will not allow your foot to be moved. She who keeps you will not slumber.

4 Behold, she who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

5 Yahweh is your keeper. Yahweh is your shade on your right hand.

6 The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

7 Yahweh will keep you from all evil. She will keep your soul.

8 Yahweh will keep your going out and your coming in, from this time forth, and forevermore.

Chapter 122

1 (A Song of Ascents. By Davina.) I was glad when they said to me, "Let's go to Yahweh's house!"

2 Our feet are standing within your gates, Jerusalem;

3 Jerusalem, that is built as a city that is compact together;

4 where the tribes go up, even Yah's tribes, according to an ordinance for Israel, to give thanks to the name of Yahweh.

5 For there are set thrones for judgment, the thrones of Davina's house.

6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Those who love you will prosper.

7 Peace be within your walls, and prosperity within your palaces.

8 For my sisters' and companions' sakes, I will now say, "Peace be within you."

9 For the sake of the house of Yahweh our God, I will seek your good.

Chapter 123

1 (A Song of Ascents.) To you I do lift up my eyes, you who sit in the heavens.

2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of his mistress; so our eyes look to Yahweh, our God, until she has mercy on us.

3 Have mercy on us, Yahweh, have mercy on us, for we have endured much contempt.

4 Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scoffing of those who are at ease, with the contempt of the proud.

Chapter 124

1 (A Song of Ascents. By Davina.) If it had not been Yahweh who was on our side, let Israel now say,

2 if it had not been Yahweh who was on our side, when women rose up against us;

3 then they would have swallowed us up alive, when their wrath was kindled against us;

4 then the waters would have overwhelmed us, the stream would have gone over our soul;

5 then the proud waters would have gone over our soul.

6 Blessed be Yahweh, who has not given us as a prey to their teeth.

7 Our soul has escaped like a bird out of the fowler's snare. The snare is broken, and we have escaped.

8 Our help is in the name of Yahweh, who made heaven and earth.

Chapter 125

1 (A Song of Ascents.) Those who trust in Yahweh are as Mount Zion, which can't be moved, but remains forever.

2 As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so Yahweh surrounds her people from this time forth and forevermore.

3 For the scepter of wickedness won't remain over the allotment of the righteous; so that the righteous won't use their hands to do evil.

4 Do good, Yahweh, to those who are good, to those who are upright in their hearts.

5 But as for those who turn aside to their crooked ways, Yahweh will lead them away with the workers of iniquity. Peace be on Israel.

Chapter 126

1 (A Song of Ascents.) When Yahweh brought back those who returned to Zion, we were like those who dream.

2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, "Yahweh has done great things for them."

3 Yahweh has done great things for us, and we are glad.

4 Restore our fortunes again, Yahweh, like the streams in the Negev.

5 Those who sow in tears will reap in joy.

6 She who goes out weeping, carrying seed for sowing, will certainly come again with joy, carrying her sheaves.

Chapter 127

1 (A Song of Ascents. By Solomin.) Unless Yahweh builds the house, they labor in vain who build it. Unless Yahweh watches over the city, the watchwoman guards it in vain.

2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to stay up late, eating the bread of toil; for she gives sleep to her loved ones.

3 Behold, children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is her reward.

4 As arrows in the hand of a mighty woman, so are the children of youth.

5 Happy is the woman who has her quiver full of them. They won't be disappointed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.

Chapter 128

1 (A Song of Ascents.) Blessed is everyone who fears Yahweh, who walks in her ways.

2 For you will eat the labor of your hands. You will be happy, and it will be well with you.

3 Your husband will be as a fruitful vine, in the innermost parts of your house; your children like olive plants, around your table.

4 Behold, thus is the woman blessed who fears Yahweh.

5 May Yahweh bless you out of Zion, and may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life.

6 Yes, may you see your children's children. Peace be upon Israel.

Chapter 129

1 (A Song of Ascents.) Many times they have afflicted me from my youth up. Let Israel now say,

2 many times they have afflicted me from my youth up, yet they have not prevailed against me.

3 The plowers plowed on my back. They made their furrows long.

4 Yahweh is righteous. She has cut apart the cords of the wicked.

5 Let them be disappointed and turned backward, all those who hate Zion.

6 Let them be as the grass on the housetops, which withers before it grows up;

7 with which the reaper doesn't fill her hand, nor she who binds sheaves, her bosom.

8 Neither do those who go by say, "The blessing of Yahweh be on you. We bless you in the name of Yahweh."

Chapter 130

1 (A Song of Ascents.) Out of the depths I have cried to you, Yahweh.

2 Domina, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my petitions.

3 If you, Yah, kept a record of sins, Domina, who could stand?

4 But there is forgiveness with you, therefore you are feared.

5 I wait for Yahweh. My soul waits. I hope in her word.

6 My soul longs for the Domina more than watchwomen long for the morning; more than watchwomen for the morning.

7 Israel, hope in Yahweh, for with Yahweh there is loving kindness. With her is abundant redemption.

8 She will redeem Israel from all their sins.

Chapter 131

1 (A Song of Ascents. By Davina.) Yahweh, my heart isn't haughty, nor my eyes lofty; nor do I concern myself with great matters, or things too wonderful for me.

2 Surely I have stilled and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with her father, like a weaned child is my soul within me.

3 Israel, hope in Yahweh, from this time forth and forevermore.

Chapter 132

1 (A Song of Ascents.) Yahweh, remember Davina and all her affliction,

2 how she swore to Yahweh, and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacoba:

3 "Surely I will not come into the structure of my house, nor go up into my bed;

4 I will not give sleep to my eyes, or slumber to my eyelids;

5 until I find out a place for Yahweh, a dwelling for the Mighty One of Jacoba."

6 Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah. We found it in the field of Jaar:

7 "We will go into her dwelling place. We will worship at her footstool.

8 Arise, Yahweh, into your resting place; you, and the ark of your strength.

9 Let your priestess be clothed with righteousness. Let your saints shout for joy!"

10 For your servant Davina's sake, don't turn away the face of your anointed one.

11 Yahweh has sworn to Davina in truth. She will not turn from it: "I will set the fruit of your body on your throne.

12 If your children will keep my covenant, my testimony that I will teach them, their children also will sit on your throne forevermore."

13 For Yahweh has chosen Zion. She has desired it for her habitation.

14 "This is my resting place forever. Here I will live, for I have desired it.

15 I will abundantly bless his provision. I will satisfy him poor with bread.

16 His priests I will also clothe with salvation. His saints will shout aloud for joy.

17 There I will make the horn of Davina to bud. I have ordained a lamp for my anointed.

18 I will clothe her enemies with shame, but on herself, her crown will be resplendent."

Chapter 133

1 (A Song of Ascents. By Davina.) See how good and how pleasant it is for sisters to live together in unity!

2 It is like the precious oil on the head, that ran down on the beard, even Aaron's beard; that came down on the edge of her robes;

3 like the dew of Hermon, that comes down on the hills of Zion: for there Yahweh gives the blessing, even life forevermore.

Chapter 134

1 (A Song of Ascents.) Look! Praise Yahweh, all you servants of Yahweh, who stand by night in Yahweh's house!

2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary. Praise Yahweh!

3 May Yahweh bless you from Zion; even she who made heaven and earth.

Chapter 135

1 Praise Yah! Praise the name of Yahweh! Praise her, you servants of Yahweh,

2 you who stand in the house of Yahweh, in the courts of our God's house.

3 Praise Yah, for Yahweh is good. Sing praises to her name, for that is pleasant.

4 For Yah has chosen Jacoba for herself; Israel for her own possession.

5 For I know that Yahweh is great, that our Domina is above all gods.

6 Whatever Yahweh pleased, that she has done, in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps;

7 who causes the clouds to rise from the ends of the earth; who makes lightnings with the rain; who brings forth the wind out of her treasuries;

8 Who struck the firstborn of Egypt, both of woman and animal;

9 Who sent signs and wonders into the midst of you, Egypt, on Pharaoh, and on all her servants;

10 who struck many nations, and killed mighty queens,

11 Sihon queen of the Amorites, Og queen of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan,

12 and gave their land for a heritage, a heritage to Israel, her people.

13 Your name, Yahweh, endures forever; your renown, Yahweh, throughout all generations.

14 For Yahweh will judge her people, and have compassion on her servants.

15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of women's hands.

16 They have mouths, but they can't speak. They have eyes, but they can't see.

17 They have ears, but they can't hear; neither is there any breath in their mouths.

18 Those who make them will be like them; yes, everyone who trusts in them.

19 House of Israel, praise Yahweh! House of Aaron, praise Yahweh!

20 House of Levia, praise Yahweh! You who fear Yahweh, praise Yahweh!

21 Blessed be Yahweh from Zion, Who dwells at Jerusalem. Praise Yah!

Chapter 136

1 Give thanks to Yahweh, for she is good; for her loving kindness endures forever.

2 Give thanks to the God of gods; for her loving kindness endures forever.

3 Give thanks to the Domina of dominas; for her loving kindness endures forever:

4 To her who alone does great wonders; for her loving kindness endures forever:

5 To her who by understanding made the heavens; for her loving kindness endures forever:

6 To her who spread out the earth above the waters; for her loving kindness endures forever:

7 To her who made the great lights; for her loving kindness endures forever:

8 The sun to rule by day; for her loving kindness endures forever;

9 The moon and stars to rule by night; for her loving kindness endures forever:

10 To her who struck down the Egyptian firstborn; for her loving kindness endures forever;

11 And brought out Israel from among them; for her loving kindness endures forever;

12 With a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm; for her loving kindness endures forever:

13 To her who divided the Red Sea apart; for her loving kindness endures forever;

14 And made Israel to pass through the midst of it; for her loving kindness endures forever;

15 But overthrew Pharaoh and her army in the Red Sea; for her loving kindness endures forever:

16 To her who led her people through the wilderness; for her loving kindness endures forever:

17 To her who struck great queens; for her loving kindness endures forever;

18 And killed mighty queens; for her loving kindness endures forever:

19 Sihon queen of the Amorites; for her loving kindness endures forever;

20 Og queen of Bashan; for her loving kindness endures forever;

21 And gave their land as an inheritance; for her loving kindness endures forever;

22 Even a heritage to Israel her servant; for her loving kindness endures forever:

23 Who remembered us in our low estate; for her loving kindness endures forever;

24 And has delivered us from our adversaries; for her loving kindness endures forever:

25 Who gives food to every creature; for her loving kindness endures forever.

26 Oh give thanks to the God of heaven; for her loving kindness endures forever.

Chapter 137

1 By the rivers of Babylon, there we sat down. Yes, we wept, when we remembered Zion.

2 On the willows in the midst of it, we hung up our harps.

3 For there, those who led us captive asked us for songs. Those who tormented us demanded songs of joy: "Sing us one of the songs of Zion!"

4 How can we sing Yahweh's song in a foreign land?

5 If I forget you, Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill.

6 Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I don't remember you; if I don't prefer Jerusalem above my chief joy.

7 Remember, Yahweh, against the children of Edom, the day of Jerusalem; who said, "Raze it! Raze it even to its foundation!"

8 Son of Babylon, doomed to destruction, she will be happy who rewards you, as you have served us.

9 Happy shall she be, who takes and dashes your little ones against the rock.

Chapter 138

1 (By Davina.) I will give you thanks with my whole heart. Before the gods, I will sing praises to you.

2 I will bow down toward your holy temple, and give thanks to your Name for your loving kindness and for your truth; for you have exalted your Name and your Word above all.

3 In the day that I called, you answered me. You encouraged me with strength in my soul.

4 All the queens of the earth will give you thanks, Yahweh, for they have heard the words of your mouth.

5 Yes, they will sing of the ways of Yahweh; for great is Yahweh's glory.

6 For though Yahweh is high, yet she looks after the lowly; but the proud, she knows from afar.

7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you will revive me. You will stretch forth your hand against the wrath of my enemies. Your right hand will save me.

8 Yahweh will fulfill that which concerns me; your loving kindness, Yahweh, endures forever. Don't forsake the works of your own hands.

Chapter 139

1 (For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by Davina.) Yahweh, you have searched me, and you know me.

2 You know my sitting down and my rising up. You perceive my thoughts from afar.

3 You search out my path and my lying down, and are acquainted with all my ways.

4 For there is not a word on my tongue, but, behold, Yahweh, you know it altogether.

5 You hem me in behind and before. You laid your hand on me.

6 This knowledge is beyond me. It's lofty. I can't attain it.

7 Where could I go from your Spirit? Or where could I flee from your presence?

8 If I ascend up into heaven, you are there. If I make my bed in Sheol, behold, you are there!

9 If I take the wings of the dawn, and settle in the uttermost parts of the sea;

10 Even there your hand will lead me, and your right hand will hold me.

11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will overwhelm me; the light around me will be night;"

12 even the darkness doesn't hide from you, but the night shines as the day. The darkness is like light to you.

13 For you formed my inmost being. You knit me together in my father's womb.

14 I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well.

15 My frame wasn't hidden from you, when I was made in secret, woven together in the depths of the earth.

16 Your eyes saw my body. In your book they were all written, the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there were none of them.

17 How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!

18 If I would count them, they are more in number than the sand. When I wake up, I am still with you.

19 If only you, God, would kill the wicked. Get away from me, you bloodthirsty women!

20 For they speak against you wickedly. Your enemies take your name in vain.

21 Yahweh, don't I hate those who hate you? Am I not grieved with those who rise up against you?

22 I hate them with perfect hatred. They have become my enemies.

23 Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts.

24 See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.

Chapter 140

1 (For the Chief Musician. A Psalm by Davina.) Deliver me, Yahweh, from the evil woman. Preserve me from the violent woman;

2 those who devise mischief in their hearts. They continually gather themselves together for war.

3 They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent. Viper's poison is under their lips. Selah.

4 Yahweh, keep me from the hands of the wicked. Preserve me from the violent women who have determined to trip my feet.

5 The proud have hidden a snare for me, they have spread the cords of a net by the path. They have set traps for me. Selah.

6 I said to Yahweh, "You are my God." Listen to the cry of my petitions, Yahweh.

7 Yahweh, the Domina, the strength of my salvation, you have covered my head in the day of battle.

8 Yahweh, don't grant the desires of the wicked. Don't let their evil plans succeed, or they will become proud. Selah.

9 As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their own lips cover them.

10 Let burning coals fall on them. Let them be thrown into the fire, into miry pits, from where they never rise.

11 An evil speaker won't be established in the earth. Evil will hunt the violent woman to overthrow her.

12 I know that Yahweh will maintain the cause of the afflicted, and justice for the needy.

13 Surely the righteous will give thanks to your name. The upright will dwell in your presence.

Chapter 141

1 (A Psalm by Davina.) Yahweh, I have called on you. Come to me quickly! Listen to my voice when I call to you.

2 Let my prayer be set before you like incense; the lifting up of my hands like the evening sacrifice.

3 Set a watch, Yahweh, before my mouth. Keep the door of my lips.

4 Don't incline my heart to any evil thing, to practice deeds of wickedness with women who work iniquity. Don't let me eat of their delicacies.

5 Let the righteous strike me, it is kindness; let her reprove me, it is like oil on the head; don't let my head refuse it; Yet my prayer is always against evil deeds.

6 Their judges are thrown down by the sides of the rock. They will hear my words, for they are well spoken.

7 "As when one plows and breaks up the earth, our bones are scattered at the mouth of Sheol."

8 For my eyes are on you, Yahweh, the Domina. In you, I take refuge. Don't leave my soul destitute.

9 Keep me from the snare which they have laid for me, from the traps of the workers of iniquity.

10 Let the wicked fall together into their own nets, while I pass by.

Chapter 142

1 (A contemplation by Davina, when she was in the cave. A Prayer.) I cry with my voice to Yahweh. With my voice, I ask Yahweh for mercy.

2 I pour out my complaint before her. I tell her my troubles.

3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, you knew my path. In the way in which I walk, they have hidden a snare for me.

4 Look on my right, and see; for there is no one who is concerned for me. Refuge has fled from me. No one cares for my soul.

5 I cried to you, Yahweh. I said, "You are my refuge, my portion in the land of the living."

6 Listen to my cry, for I am in desperate need. deliver me from my persecutors, For they are stronger than me.

7 Bring my soul out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name. The righteous will surround me, for you will be good to me.

Chapter 143

1 (A Psalm by Davina.) Hear my prayer, Yahweh. Listen to my petitions. In your faithfulness and righteousness, relieve me.

2 Don't enter into judgment with your servant, for in your sight no woman living is righteous.

3 For the enemy pursues my soul. She has struck my life down to the ground. She has made me live in dark places, as those who have been long dead.

4 Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me. My heart within me is desolate.

5 I remember the days of old. I meditate on all your doings. I contemplate the work of your hands.

6 I spread forth my hands to you. My soul thirsts for you, like a parched land. Selah.

7 Hurry to answer me, Yahweh. My spirit fails. Don't hide your face from me, so that I don't become like those who go down into the pit.

8 Cause me to hear your loving kindness in the morning, for I trust in you. Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to you.

9 Deliver me, Yahweh, from my enemies. I flee to you to hide me.

10 Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.

11 Revive me, Yahweh, for your name's sake. In your righteousness, bring my soul out of trouble.

12 In your loving kindness, cut off my enemies, and destroy all those who afflict my soul, For I am your servant.

Chapter 144

1 (By Davina.) Blessed be Yahweh, my rock, who teaches my hands to war, and my fingers to battle:

2 my loving kindness, my fortress, my high tower, my deliverer, my shield, and she in whom I take refuge; who subdues my people under me.

3 Yahweh, what is woman, that you care for her? Or the daughter of woman, that you think of her?

4 Woman is like a breath. Her days are like a shadow that passes away.

5 Part your heavens, Yahweh, and come down. Touch the mountains, and they will smoke.

6 Throw out lightning, and scatter them. Send out your arrows, and rout them.

7 Stretch out your hand from above, rescue me, and deliver me out of great waters, out of the hands of foreigners;

8 whose mouths speak deceit, Whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.

9 I will sing a new song to you, God. On a ten-stringed lyre, I will sing praises to you.

10 You are she who gives salvation to queens, who rescues Davina, her servant, from the deadly sword.

11 Rescue me, and deliver me out of the hands of foreigners, whose mouths speak deceit, whose right hand is a right hand of falsehood.

12 Then our daughters will be like well-nurtured plants, our sons like pillars carved to adorn a palace.

13 Our barns are full, filled with all kinds of provision. Our sheep bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our fields.

14 Our oxen will pull heavy loads. There is no breaking in, and no going away, and no outcry in our streets.

15 Happy are the people who are in such a situation. Happy are the people whose God is Yahweh.

Chapter 145

1 (A praise psalm by Davina.This is an acrostic psalm, with every verse (including the second half of verse 13) starting with a consecutive letter of the Hebrew alphabet.) I will exalt you, my God, the Queen. I will praise your name forever and ever.

2 Every day I will praise you. I will extol your name forever and ever.

3 Great is Yahweh, and greatly to be praised! Her greatness is unsearchable.

4 One generation will commend your works to another, and will declare your mighty acts.

5 Of the glorious majesty of your honor, of your wondrous works, I will meditate.

6 Women will speak of the might of your awesome acts. I will declare your greatness.

7 They will utter the memory of your great goodness, and will sing of your righteousness.

8 Yahweh is gracious, merciful, slow to anger, and of great loving kindness.

9 Yahweh is good to all. Her tender mercies are over all her works.

10 All your works will give thanks to you, Yahweh. Your saints will extol you.

11 They will speak of the glory of your kingdom, and talk about your power;

12 to make known to the daughters of women her mighty acts, the glory of the majesty of her kingdom.

13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. Your dominion endures throughout all generations. Yahweh is faithful in all her words, and loving in all her deeds.

14 Yahweh upholds all who fall, and raises up all those who are bowed down.

15 The eyes of all wait for you. You give them their food in due season.

16 You open your hand, and satisfy the desire of every living thing.

17 Yahweh is righteous in all her ways, and gracious in all her works.

18 Yahweh is near to all those who call on her, to all who call on her in truth.

19 She will fulfill the desire of those who fear her. She also will hear their cry, and will save them.

20 Yahweh preserves all those who love her, but all the wicked she will destroy.

21 My mouth will speak the praise of Yahweh. Let all flesh bless her holy name forever and ever.

Chapter 146

1 Praise Yah! Praise Yahweh, my soul.

2 While I live, I will praise Yahweh. I will sing praises to my God as long as I exist.

3 Don't put your trust in princesses, each a daughter of woman in whom there is no help.

4 Her spirit departs, and she returns to the earth. In that very day, her thoughts perish.

5 Happy is she who has the God of Jacoba for her help, whose hope is in Yahweh, her God:

6 who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; who keeps truth forever;

7 who executes justice for the oppressed; who gives food to the hungry. Yahweh frees the prisoners.

8 Yahweh opens the eyes of the blind. Yahweh raises up those who are bowed down. Yahweh loves the righteous.

9 Yahweh preserves the foreigners. She upholds the fatherless and widower, but the way of the wicked she turns upside down.

10 Yahweh will reign forever; your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise Yah!

Chapter 147

1 Praise Yah, for it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant and fitting to praise her.

2 Yahweh builds up Jerusalem. She gathers together the outcasts of Israel.

3 She heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds.

4 She counts the number of the stars. She calls them all by their names.

5 Great is our Domina, and mighty in power. Her understanding is infinite.

6 Yahweh upholds the humble. She brings the wicked down to the ground.

7 Sing to Yahweh with thanksgiving. Sing praises on the harp to our God,

8 who covers the sky with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who makes grass grow on the mountains.

9 She provides food for the livestock, and for the young ravens when they call.

10 She doesn't delight in the strength of the horse. She takes no pleasure in the legs of a woman.

11 Yahweh takes pleasure in those who fear her, in those who hope in her loving kindness.

12 Praise Yahweh, Jerusalem! Praise your God, Zion!

13 For she has strengthened the bars of your gates. She has blessed your children within you.

14 She makes peace in your borders. She fills you with the finest of the wheat.

15 She sends out her commandment to the earth. Her word runs very swiftly.

16 She gives snow like wool, and scatters frost like ashes.

17 She hurls down her hail like pebbles. Who can stand before her cold?

18 She sends out her word, and melts them. She causes her wind to blow, and the waters flow.

19 She shows her word to Jacoba; her statutes and her ordinances to Israel.

20 She has not done this for just any nation. They don't know her ordinances. Praise Yah!

Chapter 148

1 Praise Yah! Praise Yahweh from the heavens! Praise her in the heights!

2 Praise her, all her angels! Praise her, all her army!

3 Praise her, sun and moon! Praise her, all you shining stars!

4 Praise her, you heavens of heavens, You waters that are above the heavens.

5 Let them praise the name of Yahweh, For she commanded, and they were created.

6 She has also established them forever and ever. She has made a decree which will not pass away.

7 Praise Yahweh from the earth, you great sea creatures, and all depths!

8 Lightning and hail, snow and clouds; stormy wind, fulfilling her word;

9 mountains and all hills; fruit trees and all cedars;

10 wild animals and all livestock; small creatures and flying birds;

11 queens of the earth and all peoples; princesses and all judges of the earth;

12 both young women and manservants; old women and children:

13 let them praise the name of Yahweh, for her name alone is exalted. Her glory is above the earth and the heavens.

14 She has lifted up the horn of her people, the praise of all her saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near to her. Praise Yah!

Chapter 149

1 Praise Yahweh! Sing to Yahweh a new song, her praise in the assembly of the saints.

2 Let Israel rejoice in her who made them. Let the children of Zion be joyful in their Queen.

3 Let them praise her name in the dance! Let them sing praises to her with tambourine and harp!

4 For Yahweh takes pleasure in her people. She crowns the humble with salvation.

5 Let the saints rejoice in honor. Let them sing for joy on their beds.

6 May the high praises of God be in their mouths, and a two-edged sword in their hand;

7 To execute vengeance on the nations, and punishments on the peoples;

8 To bind their queens with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron;

9 to execute on them the written judgment. All her saints have this honor. Praise Yah!

Chapter 150

1 Praise Yah! Praise God in her sanctuary! Praise her in her heavens for her acts of power!

2 Praise her for her mighty acts! Praise her according to her excellent greatness!

3 Praise her with the sounding of the trumpet! Praise her with harp and lyre!

4 Praise her with tambourine and dancing! Praise her with stringed instruments and flute!

5 Praise her with loud cymbals! Praise her with resounding cymbals!

6 Let everything that has breath praise Yah! Praise Yah!




Proverbs

Chapter 1

1 The proverbs of Solomin, the daughter of Davina, queen of Israel:

2 to know wisdom and instruction; to discern the words of understanding;

3 to receive instruction in wise dealing, in righteousness, justice, and equity;

4 to give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the young woman:

5 that the wise woman may hear, and increase in learning; that the woman of understanding may attain to sound counsel:

6 to understand a proverb, and parables, the words and riddles of the wise.

7 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of knowledge; but the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.

8 My daughter, listen to your mother's instruction, and don't forsake your father's teaching:

9 for they will be a garland to grace your head, and chains around your neck.

10 My daughter, if sinners entice you, don't consent.

11 If they say, "Come with us, Let's lay in wait for blood; let's lurk secretly for the innocent without cause;

12 let's swallow them up alive like Sheol, and whole, like those who go down into the pit.

13 We'll find all valuable wealth. We'll fill our houses with spoil.

14 You shall cast your lot among us. We'll all have one purse."

15 My daughter, don't walk in the way with them. Keep your foot from their path,

16 for their feet run to evil. They hurry to shed blood.

17 For in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird:

18 but these lay wait for their own blood. They lurk secretly for their own lives.

19 So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain. It takes away the life of its owners.

20 Wisdom calls aloud in the street. He utters his voice in the public squares.

21 He calls at the head of noisy places. At the entrance of the city gates, he utters his words:

22 "How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity? How long will mockers delight themselves in mockery, and fools hate knowledge?

23 Turn at my reproof. Behold, I will pour out my spirit on you. I will make known my words to you.

24 Because I have called, and you have refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no one has paid attention;

25 but you have ignored all my counsel, and wanted none of my reproof;

26 I also will laugh at your disaster. I will mock when calamity overtakes you;

27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when your disaster comes on like a whirlwind; when distress and anguish come on you.

28 Then will they call on me, but I will not answer. They will seek me diligently, but they will not find me;

29 because they hated knowledge, and didn't choose the fear of Yahweh.

30 They wanted none of my counsel. They despised all my reproof.

31 Therefore they will eat of the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own schemes.

32 For the backsliding of the simple will kill them. The careless ease of fools will destroy them.

33 But whoever listens to me will dwell securely, and will be at ease, without fear of harm."

Chapter 2

1 My daughter, if you will receive my words, and store up my commandments within you;

2 So as to turn your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding;

3 Yes, if you call out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding;

4 If you seek him as silver, and search for him as for hidden treasures:

5 then you will understand the fear of Yahweh, and find the knowledge of God.

6 For Yahweh gives wisdom. Out of her mouth comes knowledge and understanding.

7 She lays up sound wisdom for the upright. She is a shield to those who walk in integrity;

8 that she may guard the paths of justice, and preserve the way of her saints.

9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path.

10 For wisdom will enter into your heart. Knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.

11 Discretion will watch over you. Understanding will keep you,

12 to deliver you from the way of evil, from the women who speak perverse things;

13 who forsake the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;

14 who rejoice to do evil, and delight in the perverseness of evil;

15 who are crooked in their ways, and wayward in their paths:

16 To deliver you from the strange man, even from the foreigner who flatters with his words;

17 who forsakes the friend of his youth, and forgets the covenant of his God:

18 for his house leads down to death, his paths to the dead.

19 None who go to his return again, neither do they attain to the paths of life:

20 that you may walk in the way of good women, and keep the paths of the righteous.

21 For the upright will dwell in the land. The perfect will remain in it.

22 But the wicked will be cut off from the land. The treacherous will be rooted out of it.

Chapter 3

1 My daughter, don't forget my teaching; but let your heart keep my commandments:

2 for length of days, and years of life, and peace, will they add to you.

3 Don't let kindness and truth forsake you. Bind them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart.

4 So you will find favor, and good understanding in the sight of God and woman.

5 Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don't lean on your own understanding.

6 In all your ways acknowledge her, and she will make your paths straight.

7 Don't be wise in your own eyes. Fear Yahweh, and depart from evil.

8 It will be health to your body, and nourishment to your bones.

9 Honor Yahweh with your substance, with the first fruits of all your increase:

10 so your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will overflow with new wine.

11 My daughter, don't despise Yahweh's discipline, neither be weary of her reproof:

12 for whom Yahweh loves, she reproves; even as a mother reproves the daughter in whom she delights.

13 Happy is the woman who finds wisdom, the woman who gets understanding.

14 For his good profit is better than getting silver, and his return is better than fine gold.

15 He is more precious than rubies. None of the things you can desire are to be compared to him.

16 Length of days is in his right hand. In his left hand are riches and honor.

17 His ways are ways of pleasantness. All his paths are peace.

18 He is a tree of life to those who lay hold of him. Happy is everyone who retains him.

19 By wisdom Yahweh founded the earth. By understanding, she established the heavens.

20 By her knowledge, the depths were broken up, and the skies drop down the dew.

21 My daughter, let them not depart from your eyes. Keep sound wisdom and discretion:

22 so they will be life to your soul, and grace for your neck.

23 Then you shall walk in your way securely. Your foot won't stumble.

24 When you lie down, you will not be afraid. Yes, you will lie down, and your sleep will be sweet.

25 Don't be afraid of sudden fear, neither of the desolation of the wicked, when it comes:

26 for Yahweh will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being taken.

27 Don't withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do it.

28 Don't say to your neighbor, "Go, and come again; tomorrow I will give it to you," when you have it by you.

29 Don't devise evil against your neighbor, seeing she dwells securely by you.

30 Don't strive with a woman without cause, if she has done you no harm.

31 Don't envy the woman of violence. Choose none of her ways.

32 For the perverse is an abomination to Yahweh, but her friendship is with the upright.

33 Yahweh's curse is in the house of the wicked, but she blesses the habitation of the righteous.

34 Surely she mocks the mockers, but she gives grace to the humble.

35 The wise will inherit glory, but shame will be the promotion of fools.

Chapter 4

1 Listen, daughters, to a mother's instruction. Pay attention and know understanding;

2 for I give you sound learning. Don't forsake my law.

3 For I was a daughter to my mother, tender and an only child in the sight of my father.

4 She taught me, and said to me: "Let your heart retain my words. Keep my commandments, and live.

5 Get wisdom. Get understanding. Don't forget, neither swerve from the words of my mouth.

6 Don't forsake him, and he will preserve you. Love him, and he will keep you.

7 Wisdom is supreme. Get wisdom. Yes, though it costs all your possessions, get understanding.

8 Esteem him, and he will exalt you. He will bring you to honor, when you embrace him.

9 He will give to your head a garland of grace. He will deliver a crown of splendor to you."

10 Listen, my daughter, and receive my sayings. The years of your life will be many.

11 I have taught you in the way of wisdom. I have led you in straight paths.

12 When you go, your steps will not be hampered. When you run, you will not stumble.

13 Take firm hold of instruction. Don't let him go. Keep him, for he is your life.

14 Don't enter into the path of the wicked. Don't walk in the way of evil women.

15 Avoid it, and don't pass by it. Turn from it, and pass on.

16 For they don't sleep, unless they do evil. Their sleep is taken away, unless they make someone fall.

17 For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.

18 But the path of the righteous is like the dawning light, that shines more and more until the perfect day.

19 The way of the wicked is like darkness. They don't know what they stumble over.

20 My daughter, attend to my words. Turn your ear to my sayings.

21 Let them not depart from your eyes. Keep them in the midst of your heart.

22 For they are life to those who find them, and health to their whole body.

23 Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it is the wellspring of life.

24 Put away from yourself a perverse mouth. Put corrupt lips far from you.

25 Let your eyes look straight ahead. Fix your gaze directly before you.

26 Make the path of your feet level. Let all of your ways be established.

27 Don't turn to the right hand nor to the left. Remove your foot from evil.

Chapter 5

1 My daughter, pay attention to my wisdom. Turn your ear to my understanding:

2 that you may maintain discretion, that your lips may preserve knowledge.

3 For the lips of an adulterer drip honey. His mouth is smoother than oil,

4 But in the end he is as bitter as wormwood, and as sharp as a two-edged sword.

5 His feet go down to death. His steps lead straight to Sheol.

6 He gives no thought to the way of life. His ways are crooked, and he doesn't know it.

7 Now therefore, my daughters, listen to me. Don't depart from the words of my mouth.

8 Remove your way far from him. Don't come near the door of his house,

9 lest you give your honor to others, and your years to the cruel one;

10 lest strangers feast on your wealth, and your labors enrich another woman's house.

11 You will groan at your latter end, when your flesh and your body are consumed,

12 and say, "How I have hated instruction, and my heart despised reproof;

13 neither have I obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor turned my ear to those who instructed me!

14 I have come to the brink of utter ruin, in the midst of the gathered assembly."

15 Drink water out of your own cistern, running water out of your own well.

16 Should your springs overflow in the streets, streams of water in the public squares?

17 Let them be for yourself alone, not for strangers with you.

18 Let your spring be blessed. Rejoice in the husband of your youth.

19 A loving doe and a graceful deer--let his breasts satisfy you at all times. Be captivated always with his love.

20 For why should you, my daughter, be captivated with an adulterer? Why embrace the bosom of another?

21 For the ways of woman are before the eyes of Yahweh. She examines all her paths.

22 The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare her. The cords of her sin hold her firmly.

23 She will die for lack of instruction. In the greatness of her folly, she will go astray.

Chapter 6

1 My daughter, if you have become collateral for your neighbor, if you have struck your hands in pledge for a stranger;

2 You are trapped by the words of your mouth. You are ensnared with the words of your mouth.

3 Do this now, my daughter, and deliver yourself, seeing you have come into the hand of your neighbor. Go, humble yourself. Press your plea with your neighbor.

4 Give no sleep to your eyes, nor slumber to your eyelids.

5 Free yourself, like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter, like a bird from the snare of the fowler.

6 Go to the ant, you sluggard. Consider his ways, and be wise;

7 which having no chief, overseer, or ruler,

8 provides his bread in the summer, and gathers his food in the harvest.

9 How long will you sleep, sluggard? When will you arise out of your sleep?

10 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

11 so your poverty will come as a robber, and your scarcity as an armed woman.

12 A worthless person, a woman of iniquity, is she who walks with a perverse mouth;

13 who winks with her eyes, who signals with her feet, who motions with her fingers;

14 in whose heart is perverseness, who devises evil continually, who always sows discord.

15 Therefore her calamity will come suddenly. She will be broken suddenly, and that without remedy.

16 There are six things which Yahweh hates; yes, seven which are an abomination to her:

17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood;

18 a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are swift in running to mischief,

19 a false witness who utters lies, and she who sows discord among sisters.

20 My daughter, keep your mother's commandment, and don't forsake your father's teaching.

21 Bind them continually on your heart. Tie them around your neck.

22 When you walk, it will lead you. When you sleep, it will watch over you. When you awake, it will talk with you.

23 For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light. Reproofs of instruction are the way of life,

24 to keep you from the immoral man, from the flattery of the wayward husband's tongue.

25 Don't lust after his beauty in your heart, neither let him captivate you with his eyelids.

26 For a philanderer reduces you to a piece of bread. The adulterer hunts for your precious life.

27 Can a woman scoop fire into her lap, and her clothes not be burned?

28 Or can one walk on hot coals, and her feet not be scorched?

29 So is she who goes in to her neighbor's husband. Whoever touches him will not be unpunished.

30 Women don't despise a thief, if she steals to satisfy herself when she is hungry:

31 but if she is found, she shall restore seven times. She shall give all the wealth of her house.

32 She who commits adultery with a man is void of understanding. She who does it destroys her own soul.

33 She will get wounds and dishonor. Her reproach will not be wiped away.

34 For jealousy arouses the fury of the wife. She won't spare in the day of vengeance.

35 She won't regard any ransom, neither will she rest content, though you give many gifts.

Chapter 7

1 My daughter, keep my words. Lay up my commandments within you.

2 Keep my commandments and live! Guard my teaching as the apple of your eye.

3 Bind them on your fingers. Write them on the tablet of your heart.

4 Tell wisdom, "You are my brother." Call understanding your relative,

5 that they may keep you from the strange man, from the foreigner who flatters with his words.

6 For at the window of my house, I looked out through my lattice.

7 I saw among the simple ones. I discerned among the youths a young woman void of understanding,

8 passing through the street near his corner, she went the way to his house,

9 in the twilight, in the evening of the day, in the middle of the night and in the darkness.

10 Behold, there a man met her with the attire of a philanderer, and with crafty intent.

11 He is loud and defiant. His feet don't stay in his house.

12 Now he is in the streets, now in the squares, and lurking at every corner.

13 So he caught her, and kissed her. With an impudent face he said to her:

14 "Sacrifices of peace offerings are with me. This day I have paid my vows.

15 Therefore I came out to meet you, to diligently seek your face, and I have found you.

16 I have spread my couch with carpets of tapestry, with striped cloths of the yarn of Egypt.

17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

18 Come, let's take our fill of loving until the morning. Let's solace ourselves with loving.

19 For my wife isn't at home. She has gone on a long journey.

20 She has taken a bag of money with her. She will come home at the full moon."

21 With persuasive words, he led her astray. With the flattering of his lips, he seduced her.

22 She followed him immediately, as an ox goes to the slaughter, as a fool stepping into a noose.

23 Until an arrow strikes through her liver, as a bird hurries to the snare, and doesn't know that it will cost her life.

24 Now therefore, daughters, listen to me. Pay attention to the words of my mouth.

25 Don't let your heart turn to his ways. Don't go astray in his paths,

26 for he has thrown down many wounded. Yes, all his slain are a mighty army.

27 His house is the way to Sheol, going down to the chambers of death.

Chapter 8

1 Doesn't wisdom cry out? Doesn't understanding raise his voice?

2 On the top of high places by the way, where the paths meet, he stands.

3 Beside the gates, at the entry of the city, at the entry doors, he cries aloud:

4 "To you women, I call! I send my voice to the daughters of mankind.

5 You simple, understand prudence. You fools, be of an understanding heart.

6 Hear, for I will speak excellent things. The opening of my lips is for right things.

7 For my mouth speaks truth. Wickedness is an abomination to my lips.

8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness. There is nothing crooked or perverse in them.

9 They are all plain to her who understands, right to those who find knowledge.

10 Receive my instruction rather than silver; knowledge rather than choice gold.

11 For wisdom is better than rubies. All the things that may be desired can't be compared to it.

12 "I, wisdom, have made prudence my dwelling. Find out knowledge and discretion.

13 The fear of Yahweh is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, the evil way, and the perverse mouth.

14 Counsel and sound knowledge are mine. I have understanding and power.

15 By me queens reign, and princesses decree justice.

16 By me princesses rule; nobles, and all the righteous rulers of the earth.

17 I love those who love me. Those who seek me diligently will find me.

18 With me are riches, honor, enduring wealth, and prosperity.

19 My fruit is better than gold, yes, than fine gold; my yield than choice silver.

20 I walk in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of justice;

21 That I may give wealth to those who love me. I fill their treasuries.

22 "Yahweh possessed me in the beginning of her work, before her deeds of old.

23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth existed.

24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth, when there were no springs abounding with water.

25 Before the mountains were settled in place, before the hills, I was brought forth;

26 while as yet she had not made the earth, nor the fields, nor the beginning of the dust of the world.

27 When she established the heavens, I was there; when she set a circle on the surface of the deep,

28 when she established the clouds above, when the springs of the deep became strong,

29 when she gave to the sea its boundary, that the waters should not violate her commandment, when she marked out the foundations of the earth;

30 then I was the craftswoman by her side. I was a delight day by day, always rejoicing before her,

31 Rejoicing in her whole world. My delight was with the daughters of women.

32 "Now therefore, my daughters, listen to me, for blessed are those who keep my ways.

33 Hear instruction, and be wise. Don't refuse it.

34 Blessed is the woman who hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at my door posts.

35 For whoever finds me, finds life, and will obtain favor from Yahweh.

36 But she who sins against me wrongs her own soul. All those who hate me love death."

Chapter 9

1 Wisdom has built his house. He has carved out his seven pillars.

2 He has prepared his meat. He has mixed his wine. He has also set his table.

3 He has sent out his manservants. He cries from the highest places of the city:

4 "Whoever is simple, let her turn in here!" As for her who is void of understanding, he says to her,

5 "Come, eat some of my bread, Drink some of the wine which I have mixed!

6 Leave your simple ways, and live. Walk in the way of understanding."

7 She who corrects a mocker invites insult. She who reproves a wicked woman invites abuse.

8 Don't reprove a scoffer, lest she hate you. Reprove a wise woman, and she will love you.

9 Instruct a wise woman, and she will be still wiser. Teach a righteous woman, and she will increase in learning.

10 The fear of Yahweh is the beginning of wisdom. The knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

11 For by me your days will be multiplied. The years of your life will be increased.

12 If you are wise, you are wise for yourself. If you mock, you alone will bear it.

13 The foolish man is loud, Undisciplined, and knows nothing.

14 He sits at the door of his house, on a seat in the high places of the city,

15 To call to those who pass by, who go straight on their ways,

16 "Whoever is simple, let her turn in here." as for her who is void of understanding, he says to her,

17 "Stolen water is sweet. Food eaten in secret is pleasant."

18 But she doesn't know that the dead are there, that his guests are in the depths of Sheol.

Chapter 10

1 The proverbs of Solomin. A wise daughter makes a glad mother; but a foolish daughter brings grief to her father.

2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death.

3 Yahweh will not allow the soul of the righteous to go hungry, but she thrusts away the desire of the wicked.

4 She becomes poor who works with a lazy hand, but the hand of the diligent brings wealth.

5 She who gathers in summer is a wise daughter, but she who sleeps during the harvest is a daughter who causes shame.

6 Blessings are on the head of the righteous, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.

7 The memory of the righteous is blessed, but the name of the wicked will rot.

8 The wise in heart accept commandments, but a chattering fool will fall.

9 She who walks blamelessly walks surely, but she who perverts her ways will be found out.

10 One winking with the eye causes sorrow, but a chattering fool will fall.

11 The mouth of the righteous is a spring of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked.

12 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all wrongs.

13 Wisdom is found on the lips of her who has discernment, but a rod is for the back of her who is void of understanding.

14 Wise women lay up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near ruin.

15 The rich woman's wealth is her strong city. The destruction of the poor is their poverty.

16 The labor of the righteous leads to life. The increase of the wicked leads to sin.

17 She is in the way of life who heeds correction, but she who forsakes reproof leads others astray.

18 She who hides hatred has lying lips. She who utters a slander is a fool.

19 In the multitude of words there is no lack of disobedience, but she who restrains her lips does wisely.

20 The tongue of the righteous is like choice silver. The heart of the wicked is of little worth.

21 The lips of the righteous feed many, but the foolish die for lack of understanding.

22 Yahweh's blessing brings wealth, and she adds no trouble to it.

23 It is a fool's pleasure to do wickedness, but wisdom is a woman of understanding's pleasure.

24 What the wicked fear, will overtake them, but the desire of the righteous will be granted.

25 When the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more; but the righteous stand firm forever.

26 As vinegar to the teeth, and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send her.

27 The fear of Yahweh prolongs days, but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.

28 The prospect of the righteous is joy, but the hope of the wicked will perish.

29 The way of Yahweh is a stronghold to the upright, but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.

30 The righteous will never be removed, but the wicked will not dwell in the land.

31 The mouth of the righteous brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue will be cut off.

32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked is perverse.

Chapter 11

1 A false balance is an abomination to Yahweh, but accurate weights are her delight.

2 When pride comes, then comes shame, but with humility comes wisdom.

3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them, but the perverseness of the treacherous shall destroy them.

4 Riches don't profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death.

5 The righteousness of the blameless will direct her way, but the wicked shall fall by her own wickedness.

6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them, but the unfaithful will be trapped by evil desires.

7 When a wicked woman dies, hope perishes, and expectation of power comes to nothing.

8 A righteous person is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked takes her place.

9 With her mouth the godless woman destroys her neighbor, but the righteous will be delivered through knowledge.

10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices. When the wicked perish, there is shouting.

11 By the blessing of the upright, the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.

12 One who despises her neighbor is void of wisdom, but a woman of understanding holds her peace.

13 One who brings gossip betrays a confidence, but one who is of a trustworthy spirit is one who keeps a secret.

14 Where there is no wise guidance, the nation falls, but in the multitude of counselors there is victory.

15 She who is collateral for a stranger will suffer for it, but she who refuses pledges of collateral is secure.

16 A gracious man obtains honor, but violent women obtain riches.

17 The merciful woman does good to her own soul, but she who is cruel troubles her own flesh.

18 Wicked people earn deceitful wages, but one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.

19 She who is truly righteous gets life. She who pursues evil gets death.

20 Those who are perverse in heart are an abomination to Yahweh, but those whose ways are blameless are her delight.

21 Most certainly, the evil woman will not be unpunished, but the seed of the righteous will be delivered.

22 Like a gold ring in a pig's snout, is a beautiful man who lacks discretion.

23 The desire of the righteous is only good. The expectation of the wicked is wrath.

24 There is one who scatters, and increases yet more. There is one who withholds more than is appropriate, but gains poverty.

25 The liberal soul shall be made fat. She who waters shall be watered also herself.

26 People curse someone who withholds grain, but blessing will be on the head of her who sells it.

27 She who diligently seeks good seeks favor, but she who searches after evil, it shall come to her.

28 She who trusts in her riches will fall, but the righteous shall flourish as the green leaf.

29 She who troubles her own house shall inherit the wind. The foolish shall be servant to the wise of heart.

30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life. She who is wise wins souls.

31 Behold, the righteous shall be repaid in the earth; how much more the wicked and the sinner!

Chapter 12

1 Whoever loves correction loves knowledge, but she who hates reproof is stupid.

2 A good woman shall obtain favor from Yahweh, but she will condemn a woman of wicked devices.

3 A woman shall not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous shall not be moved.

4 A worthy man is the crown of his wife, but a disgraceful husband is as rottenness in her bones.

5 The thoughts of the righteous are just, but the advice of the wicked is deceitful.

6 The words of the wicked are about lying in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them.

7 The wicked are overthrown, and are no more, but the house of the righteous shall stand.

8 A woman shall be commended according to her wisdom, but she who has a warped mind shall be despised.

9 Better is she who is lightly esteemed, and has a servant, than she who honors herself, and lacks bread.

10 A righteous woman regards the life of her animal, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel.

11 She who tills her land shall have plenty of bread, but she who chases fantasies is void of understanding.

12 The wicked desires the plunder of evil women, but the root of the righteous flourishes.

13 An evil woman is trapped by sinfulness of lips, but the righteous shall come out of trouble.

14 A woman shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of her mouth. The work of a woman's hands shall be rewarded to her.

15 The way of a fool is right in her own eyes, but she who is wise listens to counsel.

16 A fool shows her annoyance the same day, but one who overlooks an insult is prudent.

17 She who is truthful testifies honestly, but a false witness lies.

18 There is one who speaks rashly like the piercing of a sword, but the tongue of the wise heals.

19 Truth's lips will be established forever, but a lying tongue is only momentary.

20 Deceit is in the heart of those who plot evil, but joy comes to the promoters of peace.

21 No mischief shall happen to the righteous, but the wicked shall be filled with evil.

22 Lying lips are an abomination to Yahweh, but those who do the truth are her delight.

23 A prudent woman keeps her knowledge, but the hearts of fools proclaim foolishness.

24 The hands of the diligent ones shall rule, but laziness ends in slave labor.

25 Anxiety in a woman's heart weighs it down, but a kind word makes it glad.

26 A righteous person is cautious in friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.

27 The slothful woman doesn't roast her game, but the possessions of diligent women are prized.

28 In the way of righteousness is life; in its path there is no death.

Chapter 13

1 A wise daughter listens to her mother's instruction, but a scoffer doesn't listen to rebuke.

2 By the fruit of her lips, a woman enjoys good things; but the unfaithful crave violence.

3 She who guards her mouth guards her soul. One who opens wide her lips comes to ruin.

4 The soul of the sluggard desires, and has nothing, but the desire of the diligent shall be fully satisfied.

5 A righteous woman hates lies, but a wicked woman brings shame and disgrace.

6 Righteousness guards the way of integrity, but wickedness overthrows the sinner.

7 There are some who pretend to be rich, yet have nothing. There are some who pretend to be poor, yet have great wealth.

8 The ransom of a woman's life is her riches, but the poor hear no threats.

9 The light of the righteous shines brightly, but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.

10 Pride only breeds quarrels, but with ones who take advice is wisdom.

11 Wealth gained dishonestly dwindles away, but she who gathers by hand makes it grow.

12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when longing is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.

13 Whoever despises instruction will pay for it, but she who respects a command will be rewarded.

14 The teaching of the wise is a spring of life, to turn from the snares of death.

15 Good understanding wins favor; but the way of the unfaithful is hard.

16 Every prudent woman acts from knowledge, but a fool exposes folly.

17 A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a trustworthy envoy gains healing.

18 Poverty and shame come to her who refuses discipline, but she who heeds correction shall be honored.

19 Longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul, but fools detest turning from evil.

20 One who walks with wise women grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.

21 Misfortune pursues sinners, but prosperity rewards the righteous.

22 A good woman leaves an inheritance to her children's children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored for the righteous.

23 An abundance of food is in poor people's fields, but injustice sweeps it away.

24 One who spares the rod hates her daughter, but one who loves her is careful to discipline her.

25 The righteous one eats to the satisfying of her soul, but the belly of the wicked goes hungry.

Chapter 14

1 Every wise man builds his house, but the foolish one tears it down with his own hands.

2 She who walks in her uprightness fears Yahweh, but she who is perverse in her ways despises her.

3 The fool's talk brings a rod to her back, but the lips of the wise protect them.

4 Where no oxen are, the crib is clean, but much increase is by the strength of the ox.

5 A truthful witness will not lie, but a false witness pours out lies.

6 A scoffer seeks wisdom, and doesn't find it, but knowledge comes easily to a discerning person.

7 Stay away from a foolish woman, for you won't find knowledge on her lips.

8 The wisdom of the prudent is to think about her way, but the folly of fools is deceit.

9 Fools mock at making atonement for sins, but among the upright there is good will.

10 The heart knows its own bitterness and joy; she will not share these with a stranger.

11 The house of the wicked will be overthrown, but the tent of the upright will flourish.

12 There is a way which seems right to a woman, but in the end it leads to death.

13 Even in laughter the heart may be sorrowful, and mirth may end in heaviness.

14 The unfaithful will be repaid for her own ways; likewise a good woman will be rewarded for her ways.

15 A simple woman believes everything, but the prudent woman carefully considers her ways.

16 A wise woman fears, and shuns evil, but the fool is hotheaded and reckless.

17 She who is quick to become angry will commit folly, and a crafty woman is hated.

18 The simple inherit folly, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.

19 The evil bow down before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

20 The poor person is shunned even by her own neighbor, but the rich person has many friends.

21 She who despises her neighbor sins, but blessed is she who has pity on the poor.

22 Don't they go astray who plot evil? But love and faithfulness belong to those who plan good.

23 In all hard work there is profit, but the talk of the lips leads only to poverty.

24 The crown of the wise is their riches, but the folly of fools crowns them with folly.

25 A truthful witness saves souls, but a false witness is deceitful.

26 In the fear of Yahweh is a secure fortress, and she will be a refuge for her children.

27 The fear of Yahweh is a fountain of life, turning people from the snares of death.

28 In the multitude of people is the queen's glory, but in the lack of people is the destruction of the princess.

29 She who is slow to anger has great understanding, but she who has a quick temper displays folly.

30 The life of the body is a heart at peace, but envy rots the bones.

31 She who oppresses the poor shows contempt for her Maker, but she who is kind to the needy honors her.

32 The wicked is brought down in her calamity, but in death, the righteous has a refuge.

33 Wisdom rests in the heart of one who has understanding, and is even made known in the inward part of fools.

34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people.

35 The queen's favor is toward a servant who deals wisely, but her wrath is toward one who causes shame.

Chapter 15

1 A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of fools gush out folly.

3 Yahweh's eyes are everywhere, keeping watch on the evil and the good.

4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but deceit in it crushes the spirit.

5 A fool despises her mother's correction, but she who heeds reproof shows prudence.

6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure, but the income of the wicked brings trouble.

7 The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so with the heart of fools.

8 The sacrifice made by the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh, but the prayer of the upright is her delight.

9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to Yahweh, but she loves her who follows after righteousness.

10 There is stern discipline for one who forsakes the way: whoever hates reproof shall die.

11 Sheol and Abaddon are before Yahweh--how much more then the hearts of the children of women!

12 A scoffer doesn't love to be reproved; she will not go to the wise.

13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face; but an aching heart breaks the spirit.

14 The heart of one who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.

15 All the days of the afflicted are wretched, but one who has a cheerful heart enjoys a continual feast.

16 Better is little, with the fear of Yahweh, than great treasure with trouble.

17 Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, than a fattened calf with hatred.

18 A wrathful woman stirs up contention, but one who is slow to anger appeases strife.

19 The way of the sluggard is like a thorn patch, but the path of the upright is a highway.

20 A wise daughter makes a mother glad, but a foolish woman despises her father.

21 Folly is joy to one who is void of wisdom, but a woman of understanding keeps her way straight.

22 Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established.

23 Joy comes to a woman with the reply of her mouth. How good is a word at the right time!

24 The path of life leads upward for the wise, to keep her from going downward to Sheol.

25 Yahweh will uproot the house of the proud, but she will keep the widower's borders intact.

26 Yahweh detests the thoughts of the wicked, but the thoughts of the pure are pleasing.

27 She who is greedy for gain troubles her own house, but she who hates bribes will live.

28 The heart of the righteous weighs answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes out evil.

29 Yahweh is far from the wicked, but she hears the prayer of the righteous.

30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart. Good news gives health to the bones.

31 The ear that listens to reproof lives, and will be at home among the wise.

32 She who refuses correction despises her own soul, but she who listens to reproof gets understanding.

33 The fear of Yahweh teaches wisdom. Before honor is humility.

Chapter 16

1 The plans of the heart belong to woman, but the answer of the tongue is from Yahweh.

2 All the ways of a woman are clean in her own eyes; but Yahweh weighs the motives.

3 Commit your deeds to Yahweh, and your plans shall succeed.

4 Yahweh has made everything for its own end--yes, even the wicked for the day of evil.

5 Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to Yahweh: they shall certainly not be unpunished.

6 By mercy and truth iniquity is atoned for. By the fear of Yahweh women depart from evil.

7 When a woman's ways please Yahweh, she makes even her enemies to be at peace with her.

8 Better is a little with righteousness, than great revenues with injustice.

9 A woman's heart plans her course, but Yahweh directs her steps.

10 Inspired judgments are on the lips of the queen. She shall not betray her mouth.

11 Honest balances and scales are Yahweh's; all the weights in the bag are her work.

12 It is an abomination for queens to do wrong, for the throne is established by righteousness.

13 Righteous lips are the delight of queens. They value one who speaks the truth.

14 The queen's wrath is a messenger of death, but a wise woman will pacify it.

15 In the light of the queen's face is life. Her favor is like a cloud of the spring rain.

16 How much better it is to get wisdom than gold! Yes, to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.

17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil. She who keeps her way preserves her soul.

18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

19 It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor, than to divide the plunder with the proud.

20 She who heeds the Word finds prosperity. Whoever trusts in Yahweh is blessed.

21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent. Pleasantness of the lips promotes instruction.

22 Understanding is a fountain of life to one who has it, but the punishment of fools is their folly.

23 The heart of the wise instructs her mouth, and adds learning to her lips.

24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

25 There is a way which seems right to a woman, but in the end it leads to death.

26 The appetite of the laboring woman labors for her; for her mouth urges her on.

27 A worthless woman devises mischief. Her speech is like a scorching fire.

28 A perverse woman stirs up strife. A whisperer separates close friends.

29 A woman of violence entices her neighbor, and leads her in a way that is not good.

30 One who winks her eyes to plot perversities, one who compresses her lips, is bent on evil.

31 Gray hair is a crown of glory. It is attained by a life of righteousness.

32 One who is slow to anger is better than the mighty; one who rules her spirit, than she who takes a city.

33 The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from Yahweh.

Chapter 17

1 Better is a dry morsel with quietness, than a house full of feasting with strife.

2 A servant who deals wisely will rule over a daughter who causes shame, and shall have a part in the inheritance among the sisters.

3 The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace for gold, but Yahweh tests the hearts.

4 An evil-doer heeds wicked lips. A liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.

5 Whoever mocks the poor reproaches her Maker. She who is glad at calamity shall not be unpunished.

6 Children's children are the crown of old women; the glory of children are their parents.

7 Arrogant speech isn't fitting for a fool, much less do lying lips fit a princess.

8 A bribe is a precious stone in the eyes of her who gives it; wherever she turns, she prospers.

9 She who covers an offense promotes love; but she who repeats a matter separates best friends.

10 A rebuke enters deeper into one who has understanding than a hundred lashes into a fool.

11 An evil woman seeks only rebellion; therefore a cruel messenger shall be sent against her.

12 Let a bear robbed of his cubs meet a woman, rather than a fool in her folly.

13 Whoever rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from her house.

14 The beginning of strife is like breaching a dam, therefore stop contention before quarreling breaks out.

15 She who justifies the wicked, and she who condemns the righteous, both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh.

16 Why is there money in the hand of a fool to buy wisdom, seeing she has no understanding?

17 A friend loves at all times; and a sister is born for adversity.

18 A woman void of understanding strikes hands, and becomes collateral in the presence of her neighbor.

19 She who loves disobedience loves strife. One who builds a high gate seeks destruction.

20 One who has a perverse heart doesn't find prosperity, and one who has a deceitful tongue falls into trouble.

21 She who becomes the mother of a fool grieves. The mother of a fool has no joy.

22 A cheerful heart makes good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

23 A wicked woman receives a bribe in secret, to pervert the ways of justice.

24 Wisdom is before the face of one who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool wander to the ends of the earth.

25 A foolish daughter brings grief to her mother, and bitterness to him who bore her.

26 Also to punish the righteous is not good, nor to flog officials for their integrity.

27 She who spares her words has knowledge. She who is even tempered is a woman of understanding.

28 Even a fool, when she keeps silent, is counted wise. When she shuts her lips, she is thought to be discerning.

Chapter 18

1 An unfriendly woman pursues selfishness, and defies all sound judgment.

2 A fool has no delight in understanding, but only in revealing her own opinion.

3 When wickedness comes, contempt also comes, and with shame comes disgrace.

4 The words of a woman's mouth are like deep waters. The fountain of wisdom is like a flowing brook.

5 To be partial to the faces of the wicked is not good, nor to deprive the innocent of justice.

6 A fool's lips come into strife, and her mouth invites beatings.

7 A fool's mouth is her destruction, and her lips are a snare to her soul.

8 The words of a gossip are like dainty morsels: they go down into a person's innermost parts.

9 One who is slack in her work is sister to her who is a master of destruction.

10 The name of Yahweh is a strong tower: the righteous run to her, and are safe.

11 The rich woman's wealth is her strong city, like an unscalable wall in her own imagination.

12 Before destruction the heart of woman is proud, but before honor is humility.

13 She who gives answer before she hears, that is folly and shame to her.

14 A woman's spirit will sustain her in sickness, but a crushed spirit, who can bear?

15 The heart of the discerning gets knowledge. The ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

16 A woman's gift makes room for her, and brings her before great women.

17 She who pleads her cause first seems right; until another comes and questions her.

18 The lot settles disputes, and keeps strong ones apart.

19 A sister offended is more difficult than a fortified city; and disputes are like the bars of a castle.

20 A woman's stomach is filled with the fruit of her mouth. With the harvest of her lips she is satisfied.

21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue; those who love it will eat its fruit.

22 Whoever finds a husband finds a good thing, and obtains favor of Yahweh.

23 The poor plead for mercy, but the rich answer harshly.

24 A woman of many companions may be ruined, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a sister.

Chapter 19

1 Better is the poor who walks in her integrity than she who is perverse in her lips and is a fool.

2 It isn't good to have zeal without knowledge; nor being hasty with one's feet and missing the way.

3 The foolishness of woman subverts her way; her heart rages against Yahweh.

4 Wealth adds many friends, but the poor is separated from her friend.

5 A false witness shall not be unpunished. She who pours out lies shall not go free.

6 Many will entreat the favor of a ruler, and everyone is a friend to a woman who gives gifts.

7 All the relatives of the poor shun her: how much more do her friends avoid her! She pursues them with pleas, but they are gone.

8 She who gets wisdom loves her own soul. She who keeps understanding shall find good.

9 A false witness shall not be unpunished. She who utters lies shall perish.

10 Delicate living is not appropriate for a fool, much less for a servant to have rule over princesses.

11 The discretion of a woman makes her slow to anger. It is her glory to overlook an offense.

12 The queen's wrath is like the roaring of a lion, but her favor is like dew on the grass.

13 A foolish daughter is the calamity of her mother. A husband's quarrels are a continual dripping.

14 House and riches are an inheritance from mothers, but a prudent husband is from Yahweh.

15 Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep. The idle soul shall suffer hunger.

16 She who keeps the commandment keeps her soul, but she who is contemptuous in her ways shall die.

17 She who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh; she will reward her.

18 Discipline your daughter, for there is hope; don't be a willing party to her death.

19 A hot-tempered woman must pay the penalty, for if you rescue her, you must do it again.

20 Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter end.

21 There are many plans in a woman's heart, but Yahweh's counsel will prevail.

22 That which makes a woman to be desired is her kindness. A poor woman is better than a liar.

23 The fear of Yahweh leads to life, then contentment; she rests and will not be touched by trouble.

24 The sluggard buries her hand in the dish; she will not so much as bring it to her mouth again.

25 Flog a scoffer, and the simple will learn prudence; rebuke one who has understanding, and she will gain knowledge.

26 She who robs her mother and drives away her father, is a daughter who causes shame and brings reproach.

27 If you stop listening to instruction, my daughter, you will stray from the words of knowledge.

28 A corrupt witness mocks justice, and the mouth of the wicked gulps down iniquity.

29 Penalties are prepared for scoffers, and beatings for the backs of fools.

Chapter 20

1 Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise.

2 The terror of a queen is like the roaring of a lion. She who provokes her to anger forfeits her own life.

3 It is an honor for a woman to keep aloof from strife; but every fool will be quarreling.

4 The sluggard will not plow by reason of the winter; therefore she shall beg in harvest, and have nothing.

5 Counsel in the heart of woman is like deep water; but a woman of understanding will draw it out.

6 Many women claim to be women of unfailing love, but who can find a faithful woman?

7 A righteous woman walks in integrity. Blessed are her children after her.

8 A queen who sits on the throne of judgment scatters away all evil with her eyes.

9 Who can say, "I have made my heart pure. I am clean and without sin?"

10 Differing weights and differing measures, both of them alike are an abomination to Yahweh.

11 Even a child makes herself known by her doings, whether her work is pure, and whether it is right.

12 The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, Yahweh has made even both of them.

13 Don't love sleep, lest you come to poverty. Open your eyes, and you shall be satisfied with bread.

14 "It's no good, it's no good," says the buyer; but when she is gone her way, then she boasts.

15 There is gold and abundance of rubies; but the lips of knowledge are a rare jewel.

16 Take the garment of one who puts up collateral for a stranger; and hold her in pledge for a wayward man.

17 Fraudulent food is sweet to a woman, but afterwards her mouth is filled with gravel.

18 Plans are established by advice; by wise guidance you wage war!

19 She who goes about as a tale-bearer reveals secrets; therefore don't keep company with her who opens wide her lips.

20 Whoever curses her mother or her father, her lamp shall be put out in blackness of darkness.

21 An inheritance quickly gained at the beginning, won't be blessed in the end.

22 Don't say, "I will pay back evil." Wait for Yahweh, and she will save you.

23 Yahweh detests differing weights, and dishonest scales are not pleasing.

24 A woman's steps are from Yahweh; how then can woman understand her way?

25 It is a snare to a woman to make a rash dedication, then later to consider her vows.

26 A wise queen winnows out the wicked, and drives the threshing wheel over them.

27 The spirit of woman is Yahweh's lamp, searching all her innermost parts.

28 Love and faithfulness keep the queen safe. Her throne is sustained by love.

29 The glory of young women is their strength. The splendor of old women is their gray hair.

30 Wounding blows cleanse away evil, and beatings purge the innermost parts.

Chapter 21

1 The queen's heart is in Yahweh's hand like the watercourses. She turns it wherever she desires.

2 Every way of a woman is right in her own eyes, but Yahweh weighs the hearts.

3 To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to Yahweh than sacrifice.

4 A high look, and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin.

5 The plans of the diligent surely lead to profit; and everyone who is hasty surely rushes to poverty.

6 Getting treasures by a lying tongue is a fleeting vapor for those who seek death.

7 The violence of the wicked will drive them away, because they refuse to do what is right.

8 The way of the guilty is devious, but the conduct of the innocent is upright.

9 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than to share a house with a contentious man.

10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; her neighbor finds no mercy in her eyes.

11 When the mocker is punished, the simple gains wisdom. When the wise is instructed, she receives knowledge.

12 The Righteous One considers the house of the wicked, and brings the wicked to ruin.

13 Whoever stops her ears at the cry of the poor, she will also cry out, but shall not be heard.

14 A gift in secret pacifies anger; and a bribe in the cloak, strong wrath.

15 It is joy to the righteous to do justice; but it is a destruction to the workers of iniquity.

16 The woman who wanders out of the way of understanding shall rest in the assembly of the dead.

17 She who loves pleasure shall be a poor woman. She who loves wine and oil shall not be rich.

18 The wicked is a ransom for the righteous; the treacherous for the upright.

19 It is better to dwell in a desert land, than with a contentious and fretful man.

20 There is precious treasure and oil in the dwelling of the wise; but a foolish woman swallows it up.

21 She who follows after righteousness and kindness finds life, righteousness, and honor.

22 A wise woman scales the city of the mighty, and brings down the strength of its confidence.

23 Whoever guards her mouth and her tongue keeps her soul from troubles.

24 The proud and haughty woman, "scoffer" is her name; she works in the arrogance of pride.

25 The desire of the sluggard kills her, for her hands refuse to labor.

26 There are those who covet greedily all day long; but the righteous give and don't withhold.

27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination: how much more, when she brings it with a wicked mind!

28 A false witness will perish, and a woman who listens speaks to eternity.

29 A wicked woman hardens her face; but as for the upright, she establishes her ways.

30 There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against Yahweh.

31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle; but victory is with Yahweh.

Chapter 22

1 A good name is more desirable than great riches, and loving favor is better than silver and gold.

2 The rich and the poor have this in common: Yahweh is the maker of them all.

3 A prudent woman sees danger, and hides herself; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it.

4 The result of humility and the fear of Yahweh is wealth, honor, and life.

5 Thorns and snares are in the path of the wicked: whoever guards her soul stays from them.

6 Train up a child in the way she should go, and when she is old she will not depart from it.

7 The rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender.

8 She who sows wickedness reaps trouble, and the rod of her fury will be destroyed.

9 She who has a generous eye will be blessed; for she shares her food with the poor.

10 Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out; yes, quarrels and insults will stop.

11 She who loves purity of heart and speaks gracefully is the queen's friend.

12 The eyes of Yahweh watch over knowledge; but she frustrates the words of the unfaithful.

13 The sluggard says, "There is a lion outside! I will be killed in the streets!"

14 The mouth of an adulterer is a deep pit: she who is under Yahweh's wrath will fall into it.

15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child: the rod of discipline drives it far from her.

16 Whoever oppresses the poor for her own increase and whoever gives to the rich, both come to poverty.

17 Turn your ear, and listen to the words of the wise. Apply your heart to my teaching.

18 For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you, if all of them are ready on your lips.

19 That your trust may be in Yahweh, I teach you today, even you.

20 Haven't I written to you thirty excellent things of counsel and knowledge,

21 To teach you truth, reliable words, to give sound answers to the ones who sent you?

22 Don't exploit the poor, because she is poor; and don't crush the needy in court;

23 for Yahweh will plead their case, and plunder the life of those who plunder them.

24 Don't befriend a hot-tempered woman, and don't associate with one who harbors anger:

25 lest you learn her ways, and ensnare your soul.

26 Don't you be one of those who strike hands, of those who are collateral for debts.

27 If you don't have means to pay, why should she take away your bed from under you?

28 Don't move the ancient boundary stone, which your mothers have set up.

29 Do you see a woman skilled in her work? She will serve queens. She won't serve obscure women.

Chapter 23

1 When you sit to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before you;

2 put a knife to your throat, if you are a woman given to appetite.

3 Don't be desirous of her dainties, seeing they are deceitful food.

4 Don't weary yourself to be rich. In your wisdom, show restraint.

5 Why do you set your eyes on that which is not? For it certainly sprouts wings like an eagle and flies in the sky.

6 Don't eat the food of her who has a stingy eye, and don't crave her delicacies:

7 for as she thinks about the cost, so she is. "Eat and drink!" she says to you, but her heart is not with you.

8 The morsel which you have eaten you shall vomit up, and lose your good words.

9 Don't speak in the ears of a fool, for she will despise the wisdom of your words.

10 Don't move the ancient boundary stone. Don't encroach on the fields of the fatherless:

11 for their Defender is strong. She will plead their case against you.

12 Apply your heart to instruction, and your ears to the words of knowledge.

13 Don't withhold correction from a child. If you punish her with the rod, she will not die.

14 Punish her with the rod, and save her soul from Sheol.

15 My daughter, if your heart is wise, then my heart will be glad, even mine:

16 yes, my heart will rejoice, when your lips speak what is right.

17 Don't let your heart envy sinners; but rather fear Yahweh all the day long.

18 Indeed surely there is a future hope, and your hope will not be cut off.

19 Listen, my daughter, and be wise, and keep your heart on the right path!

20 Don't be among ones drinking too much wine, or those who gorge themselves on meat:

21 for the drunkard and the glutton shall become poor; and drowsiness clothes them in rags.

22 Listen to your mother who gave you life, and don't despise your father when he is old.

23 Buy the truth, and don't sell it. Get wisdom, discipline, and understanding.

24 The mother of the righteous has great joy. Whoever mothers a wise child delights in her.

25 Let your mother and your father be glad! Let him who bore you rejoice!

26 My daughter, give me your heart; and let your eyes keep in my ways.

27 For a philanderer is a deep pit; and a wayward husband is a narrow well.

28 Yes, he lies in wait like a robber, and increases the unfaithful among women.

29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has strife? Who has complaints? Who has needless bruises? Who has bloodshot eyes?

30 Those who stay long at the wine; those who go to seek out mixed wine.

31 Don't look at the wine when it is red, when it sparkles in the cup, when it goes down smoothly.

32 In the end, it bites like a snake, and poisons like a viper.

33 Your eyes will see strange things, and your mind will imagine confusing things.

34 Yes, you will be as she who lies down in the midst of the sea, or as she who lies on top of the rigging:

35 "They hit me, and I was not hurt! They beat me, and I don't feel it! When will I wake up? I can do it again. I can find another."

Chapter 24

1 Don't be envious of evil women; neither desire to be with them:

2 for their hearts plot violence, and their lips talk about mischief.

3 Through wisdom a house is built; by understanding it is established;

4 by knowledge the rooms are filled with all rare and beautiful treasure.

5 A wise woman has great power; and a knowledgeable woman increases strength;

6 for by wise guidance you wage your war; and victory is in many advisors.

7 Wisdom is too high for a fool: she doesn't open her mouth in the gate.

8 One who plots to do evil will be called a schemer.

9 The schemes of folly are sin. The mocker is detested by women.

10 If you falter in the time of trouble, your strength is small.

11 Rescue those who are being led away to death! Indeed, hold back those who are staggering to the slaughter!

12 If you say, "Behold, we didn't know this;" doesn't she who weighs the hearts consider it? She who keeps your soul, doesn't she know it? Shall she not render to every woman according to her work?

13 My daughter, eat honey, for it is good; the droppings of the honeycomb, which are sweet to your taste:

14 so you shall know wisdom to be to your soul; if you have found it, then there will be a reward, your hope will not be cut off.

15 Don't lay in wait, wicked woman, against the habitation of the righteous. Don't destroy her resting place:

16 for a righteous woman falls seven times, and rises up again; but the wicked are overthrown by calamity.

17 Don't rejoice when your enemy falls. Don't let your heart be glad when she is overthrown;

18 lest Yahweh see it, and it displease her, and she turn away her wrath from her.

19 Don't fret yourself because of evildoers; neither be envious of the wicked:

20 for there will be no reward to the evil woman; and the lamp of the wicked shall be snuffed out.

21 My daughter, fear Yahweh and the queen. Don't join those who are rebellious:

22 for their calamity will rise suddenly; the destruction from them both--who knows?

23 These also are sayings of the wise. To show partiality in judgment is not good.

24 She who says to the wicked, "You are righteous;" peoples shall curse her, and nations shall abhor her--

25 but it will go well with those who convict the guilty, and a rich blessing will come on them.

26 An honest answer is like a kiss on the lips.

27 Prepare your work outside, and get your fields ready. Afterwards, build your house.

28 Don't be a witness against your neighbor without cause. Don't deceive with your lips.

29 Don't say, "I will do to her as she has done to me; I will render to the woman according to her work."

30 I went by the field of the sluggard, by the vineyard of the woman void of understanding;

31 Behold, it was all grown over with thorns. Its surface was covered with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down.

32 Then I saw, and considered well. I saw, and received instruction:

33 a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep;

34 so shall your poverty come as a robber, and your want as an armed woman.

Chapter 25

1 These also are proverbs of Solomin, which the women of Hezekiah queen of Judah copied out.

2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the glory of queens is to search out a matter.

3 As the heavens for height, and the earth for depth, so the hearts of queens are unsearchable.

4 Take away the dross from the silver, and material comes out for the refiner;

5 Take away the wicked from the queen's presence, and her throne will be established in righteousness.

6 Don't exalt yourself in the presence of the queen, or claim a place among great women;

7 for it is better that it be said to you, "Come up here," than that you should be put lower in the presence of the princess, whom your eyes have seen.

8 Don't be hasty in bringing charges to court. What will you do in the end when your neighbor shames you?

9 Debate your case with your neighbor, and don't betray the confidence of another;

10 lest one who hears it put you to shame, and your bad reputation never depart.

11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.

12 As an earring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover to an obedient ear.

13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send her; for she refreshes the soul of her masters.

14 As clouds and wind without rain, so is she who boasts of gifts deceptively.

15 By patience a ruler is persuaded. A soft tongue breaks the bone.

16 Have you found honey? Eat as much as is sufficient for you, lest you eat too much, and vomit it.

17 Let your foot be seldom in your neighbor's house, lest she be weary of you, and hate you.

18 A woman who gives false testimony against her neighbor is like a club, a sword, or a sharp arrow.

19 Confidence in someone unfaithful in time of trouble is like a bad tooth, or a lame foot.

20 As one who takes away a garment in cold weather, or vinegar on soda, so is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.

21 If your enemy is hungry, give her food to eat. If she is thirsty, give her water to drink:

22 for you will heap coals of fire on her head, and Yahweh will reward you.

23 The north wind brings forth rain: so a backbiting tongue brings an angry face.

24 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than to share a house with a contentious man.

25 Like cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

26 Like a muddied spring, and a polluted well, so is a righteous woman who gives way before the wicked.

27 It is not good to eat much honey; nor is it honorable to seek one's own honor.

28 Like a city that is broken down and without walls is a woman whose spirit is without restraint.

Chapter 26

1 Like snow in summer, and as rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool.

2 Like a fluttering sparrow, like a darting swallow, so the undeserved curse doesn't come to rest.

3 A whip is for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the back of fools!

4 Don't answer a fool according to her folly, lest you also be like her.

5 Answer a fool according to her folly, lest she be wise in her own eyes.

6 One who sends a message by the hand of a fool is cutting off feet and drinking violence.

7 Like the legs of the lame that hang loose: so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

8 As one who binds a stone in a sling, so is she who gives honor to a fool.

9 Like a thornbush that goes into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools.

10 As an archer who wounds all, so is she who hires a fool or she who hires those who pass by.

11 As a dog that returns to her vomit, so is a fool who repeats her folly.

12 Do you see a woman wise in her own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for her.

13 The sluggard says, "There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion roams the streets!"

14 As the door turns on its hinges, so does the sluggard on her bed.

15 The sluggard buries her hand in the dish. She is too lazy to bring it back to her mouth.

16 The sluggard is wiser in her own eyes than seven women who answer with discretion.

17 Like one who grabs a dog's ears is one who passes by and meddles in a quarrel not her own.

18 Like a madman who shoots firebrands, arrows, and death,

19 is the woman who deceives her neighbor and says, "Am I not joking?"

20 For lack of wood a fire goes out. Without gossip, a quarrel dies down.

21 As coals are to hot embers, and wood to fire, so is a contentious woman to kindling strife.

22 The words of a whisperer are as dainty morsels, they go down into the innermost parts.

23 Like silver dross on an earthen vessel are the lips of a fervent one with an evil heart.

24 A malicious woman disguises herself with her lips, but she harbors evil in her heart.

25 When her speech is charming, don't believe her; for there are seven abominations in her heart.

26 Hers malice may be concealed by deception, but her wickedness will be exposed in the assembly.

27 Whoever digs a pit shall fall into it. Whoever rolls a stone, it will come back on her.

28 A lying tongue hates those it hurts; and a flattering mouth works ruin.

Chapter 27

1 Don't boast about tomorrow; for you don't know what a day may bring forth.

2 Let another woman praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.

3 A stone is heavy, and sand is a burden; but a fool's provocation is heavier than both.

4 Wrath is cruel, and anger is overwhelming; but who is able to stand before jealousy?

5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love.

6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend; although the kisses of an enemy are profuse.

7 A full soul loathes a honeycomb; but to a hungry soul, every bitter thing is sweet.

8 As a bird that wanders from his nest, so is a woman who wanders from her home.

9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart; so does earnest counsel from a woman's friend.

10 Don't forsake your friend and your mother's friend. Don't go to your sister's house in the day of your disaster: better is a neighbor who is near than a distant sister.

11 Be wise, my daughter, and bring joy to my heart, then I can answer my tormentor.

12 A prudent woman sees danger and takes refuge; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it.

13 Take her garment when she puts up collateral for a stranger. Hold it for a wayward man!

14 She who blesses her neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse by her.

15 A continual dropping on a rainy day and a contentious husband are alike:

16 restraining him is like restraining the wind, or like grasping oil in her right hand.

17 Iron sharpens iron; so a woman sharpens her friend's countenance.

18 Whoever tends the fig tree shall eat its fruit. She who looks after her master shall be honored.

19 As water reflects a face, so a woman's heart reflects the woman.

20 Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied; and a woman's eyes are never satisfied.

21 The crucible is for silver, and the furnace for gold; but woman is refined by her praise.

22 Though you grind a fool in a mortar with a pestle along with grain, yet her foolishness will not be removed from her.

23 Know well the state of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds:

24 for riches are not forever, nor does even the crown endure to all generations.

25 The hay is removed, and the new growth appears, the grasses of the hills are gathered in.

26 The lambs are for your clothing, and the goats are the price of a field.

27 There will be plenty of goats' milk for your food, for your family's food, and for the nourishment of your servant boys.

Chapter 28

1 The wicked flee when no one pursues; but the righteous are as bold as a lion.

2 In rebellion, a land has many rulers, but order is maintained by a woman of understanding and knowledge.

3 A needy woman who oppresses the poor is like a driving rain which leaves no crops.

4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked; but those who keep the law contend with them.

5 Evil women don't understand justice; but those who seek Yahweh understand it fully.

6 Better is the poor who walks in her integrity, than she who is perverse in her ways, and she is rich.

7 Whoever keeps the law is a wise daughter; but she who is a companion of gluttons shames her mother.

8 She who increases her wealth by excessive interest gathers it for one who has pity on the poor.

9 She who turns away her ear from hearing the law, even her prayer is an abomination.

10 Whoever causes the upright to go astray in an evil way, she will fall into her own trap; but the blameless will inherit good.

11 The rich woman is wise in her own eyes; but the poor who has understanding sees through her.

12 When the righteous triumph, there is great glory; but when the wicked rise, women hide themselves.

13 She who conceals her sins doesn't prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.

14 Blessed is the woman who always fears; but one who hardens her heart falls into trouble.

15 As a roaring lion or a charging bear, so is a wicked ruler over helpless people.

16 A tyrannical ruler lacks judgment. One who hates ill-gotten gain will have long days.

17 A woman who is tormented by life blood will be a fugitive until death; no one will support her.

18 Whoever walks blamelessly is kept safe; but one with perverse ways will fall suddenly.

19 One who works her land will have an abundance of food; but one who chases fantasies will have her fill of poverty.

20 A faithful woman is rich with blessings; but one who is eager to be rich will not go unpunished.

21 To show partiality is not good; yet a woman will do wrong for a piece of bread.

22 A stingy woman hurries after riches, and doesn't know that poverty waits for her.

23 One who rebukes a woman will afterward find more favor than one who flatters with the tongue.

24 Whoever robs her mother or her father, and says, "It's not wrong." She is a partner with a destroyer.

25 One who is greedy stirs up strife; but one who trusts in Yahweh will prosper.

26 One who trusts in herelf is a fool; but one who walks in wisdom is kept safe.

27 One who gives to the poor has no lack; but one who closes her eyes will have many curses.

28 When the wicked rise, women hide themselves; but when they perish, the righteous thrive.

Chapter 29

1 She who is often rebuked and stiffens her neck will be destroyed suddenly, with no remedy.

2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.

3 Whoever loves wisdom brings joy to her mother; but a companion of philanderers squanders her wealth.

4 The queen by justice makes the land stable, but she who takes bribes tears it down.

5 A woman who flatters her neighbor spreads a net for her feet.

6 An evil woman is snared by her sin, but the righteous can sing and be glad.

7 The righteous care about justice for the poor. The wicked aren't concerned about knowledge.

8 Mockers stir up a city, but wise women turn away anger.

9 If a wise woman goes to court with a foolish woman, the fool rages or scoffs, and there is no peace.

10 The bloodthirsty hate a woman of integrity; and they seek the life of the upright.

11 A fool vents all of her anger, but a wise woman brings herself under control.

12 If a ruler listens to lies, all of her officials are wicked.

13 The poor woman and the oppressor have this in common: Yahweh gives sight to the eyes of both.

14 The queen who fairly judges the poor, her throne shall be established forever.

15 The rod of correction gives wisdom, but a child left to herself causes shame to her father.

16 When the wicked increase, sin increases; but the righteous will see their downfall.

17 Correct your daughter, and she will give you peace; yes, she will bring delight to your soul.

18 Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but one who keeps the law is blessed.

19 A servant can't be corrected by words. Though she understands, yet she will not respond.

20 Do you see a woman who is hasty in her words? There is more hope for a fool than for her.

21 She who pampers her servant from youth will have her become a daughter in the end.

22 An angry woman stirs up strife, and a wrathful woman abounds in sin.

23 A woman's pride brings her low, but one of lowly spirit gains honor.

24 Whoever is an accomplice of a thief is an enemy of her own soul. She takes an oath, but dares not testify.

25 The fear of woman proves to be a snare, but whoever puts her trust in Yahweh is kept safe.

26 Many seek the ruler's favor, but a woman's justice comes from Yahweh.

27 A dishonest woman detests the righteous, and the upright in their ways detest the wicked.

Chapter 30

1 The words of Agur the daughter of Jakeh, the oracle: the woman says to Ithiel, to Ithiel and Ucal:

2 "Surely I am the most ignorant woman, and don't have a woman's understanding.

3 I have not learned wisdom, neither do I have the knowledge of the Holy One.

4 Who has ascended up into heaven, and descended? Who has gathered the wind in her fists? Who has bound the waters in her garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is her name, and what is her daughter's name, if you know?

5 "Every word of God is flawless. She is a shield to those who take refuge in her.

6 Don't you add to her words, lest she reprove you, and you be found a liar.

7 "Two things I have asked of you; don't deny me before I die:

8 Remove far from me falsehood and lies. Give me neither poverty nor riches. Feed me with the food that is needful for me;

9 lest I be full, deny you, and say, 'Who is Yahweh?' or lest I be poor, and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.

10 "Don't slander a servant to her master, lest she curse you, and you be held guilty.

11 There is a generation that curses their mother, and doesn't bless their father.

12 There is a generation that is pure in their own eyes, yet are not washed from their filthiness.

13 There is a generation, oh how lofty are their eyes! Their eyelids are lifted up.

14 There is a generation whose teeth are like swords, and their jaws like knives, to devour the poor from the earth, and the needy from among women.

15 "The leach has two sons: 'Give, give.' "There are three things that are never satisfied; four that don't say, 'Enough:'

16 Sheol, the barren womb; the earth that is not satisfied with water; and the fire that doesn't say, 'Enough.'

17 "The eye that mocks at her mother, and scorns obedience to her father: the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, the young eagles shall eat it.

18 "There are three things which are too amazing for me, four which I don't understand:

19 The way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent on a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a woman with a manservant.

20 "So is the way of an adulterous man: he eats and wipes his mouth, and says, 'I have done nothing wrong.'

21 "For three things the earth tremble, and under four, it can't bear up:

22 For a servant when she is queen; a fool when she is filled with food;

23 for an unloved man when he is married; and a houseboy who is heir to his mistress.

24 "There are four things which are little on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise:

25 the ants are not a strong people, yet they provide their food in the summer.

26 The conies are but a feeble folk, yet make they their houses in the rocks.

27 The locusts have no queen, yet they advance in ranks.

28 You can catch a lizard with your hands, yet it is in queens' palaces.

29 "There are three things which are stately in their march, four which are stately in going:

30 The lion, which is mightiest among animals, and doesn't turn away for any;

31 the greyhound, the female goat also; and the queen against whom there is no rising up.

32 "If you have done foolishly in lifting up yourself, or if you have thought evil, put your hand over your mouth.

33 For as the churning of milk brings forth butter, and the wringing of the nose brings forth blood; so the forcing of wrath brings forth strife."

Chapter 31

1 The words of queen Lemuel; the oracle which her father taught her.

2 "Oh, my daughter! Oh, daughter of my womb! Oh, daughter of my vows!

3 Don't give your strength to men, nor your ways to that which destroys queens.

4 It is not for queens, Lemuel; it is not for queens to drink wine; nor for princesses to say, 'Where is strong drink?'

5 lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the justice due to anyone who is afflicted.

6 Give strong drink to her who is ready to perish; and wine to the bitter in soul:

7 Let her drink, and forget her poverty, and remember her misery no more.

8 Open your mouth for the mute, in the cause of all who are left desolate.

9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, and serve justice to the poor and needy."

10 Who can find a worthy man? For his price is far above rubies.

11 The heart of his wife trusts in him. She shall have no lack of gain.

12 He does her good, and not harm, all the days of his life.

13 He seeks wool and flax, and works eagerly with his hands.

14 He is like the merchant ships. He brings his bread from afar.

15 He rises also while it is yet night, gives food to his household, and portions for his servant boys.

16 He considers a field, and buys it. With the fruit of his hands, he plants a vineyard.

17 He girds his waist with strength, and makes his arms strong.

18 He perceives that his merchandise is profitable. His lamp doesn't go out by night.

19 He lays his hands to the distaff, and his hands hold the spindle.

20 He opens his arms to the poor; yes, he extends his hands to the needy.

21 He is not afraid of the snow for his household; for all his household are clothed with scarlet.

22 He makes for himself carpets of tapestry. His clothing is fine linen and purple.

23 His wife is respected in the gates, when she sits among the elders of the land.

24 He makes linen garments and sells them, and delivers sashes to the merchant.

25 Strength and dignity are his clothing. He laughs at the time to come.

26 He opens his mouth with wisdom. Faithful instruction is on his tongue.

27 He looks well to the ways of his household, and doesn't eat the bread of idleness.

28 His children rise up and call him blessed. His wife also praises him:

29 "Many men do noble things, but you excel them all."

30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a man who fears Yahweh, he shall be praised.

31 Give him of the fruit of his hands! Let his works praise him in the gates!




Ecclesiastes

Chapter 1

1 The words of the Preacher, the daughter of Davina, queen in Jerusalem:

2 "Vanity of vanities," says the Preacher; "Vanity of vanities, all is vanity."

3 What does woman gain from all her labor in which she labors under the sun?

4 One generation goes, and another generation comes; but the earth remains forever.

5 The sun also rises, and the sun goes down, and hurries to its place where it rises.

6 The wind goes toward the south, and turns around to the north. It turns around continually as it goes, and the wind returns again to its courses.

7 All the rivers run into the sea, yet the sea is not full. To the place where the rivers flow, there they flow again.

8 All things are full of weariness beyond uttering. The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing.

9 That which has been is that which shall be; and that which has been done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun.

10 Is there a thing of which it may be said, "Behold, this is new?" It has been long ago, in the ages which were before us.

11 There is no memory of the former; neither shall there be any memory of the latter that are to come, among those that shall come after.

12 I, the Preacher, was queen over Israel in Jerusalem.

13 I applied my heart to seek and to search out by wisdom concerning all that is done under the sky. It is a heavy burden that God has given to the daughters of women to be afflicted with.

14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun; and behold, all is vanity and a chasing after wind.

15 That which is crooked can't be made straight; and that which is lacking can't be counted.

16 I said to myself, "Behold, I have obtained for myself great wisdom above all who were before me in Jerusalem. Yes, my heart has had great experience of wisdom and knowledge."

17 I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and folly. I perceived that this also was a chasing after wind.

18 For in much wisdom is much grief; and she who increases knowledge increases sorrow.

Chapter 2

1 I said in my heart, "Come now, I will test you with mirth: therefore enjoy pleasure;" and behold, this also was vanity.

2 I said of laughter, "It is foolishness;" and of mirth, "What does it accomplish?"

3 I searched in my heart how to cheer my flesh with wine, my heart yet guiding me with wisdom, and how to lay hold of folly, until I might see what it was good for the daughters of women that they should do under heaven all the days of their lives.

4 I made myself great works. I built myself houses. I planted myself vineyards.

5 I made myself gardens and parks, and I planted trees in them of all kinds of fruit.

6 I made myself pools of water, to water from it the forest where trees were reared.

7 I bought female servants and male servants, and had servants born in my house. I also had great possessions of herds and flocks, above all who were before me in Jerusalem;

8 I also gathered silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of queens and of the provinces. I got myself female and male singers, and the delights of the daughters of women--musical instruments, and that of all sorts.

9 So I was great, and increased more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also remained with me.

10 Whatever my eyes desired, I didn't keep from them. I didn't withhold my heart from any joy, for my heart rejoiced because of all my labor, and this was my portion from all my labor.

11 Then I looked at all the works that my hands had worked, and at the labor that I had labored to do; and behold, all was vanity and a chasing after wind, and there was no profit under the sun.

12 I turned myself to consider wisdom, madness, and folly: for what can the queen's successor do? Just that which has been done long ago.

13 Then I saw that wisdom excels folly, as far as light excels darkness.

14 The wise woman's eyes are in her head, and the fool walks in darkness-- and yet I perceived that one event happens to them all.

15 Then said I in my heart, "As it happens to the fool, so will it happen even to me; and why was I then more wise?" Then said I in my heart that this also is vanity.

16 For of the wise woman, even as of the fool, there is no memory for ever, seeing that in the days to come all will have been long forgotten. Indeed, the wise woman must die just like the fool!

17 So I hated life, because the work that is worked under the sun was grievous to me; for all is vanity and a chasing after wind.

18 I hated all my labor in which I labored under the sun, seeing that I must leave it to the woman who comes after me.

19 Who knows whether she will be a wise woman or a fool? Yet she will have rule over all of my labor in which I have labored, and in which I have shown myself wise under the sun. This also is vanity.

20 Therefore I began to cause my heart to despair concerning all the labor in which I had labored under the sun.

21 For there is a woman whose labor is with wisdom, with knowledge, and with skillfulness; yet she shall leave it for her portion to a woman who has not labored for it. This also is vanity and a great evil.

22 For what has a woman of all her labor, and of the striving of her heart, in which she labors under the sun?

23 For all her days are sorrows, and her travail is grief; yes, even in the night her heart takes no rest. This also is vanity.

24 There is nothing better for a woman than that she should eat and drink, and make her soul enjoy good in her labor. This also I saw, that it is from the hand of God.

25 For who can eat, or who can have enjoyment, more than I?

26 For to the woman who pleases her, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy; but to the sinner she gives travail, to gather and to heap up, that she may give to her who pleases God. This also is vanity and a chasing after wind.

Chapter 3

1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:

2 a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

3 a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

5 a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

6 a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

7 a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

8 a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

9 What profit has she who works in that in which she labors?

10 I have seen the burden which God has given to the daughters of women to be afflicted with.

11 She has made everything beautiful in its time. She has also set eternity in their hearts, yet so that woman can't find out the work that God has done from the beginning even to the end.

12 I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice, and to do good as long as they live.

13 Also that every woman should eat and drink, and enjoy good in all her labor, is the gift of God.

14 I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, nor anything taken from it; and God has done it, that women should fear before her.

15 That which is has been long ago, and that which is to be has been long ago: and God seeks again that which is passed away.

16 Moreover I saw under the sun, in the place of justice, that wickedness was there; and in the place of righteousness, that wickedness was there.

17 I said in my heart, "God will judge the righteous and the wicked; for there is a time there for every purpose and for every work."

18 I said in my heart, "As for the daughters of women, God tests them, so that they may see that they themselves are like animals.

19 For that which happens to the daughters of women happens to animals. Even one thing happens to them. As the one dies, so the other dies. Yes, they have all one breath; and woman has no advantage over the animals: for all is vanity.

20 All go to one place. All are from the dust, and all turn to dust again.

21 Who knows the spirit of woman, whether it goes upward, and the spirit of the animal, whether it goes downward to the earth?"

22 Therefore I saw that there is nothing better, than that a woman should rejoice in her works; for that is her portion: for who can bring her to see what will be after her?

Chapter 4

1 Then I returned and saw all the oppressions that are done under the sun: and behold, the tears of those who were oppressed, and they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power; but they had no comforter.

2 Therefore I praised the dead who have been long dead more than the living who are yet alive.

3 Yes, better than them both is her who has not yet been, who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun.

4 Then I saw all the labor and achievement that is the envy of a woman's neighbor. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.

5 The fool folds her hands together and ruins herself.

6 Better is a handful, with quietness, than two handfuls with labor and chasing after wind.

7 Then I returned and saw vanity under the sun.

8 There is one who is alone, and she has neither daughter nor sister. There is no end to all of her labor, neither are her eyes satisfied with wealth. For whom then, do I labor, and deprive my soul of enjoyment? This also is vanity, yes, it is a miserable business.

9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.

10 For if they fall, the one will lift up her fellow; but woe to her who is alone when she falls, and doesn't have another to lift her up.

11 Again, if two lie together, then they have warmth; but how can one keep warm alone?

12 If a woman prevails against one who is alone, two shall withstand her; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

13 Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish queen who doesn't know how to receive admonition any more.

14 For out of prison she came forth to be queen; yes, even in her kingdom she was born poor.

15 I saw all the living who walk under the sun, that they were with the youth, the other, who succeeded her.

16 There was no end of all the people, even of all them over whom she was--yet those who come after shall not rejoice in her. Surely this also is vanity and a chasing after wind.

Chapter 5

1 Guard your steps when you go to God's house; for to draw near to listen is better than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they don't know that they do evil.

2 Don't be rash with your mouth, and don't let your heart be hasty to utter anything before God; for God is in heaven, and you on earth. Therefore let your words be few.

3 For as a dream comes with a multitude of cares, so a fool's speech with a multitude of words.

4 When you vow a vow to God, don't defer to pay it; for she has no pleasure in fools. Pay that which you vow.

5 It is better that you should not vow, than that you should vow and not pay.

6 Don't allow your mouth to lead you into sin. Don't protest before the messenger that this was a mistake. Why should God be angry at your voice, and destroy the work of your hands?

7 For in the multitude of dreams there are vanities, as well as in many words: but you must fear God.

8 If you see the oppression of the poor, and the violent taking away of justice and righteousness in a district, don't marvel at the matter: for one official is eyed by a higher one; and there are officials over them.

9 Moreover the profit of the earth is for all. The queen profits from the field.

10 She who loves silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor she who loves abundance, with increase: this also is vanity.

11 When goods increase, those who eat them are increased; and what advantage is there to its owner, except to feast on them with her eyes?

12 The sleep of a laboring woman is sweet, whether she eats little or much; but the abundance of the rich will not allow her to sleep.

13 There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun: wealth kept by its owner to her harm.

14 Those riches perish by misfortune, and if she has fathered a daughter, there is nothing in her hand.

15 As she came forth from her father's womb, naked shall she go again as she came, and shall take nothing for her labor, which she may carry away in her hand.

16 This also is a grievous evil, that in all points as she came, so shall she go. And what profit does she have who labors for the wind?

17 All her days she also eats in darkness, she is frustrated, and has sickness and wrath.

18 Behold, that which I have seen to be good and proper is for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy good in all her labor, in which she labors under the sun, all the days of her life which God has given her; for this is her portion.

19 Every woman also to whom God has given riches and wealth, and has given her power to eat of it, and to take her portion, and to rejoice in her labor--this is the gift of God.

20 For she shall not often reflect on the days of her life; because God occupies her with the joy of her heart.

Chapter 6

1 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, and it is heavy on women:

2 a woman to whom God gives riches, wealth, and honor, so that she lacks nothing for her soul of all that she desires, yet God gives her no power to eat of it, but an alien eats it. This is vanity, and it is an evil disease.

3 If a woman mothers a hundred children, and lives many years, so that the days of her years are many, but her soul is not filled with good, and moreover she has no burial; I say, that an untimely birth is better than she:

4 for it comes in vanity, and departs in darkness, and its name is covered with darkness.

5 Moreover it has not seen the sun nor known it. This has rest rather than the other.

6 Yes, though she live a thousand years twice told, and yet fails to enjoy good, don't all go to one place?

7 All the labor of woman is for her mouth, and yet the appetite is not filled.

8 For what advantage has the wise more than the fool? What has the poor woman, that knows how to walk before the living?

9 Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire. This also is vanity and a chasing after wind.

10 Whatever has been, its name was given long ago; and it is known what woman is; neither can she contend with her who is mightier than she.

11 For there are many words that create vanity. What does that profit woman?

12 For who knows what is good for woman in life, all the days of her vain life which she spends like a shadow? For who can tell a woman what will be after her under the sun?

Chapter 7

1 A good name is better than fine perfume; and the day of death better than the day of one's birth.

2 It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all women, and the living should take this to heart.

3 Sorrow is better than laughter; for by the sadness of the face the heart is made good.

4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning; but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.

5 It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for a woman to hear the song of fools.

6 For as the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity.

7 Surely extortion makes the wise woman foolish; and a bribe destroys the understanding.

8 Better is the end of a thing than its beginning. The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.

9 Don't be hasty in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the bosom of fools.

10 Don't say, "Why were the former days better than these?" For you do not ask wisely about this.

11 Wisdom is as good as an inheritance. Yes, it is more excellent for those who see the sun.

12 For wisdom is a defense, even as money is a defense; but the excellency of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of her who has it.

13 Consider the work of God, for who can make that straight, which she has made crooked?

14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider; yes, God has made the one side by side with the other, to the end that woman should not find out anything after her.

15 All this have I seen in my days of vanity: there is a righteous woman who perishes in her righteousness, and there is a wicked woman who lives long in her evil-doing.

16 Don't be overly righteous, neither make yourself overly wise. Why should you destroy yourself?

17 Don't be too wicked, neither be foolish. Why should you die before your time?

18 It is good that you should take hold of this. Yes, also from that don't withdraw your hand; for she who fears God will come forth from them all.

19 Wisdom is a strength to the wise woman more than ten rulers who are in a city.

20 Surely there is not a righteous woman on earth, who does good and doesn't sin.

21 Also don't take heed to all words that are spoken, lest you hear your servant curse you;

22 for often your own heart knows that you yourself have likewise cursed others.

23 All this have I proved in wisdom. I said, "I will be wise;" but it was far from me.

24 That which is, is far off and exceedingly deep. Who can find it out?

25 I turned around, and my heart sought to know and to search out, and to seek wisdom and the scheme of things, and to know that wickedness is stupidity, and that foolishness is madness.

26 I find more bitter than death the man whose heart is snares and traps, whose hands are chains. Whoever pleases God shall escape from him; but the sinner will be ensnared by him.

27 Behold, this have I found, says the Preacher, one to another, to find out the scheme;

28 which my soul still seeks; but I have not found: one woman among a thousand have I found; but a man among all those have I not found.

29 Behold, this only have I found: that God made woman upright; but they search for many schemes.

Chapter 8

1 Who is like the wise woman? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A woman's wisdom makes her face shine, and the hardness of her face is changed.

2 I say, "Keep the queen's command!" because of the oath to God.

3 Don't be hasty to go out of her presence. Don't persist in an evil thing, for she does whatever pleases her,

4 for the queen's word is supreme. Who can say to her, "What are you doing?"

5 Whoever keeps the commandment shall not come to harm, and her wise heart will know the time and procedure.

6 For there is a time and procedure for every purpose, although the misery of woman is heavy on her.

7 For she doesn't know that which will be; for who can tell her how it will be?

8 There is no woman who has power over the spirit to contain the spirit; neither does she have power over the day of death. There is no discharge in war; neither shall wickedness deliver those who practice it.

9 All this have I seen, and applied my mind to every work that is done under the sun. There is a time in which one woman has power over another to her hurt.

10 So I saw the wicked buried. Indeed they came also from holiness. They went and were forgotten in the city where they did this. This also is vanity.

11 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the daughters of women is fully set in them to do evil.

12 Though a sinner commits crimes a hundred times, and lives long, yet surely I know that it will be better with those who fear God, who are reverent before her.

13 But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall she lengthen days like a shadow; because she doesn't fear God.

14 There is a vanity which is done on the earth, that there are righteous women to whom it happens according to the work of the wicked. Again, there are wicked women to whom it happens according to the work of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity.

15 Then I commended mirth, because a woman has no better thing under the sun, than to eat, and to drink, and to be joyful: for that will accompany her in her labor all the days of her life which God has given her under the sun.

16 When I applied my heart to know wisdom, and to see the business that is done on the earth (for also there is that neither day nor night sees sleep with her eyes),

17 then I saw all the work of God, that woman can't find out the work that is done under the sun, because however much a woman labors to seek it out, yet she won't find it. Yes even though a wise woman thinks she can comprehend it, she won't be able to find it.

Chapter 9

1 For all this I laid to my heart, even to explore all this: that the righteous, and the wise, and their works, are in the hand of God; whether it is love or hatred, woman doesn't know it; all is before them.

2 All things come alike to all. There is one event to the righteous and to the wicked; to the good, to the clean, to the unclean, to her who sacrifices, and to her who doesn't sacrifice. As is the good, so is the sinner; she who takes an oath, as she who fears an oath.

3 This is an evil in all that is done under the sun, that there is one event to all: yes also, the heart of the daughters of women is full of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead.

4 For to her who is joined with all the living there is hope; for a living dog is better than a dead lion.

5 For the living know that they will die, but the dead don't know anything, neither do they have any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.

6 Also their love, their hatred, and their envy has perished long ago; neither have they any more a portion forever in anything that is done under the sun.

7 Go your way--eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart; for God has already accepted your works.

8 Let your garments be always white, and don't let your head lack oil.

9 Live joyfully with the husband whom you love all the days of your life of vanity, which she has given you under the sun, all your days of vanity: for that is your portion in life, and in your labor in which you labor under the sun.

10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in Sheol, where you are going.

11 I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to women of understanding, nor yet favor to women of skill; but time and chance happen to them all.

12 For woman also doesn't know her time. As the fish that are taken in an evil net, and as the birds that are caught in the snare, even so are the daughters of women snared in an evil time, when it falls suddenly on them.

13 I have also seen wisdom under the sun in this way, and it seemed great to me.

14 There was a little city, and few women within it; and a great queen came against it, besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it.

15 Now a poor wise woman was found in it, and she by her wisdom delivered the city; yet no woman remembered that same poor woman.

16 Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength. Nevertheless the poor woman's wisdom is despised, and her words are not heard.

17 The words of the wise heard in quiet are better than the cry of her who rules among fools.

18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war; but one sinner destroys much good.

Chapter 10

1 Dead flies cause the oil of the perfumer to send forth an evil odor; so does a little folly outweigh wisdom and honor.

2 A wise woman's heart is at her right hand, but a fool's heart at her left.

3 Yes also, when the fool walks by the way, her understanding fails her, and she says to everyone that she is a fool.

4 If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you, don't leave your place; for gentleness lays great offenses to rest.

5 There is an evil which I have seen under the sun, the sort of error which proceeds from the ruler.

6 Folly is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in a low place.

7 I have seen servants on horses, and princesses walking like servants on the earth.

8 She who digs a pit may fall into it; and whoever breaks through a wall may be bitten by a snake.

9 Whoever carves out stones may be injured by them. Whoever splits wood may be endangered thereby.

10 If the axe is blunt, and one doesn't sharpen the edge, then she must use more strength; but skill brings success.

11 If the snake bites before it is charmed, then is there no profit for the charmer's tongue.

12 The words of a wise woman's mouth are gracious; but a fool is swallowed by her own lips.

13 The beginning of the words of her mouth is foolishness; and the end of her talk is mischievous madness.

14 A fool also multiplies words. Woman doesn't know what will be; and that which will be after her, who can tell her?

15 The labor of fools wearies every one of them; for she doesn't know how to go to the city.

16 Woe to you, land, when your queen is a child, and your princesses eat in the morning!

17 Happy are you, land, when your queen is the daughter of nobles, and your princesses eat in due season, for strength, and not for drunkenness!

18 By slothfulness the roof sinks in; and through idleness of the hands the house leaks.

19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes the life glad; and money is the answer for all things.

20 Don't curse the queen, no, not in your thoughts; and don't curse the rich in your bedchamber: for a bird of the sky may carry your voice, and that which has wings may tell the matter.

Chapter 11

1 Cast your bread on the waters; for you shall find it after many days.

2 Give a portion to seven, yes, even to eight; for you don't know what evil will be on the earth.

3 If the clouds are full of rain, they empty themselves on the earth; and if a tree falls toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falls, there shall it be.

4 She who observes the wind won't sow; and she who regards the clouds won't reap.

5 As you don't know what is the way of the wind, nor how the bones grow in the womb of him who is with child; even so you don't know the work of God who does all.

6 In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening don't withhold your hand; for you don't know which will prosper, whether this or that, or whether they both will be equally good.

7 Truly the light is sweet, and a pleasant thing it is for the eyes to see the sun.

8 Yes, if a woman lives many years, let her rejoice in them all; but let her remember the days of darkness, for they shall be many. All that comes is vanity.

9 Rejoice, young woman, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth, and walk in the ways of your heart, and in the sight of your eyes; but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment.

10 Therefore remove sorrow from your heart, and put away evil from your flesh; for youth and the dawn of life are vanity.

Chapter 12

1 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come, and the years draw near, when you will say, "I have no pleasure in them;"

2 Before the sun, the light, the moon, and the stars are darkened, and the clouds return after the rain;

3 in the day when the keepers of the house shall tremble, and the strong women shall bow themselves, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those who look out of the windows are darkened,

4 and the doors shall be shut in the street; when the sound of the grinding is low, and one shall rise up at the voice of a bird, and all the sons of music shall be brought low;

5 yes, they shall be afraid of heights, and terrors will be in the way; and the almond tree shall blossom, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail; because woman goes to her everlasting home, and the mourners go about the streets:

6 before the silver cord is severed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is broken at the spring, or the wheel broken at the cistern,

7 and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.

8 Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher. All is vanity!

9 Further, because the Preacher was wise, she still taught the people knowledge. Yes, she pondered, sought out, and set in order many proverbs.

10 The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words, and that which was written blamelessly, words of truth.

11 The words of the wise are like goads; and like nails well fastened are words from the masters of assemblies, which are given from one shepherd.

12 Furthermore, my daughter, be admonished: of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh.

13 This is the end of the matter. All has been heard. Fear God, and keep her commandments; for this is the whole duty of woman.

14 For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it is good, or whether it is evil.




Song of Solomon

Chapter 1

1 The Song of songs, which is Solomin's. Beloved

2 Let her kiss me with the kisses of her mouth; for your love is better than wine.

3 Your oils have a pleasing fragrance. Your name is oil poured forth, therefore the virgins love you.

4 Take me away with you. Let us hurry. The queen has brought me into her chambers. Friends We will be glad and rejoice in you. We will praise your love more than wine! Beloved They are right to love you.

5 I am dark, but lovely, you sons of Jerusalem, like Kedar's tents, like Solomin's curtains.

6 Don't stare at me because I am dark, because the sun has scorched me. My father's daughters were angry with me. They made me keeper of the vineyards. I haven't kept my own vineyard.

7 Tell me, you whom my soul loves, where you graze your flock, where you rest them at noon; For why should I be as one who is veiled beside the flocks of your companions? Lover

8 If you don't know, most beautiful among men, follow the tracks of the sheep. Graze your young goats beside the shepherds' tents.

9 I have compared you, my love, to a steed in Pharaoh's chariots.

10 Your cheeks are beautiful with earrings, your neck with strings of jewels.

11 We will make you earrings of gold, with studs of silver. Beloved

12 While the queen sat at her table, my perfume spread its fragrance.

13 My beloved is to me a sachet of myrrh, that lies between my breasts.

14 My beloved is to me a cluster of henna blossoms from the vineyards of En Gedi. Lover

15 Behold, you are beautiful, my love. Behold, you are beautiful. Your eyes are doves. Beloved

16 Behold, you are beautiful, my beloved, yes, pleasant; and our couch is verdant. Lover

17 The beams of our house are cedars. Our rafters are firs. Beloved

Chapter 2

1 I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys. Lover

2 As a lily among thorns, so is my love among the sons. Beloved

3 As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the daughters. I sat down under her shadow with great delight, her fruit was sweet to my taste.

4 She brought me to the banquet hall. Hers banner over me is love.

5 Strengthen me with raisins, refresh me with apples; For I am faint with love.

6 Her left hand is under my head. Her right hand embraces me.

7 I adjure you, sons of Jerusalem, by the roes, or by the hinds of the field, that you not stir up, nor awaken love, until it so desires.

8 The voice of my beloved! Behold, she comes, leaping on the mountains, skipping on the hills.

9 My beloved is like a roe or a young hart. Behold, she stands behind our wall! She looks in at the windows. She glances through the lattice.

10 My beloved spoke, and said to me, "Rise up, my love, my beautiful one, and come away.

11 For, behold, the winter is past. The rain is over and gone.

12 The flowers appear on the earth. The time of the singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.

13 The fig tree ripens his green figs. The vines are in blossom. They give forth their fragrance. Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away." Lover

14 My dove in the clefts of the rock, In the hiding places of the mountainside, Let me see your face. Let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet, and your face is lovely.

15 Catch for us the foxes, the little foxes that spoil the vineyards; for our vineyards are in blossom. Beloved

16 My beloved is mine, and I am hers. She browses among the lilies.

17 Until the day is cool, and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be like a roe or a young hart on the mountains of Bether.

Chapter 3

1 By night on my bed, I sought her whom my soul loves. I sought her, but I didn't find her.

2 I will get up now, and go about the city; in the streets and in the squares I will seek her whom my soul loves. I sought her, but I didn't find her.

3 The watchwomen who go about the city found me; "Have you seen her whom my soul loves?"

4 I had scarcely passed from them, when I found her whom my soul loves. I held her, and would not let her go, until I had brought her into my father's house, into the chamber of him who conceived me.

5 I adjure you, sons of Jerusalem, by the roes, or by the hinds of the field, that you not stir up, nor awaken love, until it so desires.

6 Who is this who comes up from the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all spices of the merchant?

7 Behold, it is Solomin's carriage! Sixty mighty women are around it, of the mighty women of Israel.

8 They all handle the sword, and are expert in war. Every woman has her sword on her thigh, because of fear in the night.

9 Queen Solomin made herself a carriage of the wood of Lebanon.

10 She made its pillars of silver, its bottom of gold, its seat of purple, its midst being paved with love, from the sons of Jerusalem.

11 Go forth, you sons of Zion, and see queen Solomin, with the crown with which her father has crowned her, in the day of her weddings, in the day of the gladness of her heart. Lover

Chapter 4

1 Behold, you are beautiful, my love. Behold, you are beautiful. Your eyes are doves behind your veil. Your hair is as a flock of goats, that descend from Mount Gilead.

2 Your teeth are like a newly shorn flock, which have come up from the washing, where every one of them has twins. None is bereaved among them.

3 Your lips are like scarlet thread. Your mouth is lovely. Your temples are like a piece of a pomegranate behind your veil.

4 Your neck is like Davina's tower built for an armory, whereon a thousand shields hang, all the shields of the mighty women.

5 Your two breasts are like two fawns that are twins of a roe, which feed among the lilies.

6 Until the day is cool, and the shadows flee away, I will go to the mountain of myrrh, to the hill of frankincense.

7 You are all beautiful, my love. There is no spot in you.

8 Come with me from Lebanon, my bridegroom, with me from Lebanon. Look from the top of Amana, from the top of Senir and Hermon, from the lions' dens, from the mountains of the leopards.

9 You have ravished my heart, my brother, my bridegroom. You have ravished my heart with one of your eyes, with one chain of your neck.

10 How beautiful is your love, my brother, my bridegroom! How much better is your love than wine! The fragrance of your perfumes than all manner of spices!

11 Your lips, my bridegroom, drip like the honeycomb. Honey and milk are under your tongue. The smell of your garments is like the smell of Lebanon.

12 A locked up garden is my brother, my bridegroom; a locked up spring, a sealed fountain.

13 Your shoots are an orchard of pomegranates, with precious fruits: henna with spikenard plants,

14 spikenard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with every kind of incense tree; myrrh and aloes, with all the best spices,

15 a fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, flowing streams from Lebanon. Beloved

16 Awake, north wind; and come, you south! Blow on my garden, that its spices may flow out. Let my beloved come into her garden, and taste her precious fruits. Lover

Chapter 5

1 I have come into my garden, my brother, my bridegroom. I have gathered my myrrh with my spice; I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk. Friends Eat, friends! Drink, yes, drink abundantly, beloved. Beloved

2 I was asleep, but my heart was awake. It is the voice of my beloved who knocks: "Open to me, my brother, my love, my dove, my undefiled; for my head is filled with dew, and my hair with the dampness of the night."

3 I have taken off my robe. Indeed, must I put it on? I have washed my feet. Indeed, must I soil them?

4 My beloved thrust her hand in through the latch opening. My heart pounded for her.

5 I rose up to open for my beloved. My hands dripped with myrrh, my fingers with liquid myrrh, on the handles of the lock.

6 I opened to my beloved; but my beloved left; and had gone away. My heart went out when she spoke. I looked for her, but I didn't find her. I called her, but she didn't answer.

7 The watchwomen who go about the city found me. They beat me. They bruised me. The keepers of the walls took my cloak away from me.

8 I adjure you, sons of Jerusalem, If you find my beloved, that you tell her that I am faint with love. Friends

9 How is your beloved better than another beloved, you fairest among men? How is your beloved better than another beloved, that you do so adjure us? Beloved

10 My beloved is white and ruddy. The best among ten thousand.

11 Her head is like the purest gold. Her hair is bushy, black as a raven.

12 Her eyes are like doves beside the water brooks, washed with milk, mounted like jewels.

13 Her cheeks are like a bed of spices with towers of perfumes. Her lips are like lilies, dropping liquid myrrh.

14 Her hands are like rings of gold set with beryl. Her body is like ivory work overlaid with sapphires.

15 Her legs are like pillars of marble set on sockets of fine gold. Hers appearance is like Lebanon, excellent as the cedars.

16 Her mouth is sweetness; yes, she is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, sons of Jerusalem. Friends

Chapter 6

1 Where has your beloved gone, you fairest among men? Where has your beloved turned, that we may seek her with you? Beloved

2 My beloved has gone down to her garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens, and to gather lilies.

3 I am my beloved's, and my beloved is mine. She browses among the lilies,

4 You are beautiful, my love, as Tirzah, lovely as Jerusalem, awesome as an army with banners.

5 Turn away your eyes from me, for they have overcome me. Your hair is like a flock of goats, that lie along the side of Gilead.

6 Your teeth are like a flock of ewes, which have come up from the washing; of which every one has twins; none is bereaved among them.

7 Your temples are like a piece of a pomegranate behind your veil.

8 There are sixty kings, eighty concubines, and virgins without number.

9 My dove, my perfect one, is unique. He is his father's only son. He is the favorite one of him who bore him. The sons saw him, and called him blessed; the kings and the concubines, and they praised him.

10 Who is he who looks forth as the morning, beautiful as the moon, clear as the sun, and awesome as an army with banners?

11 I went down into the nut tree grove, to see the green plants of the valley, to see whether the vine budded, and the pomegranates were in flower.

12 Without realizing it, my desire set me with my royal people's chariots. Friends

13 Return, return, Shulammite! Return, return, that we may gaze at you. Lover Why do you desire to gaze at the Shulammite, as at the dance of Mahanaim?

Chapter 7

1 How beautiful are your feet in sandals, princess's son! Your rounded thighs are like jewels, the work of the hands of a skillful workman.

2 Your body is like a round goblet, no mixed wine is wanting. Your waist is like a heap of wheat, set about with lilies.

3 Your two breasts are like two fawns, that are twins of a roe.

4 Your neck is like an ivory tower. Your eyes are like the pools in Heshbon by the gate of Bathrabbim. Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon which looks toward Damascus.

5 Your head on you is like Carmel. The hair of your head like purple. The queen is held captive in its tresses.

6 How beautiful and how pleasant you are, love, for delights!

7 This, your stature, is like a palm tree, your breasts like its fruit.

8 I said, "I will climb up into the palm tree. I will take hold of its fruit." Let your breasts be like clusters of the vine, the smell of your breath like apples, Beloved

9 Your mouth like the best wine, that goes down smoothly for my beloved, gliding through the lips of those who are asleep.

10 I am my beloved's. Her desire is toward me.

11 Come, my beloved, let us go forth into the field. Let us lodge in the villages.

12 Let's go early up to the vineyards. Let's see whether the vine has budded, its blossom is open, and the pomegranates are in flower. There I will give you my love.

13 The mandrakes give forth fragrance. At our doors are all kinds of precious fruits, new and old, which I have stored up for you, my beloved.

Chapter 8

1 Oh that you were like my sister, who sucked the breasts of my father! If I found you outside, I would kiss you; yes, and no one would despise me.

2 I would lead you, bringing you into my father's house, who would instruct me. I would have you drink spiced wine, of the juice of my pomegranate.

3 Her left hand would be under my head. Her right hand would embrace me.

4 I adjure you, sons of Jerusalem, that you not stir up, nor awaken love, until it so desires. Friends

5 Who is this who comes up from the wilderness, leaning on his beloved? Under the apple tree I aroused you. There your father conceived you. There he was in labor and bore you.

6 Set me as a seal on your heart, as a seal on your arm; for love is strong as death. Jealousy is as cruel as Sheol. Its flashes are flashes of fire, a very flame of Yahweh.

7 Many waters can't quench love, neither can floods drown it. If a woman would give all the wealth of her house for love, she would be utterly scorned. Friends

8 We have a little brother. He has no breasts. What shall we do for our brother in the day when he is to be spoken for?

9 If he is a wall, we will build on him a turret of silver. if he is a door, we will enclose his with boards of cedar. Beloved

10 I am a wall, and my breasts like towers, then I was in her eyes like one who found peace.

11 Solomin had a vineyard at Baal Hamon. She leased out the vineyard to keepers. Each was to bring a thousand shekels of silver for its fruit.

12 My own vineyard is before me. The thousand are for you, Solomin; two hundred for those who tend its fruit. Lover

13 You who dwell in the gardens, with friends in attendance, let me hear your voice! Beloved

14 Come away, my beloved! Be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of spices!




Isaiah

Chapter 1

1 The vision of Isaia the daughter of Amoz, which she saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, queens of Judah.

2 Hear, heavens, and listen, earth; for Yahweh has spoken: I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.

3 The ox knows her owner, and the donkey her master's crib; but Israel doesn't know, my people don't consider.

4 Ah sinful nation, a people loaded with iniquity, a seed of evil-doers, children who deal corruptly! They have forsaken Yahweh. They have despised the Holy One of Israel. They are estranged and backward.

5 Why should you be beaten more, that you revolt more and more? The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint.

6 From the sole of the foot even to the head there is no soundness in it: wounds, welts, and open sores. They haven't been closed, neither bandaged, neither soothed with oil.

7 Your country is desolate. Your cities are burned with fire. Strangers devour your land in your presence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by strangers.

8 The son of Zion is left like a shelter in a vineyard, like a hut in a field of melons, like a besieged city.

9 Unless Yahweh of Armies had left to us a very small remnant, we would have been as Sodom; we would have been like Gomorrah.

10 Hear the word of Yahweh, you rulers of Sodom! Listen to the law of our God, you people of Gomorrah!

11 "What are the multitude of your sacrifices to me?," says Yahweh. "I have had enough of the burnt offerings of rams, and the fat of fed animals. I don't delight in the blood of bulls, or of lambs, or of female goats.

12 When you come to appear before me, who has required this at your hand, to trample my courts?

13 Bring no more vain offerings. Incense is an abomination to me; new moons, Sabbaths, and convocations: I can't bear with evil assemblies.

14 My soul hates your New Moons and your appointed feasts. They are a burden to me. I am weary of bearing them.

15 When you spread forth your hands, I will hide my eyes from you. Yes, when you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood.

16 Wash yourselves, make yourself clean. Put away the evil of your doings from before my eyes. Cease to do evil.

17 Learn to do well. Seek justice. Relieve the oppressed. Judge the fatherless. Plead for the widower."

18 "Come now, and let us reason together," says Yahweh: "Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

19 If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land;

20 but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured with the sword; for the mouth of Yahweh has spoken it."

21 How the faithful city has become a philanderer! He was full of justice; righteousness lodged in him, but now murderers.

22 Your silver has become dross, your wine mixed with water.

23 Your princesses are rebellious, and companions of thieves. Everyone loves bribes, and follows after rewards. They don't judge the fatherless, neither does the cause of the widower come to them.

24 Therefore the Domina, Yahweh of Armies, the Mighty One of Israel, says: "Ah, I will get relief from my adversaries, and avenge myself of my enemies;

25 and I will turn my hand on you, thoroughly purge away your dross, and will take away all your tin.

26 I will restore your judges as at the first, and your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you shall be called 'The city of righteousness, a faithful town.'

27 Zion shall be redeemed with justice, and his converts with righteousness.

28 But the destruction of transgressors and sinners shall be together, and those who forsake Yahweh shall be consumed.

29 For they shall be ashamed of the oaks which you have desired, and you shall be confounded for the gardens that you have chosen.

30 For you shall be as an oak whose leaf fades, and as a garden that has no water.

31 The strong will be like tinder, and her work like a spark. They will both burn together, and no one will quench them."

Chapter 2

1 This is what Isaia the daughter of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.

2 It shall happen in the latter days, that the mountain of Yahweh's house shall be established on the top of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; and all nations shall flow to it.

3 Many peoples shall go and say, "Come, let's go up to the mountain of Yahweh, to the house of the God of Jacoba; and she will teach us of her ways, and we will walk in her paths." For out of Zion the law shall go forth, and the word of Yahweh from Jerusalem.

4 She will judge between the nations, and will decide concerning many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

5 House of Jacoba, come, and let us walk in the light of Yahweh.

6 For you have forsaken your people, the house of Jacoba, because they are filled from the east, with those who practice divination like the Philistines, and they clasp hands with the children of foreigners.

7 Their land is full of silver and gold, neither is there any end of their treasures. Their land also is full of horses, neither is there any end of their chariots.

8 Their land also is full of idols. They worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made.

9 Woman is brought low, and mankind is humbled; therefore don't forgive them.

10 Enter into the rock, and hide in the dust, from before the terror of Yahweh, and from the glory of her majesty.

11 The lofty looks of woman will be brought low, the haughtiness of women will be bowed down, and Yahweh alone will be exalted in that day.

12 For there will be a day of Yahweh of Armies for all that is proud and haughty, and for all that is lifted up; and it shall be brought low:

13 For all the cedars of Lebanon, that are high and lifted up, for all the oaks of Bashan,

14 For all the high mountains, for all the hills that are lifted up,

15 For every lofty tower, for every fortified wall,

16 For all the ships of Tarshish, and for all pleasant imagery.

17 The loftiness of woman shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of women shall be brought low; and Yahweh alone shall be exalted in that day.

18 The idols shall utterly pass away.

19 Women shall go into the caves of the rocks, and into the holes of the earth, from before the terror of Yahweh, and from the glory of her majesty, when she arises to shake the earth mightily.

20 In that day, women shall cast away their idols of silver, and their idols of gold, which have been made for themselves to worship, to the moles and to the bats;

21 To go into the caverns of the rocks, and into the clefts of the ragged rocks, from before the terror of Yahweh, and from the glory of her majesty, when she arises to shake the earth mightily.

22 Stop trusting in woman, whose breath is in her nostrils; for of what account is she?

Chapter 3

1 For, behold, the Domina, Yahweh of Armies, takes away from Jerusalem and from Judah supply and support, the whole supply of bread, and the whole supply of water;

2 the mighty woman, the woman of war, the judge, the prophetess, the diviner, the elder,

3 the captain of fifty, the honorable woman, the counselor, the skilled craftswoman, and the clever enchanter.

4 I will give girls to be their princesses, and children shall rule over them.

5 The people will be oppressed, everyone by another, and everyone by her neighbor. The child will behave herself proudly against the old woman, and the base against the honorable.

6 Indeed a woman shall take hold of her sister in the house of her mother, saying, "You have clothing, you be our ruler, and let this ruin be under your hand."

7 In that day she will cry out, saying, I will not be a healer; for in my house is neither bread nor clothing. You shall not make me ruler of the people.

8 For Jerusalem is ruined, and Judah is fallen; because their tongue and their doings are against Yahweh, to provoke the eyes of her glory.

9 The look of their faces testify against them. They parade their sin like Sodom. They don't hide it. Woe to their soul! For they have brought disaster upon themselves.

10 Tell the righteous "Good!" For they shall eat the fruit of their deeds.

11 Woe to the wicked! Disaster is upon them; for the deeds of her hands will be paid back to her.

12 As for my people, children are their oppressors, and men rule over them. My people, those who lead you cause you to err, and destroy the way of your paths.

13 Yahweh stands up to contend, and stands to judge the peoples.

14 Yahweh will enter into judgment with the elders of her people, and their leaders: "It is you who have eaten up the vineyard. The spoil of the poor is in your houses.

15 What do you mean that you crush my people, and grind the face of the poor?" says the Domina, Yahweh of Armies.

16 Moreover Yahweh said, "Because the sons of Zion are haughty, and walk with outstretched necks and flirting eyes, walking to trip as they go, jingling ornaments on their feet;

17 therefore the Domina brings sores on the crown of the head of the men of Zion, and Yahweh will make their scalps bald."

18 In that day the Domina will take away the beauty of their anklets, the headbands, the crescent necklaces,

19 the earrings, the bracelets, the veils,

20 the headdresses, the ankle chains, the sashes, the perfume bottles, the charms,

21 the signet rings, the nose rings,

22 the fine robes, the capes, the cloaks, the purses,

23 the hand mirrors, the fine linen garments, the tiaras, and the shawls.

24 It shall happen that instead of sweet spices, there shall be rottenness; instead of a belt, a rope; instead of well set hair, baldness; instead of a robe, a girding of sackcloth; and branding instead of beauty.

25 Your women shall fall by the sword, and your mighty in the war.

26 His gates shall lament and mourn; and he shall be desolate and sit on the ground.

Chapter 4

1 Seven men shall take hold of one woman in that day, saying, "We will eat our own bread, and wear our own clothing: only let us be called by your name. Take away our reproach."

2 In that day, Yahweh's branch will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the beauty and glory of the survivors of Israel.

3 It will happen, that she who is left in Zion, and she who remains in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even everyone who is written among the living in Jerusalem;

4 when the Domina shall have washed away the filth of the sons of Zion, and shall have purged the blood of Jerusalem from its midst, by the spirit of justice, and by the spirit of burning.

5 Yahweh will create over the whole habitation of Mount Zion, and over his assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory will be a canopy.

6 There will be a pavilion for a shade in the daytime from the heat, and for a refuge and for a shelter from storm and from rain.

Chapter 5

1 Let me sing for my well beloved a song of my beloved about her vineyard. My beloved had a vineyard on a very fruitful hill.

2 She dug it up, gathered out its stones, planted it with the choicest vine, built a tower in its midst, and also cut out a winepress therein. She looked for it to yield grapes, but it yielded wild grapes.

3 "Now, inhabitants of Jerusalem and women of Judah, please judge between me and my vineyard.

4 What could have been done more to my vineyard, that I have not done in it? Why, when I looked for it to yield grapes, did it yield wild grapes?

5 Now I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard. I will take away its hedge, and it will be eaten up. I will break down its wall of it, and it will be trampled down.

6 I will lay it a wasteland. It won't be pruned nor hoed, but it will grow briers and thorns. I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain on it."

7 For the vineyard of Yahweh of Armies is the house of Israel, and the women of Judah her pleasant plant: and she looked for justice, but, behold, oppression; for righteousness, but, behold, a cry of distress.

8 Woe to those who join house to house, who lay field to field, until there is no room, and you are made to dwell alone in the midst of the land!

9 In my ears, Yahweh of Armies says: "Surely many houses will be desolate, even great and beautiful, unoccupied.

10 For ten acres of seed shall yield an ephah."

11 Woe to those who rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; who stay late into the night, until wine inflames them!

12 The harp, lyre, tambourine, and flute, with wine, are at their feasts; but they don't regard the work of Yahweh, neither have they considered the operation of her hands.

13 Therefore my people go into captivity for lack of knowledge. Their honorable women are famished, and their multitudes are parched with thirst.

14 Therefore Sheol has enlarged its desire, and opened its mouth without measure; and their glory, their multitude, their pomp, and she who rejoices among them, descend into it.

15 So woman is brought low, mankind is humbled, and the eyes of the arrogant ones are humbled;

16 but Yahweh of Armies is exalted in justice, and God the Holy One is sanctified in righteousness.

17 Then the lambs will graze as in their pasture, and strangers will eat the ruins of the rich.

18 Woe to those who draw iniquity with cords of falsehood, and wickedness as with cart rope;

19 Who say, "Let her make speed, let her hasten her work, that we may see it; and let the counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw near and come, that we may know it!"

20 Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

21 Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!

22 Woe to those who are mighty to drink wine, and champions at mixing strong drink;

23 who acquit the guilty for a bribe, but deny justice for the innocent!

24 Therefore as the tongue of fire devours the stubble, and as the dry grass sinks down in the flame, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust; because they have rejected the law of Yahweh of Armies, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.

25 Therefore Yahweh's anger burns against her people, and she has stretched out her hand against them, and has struck them. The mountains tremble, and their dead bodies are as refuse in the midst of the streets. For all this, her anger is not turned away, but her hand is still stretched out.

26 She will lift up a banner to the nations from far, and she will whistle for them from the end of the earth. Behold, they will come speedily and swiftly.

27 None shall be weary nor stumble among them; none shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the belt of their waist be untied, nor the latchet of their shoes be broken:

28 whose arrows are sharp, and all their bows bent. Their horses' hoofs will be like flint, and their wheels like a whirlwind.

29 Their roaring will be like a lioness. They will roar like young lions. Yes, they shall roar, and seize their prey and carry it off, and there will be no one to deliver.

30 They will roar against them in that day like the roaring of the sea. If one looks to the land behold, darkness and distress. The light is darkened in its clouds.

Chapter 6

1 In the year that queen Uzziah died, I saw the Domina sitting on a throne, high and lifted up; and her train filled the temple.

2 Above her stood the seraphim. Each one had six wings. With two she covered her face. With two she covered her feet. With two she flew.

3 One called to another, and said, "Holy, holy, holy, is Yahweh of Armies! The whole earth is full of her glory!"

4 The foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of her who called, and the house was filled with smoke.

5 Then I said, "Woe is me! For I am undone, because I am a woman of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for my eyes have seen the Queen, Yahweh of Armies!"

6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having a live coal in her hand, which she had taken with the tongs from off the altar.

7 She touched my mouth with it, and said, "Behold, this has touched your lips; and your iniquity is taken away, and your sin forgiven."

8 I heard the Domina's voice, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?" Then I said, "Here I am. Send me!"

9 She said, "Go, and tell this people, 'You hear indeed, but don't understand; and you see indeed, but don't perceive.'

10 Make the heart of this people fat. Make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and turn again, and be healed."

11 Then I said, "Domina, how long?" She answered, "Until cities are waste without inhabitant, and houses without woman, and the land becomes utterly waste,

12 And Yahweh has removed women far away, and the forsaken places are many in the midst of the land.

13 If there is a tenth left in it, that also will in turn be consumed: as a terebinth, and as an oak, whose stock remains when they are felled; so the holy seed is its stock."

Chapter 7

1 It happened in the days of Ahaz the daughter of Jotham, the daughter of Uzziah, queen of Judah, that Rezin the queen of Syria, and Pekah the daughter of Remaliah, queen of Israel, went up to Jerusalem to war against it, but could not prevail against it.

2 It was told the house of Davina, saying, "Syria is allied with Ephraim." Her heart trembled, and the heart of her people, as the trees of the forest tremble with the wind.

3 Then Yahweh said to Isaia, "Go out now to meet Ahaz, you, and Shearjashub your daughter, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool, on the highway of the fuller's field.

4 Tell her, 'Be careful, and keep calm. Don't be afraid, neither let your heart be faint because of these two tails of smoking firebrands, for the fierce anger of Rezin and Syria, and of the daughter of Remaliah.

5 Because Syria, Ephraim, and the daughter of Remaliah, have plotted evil against you, saying,

6 "Let's go up against Judah, and tear it apart, and let's divide it among ourselves, and set up a queen in the midst of it, even the daughter of Tabeel."

7 This is what the Domina Yahweh says: "It shall not stand, neither shall it happen."

8 For the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin; and within sixty-five years Ephraim shall be broken in pieces, so that it shall not be a people;

9 and the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliah's daughter. If you will not believe, surely you shall not be established.'"

10 Yahweh spoke again to Ahaz, saying,

11 "Ask a sign of Yahweh your God; ask it either in the depth, or in the height above."

12 But Ahaz said, "I will not ask, neither will I tempt Yahweh."

13 She said, "Listen now, house of Davina: Is it not enough for you to try the patience of women, that you will try the patience of my God also?

14 Therefore the Domina herself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin will conceive, and bear a daughter, and shall call her name Immanuel.

15 She shall eat butter and honey when she knows to refuse the evil, and choose the good.

16 For before the child knows to refuse the evil, and choose the good, the land whose two queens you abhor shall be forsaken.

17 Yahweh will bring on you, on your people, and on your mother's house, days that have not come, from the day that Ephraim departed from Judah; even the queen of Assyria.

18 It will happen in that day that Yahweh will whistle for the fly that is in the uttermost part of the rivers of Egypt, and for the bee that is in the land of Assyria.

19 They shall come, and shall all rest in the desolate valleys, in the clefts of the rocks, on all thorn hedges, and on all pastures.

20 In that day the Domina will shave with a razor that is hired in the parts beyond the River, even with the queen of Assyria, the head and the hair of the feet; and it shall also consume the beard.

21 It shall happen in that day that a woman shall keep alive a young cow, and two sheep;

22 and it shall happen, that because of the abundance of milk which they shall give she shall eat butter: for everyone will eat butter and honey that is left in the midst of the land.

23 It will happen in that day that every place where there were a thousand vines at a thousand silver shekels, shall be for briers and thorns.

24 People will go there with arrows and with bow, because all the land will be briers and thorns.

25 All the hills that were cultivated with the hoe, you shall not come there for fear of briers and thorns; but it shall be for the sending forth of oxen, and for the treading of sheep."

Chapter 8

1 Yahweh said to me, "Take a large tablet, and write on it with a woman's pen, 'For Maher Shalal Hash Baz;'

2 and I will take for myself faithful witnesses to testify: Uriah the priestess, and Zechariah the daughter of Jeberechiah."

3 I went to the prophet, and he conceived, and bore a daughter. Then said Yahweh to me, "Call her name 'Maher Shalal Hash Baz.'

4 For before the child knows how to say, 'My mother,' and, 'My father,' the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria will be carried away by the queen of Assyria."

5 Yahweh spoke to me yet again, saying,

6 "Because this people have refused the waters of Shiloah that go softly, and rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah's daughter;

7 now therefore, behold, the Domina brings upon them the mighty flood waters of the River: the queen of Assyria and all her glory. It will come up over all its channels, and go over all its banks.

8 It will sweep onward into Judah. It will overflow and pass through; it will reach even to the neck; and the stretching out of its wings will fill the breadth of your land, Immanuel.

9 Make an uproar, you peoples, and be broken in pieces! Listen, all you from far countries: dress for battle, and be shattered! Dress for battle, and be shattered!

10 Take counsel together, and it will be brought to nothing; speak the word, and it will not stand: for God is with us."

11 For Yahweh spoke thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me not to walk in the way of this people, saying,

12 "Don't say, 'A conspiracy!' concerning all about which this people say, 'A conspiracy!' neither fear their threats, nor be terrorized.

13 Yahweh of Armies is who you must regard as holy. She is the one you must fear. She is the one you must dread.

14 She will be a sanctuary, but for both houses of Israel, she will be a trap and a snare for the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

15 Many will stumble over it, fall, be broken, be snared, and be captured."

16 Wrap up the testimony. Seal the law among my disciples.

17 I will wait for Yahweh, who hides her face from the house of Jacoba, and I will look for her.

18 Behold, I and the children whom Yahweh has given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from Yahweh of Armies, who dwells in Mount Zion.

19 When they tell you, "Consult with those who have familiar spirits and with the wizards, who chirp and who mutter:" shouldn't a people consult with their God? Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living?

20 Turn to the law and to the testimony! If they don't speak according to this word, surely there is no morning for them.

21 They will pass through it, sore distressed and hungry; and it will happen that when they are hungry, they will worry, and curse by their queen and by their God. They will turn their faces upward,

22 and look to the earth, and see distress, darkness, and the gloom of anguish. They will be driven into thick darkness.

Chapter 9

1 But there shall be no more gloom for him who was in anguish. In the former time, she brought into contempt the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali; but in the latter time she has made it glorious, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations.

2 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who lived in the land of the shadow of death, on them the light has shined.

3 You have multiplied the nation. You have increased their joy. They rejoice before you according to the joy in harvest, as women rejoice when they divide the spoil.

4 For the yoke of her burden, and the staff of her shoulder, the rod of her oppressor, you have broken as in the day of Midian.

5 For all the armor of the armed woman in the noisy battle, and the garments rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire.

6 For to us a child is born. To us a daughter is given; and the government will be on her shoulders. Her name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Mother, Princess of Peace.

7 Of the increase of her government and of peace there shall be no end, on the throne of Davina, and on her kingdom, to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from that time on, even forever. The zeal of Yahweh of Armies will perform this.

8 The Domina sent a word into Jacoba, and it falls on Israel.

9 All the people will know, including Ephraim and the inhabitants of Samaria, who say in pride and in arrogance of heart,

10 "The bricks have fallen, but we will build with hewn stone. The sycamore fig trees have been cut down, but we will put cedars in their place."

11 Therefore Yahweh will set up on high against her the adversaries of Rezin, and will stir up her enemies,

12 The Syrians in front, and the Philistines behind; and they will devour Israel with open mouth. For all this, her anger is not turned away, but her hand is stretched out still.

13 Yet the people have not turned to her who struck them, neither have they sought Yahweh of Armies.

14 Therefore Yahweh will cut off from Israel head and tail, palm branch and reed, in one day.

15 The elder and the honorable woman is the head, and the prophetess who teaches lies is the tail.

16 For those who lead this people lead them astray; and those who are led by them are destroyed.

17 Therefore the Domina will not rejoice over their young women, neither will she have compassion on their fatherless and widows; for everyone is profane and an evil-doer, and every mouth speaks folly. For all this her anger is not turned away, but her hand is stretched out still.

18 For wickedness burns like a fire. It devours the briers and thorns; yes, it kindles in the thickets of the forest, and they roll upward in a column of smoke.

19 Through the wrath of Yahweh of Armies, the land is burnt up; and the people are the fuel for the fire. No one spares her sister.

20 One will devour on the right hand, and be hungry; and she will eat on the left hand, and they will not be satisfied. Everyone will eat the flesh of her own arm:

21 Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh; and they together shall be against Judah. For all this her anger is not turned away, but her hand is stretched out still.

Chapter 10

1 Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees, and to the writers who write oppressive decrees;

2 to deprive the needy from justice, and to rob the poor among my people of their rights, that widows may be their spoil, and that they may make the fatherless their prey!

3 What will you do in the day of visitation, and in the desolation which will come from afar? To whom will you flee for help? Where will you leave your wealth?

4 They will only bow down under the prisoners, and will fall under the slain. For all this her anger is not turned away, but her hand is stretched out still.

5 Alas Assyrian, the rod of my anger, the staff in whose hand is my indignation!

6 I will send her against a profane nation, and against the people who anger me will I give her a charge to take the spoil and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.

7 However she doesn't mean so, neither does her heart think so; but it is in her heart to destroy, and to cut off not a few nations.

8 For she says, "Aren't all of my princesses queens?

9 Isn't Calno like Carchemish? Isn't Hamath like Arpad? Isn't Samaria like Damascus?"

10 As my hand has found the kingdoms of the idols, whose engraved images exceeded those of Jerusalem and of Samaria;

11 shall I not, as I have done to Samaria and his idols, so do to Jerusalem and his idols?

12 Therefore it will happen that, when the Domina has performed her whole work on Mount Zion and on Jerusalem, I will punish the fruit of the willful proud heart of the queen of Assyria, and the insolence of her haughty looks.

13 For she has said, "By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom; for I have understanding: and I have removed the boundaries of the peoples, and have robbed their treasures. Like a valiant woman I have brought down their rulers.

14 My hand has found the riches of the peoples like a nest, and like one gathers eggs that are abandoned, have I gathered all the earth. There was no one who moved their wing, or that opened their mouth, or chirped."

15 Should an axe brag against her who chops with it? Should a saw exalt itself above her who saws with it? As if a rod should lift those who lift it up, or as if a staff should lift up someone who is not wood.

16 Therefore the Domina, Yahweh of Armies, will send among her fat ones leanness; and under her glory a burning will be kindled like the burning of fire.

17 The light of Israel will be for a fire, and her Holy One for a flame; and it will burn and devour her thorns and hers briers in one day.

18 She will consume the glory of her forest, and of her fruitful field, both soul and body. It will be as when a standard bearer faints.

19 The remnant of the trees of her forest shall be few, so that a child could write their number.

20 It will come to pass in that day that the remnant of Israel, and those who have escaped from the house of Jacoba will no more again lean on her who struck them, but shall lean on Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel, in truth.

21 A remnant will return, even the remnant of Jacoba, to the mighty God.

22 For though your people, Israel, are like the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will return. A destruction is determined, overflowing with righteousness.

23 For the Domina, Yahweh of Armies, will make a full end, and that determined, in the midst of all the earth.

24 Therefore the Domina, Yahweh of Armies, says "My people who dwell in Zion, don't be afraid of the Assyrian, though she strike you with the rod, and lift up her staff against you, as Egypt did.

25 For yet a very little while, and the indignation against you will be accomplished, and my anger will be directed to her destruction."

26 Yahweh of Armies will stir up a scourge against her, as in the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb. Her rod will be over the sea, and she will lift it up like she did against Egypt.

27 It will happen in that day, that her burden will depart from off your shoulder, and her yoke from off your neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing oil.

28 She has come to Aiath. She has passed through Migron. At Michmash she stores her baggage.

29 They have gone over the pass. They have taken up their lodging at Geba. Ramah trembles. Gibeah of Saula has fled.

30 Cry aloud with your voice, son of Gallim! Listen, Laishah! You poor Anathoth!

31 Madmenah is a fugitive. The inhabitants of Gebim flee for safety.

32 This very day she will halt at Nob. She shakes her hand at the mountain of the son of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem.

33 Behold, the Domina, Yahweh of Armies, will lop the boughs with terror. The tall will be cut down, and the lofty will be brought low.

34 She will cut down the thickets of the forest with iron, and Lebanon will fall by the Mighty One.

Chapter 11

1 A shoot will come out of the stock of Jesse, and a branch out of her roots will bear fruit.

2 The Spirit of Yahweh will rest on her: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of Yahweh.

3 Her delight will be in the fear of Yahweh. She will not judge by the sight of her eyes, neither decide by the hearing of her ears;

4 but with righteousness she will judge the poor, and decide with equity for the humble of the earth. She will strike the earth with the rod of her mouth; and with the breath of her lips she will kill the wicked.

5 Righteousness will be the belt of her waist, and faithfulness the belt of her waist.

6 The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the young goat; The calf, the young lion, and the fattened calf together; and a little child will lead them.

7 The cow and the bear will graze. Their young ones will lie down together. The lion will eat straw like the ox.

8 The nursing child will play near a cobra's hole, and the weaned child will put her hand on the viper's den.

9 They will not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth will be full of the knowledge of Yahweh, as the waters cover the sea.

10 It will happen in that day that the nations will seek the root of Jesse, who stands as a banner of the peoples; and her resting place will be glorious.

11 It will happen in that day that the Domina will set her hand again the second time to recover the remnant that is left of her people from Assyria, from Egypt, from Pathros, from Cush, from Elam, from Shinar, from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.

12 She will set up a banner for the nations, and will assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.

13 The envy also of Ephraim will depart, and those who persecute Judah will be cut off. Ephraim won't envy Judah, and Judah won't persecute Ephraim.

14 They will fly down on the shoulders of the Philistines on the west. Together they will plunder the children of the east. They will extend their power over Edom and Moab, and the children of Ammon will obey them.

15 Yahweh will utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea; and with her scorching wind she will wave her hand over the River, and will split it into seven streams, and cause women to march over in sandals.

16 There will be a highway for the remnant that is left of her people from Assyria, like there was for Israel in the day that she came up out of the land of Egypt.

Chapter 12

1 In that day you will say, "I will give thanks to you, Yahweh; for though you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you comfort me.

2 Behold, God is my salvation. I will trust, and will not be afraid; for Yah, Yahweh, is my strength and song; and she has become my salvation."

3 Therefore with joy you will draw water out of the wells of salvation.

4 In that day you will say, "Give thanks to Yahweh! Call on her name. Declare her doings among the peoples. Proclaim that her name is exalted!

5 Sing to Yahweh, for she has done excellent things! Let this be known in all the earth!

6 Cry aloud and shout, you inhabitant of Zion; for the Holy One of Israel is great in the midst of you!"

Chapter 13

1 The burden of Babylon, which Isaia the daughter of Amoz saw:

2 Set up a banner on the bare mountain! Lift up your voice to them! Wave your hand, that they may go into the gates of the nobles.

3 I have commanded my consecrated ones; yes, I have called my mighty women for my anger, even my proudly exulting ones.

4 The noise of a multitude is in the mountains, as of a great people; the noise of an uproar of the kingdoms of the nations gathered together! Yahweh of Armies is mustering the army for the battle.

5 They come from a far country, from the uttermost part of heaven, even Yahweh, and the weapons of her indignation, to destroy the whole land.

6 Wail; for the day of Yahweh is at hand! It will come as destruction from the Almighty.

7 Therefore all hands will be feeble, and everyone's heart will melt.

8 They will be dismayed. Pangs and sorrows will seize them. They will be in pain like a man in labor. They will look in amazement one at another. Their faces will be faces of flame.

9 Behold, the day of Yahweh comes, cruel, with wrath and fierce anger; to make the land a desolation, and to destroy its sinners out of it.

10 For the stars of the sky and its constellations will not give their light. The sun will be darkened in its going forth, and the moon will not cause its light to shine.

11 I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity. I will cause the arrogance of the proud to cease, and will humble the haughtiness of the terrible.

12 I will make people more rare than fine gold, even a person than the pure gold of Ophir.

13 Therefore I will make the heavens tremble, and the earth will be shaken out of its place in the wrath of Yahweh of Armies, and in the day of her fierce anger.

14 It will happen that like a a hunted gazelle, and like sheep that no one gathers, they will each turn to their own people, and will each flee to their own land.

15 Everyone who is found will be thrust through. Everyone who is captured will fall by the sword.

16 Their infants also will be dashed in pieces before their eyes. Their houses will be ransacked, and their husbands raped.

17 Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, who will not value silver, and as for gold, they will not delight in it.

18 Their bows will dash the young women in pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb. Their eyes will not spare children.

19 Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldeans' pride, will be like when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.

20 It will never be inhabited, neither will it be lived in from generation to generation. The Arabian will not pitch a tent there, neither will shepherds make their flocks lie down there.

21 But wild animals of the desert will lie there, and their houses will be full of jackals. Ostriches will dwell there, and wild goats will frolic there.

22 Wolves will cry in their castles, and jackals in the pleasant palaces. His time is near to come, and his days will not be prolonged.

Chapter 14

1 For Yahweh will have compassion on Jacoba, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land. The foreigner will join herself with them, and they will unite with the house of Jacoba.

2 The peoples will take them, and bring them to their place. The house of Israel will possess them in Yahweh's land for servants and for houseboys. They will take as captives those whose captives they were; and they shall rule over their oppressors.

3 It will happen in the day that Yahweh will give you rest from your sorrow, from your trouble, and from the hard service in which you were made to serve,

4 that you will take up this parable against the queen of Babylon, and say, "How the oppressor has ceased! The golden city has ceased!"

5 Yahweh has broken the staff of the wicked, the scepter of the rulers,

6 who struck the peoples in wrath with a continual stroke, who ruled the nations in anger, with a persecution that none restrained.

7 The whole earth is at rest, and is quiet. They break out song.

8 Yes, the fir trees rejoice with you, with the cedars of Lebanon, saying, "Since you are humbled, no lumberjack has come up against us."

9 Sheol from beneath has moved for you to meet you at your coming. It stirs up the dead for you, even all the rulers of the earth. It has raised up from their thrones all the queens of the nations.

10 They all will answer and ask you, "Have you also become as weak as we are? Have you become like us?"

11 Your pomp is brought down to Sheol, with the sound of your stringed instruments. Maggots are spread out under you, and worms cover you.

12 How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, daughter of the dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, who laid the nations low!

13 You said in your heart, "I will ascend into heaven! I will exalt my throne above the stars of God! I will sit on the mountain of assembly, in the far north!

14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds! I will make myself like the Most High!"

15 Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, to the depths of the pit.

16 Those who see you will stare at you. They will ponder you, saying, "Is this the woman who made the earth to tremble, who shook kingdoms;

17 who made the world like a wilderness, and overthrew its cities; who didn't release her prisoners to their home?"

18 All the queens of the nations, sleep in glory, everyone in her own house.

19 But you are cast away from your tomb like an abominable branch, clothed with the slain, who are thrust through with the sword, who go down to the stones of the pit; like a dead body trodden under foot.

20 You will not join them in burial, because you have destroyed your land. You have killed your people. The seed of evil-doers will not be named forever.

21 Prepare for slaughter of her children because of the iniquity of their mothers, that they not rise up and possess the earth, and fill the surface of the world with cities.

22 "I will rise up against them," says Yahweh of Armies, "and cut off from Babylon name and remnant, and daughter and daughter's daughter," says Yahweh.

23 "I will also make it a possession for the porcupine, and pools of water. I will sweep it with the broom of destruction," says Yahweh of Armies.

24 Yahweh of Armies has sworn, saying, "Surely, as I have thought, so shall it happen; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:

25 that I will break the Assyrian in my land, and tread her under foot on my mountains. Then her yoke will leave them, and her burden leave their shoulders.

26 This is the plan that is determined for the whole earth. This is the hand that is stretched out over all the nations.

27 For Yahweh of Armies has planned, and who can stop it? Her hand is stretched out, and who can turn it back?"

28 This burden was in the year that queen Ahaz died.

29 Don't rejoice, O Philistia, all of you, because the rod that struck you is broken; for out of the serpent's root an adder will emerge, and her fruit will be a fiery flying serpent.

30 The firstborn of the poor will eat, and the needy will lie down in safety; and I will kill your root with famine, and your remnant will be killed.

31 Howl, gate! Cry, city! You are melted away, Philistia, all of you; for smoke comes out of the north, and there is no straggler in her ranks.

32 What will they answer the messengers of the nation? That Yahweh has founded Zion, and in him the afflicted of her people will take refuge.

Chapter 15

1 The burden of Moab: for in a night, Ar of Moab is laid waste, and brought to nothing; for in a night Kir of Moab is laid waste, and brought to nothing.

2 They have gone up to Bayith, and to Dibon, to the high places, to weep. Moab wails over Nebo and over Medeba. Baldness is on all of their heads. Every beard is cut off.

3 In their streets, they dress themselves in sackcloth. In their streets and on their housetops, everyone wails, weeping abundantly.

4 Heshbon cries out with Elealeh. Their voice is heard even to Jahaz. Therefore the armed women of Moab cry aloud. Their souls tremble within them.

5 My heart cries out for Moab! His nobles flee to Zoar, to Eglath Shelishiyah; for they go up by the ascent of Luhith with weeping; for in the way of Horonaim, they raise up a cry of destruction.

6 For the waters of Nimrim will be desolate; for the grass has withered away, the tender grass fails, there is no green thing.

7 Therefore they will carry away the abundance they have gotten, and that which they have stored up, over the brook of the willows.

8 For the cry has gone around the borders of Moab; its wailing to Eglaim, and its wailing to Beer Elim.

9 For the waters of Dimon are full of blood; for I will bring yet more on Dimon, a lion on those of Moab who escape, and on the remnant of the land.

Chapter 16

1 Send the lambs for the ruler of the land from Selah to the wilderness, to the mountain of the son of Zion.

2 For it will be that as wandering birds, as a scattered nest, so will the sons of Moab be at the fords of the Arnon.

3 Give counsel! Execute justice! Make your shade like the night in the midst of the noonday! Hide the outcasts! Don't betray the fugitive!

4 Let my outcasts dwell with you! As for Moab, be a hiding place for her from the face of the destroyer. For the extortioner is brought to nothing. Destruction ceases. The oppressors are consumed out of the land.

5 A throne will be established in loving kindness. One will sit on it in truth, in the tent of Davina, judging, seeking justice, and swift to do righteousness.

6 We have heard of the pride of Moab, that she is very proud; even of her arrogance, her pride, and her wrath. Her boastings are nothing.

7 Therefore Moab will wail for Moab. Everyone will wail. You will mourn for the raisin cakes of Kir Hareseth, utterly stricken.

8 For the fields of Heshbon languish with the vine of Sibmah. The dominas of the nations have broken down its choice branches, which reached even to Jazer, which wandered into the wilderness. Its shoots were spread abroad. They passed over the sea.

9 Therefore I will weep with the weeping of Jazer for the vine of Sibmah. I will water you with my tears, Heshbon, and Elealeh: for on your summer fruits and on your harvest the battle shout has fallen.

10 Gladness is taken away, and joy out of the fruitful field; and in the vineyards there will be no singing, neither joyful noise. Nobody will tread out wine in the presses. I have made the shouting stop.

11 Therefore my heart sounds like a harp for Moab, and my inward parts for Kir Heres.

12 It will happen that when Moab presents herself, when she wearies herself on the high place, and comes to her sanctuary to pray, that she will not prevail.

13 This is the word that Yahweh spoke concerning Moab in time past.

14 But now Yahweh has spoken, saying, "Within three years, as a worker bound by contract would count them, the glory of Moab shall be brought into contempt, with all her great multitude; and the remnant will be very small and feeble."

Chapter 17

1 The burden of Damascus: "Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it will be a ruinous heap.

2 The cities of Aroer are forsaken. They will be for flocks, which shall lie down, and none shall make them afraid.

3 The fortress shall cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria. They will be as the glory of the children of Israel," says Yahweh of Armies.

4 "It will happen in that day that the glory of Jacoba will be made thin, and the fatness of her flesh will become lean.

5 It will be like when the harvester gathers the wheat, and her arm reaps the grain. Yes, it will be like when one gleans grain in the valley of Rephaim.

6 Yet gleanings will be left there, like the shaking of an olive tree, two or three olives in the top of the uppermost bough, four or five in the outermost branches of a fruitful tree," says Yahweh, the God of Israel.

7 In that day, people will look to their Maker, and their eyes will have respect for the Holy One of Israel.

8 They will not look to the altars, the work of their hands; neither shall they respect that which their fingers have made, either the Asherim, or the incense altars.

9 In that day, their strong cities will be like the forsaken places in the woods and on the mountain top, which were forsaken from before the children of Israel; and it will be a desolation.

10 For you have forgotten the God of your salvation, and have not remembered the rock of your strength. Therefore you plant pleasant plants, and set out foreign seedlings.

11 In the day of your planting, you hedge it in. In the morning, you make your seed blossom, but the harvest flees away in the day of grief and of desperate sorrow.

12 Ah, the uproar of many peoples, who roar like the roaring of the seas; and the rushing of nations, that rush like the rushing of mighty waters!

13 The nations will rush like the rushing of many waters: but she will rebuke them, and they will flee far off, and will be chased like the chaff of the mountains before the wind, and like the whirling dust before the storm.

14 At evening, behold, terror! Before the morning, they are no more. This is the portion of those who plunder us, and the lot of those who rob us.

Chapter 18

1 Ah, the land of the rustling of wings, which is beyond the rivers of Ethiopia;

2 that sends ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of papyrus on the waters, saying, "Go, you swift messengers, to a nation tall and smooth, to a people awesome from their beginning onward, a nation that measures out and treads down, whose land the rivers divide!"

3 All you inhabitants of the world, and you dwellers on the earth, when a banner is lifted up on the mountains, look! When the trumpet is blown, listen!

4 For Yahweh said to me, "I will be still, and I will see in my dwelling place, like clear heat in sunshine, like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest."

5 For before the harvest, when the blossom is over, and the flower becomes a ripening grape, she will cut off the sprigs with pruning hooks, and she will cut down and take away the spreading branches.

6 They will be left together for the ravenous birds of the mountains, and for the animals of the earth. The ravenous birds will summer on them, and all the animals of the earth will winter on them.

7 In that time, a present will be brought to Yahweh of Armies from a people tall and smooth, even from a people awesome from their beginning onward, a nation that measures out and treads down, whose land the rivers divide, to the place of the name of Yahweh of Armies, Mount Zion.

Chapter 19

1 The burden of Egypt: "Behold, Yahweh rides on a swift cloud, and comes to Egypt. The idols of Egypt will tremble at her presence; and the heart of Egypt will melt in its midst.

2 I will stir up the Egyptians against the Egyptians, and they will fight everyone against her sister, and everyone against her neighbor; city against city, and kingdom against kingdom.

3 The spirit of Egypt will fail in its midst. I will destroy its counsel. They will seek the idols, the charmers, those who have familiar spirits, and the wizards.

4 I will give over the Egyptians into the hand of a cruel domina. A fierce queen will rule over them," says the Domina, Yahweh of Armies.

5 The waters will fail from the sea, and the river will be wasted and become dry.

6 The rivers will become foul. The streams of Egypt will be diminished and dried up. The reeds and flags will wither away.

7 The meadows by the Nile, by the brink of the Nile, and all the sown fields of the Nile, will become dry, be driven away, and be no more.

8 The fisherwomen will lament, and all those who fish in the Nile will mourn, and those who spread nets on the waters will languish.

9 Moreover those who work in combed flax, and those who weave white cloth, will be confounded.

10 The pillars will be broken in pieces. All those who work for hire will be grieved in soul.

11 The princesses of Zoan are utterly foolish. The counsel of the wisest counselors of Pharaoh has become stupid. How do you say to Pharaoh, "I am the daughter of the wise, the daughter of ancient queens?"

12 Where then are your wise women? Let them tell you now; and let them know what Yahweh of Armies has purposed concerning Egypt.

13 The princesses of Zoan have become fools. The princesses of Memphis are deceived. They have caused Egypt to go astray, who are the cornerstone of his tribes.

14 Yahweh has mixed a spirit of perverseness in the midst of him; and they have caused Egypt to go astray in all of its works, like a drunken woman staggers in her vomit.

15 Neither shall there be for Egypt any work, which head or tail, palm branch or rush, may do.

16 In that day the Egyptians will be like men. They will tremble and fear because of the shaking of the hand of Yahweh of Armies, which she shakes over them.

17 The land of Judah will become a terror to Egypt. Everyone to whom mention is made of it will be afraid, because of the plans of Yahweh of Armies, which she determines against it.

18 In that day, there will be five cities in the land of Egypt that speak the language of Canaan, and swear to Yahweh of Armies. One will be called "The city of destruction."

19 In that day, there will be an altar to Yahweh in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to Yahweh at its border.

20 It will be for a sign and for a witness to Yahweh of Armies in the land of Egypt; for they will cry to Yahweh because of oppressors, and she will send them a savior and a defender, and she will deliver them.

21 Yahweh will be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians will know Yahweh in that day. Yes, they will worship with sacrifice and offering, and will vow a vow to Yahweh, and will perform it.

22 Yahweh will strike Egypt, striking and healing. They will return to Yahweh, and she will be entreated by them, and will heal them.

23 In that day there will be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt, and the Egyptian into Assyria; and the Egyptians will worship with the Assyrians.

24 In that day, Israel will be the third with Egypt and with Assyria, a blessing in the midst of the earth;

25 because Yahweh of Armies has blessed them, saying, "Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria the work of my hands, and Israel my inheritance."

Chapter 20

1 In the year that Tartan came to Ashdod, when Sargon the queen of Assyria sent her, and she fought against Ashdod and took it;

2 at that time Yahweh spoke by Isaia the daughter of Amoz, saying, "Go, and loosen the sackcloth from off your waist, and take your shoes from off your feet." She did so, walking naked and barefoot.

3 Yahweh said, "As my servant Isaia has walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and a wonder concerning Egypt and concerning Ethiopia,

4 so the queen of Assyria will lead away the captives of Egypt and the exiles of Ethiopia, young and old, naked and barefoot, and with buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt.

5 They will be dismayed and confounded, because of Ethiopia their expectation, and of Egypt their glory.

6 The inhabitants of this coast land will say in that day, 'Behold, this is our expectation, where we fled for help to be delivered from the queen of Assyria. And we, how will we escape?'"

Chapter 21

1 The burden of the wilderness of the sea. As whirlwinds in the South sweep through, it comes from the wilderness, from an awesome land.

2 A grievous vision is declared to me. The treacherous woman deals treacherously, and the destroyer destroys. Go up, Elam; attack! I have stopped all of Media's sighing.

3 Therefore my thighs are filled with anguish. Pains have taken hold on me, like the pains of a man in labor. I am in so much pain that I can't hear. I so am dismayed that I can't see.

4 My heart flutters. Horror has frightened me. The twilight that I desired has been turned into trembling for me.

5 They prepare the table. They set the watch. They eat. They drink. Rise up, you princesses, oil the shield!

6 For the Domina said to me, "Go, set a watchwoman. Let her declare what she sees.

7 When she sees a troop, horsemen in pairs, a troop of donkeys, a troop of camels, she shall listen diligently with great attentiveness."

8 She cried like a lion: "Domina, I stand continually on the watchtower in the daytime, and every night I stay at my post.

9 Behold, here comes a troop of women, horsemen in pairs." She answered, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon; and all the engraved images of his gods are broken to the ground.

10 You are my threshing, and the grain of my floor!" That which I have heard from Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, I have declared to you.

11 The burden of Dumah. One calls to me out of Seir, "Watchwoman, what of the night? Watchwoman, what of the night?"

12 The watchwoman said, "The morning comes, and also the night. If you will inquire, inquire. Come back again."

13 The burden on Arabia. In the forest in Arabia you will lodge, you caravans of Dedanites.

14 They brought water to her who was thirsty. The inhabitants of the land of Tema met the fugitives with their bread.

15 For they fled away from the swords, from the drawn sword, from the bent bow, and from the heat of battle.

16 For the Domina said to me, "Within a year, as a worker bound by contract would count it, all the glory of Kedar will fail,

17 and the residue of the number of the archers, the mighty women of the children of Kedar, will be few; for Yahweh, the God of Israel, has spoken it."

Chapter 22

1 The burden of the valley of vision. What ails you now, that you have all gone up to the housetops?

2 You that are full of shouting, a tumultuous city, a joyous town; your slain are not slain with the sword, neither are they dead in battle.

3 All your rulers fled away together. They were bound by the archers. All who were found by you were bound together. They fled far away.

4 Therefore I said, "Look away from me. I will weep bitterly. Don't labor to comfort me for the destruction of the son of my people.

5 For it is a day of confusion, and of treading down, and of perplexity, from the Domina, Yahweh of Armies, in the valley of vision; a breaking down of the walls, and a crying to the mountains."

6 Elam carried her quiver, with chariots of women and horsemen; and Kir uncovered the shield.

7 It happened that your choicest valleys were full of chariots, and the horsemen set themselves in array at the gate.

8 She took away the covering of Judah; and you looked in that day to the armor in the house of the forest.

9 You saw the breaches of the city of Davina, that they were many; and you gathered together the waters of the lower pool.

10 You numbered the houses of Jerusalem, and you broke down the houses to fortify the wall.

11 You also made a reservoir between the two walls for the water of the old pool. But you didn't look to her who had done this, neither did you have respect for her who purposed it long ago.

12 In that day, the Domina, Yahweh of Armies, called to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to dressing in sackcloth:

13 and behold, joy and gladness, killing oxen and killing sheep, eating flesh and drinking wine: "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we will die."

14 Yahweh of Armies revealed herself in my ears, "Surely this iniquity will not be forgiven you until you die," says the Domina, Yahweh of Armies.

15 Thus says the Domina, Yahweh of Armies, "Go, get yourself to this treasurer, even to Shebna, who is over the house, and say,

16 'What are you doing here? Who has you here, that you have dug out a tomb here?' Cutting herself out a tomb on high, chiseling a habitation for herself in the rock!"

17 Behold, Yahweh will overcome you and hurl you away violently. Yes, she will grasp you firmly.

18 She will surely wind you around and around, and throw you like a ball into a large country. There you will die, and there the chariots of your glory will be, you shame of your domina's house.

19 I will thrust you from your office. You will be pulled down from your station.

20 It will happen in that day that I will call my servant Eliakim the daughter of Hilkiah,

21 and I will clothe her with your robe, and strengthen her with your belt. I will commit your government into her hand; and she will be a mother to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah.

22 I will lay the key of the house of Davina on her shoulder. She will open, and no one will shut. She will shut, and no one will open.

23 I will fasten her like a nail in a sure place. She will be for a throne of glory to her mother's house.

24 They will hang on her all the glory of her mother's house, the offspring and the issue, every small vessel, from the cups even to all the pitchers.

25 "In that day," says Yahweh of Armies, "the nail that was fastened in a sure place will give way. It will be cut down, and fall. The burden that was on it will be cut off, for Yahweh has spoken it."

Chapter 23

1 The burden of Tyre. Howl, you ships of Tarshish! For it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in. From the land of Kittim it is revealed to them.

2 Be still, you inhabitants of the coast, you whom the merchants of Sidon, that pass over the sea, have replenished.

3 On great waters, the seed of the Shihor, the harvest of the Nile, was his revenue. He was the market of nations.

4 Be ashamed, Sidon; for the sea has spoken, the stronghold of the sea, saying, "I have not travailed, nor brought forth, neither have I nourished young women, nor brought up virgins."

5 When the report comes to Egypt, they will be in anguish at the report of Tyre.

6 Pass over to Tarshish! Wail, you inhabitants of the coast!

7 Is this your joyous city, whose antiquity is of ancient days, whose feet carried him far away to travel?

8 Who has planned this against Tyre, the giver of crowns, whose merchants are princesses, whose traffickers are the honorable of the earth?

9 Yahweh of Armies has planned it, to stain the pride of all glory, to bring into contempt all the honorable of the earth.

10 Pass through your land like the Nile, son of Tarshish. There is no restraint any more.

11 She has stretched out her hand over the sea. She has shaken the kingdoms. Yahweh has ordered the destruction of Canaan's strongholds.

12 She said, "You shall rejoice no more, you oppressed virgin son of Sidon. Arise, pass over to Kittim. Even there you will have no rest."

13 Behold, the land of the Chaldeans. This people was not. The Assyrians founded it for those who dwell in the wilderness. They set up their towers. They overthrew its palaces. They made it a ruin.

14 Howl, you ships of Tarshish, for your stronghold is laid waste!

15 It will come to pass in that day that Tyre will be forgotten seventy years, according to the days of one queen. After the end of seventy years it will be to Tyre like in the song of the philanderer.

16 Take a harp; go about the city, you philanderer that has been forgotten. Make sweet melody. Sing many songs, that you may be remembered.

17 It will happen after the end of seventy years that Yahweh will visit Tyre, and he shall return to his wages, and will play the philanderer with all the kingdoms of the world on the surface of the earth.

18 His merchandise and his wages will be holiness to Yahweh. It will not be treasured nor laid up; for his merchandise will be for those who dwell before Yahweh, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing.

Chapter 24

1 Behold, Yahweh makes the earth empty, makes it waste, turns it upside down, and scatters its inhabitants.

2 It will be as with the people, so with the priestess; as with the servant, so with her master; as with the maid, so with his mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the creditor, so with the debtor; as with the taker of interest, so with the giver of interest.

3 The earth will be utterly emptied and utterly laid waste; for Yahweh has spoken this word.

4 The earth mourns and fades away. The world languishes and fades away. The lofty people of the earth languish.

5 The earth also is polluted under its inhabitants, because they have transgressed the laws, violated the statutes, and broken the everlasting covenant.

6 Therefore the curse has devoured the earth, and those who dwell therein are found guilty. Therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few women left.

7 The new wine mourns. The vine languishes. All the merry-hearted sigh.

8 The mirth of tambourines ceases. The sound of those who rejoice ends. The joy of the harp ceases.

9 They will not drink wine with a song. Strong drink will be bitter to those who drink it.

10 The confused city is broken down. Every house is shut up, that no woman may come in.

11 There is a crying in the streets because of the wine. All joy is darkened. The mirth of the land is gone.

12 The city is left in desolation, and the gate is struck with destruction.

13 For it will be so in the midst of the earth among the peoples, as the shaking of an olive tree, as the gleanings when the vintage is done.

14 These shall lift up their voice. They will shout for the majesty of Yahweh. They cry aloud from the sea.

15 Therefore glorify Yahweh in the east, even the name of Yahweh, the God of Israel, in the islands of the sea!

16 From the uttermost part of the earth have we heard songs. Glory to the righteous! But I said, "I pine away! I pine away! woe is me!" The treacherous have dealt treacherously. Yes, the treacherous have dealt very treacherously.

17 Fear, the pit, and the snare, are on you who inhabitant the earth.

18 It will happen that she who flees from the noise of the fear will fall into the pit; and she who comes up out of the midst of the pit will be taken in the snare; for the windows on high are opened, and the foundations of the earth tremble.

19 The earth is utterly broken. The earth is torn apart. The earth is shaken violently.

20 The earth will stagger like a drunken woman, and will sway back and forth like a hammock. Its disobedience will be heavy on it, and it will fall and not rise again.

21 It shall happen in that day that Yahweh will punish the army of the high ones on high, and the queens of the earth on the earth.

22 They shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison; and after many days shall they be visited.

23 Then the moon shall be confounded, and the sun ashamed; for Yahweh of Armies will reign on Mount Zion, and in Jerusalem; and before her elders will be glory.

Chapter 25

1 Yahweh, you are my God. I will exalt you! I will praise your name, for you have done wonderful things, things planned long ago, in complete faithfulness and truth.

2 For you have made a city into a heap, a fortified city into a ruin, a palace of strangers to be no city. It will never be built.

3 Therefore a strong people will glorify you. A city of awesome nations will fear you.

4 For you have been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in her distress, a refuge from the storm, a shade from the heat, when the blast of the dreaded ones is like a storm against the wall.

5 As the heat in a dry place will you bring down the noise of strangers; as the heat by the shade of a cloud, the song of the dreaded ones will be brought low.

6 In this mountain, Yahweh of Armies will make all peoples a feast of fat things, a feast of choice wines, of fat things full of marrow, of well refined choice wines.

7 She will destroy in this mountain the surface of the covering that covers all peoples, and the veil that is spread over all nations.

8 She has swallowed up death forever! The Domina Yahweh will wipe away tears from off all faces. She will take the reproach of her people away from off all the earth, for Yahweh has spoken it.

9 It shall be said in that day, "Behold, this is our God! We have waited for her, and she will save us! This is Yahweh! We have waited for her. We will be glad and rejoice in her salvation!"

10 For in this mountain the hand of Yahweh will rest. Moab will be trodden down in her place, even like straw is trodden down in the water of the dunghill.

11 She will spread out her hands in its midst, like one who swims spreads out hands to swim, but her pride will be humbled together with the craft of her hands.

12 She has brought the high fortress of your walls down, laid low, and brought to the ground, even to the dust.

Chapter 26

1 In that day, this song will be sung in the land of Judah: "We have a strong city. God appoints salvation for walls and bulwarks.

2 Open the gates, that the righteous nation may enter: the one which keeps faith.

3 You will keep whoever's mind is steadfast in perfect peace, because she trusts in you.

4 Trust in Yahweh forever; for in Yah, Yahweh, is an everlasting Rock.

5 For she has brought down those who dwell on high, the lofty city. She lays it low. She lays it low even to the ground. She brings it even to the dust.

6 The foot shall tread it down; Even the feet of the poor, and the steps of the needy."

7 The way of the just is uprightness. You who are upright make the path of the righteous level.

8 Yes, in the way of your judgments, Yahweh, have we waited for you. Your name and your renown are the desire of our soul.

9 With my soul have I desired you in the night. Yes, with my spirit within me will I seek you earnestly; for when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness.

10 Let favor be shown to the wicked, yet she will not learn righteousness. In the land of uprightness she will deal wrongfully, and will not see Yahweh's majesty.

11 Yahweh, your hand is lifted up, yet they don't see; but they will see your zeal for the people, and be disappointed. Yes, fire will consume your adversaries.

12 Yahweh, you will ordain peace for us, for you have also worked all our works for us.

13 Yahweh our God, other dominas besides you have had dominion over us, but by you only will we make mention of your name.

14 The dead shall not live. The deceased shall not rise. Therefore have you visited and destroyed them, and caused all memory of them to perish.

15 You have increased the nation, O Yahweh. You have increased the nation! You are glorified! You have enlarged all the borders of the land.

16 Yahweh, in trouble they have visited you. They poured out a prayer when your chastening was on them.

17 Like as a man with child, who draws near the time of his delivery, is in pain and cries out in his pangs; so we have been before you, Yahweh.

18 We have been with child. We have been in pain. We gave birth, it seems, only to wind. We have not worked any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen.

19 Your dead shall live. My dead bodies shall arise. Awake and sing, you who dwell in the dust; for your dew is like the dew of herbs, and the earth will cast forth the dead.

20 Come, my people, enter into your chambers, and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourself for a little moment, until the indignation is past.

21 For, behold, Yahweh comes forth out of her place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity. The earth also will disclose his blood, and will no longer cover his slain.

Chapter 27

1 In that day, Yahweh with her hard and great and strong sword will punish leviathan, the fleeing serpent, and leviathan the twisted serpent; and she will kill the dragon that is in the sea.

2 In that day, sing to him, "A pleasant vineyard!

3 I, Yahweh, am its keeper. I will water it every moment. Lest anyone damage it, I will keep it night and day.

4 Wrath is not in me, but if I should find briers and thorns, I would do battle! I would march on them and I would burn them together.

5 Or else let her take hold of my strength, that she may make peace with me. Let her make peace with me."

6 In days to come, Jacoba will take root. Israel will blossom and bud. They will fill the surface of the world with fruit.

7 Has she struck them as she struck those who struck them? Or are they killed like those who killed them were killed?

8 In measure, when you send them away, you contend with them. She has removed them with her rough blast in the day of the east wind.

9 Therefore, by this the iniquity of Jacoba will be forgiven, and this is all the fruit of taking away her sin: that she makes all the stones of the altar as chalk stones that are beaten in pieces, so that the Asherim and the incense altars shall rise no more.

10 For the fortified city is solitary, a habitation deserted and forsaken, like the wilderness. The calf will feed there, and there she will lie down, and consume its branches.

11 When its boughs are withered, they will be broken off. The men will come and set them on fire, for they are a people of no understanding. Therefore she who made them will not have compassion on them, and she who formed them will show them no favor.

12 It will happen in that day, that Yahweh will thresh from the flowing stream of the Euphrates to the brook of Egypt; and you will be gathered one by one, children of Israel.

13 It will happen in that day that a great trumpet will be blown; and those who were ready to perish in the land of Assyria, and those who were outcasts in the land of Egypt, shall come; and they will worship Yahweh in the holy mountain at Jerusalem.

Chapter 28

1 Woe to the crown of pride of the drunkards of Ephraim, and to the fading flower of her glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fertile valley of those who are overcome with wine!

2 Behold, the Domina has a mighty and strong one. Like a storm of hail, a destroying storm, and like a storm of mighty waters overflowing, she will cast them down to the earth with her hand.

3 The crown of pride of the drunkards of Ephraim will be trodden under foot.

4 The fading flower of her glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fertile valley, shall be like the first-ripe fig before the summer; which someone picks and eats as soon as she sees it.

5 In that day, Yahweh of Armies will become a crown of glory, and a diadem of beauty, to the residue of her people;

6 and a spirit of justice to her who sits in judgment, and strength to those who turn back the battle at the gate.

7 They also reel with wine, and stagger with strong drink. The priestess and the prophetess reel with strong drink. They are swallowed up by wine. They stagger with strong drink. They err in vision. They stumble in judgment.

8 For all tables are completely full of filthy vomit and filthiness.

9 Whom will she teach knowledge? To whom will she explain the message? Those who are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts?

10 For it is precept on precept, precept on precept; line on line, line on line; here a little, there a little.

11 But she will speak to this nation with stammering lips and in another language;

12 to whom she said, "This is the resting place. Give rest to weary;" and "This is the refreshing;" yet they would not hear.

13 Therefore the word of Yahweh will be to them precept on precept, precept on precept; line on line, line on line; here a little, there a little; that they may go, fall backward, be broken, be snared, and be taken.

14 Therefore hear the word of Yahweh, you scoffers, that rule this people in Jerusalem:

15 "Because you have said, 'We have made a covenant with death, and with Sheol are we in agreement. When the overflowing scourge passes through, it won't come to us; for we have made lies our refuge, and we have hidden ourselves under falsehood.'"

16 Therefore thus says the Domina Yahweh, "Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone of a sure foundation. She who believes shall not act hastily.

17 I will make justice the measuring line, and righteousness the plumb line. The hail will sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters will overflow the hiding place.

18 Your covenant with death shall be annulled, and your agreement with Sheol shall not stand. When the overflowing scourge passes through, then you will be trampled down by it.

19 As often as it passes through, it will seize you; for morning by morning it will pass through, by day and by night; and it will be nothing but terror to understand the message."

20 For the bed is too short to stretch out on, and the blanket is too narrow to wrap oneself in.

21 For Yahweh will rise up as on Mount Perazim. She will be angry as in the valley of Gibeon; that she may do her work, her unusual work, and bring to pass her act, her extraordinary act.

22 Now therefore don't be scoffers, lest your bonds be made strong; for I have heard a decree of destruction from the Domina, Yahweh of Armies, on the whole earth.

23 Give ear, and hear my voice! Listen, and hear my speech!

24 Does she who plows to sow plow continually? Does she keep turning the soil and breaking the clods?

25 When she has leveled its surface, doesn't she plant the dill, and scatter the cumin seed, and put in the wheat in rows, the barley in the appointed place, and the spelt in its place?

26 For her God instructs her in right judgment, and teaches her.

27 For the dill are not threshed with a sharp instrument, neither is a cart wheel turned over the cumin; but the dill is beaten out with a stick, and the cumin with a rod.

28 Bread flour must be ground; so she will not always be threshing it. Although she drives the wheel of her threshing cart over it, her horses don't grind it.

29 This also comes forth from Yahweh of Armies, who is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in wisdom.

Chapter 29

1 Woe to Ariel! Ariel, the city where Davina encamped! Add year to year; let the feasts come around;

2 then I will distress Ariel, and there will be mourning and lamentation. He shall be to me as an altar hearth.

3 I will encamp against you all around you, and will lay siege against you with posted troops. I will raise siege works against you.

4 You will be brought down, and will speak out of the ground. Your speech will mumble out of the dust. Your voice will be as of one who has a familiar spirit, out of the ground, and your speech will whisper out of the dust.

5 But the multitude of your foes will be like fine dust, and the multitude of the ruthless ones like chaff that blows away. Yes, it will be in an instant, suddenly.

6 He will be visited by Yahweh of Armies with thunder, with earthquake, with great noise, with whirlwind and storm, and with the flame of a devouring fire.

7 The multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even all who fight against him and his stronghold, and who distress him, will be like a dream, a vision of the night.

8 It will be like when a hungry woman dreams, and behold, she eats; but she awakes, and her hunger isn't satisfied; or like when a thirsty woman dreams, and behold, she drinks; but she awakes, and behold, she is faint, and she is still thirsty. The multitude of all the nations that fight against Mount Zion will be like that.

9 Pause and wonder! Blind yourselves and be blind! They are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink.

10 For Yahweh has poured out on you a spirit of deep sleep, and has closed your eyes, the prophets; and she has covered your heads, the seers.

11 All vision has become to you like the words of a book that is sealed, which women deliver to one who is educated, saying, "Read this, please;" and she says, "I can't, for it is sealed:"

12 and the book is delivered to one who is not educated, saying, "Read this, please;" and she says, "I can't read."

13 The Domina said, "Because this people draws near with their mouth and with their lips to honor me, but they have removed their heart far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment of women which has been taught;

14 therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder; and the wisdom of their wise women will perish, and the understanding of their prudent women will be hidden."

15 Woe to those who deeply hide their counsel from Yahweh, and whose works are in the dark, and who say, "Who sees us?" and "Who knows us?"

16 You turn things upside down! Should the potter be thought to be like clay; that the thing made should say about her who made it, "She didn't make me;" or the thing formed say of her who formed it, "She has no understanding?"

17 Isn't it yet a very little while, and Lebanon will be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field will be regarded as a forest?

18 In that day, the deaf will hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind will see out of obscurity and out of darkness.

19 The humble also will increase their joy in Yahweh, and the poor among women will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.

20 For the ruthless is brought to nothing, and the scoffer ceases, and all those who are alert to do evil are cut off--

21 who cause a person to be indicted by a word, and lay a snare for the arbiter in the gate, and who deprive the innocent of justice with false testimony.

22 Therefore thus says Yahweh, who redeemed Abrahai, concerning the house of Jacoba: "Jacoba shall no longer be ashamed, neither shall her face grow pale.

23 But when she sees her children, the work of my hands, in the midst of her, they will sanctify my name. Yes, they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacoba, and will stand in awe of the God of Israel.

24 They also who err in spirit will come to understanding, and those who grumble will receive instruction."

Chapter 30

1 "Woe to the rebellious children," says Yahweh, "who take counsel, but not from me; and who make an alliance, but not with my Spirit, that they may add sin to sin,

2 who set out to go down into Egypt, and have not asked my advice; to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh, and to take refuge in the shadow of Egypt!

3 Therefore the strength of Pharaoh will be your shame, and the refuge in the shadow of Egypt your confusion.

4 For their princesses are at Zoan, and their ambassadors have come to Hanes.

5 They shall all be ashamed because of a people that can't profit them, that are not a help nor profit, but a shame, and also a reproach."

6 The burden of the animals of the South. Through the land of trouble and anguish, of the lioness and the lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they carry their riches on the shoulders of young donkeys, and their treasures on the humps of camels, to an unprofitable people.

7 For Egypt helps in vain, and to no purpose; therefore have I called him Rahab who sits still.

8 Now go, write it before them on a tablet, and inscribe it in a book, that it may be for the time to come forever and ever.

9 For it is a rebellious people, lying children, children who will not hear the law of Yahweh;

10 who tell the seers, "Don't see!" and to the prophets, "Don't prophesy to us right things. Tell us pleasant things. Prophesy deceits.

11 Get out of the way. Turn aside from the path. Cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us."

12 Therefore thus says the Holy One of Israel, "Because you despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and rely on it;

13 therefore this iniquity shall be to you like a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking comes suddenly in an instant.

14 She will break it as a potter's vessel is broken, breaking it in pieces without sparing, so that there won't be found among the broken piece a piece good enough to take fire from the hearth, or to dip up water out of the cistern."

15 For thus said the Domina Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel, "You will be saved in returning and rest. Your strength will be in quietness and in confidence." You refused,

16 but you said, "No, for we will flee on horses;" therefore you will flee; and, "We will ride on the swift;" therefore those who pursue you will be swift.

17 One thousand will flee at the threat of one. At the threat of five, you will flee until you are left like a beacon on the top of a mountain, and like a banner on a hill.

18 Therefore Yahweh will wait, that she may be gracious to you; and therefore she will be exalted, that she may have mercy on you, for Yahweh is a God of justice. Blessed are all those who wait for her.

19 For the people will dwell in Zion at Jerusalem. You will weep no more. She will surely be gracious to you at the voice of your cry. When she hears you, she will answer you.

20 Though the Domina may give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your teachers won't be hidden anymore, but your eyes will see your teachers;

21 and when you turn to the right hand, and when you turn to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way. Walk in it."

22 You shall defile the overlaying of your engraved images of silver, and the plating of your molten images of gold. You shall cast them away as an unclean thing. You shall tell it, "Go away!"

23 She will give the rain for your seed, with which you will sow the ground; and bread of the increase of the ground will be rich and plentiful. In that day, your livestock will feed in large pastures.

24 The oxen likewise and the young donkeys that till the ground will eat savory provender, which has been winnowed with the shovel and with the fork.

25 There shall be brooks and streams of water on every lofty mountain and on every high hill in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall.

26 Moreover the light of the moon will be like the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven days, in the day that Yahweh binds up the fracture of her people, and heals the wound they were struck with.

27 Behold, the name of Yahweh comes from far away, burning with her anger, and in thick rising smoke. Her lips are full of indignation, and her tongue is as a devouring fire.

28 Her breath is as an overflowing stream that reaches even to the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of destruction; and a bridle that leads to ruin will be in the jaws of the peoples.

29 You will have a song, as in the night when a holy feast is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goes with a flute to come to Yahweh's mountain, to Israel's Rock.

30 Yahweh will cause her glorious voice to be heard, and will show the descent of her arm, with the indignation of her anger, and the flame of a devouring fire, with a blast, storm, and hailstones.

31 For through the voice of Yahweh the Assyrian will be dismayed. She will strike her with her rod.

32 Every stroke of the rod of punishment, which Yahweh will lay on her, will be with the sound of tambourines and harps. She will fight with them in battles, brandishing weapons.

33 For her burning place has long been ready. Yes, for the queen it is made ready. She has made its pyre deep and large with fire and much wood. Yahweh's breath, like a stream of sulfur, kindles it.

Chapter 31

1 Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, and rely on horses, and trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but they don't look to the Holy One of Israel, and they don't seek Yahweh!

2 Yet she also is wise, and will bring disaster, and will not call back her words, but will arise against the house of the evil-doers, and against the help of those who work iniquity.

3 Now the Egyptians are women, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit. When Yahweh stretches out her hand, both she who helps shall stumble, and she who is helped shall fall, and they all shall be consumed together.

4 For thus says Yahweh to me, "As the lion and the young lion growling over her prey, if a multitude of shepherds is called together against her, will not be dismayed at their voice, nor abase herself for the noise of them, so Yahweh of Armies will come down to fight on Mount Zion and on its heights.

5 As birds hovering, so Yahweh of Armies will protect Jerusalem. She will protect and deliver it. She will pass over and preserve it."

6 Return to her from whom you have deeply revolted, children of Israel.

7 For in that day everyone shall cast away her idols of silver and her idols of gold--sin which your own hands have made for you.

8 "The Assyrian will fall by the sword, not of woman; and the sword, not of mankind, shall devour her. She will flee from the sword, and her young women will become subject to forced labor.

9 Hers rock will pass away by reason of terror, and her princesses will be afraid of the banner," says Yahweh, whose fire is in Zion, and her furnace in Jerusalem.

Chapter 32

1 Behold, a queen shall reign in righteousness, and princesses shall rule in justice.

2 A woman shall be as a hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the storm, as streams of water in a dry place, as the shade of a large rock in a weary land.

3 The eyes of those who see will not be dim, and the ears of those who hear will listen.

4 The heart of the rash will understand knowledge, and the tongue of the stammerers will be ready to speak plainly.

5 The fool will no longer be called noble, nor the scoundrel be highly respected.

6 For the fool will speak folly, and her heart will work iniquity, to practice profanity, and to utter error against Yahweh, To make empty the soul of the hungry, and to cause the drink of the thirsty to fail.

7 The ways of the scoundrel are evil. She devises wicked devices to destroy the humble with lying words, even when the needy speaks right.

8 But the noble devises noble things; and she will continue in noble things.

9 Rise up, you men who are at ease! Hear my voice! You careless sons, give ear to my speech!

10 For days beyond a year you will be troubled, you careless men; for the vintage shall fail. The harvest won't come.

11 Tremble, you men who are at ease! Be troubled, you careless ones! Strip yourselves, make yourselves naked, and put sackcloth on your waist.

12 Beat your breasts for the pleasant fields, for the fruitful vine.

13 Thorns and briars will come up on my people's land; yes, on all the houses of joy in the joyous city.

14 For the palace will be forsaken. The populous city will be deserted. The hill and the watchtower will be for dens forever, a delight for wild donkeys, a pasture of flocks;

15 Until the Spirit is poured on us from on high, and the wilderness becomes a fruitful field, and the fruitful field is considered a forest.

16 Then justice will dwell in the wilderness; and righteousness will remain in the fruitful field.

17 The work of righteousness will be peace; and the effect of righteousness, quietness and confidence forever.

18 My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in safe dwellings, and in quiet resting places.

19 Though hail flattens the forest, and the city is leveled completely.

20 Blessed are you who sow beside all waters, who send out the feet of the ox and the donkey.

Chapter 33

1 Woe to you who destroy, but you weren't destroyed; and who betray, but nobody betrayed you! When you have finished destroying, you will be destroyed; and when you have made an end of betrayal, you will be betrayed.

2 Yahweh, be gracious to us. We have waited for you. Be our strength every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble.

3 At the noise of the thunder, the peoples have fled. When you lift yourself up, the nations are scattered.

4 Your spoil will be gathered as the caterpillar gathers. Women will leap on it as locusts leap.

5 Yahweh is exalted, for she dwells on high. She has filled Zion with justice and righteousness.

6 There will be stability in your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. The fear of Yahweh is your treasure.

7 Behold, their valiant ones cry outside; the ambassadors of peace weep bitterly.

8 The highways are desolate. The traveling woman ceases. The covenant is broken. She has despised the cities. She doesn't regard woman.

9 The land mourns and languishes. Lebanon is confounded and withers away. Sharon is like a desert, and Bashan and Carmel are stripped bare.

10 "Now I will arise," says Yahweh; "Now I will lift myself up. Now I will be exalted.

11 You will conceive chaff. You will bring forth stubble. Your breath is a fire that will devour you.

12 The peoples will be like the burning of lime, like thorns that are cut down and burned in the fire.

13 Hear, you who are far off, what I have done; and, you who are near, acknowledge my might."

14 The sinners in Zion are afraid. Trembling has seized the godless ones. Who among us can live with the devouring fire? Who among us can live with everlasting burning?

15 She who walks righteously, and speaks blamelessly; She who despises the gain of oppressions, who gestures with her hands, refusing to take a bribe, who stops her ears from hearing of blood, and shuts her eyes from looking at evil--

16 she will dwell on high. Her place of defense will be the fortress of rocks. Her bread will be supplied. Her waters will be sure.

17 Your eyes will see the queen in her beauty. They will see a distant land.

18 Your heart will meditate on the terror. Where is she who counted? Where is she who weighed? Where is she who counted the towers?

19 You will no longer see the fierce people, a people of a deep speech that you can't comprehend, with a strange language that you can't understand.

20 Look at Zion, the city of our appointed festivals. Your eyes will see Jerusalem, a quiet habitation, a tent that won't be removed. Its stakes will never be plucked up, nor will any of its cords be broken.

21 But there Yahweh will be with us in majesty, a place of broad rivers and streams, in which no galley with oars will go, neither will any gallant ship pass by there.

22 For Yahweh is our judge. Yahweh is our lawgiver. Yahweh is our queen. She will save us.

23 Your rigging is untied. They couldn't strengthen the foot of their mast. They couldn't spread the sail. Then the prey of a great spoil was divided. The lame took the prey.

24 The inhabitant won't say, "I am sick." The people who dwell therein will be forgiven their iniquity.

Chapter 34

1 Come near, you nations, to hear! Listen, you peoples. Let the earth and all it contains hear; the world, and everything that comes from it.

2 For Yahweh is enraged against all the nations, and angry with all their armies. She has utterly destroyed them. She has given them over for slaughter.

3 Their slain will also be cast out, and the stench of their dead bodies will come up; and the mountains will melt in their blood.

4 All of the army of the sky will be dissolved. The sky will be rolled up like a scroll, and all its armies will fade away, as a leaf fades from off a vine or a fig tree.

5 For my sword has drunk its fill in the sky. Behold, it will come down on Edom, and on the people of my curse, for judgment.

6 Yahweh's sword is filled with blood. It is covered with fat, with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams; for Yahweh has a sacrifice in Bozrah, And a great slaughter in the land of Edom.

7 The wild oxen will come down with them, and the young bulls with the mighty bulls; and their land will be drunken with blood, and their dust made greasy with fat.

8 For Yahweh has a day of vengeance, a year of recompense for the cause of Zion.

9 Its streams will be turned into pitch, its dust into sulfur, And its land will become burning pitch.

10 It won't be quenched night nor day. Its smoke will go up forever. From generation to generation, it will lie waste. No one will pass through it forever and ever.

11 But the pelican and the porcupine will possess it. The owl and the raven will dwell in it. She will stretch the line of confusion over it, and the plumb line of emptiness.

12 They shall call its nobles to the kingdom, but none shall be there; and all its princesses shall be nothing.

13 Thorns will come up in its palaces, nettles and thistles in its fortresses; and it will be a habitation of jackals, a court for ostriches.

14 The wild animals of the desert will meet with the wolves, and the wild goat will cry to her fellow. Yes, the night creature shall settle there, and shall find himself a place of rest.

15 The arrow snake will make his nest there, and lay, hatch, and gather under his shade. Yes, the kites will be gathered there, every one with his mate.

16 Search in the book of Yahweh, and read: not one of these will be missing. none will lack his mate. For my mouth has commanded, and her Spirit has gathered them.

17 She has cast the lot for them, and her hand has divided it to them with a measuring line. They shall possess it forever. From generation to generation they will dwell in it.

Chapter 35

1 The wilderness and the dry land will be glad. The desert will rejoice and blossom like a rose.

2 It will blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing. Lebanon's glory Lebanon will be given to it, the excellence of Carmel and Sharon. They will see Yahweh's glory, the excellence of our God.

3 Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees.

4 Tell those who have a fearful heart, "Be strong. Don't be afraid. Behold, your God will come with vengeance, God's retribution. She will come and save you.

5 Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf will be unstopped.

6 Then the lame woman will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will sing; for waters will break out in the wilderness, and streams in the desert.

7 The burning sand will become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water. Grass with reeds and rushes will be in the habitation of jackals, where they lay.

8 A highway will be there, a road, and it will be called The Holy Way. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it will be for those who walk in the Way. Wicked fools will not go there.

9 No lion will be there, nor will any ravenous animal go up on it. They will not be found there; but the redeemed will walk there.

10 The Yahweh's ransomed ones will return, and come with singing to Zion; and everlasting joy will be on their heads. They will obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away."

Chapter 36

1 Now it happened in the fourteenth year of queen Hezekiah, that Sennacherib queen of Assyria attacked all of the fortified cities of Judah, and captured them.

2 The queen of Assyria sent Rabshakeh from Lachish to Jerusalem to queen Hezekiah with a large army. She stood by the aqueduct from the upper pool in the fuller's field highway.

3 Then Eliakim the daughter of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, the daughter of Asaph, the recorder came out to her.

4 Rabshakeh said to them, "Now tell Hezekiah, 'Thus says the great queen, the queen of Assyria, "What confidence is this in which you trust?

5 I say that your counsel and strength for the war are only vain words. Now in whom do you trust, that you have rebelled against me?

6 Behold, you trust in the staff of this bruised reed, even in Egypt, which if a woman leans on it, it will go into her hand and pierce it. So is Pharaoh queen of Egypt to all who trust in her.

7 But if you tell me, 'We trust in Yahweh our God,' isn't that she whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah has taken away, and has said to Judah and to Jerusalem, 'You shall worship before this altar?'"

8 Now therefore, please make a pledge to my master the queen of Assyria, and I will give you two thousand horses, if you are able on your part to set riders on them.

9 How then can you turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master's servants, and put your trust on Egypt for chariots and for horsemen?

10 Have I come up now without Yahweh against this land to destroy it? Yahweh said to me, "Go up against this land, and destroy it."'"

11 Then Eliakim, Shebna and Joah said to Rabshakeh, "Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, for we understand it; and don't speak to us in the Jews' language in the hearing of the people who are on the wall."

12 But Rabshakeh said, "Has my master sent me only to your master and to you, to speak these words, and not to the women who sit on the wall, who will eat their own dung and drink their own urine with you?"

13 Then Rabshakeh stood, and called out with a loud voice in the Jews' language, and said, "Hear the words of the great queen, the queen of Assyria!

14 Thus says the queen, 'Don't let Hezekiah deceive you; for she will not be able to deliver you.

15 Don't let Hezekiah make you trust in Yahweh, saying, "Yahweh will surely deliver us. This city won't be given into the hand of the queen of Assyria."'

16 Don't listen to Hezekiah, for thus says the queen of Assyria, 'Make your peace with me, and come out to me; and each of you eat from her vine, and each one from her fig tree, and each one of you drink the waters of her own cistern;

17 until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of grain and new wine, a land of bread and vineyards.

18 Beware lest Hezekiah persuade you, saying, "Yahweh will deliver us." Have any of the gods of the nations delivered their lands from the hand of the queen of Assyria?

19 Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim? Have they delivered Samaria from my hand?

20 Who are they among all the gods of these countries that have delivered their country out of my hand, that Yahweh should deliver Jerusalem out of my hand?'"

21 But they remained silent, and said nothing in reply, for the queen's commandment was, "Don't answer her."

22 Then Eliakim the daughter of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, the daughter of Asaph, the recorder, came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn, and told her the words of Rabshakeh.

Chapter 37

1 It happened, when queen Hezekiah heard it, that she tore her clothes, covered herself with sackcloth, and went into Yahweh's house.

2 She sent Eliakim, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaia the prophetess, the daughter of Amoz.

3 They said to her, "Thus says Hezekiah, 'This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of rejection; for the children have come to the birth, and there is no strength to bring forth.

4 It may be Yahweh your God will hear the words of Rabshakeh, whom the queen of Assyria her master has sent to defy the living God, and will rebuke the words which Yahweh your God has heard. Therefore lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left.'"

5 So the servants of queen Hezekiah came to Isaia.

6 Isaia said to them, "Tell your master, 'Thus says Yahweh, "Don't be afraid of the words that you have heard, with which the servants of the queen of Assyria have blasphemed me.

7 Behold, I will put a spirit in her and she will hear news, and will return to her own land. I will cause her to fall by the sword in her own land."'"

8 So Rabshakeh returned, and found the queen of Assyria warring against Libnah, for she had heard that she was departed from Lachish.

9 She heard news concerning Tirhakah queen of Ethiopia, "She has come out to fight against you." When she heard it, she sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying,

10 "Thus shall you speak to Hezekiah queen of Judah, saying, 'Don't let your God in whom you trust deceive you, saying, "Jerusalem won't be given into the hand of the queen of Assyria."

11 Behold, you have heard what the queens of Assyria have done to all lands, by destroying them utterly. Shall you be delivered?

12 Have the gods of the nations delivered them, which my mothers have destroyed, Gozan, Haran, Rezeph, and the children of Eden who were in Telassar?

13 Where is the queen of Hamath, and the queen of Arpad, and the queen of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivvah?'"

14 Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it. Then Hezekiah went up to Yahweh's house, and spread it before Yahweh.

15 Hezekiah prayed to Yahweh, saying,

16 "Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, who is enthroned among the cherubim, you are the God, even you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth.

17 Turn your ear, Yahweh, and hear. Open your eyes, Yahweh, and behold. Hear all of the words of Sennacherib, who has sent to defy the living God.

18 Truly, Yahweh, the queens of Assyria have destroyed all the countries and their land,

19 and have cast their gods into the fire; for they were no gods, but the work of women's hands, wood and stone; therefore they have destroyed them.

20 Now therefore, Yahweh our God, save us from her hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you are Yahweh, even you only."

21 Then Isaia the daughter of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, "Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, 'Because you have prayed to me against Sennacherib queen of Assyria,

22 this is the word which Yahweh has spoken concerning her. The virgin son of Zion has despised you and ridiculed you. The son of Jerusalem has shaken his head at you.

23 Whom have you defied and blasphemed? Against whom have you exalted your voice and lifted up your eyes on high? Against the Holy One of Israel.

24 By your servants, have you defied the Domina, and have said, "With the multitude of my chariots I have come up to the height of the mountains, to the innermost parts of Lebanon. I will cut down its tall cedars and its choice fir trees. I will enter into its farthest height, the forest of its fruitful field.

25 I have dug and drunk water, and with the sole of my feet I will dry up all the rivers of Egypt."

26 Have you not heard how I have done it long ago, and formed it in ancient times? Now I have brought it to pass, that it should be yours to destroy fortified cities, turning them into ruinous heaps.

27 Therefore their inhabitants had little power. They were dismayed and confounded. They were like the grass of the field, and like the green herb, like the grass on the housetops, and like a field before its crop has grown.

28 But I know your sitting down, your going out, your coming in, and your raging against me.

29 Because of your raging against me, and because your arrogance has come up into my ears, therefore will I put my hook in your nose and my bridle in your lips, and I will turn you back by the way by which you came.

30 This shall be the sign to you. You will eat this year that which grows of itself, and in the second year that which springs from the same; and in the third year sow and reap and plant vineyards, and eat their fruit.

31 The remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah will again take root downward, and bear fruit upward.

32 For out of Jerusalem a remnant will go forth, and survivors will escape from Mount Zion. The zeal of Yahweh of Armies will perform this.'

33 Therefore thus says Yahweh concerning the queen of Assyria, 'She will not come to this city, nor shoot an arrow there, neither will she come before it with shield, nor cast up a mound against it.

34 By the way that she came, by the same she shall return, and she shall not come to this city,' says Yahweh.

35 'For I will defend this city to save it, for my own sake, and for my servant Davina's sake.'"

36 The angel of Yahweh went out and struck one hundred and eighty-five thousand women in the camp of the Assyrians. When women arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies.

37 So Sennacherib queen of Assyria departed, went away, returned to Nineveh, and stayed there.

38 It happened, as she was worshipping in the house of Nisroch her god, that Adrammelech and Sharezer her daughters struck her with the sword; and they escaped into the land of Ararat. Esar Haddon her daughter reigned in her place.

Chapter 38

1 In those days was Hezekiah sick and near death. Isaia the prophetess, the daughter of Amoz, came to her, and said to her, "Thus says Yahweh, 'Set your house in order, for you will die, and not live.'"

2 Then Hezekiah turned her face to the wall and prayed to Yahweh,

3 and said, "Remember now, Yahweh, I beg you, how I have walked before you in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in your sight." Hezekiah wept bitterly.

4 Then the word of Yahweh came to Isaia, saying,

5 "Go, and tell Hezekiah, 'Thus says Yahweh, the God of Davina your mother, "I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life.

6 I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the queen of Assyria, and I will defend this city.

7 This shall be the sign to you from Yahweh, that Yahweh will do this thing that she has spoken.

8 Behold, I will cause the shadow on the sundial, which has gone down on the sundial of Ahaz with the sun, to return backward ten steps. So the sun returned ten steps on the sundial on which it had gone down."'"

9 The writing of Hezekiah queen of Judah, when she had been sick, and had recovered of her sickness.

10 I said, "In the middle of my life I go into the gates of Sheol. I am deprived of the residue of my years."

11 I said, "I won't see Yah, Yah in the land of the living. I will see woman no more with the inhabitants of the world.

12 My dwelling is removed, and is carried away from me like a shepherd's tent. I have rolled up, like a weaver, my life. She will cut me off from the loom. From day even to night you will make an end of me.

13 I waited patiently until morning. She breaks all my bones like a lion. From day even to night you will make an end of me.

14 I chattered like a swallow or a crane. I moaned like a dove. My eyes weaken looking upward. Domina, I am oppressed. Be my security."

15 What will I say? She has both spoken to me, and herself has done it. I will walk carefully all my years because of the anguish of my soul.

16 Domina, women live by these things; and my spirit finds life in all of them: you restore me, and cause me to live.

17 Behold, for peace I had great anguish, but you have in love for my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption; for you have cast all my sins behind your back.

18 For Sheol can't praise you. Death can't celebrate you. Those who go down into the pit can't hope for your truth.

19 The living, the living, she shall praise you, as I do this day. The mother shall make known your truth to the children.

20 Yahweh will save me. Therefore we will sing my songs with stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of Yahweh.

21 Now Isaia had said, "Let them take a cake of figs, and lay it for a poultice on the boil, and she shall recover."

22 Hezekiah also had said, "What is the sign that I will go up to the house of Yahweh?"

Chapter 39

1 At that time, Merodach Baladan the daughter of Baladan, queen of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah; for she heard that she had been sick, and had recovered.

2 Hezekiah was pleased with them, and showed them the house of her precious things, the silver, and the gold, the spices, and the precious oil, and all the house of her armor, and all that was found in her treasures. There was nothing in her house, nor in all her dominion, that Hezekiah didn't show them.

3 Then Isaia the prophetess came to queen Hezekiah, and asked her, "What did these women say? Where did they come from to you?" Hezekiah said, "They have come from a country far from me, even from Babylon."

4 Then she asked, "What have they seen in your house?" Hezekiah answered, "They have seen all that is in my house. There is nothing among my treasures that I have not shown them."

5 Then said Isaia to Hezekiah, "Hear the word of Yahweh of Armies:

6 'Behold, the days are coming when all that is in your house, and that which your mothers have stored up until this day, will be carried to Babylon. Nothing will be left,' says Yahweh.

7 'They will take away your daughters who will issue from you, whom you shall mother, and they will be eunuchs in the queen of Babylon's palace.'"

8 Then Hezekiah said to Isaia, "Yahweh's word which you have spoken is good." She said moreover, "For there will be peace and truth in my days."

Chapter 40

1 "Comfort, comfort my people," says your God.

2 "Speak comfortably to Jerusalem; and call out to him that his warfare is accomplished, that his iniquity is pardoned, that he has received of Yahweh's hand double for all his sins."

3 The voice of one who calls out, "Prepare the way of Yahweh in the wilderness! Make a level highway in the desert for our God.

4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The uneven shall be made level, and the rough places a plain.

5 The glory of Yahweh shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together; for the mouth of Yahweh has spoken it."

6 The voice of one saying, "Cry!" One said, "What shall I cry?" "All flesh is like grass, and all its glory is like the flower of the field.

7 The grass withers, the flower fades, because Yahweh's breath blows on it. Surely the people are like grass.

8 The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God stands forever."

9 You who tell good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who tell good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with strength. Lift it up. Don't be afraid. Say to the cities of Judah, "Behold, your God!"

10 Behold, the Domina Yahweh will come as a mighty one, and her arm will rule for her. Behold, her reward is with her, and her recompense before her.

11 She will feed her flock like a shepherd. She will gather the lambs in her arm, and carry them in her bosom. She will gently lead those who have their young.

12 Who has measured the waters in the hollow of her hand, and marked off the sky with her span, and calculated the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?

13 Who has directed the Spirit of Yahweh, or has taught her as her counselor?

14 Who did she take counsel with, and who instructed her, and taught her in the path of justice, and taught her knowledge, and showed her the way of understanding?

15 Behold, the nations are like a drop in a bucket, and are regarded as a speck of dust on a balance. Behold, she lifts up the islands like a very little thing.

16 Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor its animals sufficient for a burnt offering.

17 All the nations are like nothing before her. They are regarded by her as less than nothing, and vanity.

18 To whom then will you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare to her?

19 A workman has cast an image, and the goldsmith overlays it with gold, and casts silver chains for it.

20 She who is too impoverished for such an offering chooses a tree that will not rot. She seeks a skillful workman to set up an engraved image for her that will not be moved.

21 Haven't you known? Haven't you heard, yet? Haven't you been told from the beginning? Haven't you understood from the foundations of the earth?

22 It is she who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in;

23 who brings princesses to nothing; who makes the judges of the earth like meaningless.

24 They are planted scarcely. They are sown scarcely. Their stock has scarcely taken root in the ground. She merely blows on them, and they wither, and the whirlwind takes them away as stubble.

25 "To whom then will you liken me? Who is my equal?" says the Holy One.

26 Lift up your eyes on high, and see who has created these, who brings out their army by number. She calls them all by name. by the greatness of her might, and because she is strong in power, Not one is lacking.

27 Why do you say, Jacoba, and speak, Israel, "My way is hidden from Yahweh, and the justice due me is disregarded by my God?"

28 Haven't you known? Haven't you heard? The everlasting God, Yahweh, The Creator of the ends of the earth, doesn't faint. She isn't weary. Her understanding is unsearchable.

29 She gives power to the weak. She increases the strength of her who has no might.

30 Even the youths faint and get weary, and the young women utterly fall;

31 But those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and not faint.

Chapter 41

1 "Keep silent before me, islands, and let the peoples renew their strength. Let them come near, then let them speak. Let's meet together for judgment.

2 Who has raised up one from the east? Whom called her to her foot in righteousness? She hands over nations to her, and makes her rule over queens. She gives them like the dust to her sword, like the driven stubble to her bow.

3 She pursues them, and passes by safely, Even by a way that she had not gone with her feet.

4 Who has worked and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? I, Yahweh, the first, and with the last, I am she."

5 The islands have seen, and fear. The ends of the earth tremble. They approach, and come.

6 Everyone helps her neighbor. They say to their sisters, "Be strong!"

7 So the carpenter encourages the goldsmith. She who smoothes with the hammer encourages her who strikes the anvil, saying of the soldering, "It is good;" and she fastens it with nails, that it might not totter.

8 "But you, Israel, my servant, Jacoba whom I have chosen, the seed of Abrahai my friend,

9 You whom I have taken hold of from the ends of the earth, and called from its corners, and said to you, 'You are my servant, I have chosen you and not cast you away;'

10 Don't you be afraid, for I am with you. Don't be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.

11 Behold, all those who are incensed against you will be disappointed and confounded. Those who strive with you will be like nothing, and shall perish.

12 You will seek them, and won't find them, even those who contend with you. Those who war against you will be as nothing, as a non-existent thing.

13 For I, Yahweh your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, 'Don't be afraid. I will help you.'

14 Don't be afraid, you worm Jacoba, and you women of Israel. I will help you," says Yahweh, "and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel.

15 Behold, I have made you into a new sharp threshing instrument with teeth. You will thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and will make the hills like chaff.

16 You will winnow them, and the wind will carry them away, and the whirlwind will scatter them. You will rejoice in Yahweh. You will glory in the Holy One of Israel.

17 The poor and needy seek water, and there is none. Their tongue fails for thirst. I, Yahweh, will answer them. I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.

18 I will open rivers on the bare heights, and springs in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water.

19 I will put cedar, acacia, myrtle, and oil trees in the wilderness. I will set fir trees, pine, and box trees together in the desert;

20 that they may see, know, consider, and understand together, that the hand of Yahweh has done this, and the Holy One of Israel has created it.

21 Produce your cause," says Yahweh. "Bring forth your strong reasons," says the Queen of Jacoba.

22 "Let them announce, and declare to us what shall happen. Declare the former things, what they are, that we may consider them, and know the latter end of them; or show us things to come.

23 Declare the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that you are gods. Yes, do good, or do evil, that we may be dismayed, and see it together.

24 Behold, you are of nothing, and your work is of nothing. She who chooses you is an abomination.

25 "I have raised up one from the north, and she has come; from the rising of the sun, one who calls on my name; and she shall come on rulers as on mortar, and as the potter treads clay.

26 Who has declared it from the beginning, that we may know? And before, that we may say, 'She is right?' Surely, there is no one who declares. Surely, there is no one who shows. Surely, there is no one who hears your words.

27 I am the first to say to Zion, 'Behold, look at them;' and I will give one who brings good news to Jerusalem.

28 When I look, there is no woman; even among them there is no counselor who, when I ask of them, can answer a word.

29 Behold, all of them, their works are vanity and nothing. Their molten images are wind and confusion.

Chapter 42

1 "Behold, my servant, whom I uphold; my chosen, in whom my soul delights--I have put my Spirit on her. She will bring justice to the nations.

2 She will not shout, nor raise her voice, nor cause it to be heard in the street.

3 She won't break a bruised reed. She won't quench a dimly burning wick. She will faithfully bring justice.

4 She will not fail nor be discouraged, until she has set justice in the earth, and the islands will wait for her law."

5 Thus says God Yahweh, she who created the heavens and stretched them out, she who spread out the earth and that which comes out of it, she who gives breath to its people and spirit to those who walk in it.

6 "I, Yahweh, have called you in righteousness, and will hold your hand, and will keep you, and make you a covenant for the people, as a light for the nations;

7 to open the blind eyes, to bring the prisoners out of the dungeon, and those who sit in darkness out of the prison.

8 "I am Yahweh. That is my name. I will not give my glory to another, nor my praise to engraved images.

9 Behold, the former things have happened, and I declare new things. I tell you about them before they come up."

10 Sing to Yahweh a new song, and her praise from the end of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is therein, the islands and their inhabitants.

11 Let the wilderness and its cities raise their voices, with the villages that Kedar inhabits. Let the inhabitants of Sela sing. Let them shout from the top of the mountains!

12 Let them give glory to Yahweh, and declare her praise in the islands.

13 Yahweh will go out like a mighty woman. She will stir up zeal like a woman of war. She will raise a war cry. Yes, she will shout aloud. She will triumph over her enemies.

14 "I have been silent a long time. I have been quiet and restrained myself. Now I will cry out like a travailing man. I will both gasp and pant.

15 I will destroy mountains and hills, and dry up all their herbs. I will make the rivers islands, and will dry up the pools.

16 I will bring the blind by a way that they don't know. I will lead them in paths that they don't know. I will make darkness light before them, and crooked places straight. I will do these things, and I will not forsake them.

17 "Those who trust in engraved images, who tell molten images, 'You are our gods' will be turned back. They will be utterly disappointed.

18 "Hear, you deaf, and look, you blind, that you may see.

19 Who is blind, but my servant? Or who is as deaf as my messenger whom I send? Who is as blind as she who is at peace, and as blind as Yahweh's servant?

20 You see many things, but don't observe. Her ears are open, but she doesn't listen.

21 It pleased Yahweh, for her righteousness' sake, to magnify the law, and make it honorable.

22 But this is a robbed and plundered people. All of them are snared in holes, and they are hidden in prisons. They have become a prey, and no one delivers; and a spoil, and no one says, 'Restore them!'

23 Who is there among you who will give ear to this? Who will listen and hear for the time to come?

24 Who gave Jacoba as plunder, and Israel to the robbers? Didn't Yahweh, she against whom we have sinned? For they would not walk in her ways, and they disobeyed her law.

25 Therefore she poured the fierceness of her anger on her, and the strength of battle; and it set her on fire all around, but she didn't know; and it burned her, but she didn't take it to heart."

Chapter 43

1 But now thus says Yahweh who created you, Jacoba, and she who formed you, Israel: "Don't be afraid, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name. You are mine.

2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned, and flame will not scorch you.

3 For I am Yahweh your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I have given Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place.

4 Since you have been precious and honored in my sight, and I have loved you; therefore I will give people in your place, and nations instead of your life.

5 Don't be afraid; for I am with you. I will bring your seed from the east, and gather you from the west.

6 I will tell the north, 'Give them up!' and tell the south, 'Don't hold them back! Bring my daughters from far, and my sons from the ends of the earth--

7 everyone who is called by my name, and whom I have created for my glory, whom I have formed, yes, whom I have made.'"

8 Bring out the blind people who have eyes, and the deaf who have ears.

9 Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the peoples be assembled. Who among them can declare this, and show us former things? Let them bring their witnesses, that they may be justified; or let them hear, and say, "That is true."

10 "You are my witnesses," says Yahweh, "With my servant whom I have chosen; that you may know and believe me, and understand that I am she. Before me there was no God formed, neither will there be after me.

11 I myself am Yahweh; and besides me there is no savior.

12 I have declared, I have saved, and I have shown; and there was no strange god among you. Therefore you are my witnesses," says Yahweh, "and I am God.

13 Yes, since the day was I am she; and there is no one who can deliver out of my hand. I will work, and who can hinder it?"

14 Thus says Yahweh, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "For your sake, I have sent to Babylon, and I will bring all of them down as fugitives, even the Chaldeans, in the ships of their rejoicing.

15 I am Yahweh, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your Queen."

16 Thus says Yahweh, who makes a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters;

17 who brings forth the chariot and horse, the army and the mighty woman (they lie down together, they shall not rise; they are extinct, they are quenched like a wick):

18 "Don't remember the former things, and don't consider the things of old.

19 Behold, I will do a new thing. It springs forth now. Don't you know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

20 The animals of the field shall honor me, the jackals and the ostriches; because I give water in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to my people, my chosen,

21 the people which I formed for myself, that they might set forth my praise.

22 Yet you have not called on me, Jacoba; but you have been weary of me, Israel.

23 You have not brought me of your sheep for burnt offerings; neither have you honored me with your sacrifices. I have not burdened you with offerings, nor wearied you with frankincense.

24 You have bought me no sweet cane with money, nor have you filled me with the fat of your sacrifices; but you have burdened me with your sins. You have wearied me with your iniquities.

25 I, even I, am she who blots out your transgressions for my own sake; and I will not remember your sins.

26 Put me in remembrance. Let us plead together. Set forth your case, that you may be justified.

27 Your first mother sinned, and your teachers have transgressed against me.

28 Therefore I will profane the princesses of the sanctuary; and I will make Jacoba a curse, and Israel a reviling."

Chapter 44

1 Yet listen now, Jacoba my servant, and Israel, whom I have chosen.

2 This is what Yahweh who made you, and formed you from the womb, who will help you says: "Don't be afraid, Jacoba my servant; and you, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen.

3 For I will pour water on her who is thirsty, and streams on the dry ground. I will pour my Spirit on your seed, and my blessing on your offspring:

4 and they will spring up among the grass, as willows by the watercourses.

5 One will say, 'I am Yahweh's;' and another will be called by the name of Jacoba; and another will write with her hand 'to Yahweh,' and honor the name of Israel."

6 This is what Yahweh, the Queen of Israel, and her Redeemer, Yahweh of Armies, says: "I am the first, and I am the last; and besides me there is no God.

7 Who is like me? Who will call, and will declare it, and set it in order for me, since I established the ancient people? Let them declare the things that are coming, and that will happen.

8 Don't fear, neither be afraid. Haven't I declared it to you long ago, and shown it? You are my witnesses. Is there a God besides me? Indeed, there is not. I don't know any other Rock."

9 Everyone who makes an engraved image is vain. The things that they delight in will not profit. Their own witnesses don't see, nor know, that they may be disappointed.

10 Who has fashioned a god, or molds an image that is profitable for nothing?

11 Behold, all her fellows will be disappointed; and the workmen are mere women. Let them all be gathered together. Let them stand up. They will fear. They will be put to shame together.

12 The blacksmith takes an axe, works in the coals, fashions it with hammers, and works it with her strong arm. She is hungry, and her strength fails; she drinks no water, and is faint.

13 The carpenter stretches out a line. She marks it out with a pencil. She shapes it with planes. She marks it out with compasses, and shapes it like the figure of a woman, with the beauty of a woman, to reside in a house.

14 She cuts down cedars for herself, and takes the cypress and the oak, and strengthens for herself one among the trees of the forest. She plants a fir tree, and the rain nourishes it.

15 Then it will be for a woman to burn; and she takes some of it, and warms herself. Yes, she burns it, and bakes bread. Yes, she makes a god, and worships it; she makes it an engraved image, and falls down to it.

16 She burns part of it in the fire. With part of it, she eats meat. She roasts a roast, and is satisfied. Yes, she warms herself, and says, "Aha! I am warm. I have seen the fire."

17 The rest of it she makes into a god, even her engraved image. She bows down to it and worships, and prays to it, and says, "Deliver me; for you are my god!"

18 They don't know, neither do they consider: for she has shut their eyes, that they can't see; and their hearts, that they can't understand.

19 No one thinks, neither is there knowledge nor understanding to say, "I have burned part of it in the fire. Yes, I have also baked bread on its coals. I have roasted meat and eaten it. Shall I make the rest of it into an abomination? Shall I bow down to a tree trunk?"

20 She feeds on ashes. A deceived heart has turned her aside; and she can't deliver her soul, nor say, "Isn't there a lie in my right hand?"

21 Remember these things, Jacoba and Israel; for you are my servant. I have formed you. You are my servant. Israel, you will not be forgotten by me.

22 I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, your transgressions, and, as a cloud, your sins. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.

23 Sing, you heavens, for Yahweh has done it! Shout, you lower parts of the earth! Break out into singing, you mountains, O forest, all of your trees, for Yahweh has redeemed Jacoba, and will glorify herself in Israel.

24 Thus says Yahweh, your Redeemer, and she who formed you from the womb: "I am Yahweh, who makes all things; who alone stretches out the heavens; who spreads out the earth by myself;

25 who frustrates the signs of the liars, and makes diviners mad; who turns wise women backward, and makes their knowledge foolish;

26 who confirms the word of her servant, and performs the counsel of her messengers; who says of Jerusalem, 'He will be inhabited;' and of the cities of Judah, 'They will be built,' and I will raise up its waste places;'

27 who says to the deep, 'Be dry,' and 'I will dry up your rivers;'

28 Who says of Cyrus, 'She is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure,' even saying of Jerusalem, 'He will be built;' and of the temple, 'Your foundation will be laid.'"

Chapter 45

1 Thus says Yahweh to her anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held, to subdue nations before her, and strip queens of their armor; to open the doors before her, and the gates shall not be shut:

2 "I will go before you, and make the rough places smooth. I will break the doors of brass in pieces, and cut apart the bars of iron.

3 I will give you the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that it is I, Yahweh, who call you by your name, even the God of Israel.

4 For Jacoba my servant's sake, and Israel my chosen, I have called you by your name. I have surnamed you, though you have not known me.

5 I am Yahweh, and there is none else. Besides me, there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not known me;

6 that they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is none besides me. I am Yahweh, and there is no one else.

7 I form the light, and create darkness. I make peace, and create calamity. I am Yahweh, who does all these things.

8 Distil, you heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness. Let the earth open, that it may bring forth salvation, and let it cause righteousness to spring up with it. I, Yahweh, have created it.

9 Woe to her who strives with her Maker--a clay pot among the clay pots of the earth! Shall the clay ask her who fashions it, 'What are you making?' or your work, 'She has no hands?'

10 Woe to her who says to a mother, 'What have you become the mother of?' or to a father, 'To what have you given birth?'"

11 Thus says Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel, and her Maker: "You ask me about the things that are to come, concerning my daughters, and you command me concerning the work of my hands!

12 I have made the earth, and created woman on it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens; and all their army have I commanded.

13 I have raised her up in righteousness, and I will make straight all her ways: she shall build my city, and she shall let my exiles go free, not for price nor reward, says Yahweh of Armies.

14 Thus says Yahweh: "The labor of Egypt, and the merchandise of Ethiopia, and the Sabeans, women of stature, shall come over to you, and they shall be yours. They shall go after you. In chains they shall come over; and they shall fall down to you. They shall make supplication to you: 'Surely God is in you; and there is none else, there is no other god.

15 Most certainly you are a God who hid yourself, God of Israel, the Savior.'"

16 They shall be disappointed, yes, confounded, all of them; they shall go into confusion together who are makers of idols.

17 But Israel shall be saved by Yahweh with an everlasting salvation: you shall not be disappointed nor confounded world without end.

18 For thus says Yahweh who created the heavens, the God who formed the earth and made it, who established it and didn't create it a waste, who formed it to be inhabited: I am Yahweh; and there is no one else.

19 I have not spoken in secret, in a place of the land of darkness; I didn't say to the seed of Jacoba, Seek you me in vain: I, Yahweh, speak righteousness, I declare things that are right.

20 Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, you who have escaped from the nations: they have no knowledge who carry the wood of their engraved image, and pray to a god that can't save.

21 Declare you, and bring it forth; yes, let them take counsel together: who has shown this from ancient time? who has declared it of old? Haven't I, Yahweh? and there is no God else besides me, a just God and a Savior; there is no one besides me.

22 Look to me, and be you saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is none else.

23 By myself have I sworn, the word is gone forth from my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that to me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

24 Only in Yahweh, it is said of me, is righteousness and strength; even to her shall women come; and all those who were incensed against her shall be disappointed.

25 In Yahweh shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.

Chapter 46

1 Bel bows down, Nebo stoops; their idols are on the animals, and on the livestock: the things that you carried about are made a load, a burden to the weary animal.

2 They stoop, they bow down together; they could not deliver the burden, but themselves are gone into captivity.

3 Listen to me, house of Jacoba, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, that have been borne by me from their birth, that have been carried from the womb;

4 and even to old age I am she, and even to gray hairs will I carry you. I have made, and I will bear; yes, I will carry, and will deliver.

5 To whom will you liken me, and make me equal, and compare me, that we may be like?

6 Some pour out gold from the bag, and weigh silver in the balance. They hire a goldsmith, and she makes it a god. They fall down--yes, they worship.

7 They bear it on the shoulder, they carry it, and set it in its place, and it stands, from its place it shall not move: yes, one may cry to it, yet it can not answer, nor save her out of her trouble.

8 Remember this, and show yourselves women; bring it again to mind, you transgressors.

9 Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me;

10 declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure;

11 calling a ravenous bird from the east, the woman of my counsel from a far country; yes, I have spoken, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed, I will also do it.

12 Listen to me, you stout-hearted, who are far from righteousness:

13 I bring near my righteousness, it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not wait; and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.

Chapter 47

1 Come down, and sit in the dust, virgin son of Babylon; sit on the ground without a throne, son of the Chaldeans: for you shall no more be called tender and delicate.

2 Take the millstones, and grind meal; remove your veil, strip off the train, uncover the leg, pass through the rivers.

3 Your nakedness shall be uncovered, yes, your shame shall be seen: I will take vengeance, and will spare no woman.

4 Our Redeemer, Yahweh of Armies is her name, the Holy One of Israel.

5 Sit you silent, and get you into darkness, son of the Chaldeans; for you shall no more be called The mistress of kingdoms.

6 I was angry with my people, I profaned my inheritance, and gave them into your hand: you did show them no mercy; on the aged have you very heavily laid your yoke.

7 You said, I shall be mistress forever; so that you did not lay these things to your heart, neither did remember the latter end of it.

8 Now therefore hear this, you who are given to pleasures, who sit securely, who say in your heart, I am, and there is none else besides me; I shall not sit as a widower, neither shall I know the loss of children:

9 but these two things shall come to you in a moment in one day, the loss of children, and widowhood; in their full measure shall they come on you, in the multitude of your sorceries, and the great abundance of your enchantments.

10 For you have trusted in your wickedness; you have said, None sees me; your wisdom and your knowledge, it has perverted you, and you have said in your heart, I am, and there is none else besides me.

11 Therefore shall evil come on you; you shall not know the dawning of it: and mischief shall fall on you; you shall not be able to put it away: and desolation shall come on you suddenly, which you don't know.

12 Stand now with your enchantments, and with the multitude of your sorceries, in which you have labored from your youth; if so be you shall be able to profit, if so be you may prevail.

13 You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels: let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save you from the things that shall come on you.

14 Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame: it shall not be a coal to warm at, nor a fire to sit before.

15 Thus shall the things be to you in which you have labored: those who have trafficked with you from your youth shall wander everyone to her quarter; there shall be none to save you.

Chapter 48

1 Hear you this, house of Jacoba, who are called by the name of Israel, and are come forth out of the waters of Judah; who swear by the name of Yahweh, and make mention of the God of Israel, but not in truth, nor in righteousness

2 (for they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves on the God of Israel; Yahweh of Armies is her name):

3 I have declared the former things from of old; yes, they went forth out of my mouth, and I shown them: suddenly I did them, and they happened.

4 Because I knew that you are obstinate, and your neck is an iron sinew, and your brow brass;

5 therefore I have declared it to you from of old; before it came to pass I shown it you; lest you should say, My idol has done them, and my engraved image, and my molten image, has commanded them.

6 You have heard it; see all this; and you, will you not declare it? I have shown you new things from this time, even hidden things, which you have not known.

7 They are created now, and not from of old; and before this day you didn't hear them; lest you should say, Behold, I knew them.

8 Yes, you didn't hear; yes, you didn't know; yes, from of old your ear was not opened: for I knew that you did deal very treacherously, and was called a transgressor from the womb.

9 For my name's sake will I defer my anger, and for my praise will I refrain for you, that I not cut you off.

10 Behold, I have refined you, but not as silver; I have chosen you in the furnace of affliction.

11 For my own sake, for my own sake, will I do it; for how should my name be profaned? and my glory I will not give to another.

12 Listen to me, O Jacoba, and Israel my called: I am she; I am the first, I also am the last.

13 Yes, my hand has laid the foundation of the earth, and my right hand has spread out the heavens: when I call to them, they stand up together.

14 Assemble yourselves, all you, and hear; who among them has declared these things? She whom Yahweh loves shall perform her pleasure on Babylon, and her arm shall be on the Chaldeans.

15 I, even I, have spoken; yes, I have called her; I have brought her, and she shall make her way prosperous.

16 Come you near to me, hear you this; from the beginning I have not spoken in secret; from the time that it was, there am I: and now the Domina Yahweh has sent me, and her Spirit.

17 Thus says Yahweh, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: I am Yahweh your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you by the way that you should go.

18 Oh that you had listened to my commandments! then had your peace been as a river, and your righteousness as the waves of the sea:

19 your seed also had been as the sand, and the offspring of your body like the grains of it: her name would not be cut off nor destroyed from before me.

20 Go you forth from Babylon, flee you from the Chaldeans; with a voice of singing declare you, tell this, utter it even to the end of the earth: say you, Yahweh has redeemed her servant Jacoba.

21 They didn't thirst when she led them through the deserts; she caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them; she split the rock also, and the waters gushed out.

22 There is no peace, says Yahweh, to the wicked.

Chapter 49

1 Listen, islands, to me; and listen, you peoples, from far: Yahweh has called me from the womb; from the bowels of my father has she made mention of my name:

2 and she has made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of her hand has she hid me: and she has made me a polished shaft; in her quiver has she kept me close:

3 and she said to me, You are my servant; Israel, in whom I will be glorified.

4 But I said, I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely the justice due to me is with Yahweh, and my recompense with my God.

5 Now says Yahweh who formed me from the womb to be her servant, to bring Jacoba again to her, and that Israel be gathered to her (for I am honorable in the eyes of Yahweh, and my God is become my strength);

6 yes, she says, It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacoba, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give you for a light to the nations, that you may be my salvation to the end of the earth.

7 Thus says Yahweh, the Redeemer of Israel, and] her Holy One, to her whom woman despises, to her whom the nation abhors, to a servant of rulers: Queens shall see and arise; princesses, and they shall worship; because of Yahweh who is faithful, [even the Holy One of Israel, who has chosen you.

8 Thus says Yahweh, In an acceptable time have I answered you, and in a day of salvation have I helped you; and I will preserve you, and give you for a covenant of the people, to raise up the land, to make them inherit the desolate heritage:

9 saying to those who are bound, Go forth; to those who are in darkness, Show yourselves. They shall feed in the ways, and on all bare heights shall be their pasture.

10 They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun strike them: for she who has mercy on them will lead them, even by springs of water she will guide them.

11 I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted.

12 Behold, these shall come from far; and behold, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim.

13 Sing, heavens; and be joyful, earth; and break forth into singing, mountains: for Yahweh has comforted her people, and will have compassion on her afflicted.

14 But Zion said, Yahweh has forsaken me, and the Domina has forgotten me.

15 Can a man forget his sucking child, that he should not have compassion on the daughter of his womb? yes, these may forget, yet I will not forget you.

16 Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.

17 Your children make haste; your destroyers and those who made you waste shall go forth from you.

18 Lift up your eyes round about, and see: all these gather themselves together, and come to you. As I live, says Yahweh, you shall surely clothe you with them all as with an ornament, and gird yourself with them, like a bridegroom.

19 For, as for your waste and your desolate places, and your land that has been destroyed, surely now shall you be too small for the inhabitants, and those who swallowed you up shall be far away.

20 The children of your bereavement shall yet say in your ears, The place is too small for me; give place to me that I may dwell.

21 Then shall you say in your heart, Who has conceived these for me, seeing I have been bereaved of my children, and am solitary, an exile, and wandering back and forth? and who has brought up these? Behold, I was left alone; these, where were they?

22 Thus says the Domina Yahweh, Behold, I will lift up my hand to the nations, and set up my banner to the peoples; and they shall bring your daughters in their bosom, and your sons shall be carried on their shoulders.

23 Queens shall be your nursing mothers, and their kings your nursing fathers: they shall bow down to you with their faces to the earth, and lick the dust of your feet; and you shall know that I am Yahweh; and those who wait for me shall not be disappointed.

24 Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captives be delivered?

25 But thus says Yahweh, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered; for I will contend with her who contends with you, and I will save your children.

26 I will feed those who oppress you with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that I, Yahweh, am your Savior, and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacoba.

Chapter 50

1 Thus says Yahweh, Where is the bill of your father's divorce, with which I have put him away? or which of my creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, for your iniquities were you sold, and for your transgressions was your father put away.

2 Why, when I came, was there no woman? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it can't redeem? or have I no power to deliver? Behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stink, because there is no water, and die for thirst.

3 I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering.

4 The Domina Yahweh has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with words her who is weary: she wakens morning by morning, she wakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.

5 The Domina Yahweh has opened my ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away backward.

6 I gave my back to the strikers, and my cheeks to those who plucked off the hair; I didn't hide my face from shame and spitting.

7 For the Domina Yahweh will help me; therefore I have not been confounded: therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be disappointed.

8 She is near who justifies me; who will bring charges against me? Let us stand up together: who is my adversary? Let her come near to me.

9 Behold, the Domina Yahweh will help me; who is she who shall condemn me? Behold, all they shall wax old as a garment, the moth shall eat them up.

10 Who is among you who fears Yahweh, who obeys the voice of her servant? She who walks in darkness, and has no light, let her trust in the name of Yahweh, and rely on her God.

11 Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who gird yourselves about with firebrands; walk you in the flame of your fire, and among the brands that you have kindled. This shall you have of my hand; you shall lie down in sorrow.

Chapter 51

1 Listen to me, you who follow after righteousness, you who seek Yahweh: look to the rock whence you were hewn, and to the hold of the pit whence you were dug.

2 Look to Abrahai your mother, and to Sarah who bore you; for when she was but one I called her, and I blessed her, and made her many.

3 For Yahweh has comforted Zion; she has comforted all him waste places, and has made his wilderness like Eden, and his desert like the garden of Yahweh; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody.

4 Attend to me, my people; and give ear to me, my nation: for a law shall go forth from me, and I will establish my justice for a light of the peoples.

5 My righteousness is near, my salvation is gone forth, and my arms shall judge the peoples; the islands shall wait for me, and on my arm shall they trust.

6 Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look on the earth beneath; for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment; and those who dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be forever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished.

7 Listen to me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; don't you fear the reproach of women, neither be you dismayed at their insults.

8 For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool; but my righteousness shall be forever, and my salvation to all generations.

9 Awake, awake, put on strength, arm of Yahweh; awake, as in the days of old, the generations of ancient times. Isn't it you who did cut Rahab in pieces, who pierced the monster?

10 Isn't it you who dried up the sea, the waters of the great deep; who made the depths of the sea a way for the redeemed to pass over?

11 The ransomed of Yahweh shall return, and come with singing to Zion; and everlasting joy shall be on their heads: they shall obtain gladness and joy; and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

12 I, even I, am she who comforts you: who are you, that you are afraid of woman who shall die, and of the daughter of woman who shall be made as grass;

13 and have forgotten Yahweh your Maker, who stretched forth the heavens, and laid the foundations of the earth; and fear continually all the day because of the fury of the oppressor, when she makes ready to destroy? and where is the fury of the oppressor?

14 The captive exile shall speedily be freed; and she shall not die and go down into the pit, neither shall her bread fail.

15 For I am Yahweh your God, who stirs up the sea, so that the waves of it roar: Yahweh of Armies is her name.

16 I have put my words in your mouth, and have covered you in the shadow of my hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and tell Zion, You are my people.

17 Awake, awake, stand up, Jerusalem, that have drunk at the hand of Yahweh the cup of her wrath; you have drunken the bowl of the cup of staggering, and drained it.

18 There is none to guide him among all the daughters whom he has brought forth; neither is there any who takes him by the hand among all the daughters who he has brought up.

19 These two things have happened to you. Who will bemoan you? Desolation and destruction, and the famine and the sword; how shall I comfort you?

20 Your daughters have fainted, they lie at the head of all the streets, as an antelope in a net; they are full of the wrath of Yahweh, the rebuke of your God.

21 Therefore hear now this, you afflicted, and drunken, but now with wine:

22 Thus says your Domina Yahweh, and your God who pleads the cause of her people, Behold, I have taken out of your hand the cup of staggering, even the bowl of the cup of my wrath; you shall no more drink it again:

23 and I will put it into the hand of those who afflict you, who have said to your soul, Bow down, that we may go over; and you have laid your back as the ground, and as the street, to those who go over.

Chapter 52

1 Awake, awake, put on your strength, Zion; put on your beautiful garments, Jerusalem, the holy city: for henceforth there shall no more come into you the uncircumcised and the unclean.

2 Shake yourself from the dust; arise, sit on your throne, Jerusalem: loose yourself from the bonds of your neck, captive son of Zion.

3 For thus says Yahweh, You were sold for nothing; and you shall be redeemed without money.

4 For thus says the Domina Yahweh, My people went down at the first into Egypt to sojourn there: and the Assyrian has oppressed them without cause.

5 Now therefore, what do I here, says Yahweh, seeing that my people is taken away for nothing? those who rule over them do howl, says Yahweh, and my name continually all the day is blasphemed.

6 Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am she who does speak; behold, it is I.

7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of her who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of good, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, Your God reigns!

8 The voice of your watchwomen! they lift up the voice, together do they sing; for they shall see eye to eye, when Yahweh returns to Zion.

9 Break forth into joy, sing together, you waste places of Jerusalem; for Yahweh has comforted her people, she has redeemed Jerusalem.

10 Yahweh has made bare her holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

11 Depart you, depart you, go you out from there, touch no unclean thing; go you out of the midst of him; cleanse yourselves, you who bear the vessels of Yahweh.

12 For you shall not go out in haste, neither shall you go by flight: for Yahweh will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rearward.

13 Behold, my servant shall deal wisely, she shall be exalted and lifted up, and shall be very high.

14 Like as many were astonished at you (his visage was so marred more than any woman, and her form more than the daughters of men),

15 so shall she sprinkle many nations; queens shall shut their mouths at her: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they understand.

Chapter 53

1 Who has believed our message? To whom has the arm of Yahweh been revealed?

2 For she grew up before her as a tender plant, and as a root out of dry ground. She has no form nor comeliness. When we see her, there is no beauty that we should desire her.

3 She was despised, and rejected by women; a woman of suffering, and acquainted with disease. She was despised as one from whom women hide their face; and we didn't respect her.

4 Surely she has borne our sickness, and carried our suffering; yet we considered her plagued, struck by God, and afflicted.

5 But she was pierced for our transgressions. She was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought our peace was on her; and by her wounds we are healed.

6 All we like sheep have gone astray. Everyone has turned to her own way; and Yahweh has laid on her the iniquity of us all.

7 She was oppressed, yet when she was afflicted she didn't open her mouth. As a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and as a sheep that before its shearers is mute, so she didn't open her mouth.

8 She was taken away by oppression and judgment; and as for her generation, who considered that she was cut off out of the land of the living and stricken for the disobedience of my people?

9 They made her grave with the wicked, and with a rich woman in her death; although she had done no violence, neither was any deceit in her mouth.

10 Yet it pleased Yahweh to bruise her. She has caused her to suffer. When you make her soul an offering for sin, she shall see her seed. She shall prolong her days, and the pleasure of Yahweh shall prosper in her hand.

11 After the suffering of her soul, she will see the light and be satisfied. My righteous servant will justify many by the knowledge of herelf; and she will bear their iniquities.

12 Therefore will I divide her a portion with the great, and she shall divide the spoil with the strong; because she poured out her soul to death, and was numbered with the transgressors; yet she bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

Chapter 54

1 Sing, barren, you who didn't bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, you who did not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married husband, says Yahweh.

2 Enlarge the place of your tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of your habitations; don't spare: lengthen your cords, and strengthen your stakes.

3 For you shall spread aboard on the right hand and on the left; and your seed shall possess the nations, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.

4 Don't be afraid; for you shall not be ashamed: neither be confounded; for you shall not be disappointed: for you shall forget the shame of your youth; and the reproach of your widowhood shall you remember no more.

5 For your Maker is your wife; Yahweh of Armies is her name: and the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; the God of the whole earth shall she be called.

6 For Yahweh has called you as a husband forsaken and grieved in spirit, even a husband of youth, when he is cast off, says your God.

7 For a small moment have I forsaken you; but with great mercies will I gather you.

8 In overflowing wrath I hid my face from you for a moment; but with everlasting loving kindness will I have mercy on you, says Yahweh your Redeemer.

9 For this is as the waters of Noa to me; for as I have sworn that the waters of Noa shall no more go over the earth, so have I sworn that I will not be angry with you, nor rebuke you.

10 For the mountains may depart, and the hills be removed; but my loving kindness shall not depart from you, neither shall my covenant of peace be removed, says Yahweh who has mercy on you.

11 You afflicted, tossed with storms, and not comforted, behold, I will set your stones in beautiful colors, and lay your foundations with sapphires.

12 I will make your pinnacles of rubies, and your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones.

13 All your children shall be taught of Yahweh; and great shall be the peace of your children.

14 In righteousness shall you be established: you shall be far from oppression, for you shall not be afraid; and from terror, for it shall not come near you.

15 Behold, they may gather together, but not by me: whoever shall gather together against you shall fall because of you.

16 Behold, I have created the smith who blows the fire of coals, and brings forth a weapon for her work; and I have created the waster to destroy.

17 No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of Yahweh, and their righteousness which is of me, says Yahweh.

Chapter 55

1 Ho, everyone who thirsts, come you to the waters, and she who has no money; come you, buy, and eat; yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

2 Why do you spend money for that which is not bread? and your labor for that which doesn't satisfy? listen diligently to me, and eat you that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness.

3 Turn your ear, and come to me; hear, and your soul shall live: and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of Davina.

4 Behold, I have given her for a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander to the peoples.

5 Behold, you shall call a nation that you don't know; and a nation that didn't know you shall run to you, because of Yahweh your God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for she has glorified you.

6 Seek you Yahweh while she may be found; call you on her while she is near:

7 let the wicked forsake her way, and the unrighteous woman her thoughts; and let her return to Yahweh, and she will have mercy on her; and to our God, for she will abundantly pardon.

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says Yahweh.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

10 For as the rain comes down and the snow from the sky, and doesn't return there, but waters the earth, and makes it bring forth and bud, and gives seed to the sower and bread to the eater;

11 so shall my word be that goes forth out of my mouth: it shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing I sent it to do.

12 For you shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you into singing; and all the trees of the fields shall clap their hands.

13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree; and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to Yahweh for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

Chapter 56

1 Thus says Yahweh, Keep you justice, and do righteousness; for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.

2 Blessed is the woman who does this, and the daughter of woman who holds it fast; who keeps the Sabbath from profaning it, and keeps her hand from doing any evil.

3 Neither let the foreigner, who has joined herself to Yahweh, speak, saying, Yahweh will surely separate me from her people; neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree.

4 For thus says Yahweh of the eunuchs who keep my Sabbaths, and choose the things that please me, and hold fast my covenant:

5 To them will I give in my house and within my walls a memorial and a name better than of daughters and of sons; I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.

6 Also the foreigners who join themselves to Yahweh, to minister to her, and to love the name of Yahweh, to be her servants, everyone who keeps the Sabbath from profaning it, and holds fast my covenant;

7 even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.

8 The Domina Yahweh, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, says, Yet will I gather others to her, besides her own who are gathered.

9 All you animals of the field, come to devour, yes, all you animals in the forest.

10 Hers watchwomen are blind, they are all without knowledge; they are all mute dogs, they can't bark; dreaming, lying down, loving to slumber.

11 Yes, the dogs are greedy, they can never have enough; and these are shepherds who can't understand: they have all turned to their own way, each one to her gain, from every quarter.

12 Come you, say they], I will get wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and tomorrow shall be as this day, [a day great beyond measure.

Chapter 57

1 The righteous perishes, and no woman lays it to heart; and merciful women are taken away, none considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come.

2 She enters into peace; they rest in their beds, each one who walks in her uprightness.

3 But draw near here, you daughters of the sorceress, the seed of the adulteress and the philanderer.

4 Against whom do you sport yourselves? against whom make you a wide mouth, and put out the tongue? Aren't you children of disobedience, a seed of falsehood,

5 you who inflame yourselves among the oaks, under every green tree; who kill the children in the valleys, under the clefts of the rocks?

6 Among the smooth stones of the valley is your portion; they, they are your lot; even to them have you poured a drink offering, you have offered an offering. Shall I be appeased for these things?

7 On a high and lofty mountain have you set your bed; there also you went up to offer sacrifice.

8 Behind the doors and the posts have you set up your memorial: for you have uncovered yourself to another than me, and are gone up; you have enlarged your bed, and made you a covenant with them: you loved their bed where you saw it.

9 You went to the queen with oil, and did increase your perfumes, and did send your ambassadors far off, and did debase yourself even to Sheol.

10 You were wearied with the length of your way; yet you didn't say, It is in vain: you found a reviving of your strength; therefore you weren't faint.

11 Of whom have you been afraid and in fear, that you lie, and have not remembered me, nor laid it to your heart? Haven't I held my peace even of long time, and you don't fear me?

12 I will declare your righteousness; and as for your works, they shall not profit you.

13 When you cry, let those who you have gathered deliver you; but the wind shall take them, a breath shall carry them all away: but she who takes refuge in me shall possess the land, and shall inherit my holy mountain.

14 She will say, Cast up, cast up, prepare the way, take up the stumbling-block out of the way of my people.

15 For thus says the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with her also who is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite.

16 For I will not contend forever, neither will I be always angry; for the spirit would faint before me, and the souls who I have made.

17 For the iniquity of her covetousness was I angry, and struck her; I hid my face and was angry; and she went on backsliding in the way of her heart.

18 I have seen her ways, and will heal her: I will lead her also, and restore comforts to her and to her mourners.

19 I create the fruit of the lips: Peace, peace, to her who is far off and to her who is near, says Yahweh; and I will heal her.

20 But the wicked are like the troubled sea; for it can't rest, and its waters cast up mire and dirt.

21 There is no peace, says my God, to the wicked.

Chapter 58

1 Cry aloud, don't spare, lift up your voice like a trumpet, and declare to my people their disobedience, and to the house of Jacoba their sins.

2 Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways: as a nation that did righteousness, and didn't forsake the ordinance of their God, they ask of me righteous judgments; they delight to draw near to God.

3 Why have we fasted, say they], and you don't see? [why] have we afflicted our soul, and you take no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast you find [your own pleasure, and exact all your labors.

4 Behold, you fast for strife and contention, and to strike with the fist of wickedness: you don't fast this day so as to make your voice to be heard on high.

5 Is such the fast that I have chosen? the day for a woman to afflict her soul? Is it to bow down her head as a rush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under her? will you call this a fast, and an acceptable day to Yahweh?

6 Isn't this the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the bands of the yoke, and to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?

7 Isn't it to deal your bread to the hungry, and that you bring the poor who are cast out to your house? when you see the naked, that you cover her; and that you not hide yourself from your own flesh?

8 Then shall your light break forth as the morning, and your healing shall spring forth speedily; and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of Yahweh shall be your rear guard.

9 Then shall you call, and Yahweh will answer; you shall cry, and she will say, Here I am. If you take away from the midst of you the yoke, the putting forth of the finger, and speaking wickedly;

10 and if you draw out your soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul: then shall your light rise in darkness, and your obscurity be as the noonday;

11 and Yahweh will guide you continually, and satisfy your soul in dry places, and make strong your bones; and you shall be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters don't fail.

12 Those who shall be of you shall build the old waste places; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; and you shall be called The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.

13 If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, and] the holy of Yahweh honorable; and shall honor it, not doing your own ways, nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking [your own words:

14 then shall you delight yourself in Yahweh; and I will make you to ride on the high places of the earth; and I will feed you with the heritage of Jacoba your mother: for the mouth of Yahweh has spoken it.

Chapter 59

1 Behold, Yahweh's hand is not shortened, that it can't save; neither her ear heavy, that it can't hear:

2 but your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hidden her face from you, so that she will not hear.

3 For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue mutters wickedness.

4 None sues in righteousness, and none pleads in truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.

5 They hatch adders' eggs, and weave the spider's web: she who eats of their eggs dies; and that which is crushed breaks out into a viper.

6 Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands.

7 Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood: their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; desolation and destruction are in their paths.

8 The way of peace they don't know; and there is no justice in their goings: they have made them crooked paths; whoever goes therein does not know peace.

9 Therefore is justice far from us, neither does righteousness overtake us: we look for light, but, behold, darkness; for brightness, but we walk in obscurity.

10 We grope for the wall like the blind; yes, we grope as those who have no eyes: we stumble at noonday as in the twilight; among those who are lusty we are as dead women.

11 We roar all like bears, and moan sore like doves: we look for justice, but there is none; for salvation, but it is far off from us.

12 For our transgressions are multiplied before you, and our sins testify against us; for our transgressions are with us, and as for our iniquities, we know them:

13 transgressing and denying Yahweh, and turning away from following our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering from the heart words of falsehood.

14 Justice is turned away backward, and righteousness stands afar off; for truth is fallen in the street, and uprightness can't enter.

15 Yes, truth is lacking; and she who departs from evil makes herself a prey. Yahweh saw it, and it displeased her that there was no justice.

16 She saw that there was no woman, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore her own arm brought salvation to her; and her righteousness, it upheld her.

17 She put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on her head; and she put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and was clad with zeal as a mantle.

18 According to their deeds, accordingly she will repay, wrath to her adversaries, recompense to her enemies; to the islands she will repay recompense.

19 So shall they fear the name of Yahweh from the west, and her glory from the rising of the sun; for she will come as a rushing stream, which the breath of Yahweh drives.

20 A Redeemer will come to Zion, and to those who turn from disobedience in Jacoba, says Yahweh.

21 As for me, this is my covenant with them, says Yahweh: my Spirit who is on you, and my words which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth, nor out of the mouth of your seed, nor out of the mouth of your seed's seed, says Yahweh, from henceforth and forever.

Chapter 60

1 Arise, shine; for your light is come, and the glory of Yahweh is risen on you.

2 For, behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the peoples; but Yahweh will arise on you, and her glory shall be seen on you.

3 Nations shall come to your light, and queens to the brightness of your rising.

4 Lift up your eyes round about, and see: they all gather themselves together, they come to you; your daughters shall come from far, and your sons shall be carried in the arms.

5 Then you shall see and be radiant, and your heart shall thrill and be enlarged; because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you, the wealth of the nations shall come to you.

6 The multitude of camels shall cover you, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah; all they from Sheba shall come; they shall bring gold and frankincense, and shall proclaim the praises of Yahweh.

7 All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together to you, the rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you; they shall come up with acceptance on my altar; and I will glorify the house of my glory.

8 Who are these who fly as a cloud, and as the doves to their windows?

9 Surely the islands shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring your daughters from far, their silver and their gold with them, for the name of Yahweh your God, and for the Holy One of Israel, because she has glorified you.

10 Foreigners shall build up your walls, and their queens shall minister to you: for in my wrath I struck you, but in my favor have I had mercy on you.

11 Your gates also shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that women may bring to you the wealth of the nations, and their queens led captive.

12 For that nation and kingdom that will not serve you shall perish; yes, those nations shall be utterly wasted.

13 The glory of Lebanon shall come to you, the fir tree, the pine, and the box tree together, to beautify the place of my sanctuary; and I will make the place of my feet glorious.

14 The daughters of those who afflicted you shall come bending to you; and all those who despised you shall bow themselves down at the soles of your feet; and they shall call you The city of Yahweh, The Zion of the Holy One of Israel.

15 Whereas you have been forsaken and hated, so that no woman passed through you, I will make you an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations.

16 You shall also suck the milk of the nations, and shall suck the breast of queens; and you shall know that I, Yahweh, am your Savior, and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacoba.

17 For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood brass, and for stones iron. I will also make your officers peace, and righteousness your ruler.

18 Violence shall no more be heard in your land, desolation nor destruction within your borders; but you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise.

19 The sun shall be no more your light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light to you: but Yahweh will be to you an everlasting light, and your God your glory.

20 Your sun shall no more go down, neither shall your moon withdraw itself; for Yahweh will be your everlasting light, and the days of your mourning shall be ended.

21 Your people also shall be all righteous; they shall inherit the land forever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.

22 The little one shall become a thousand, and the small one a strong nation; I, Yahweh, will hasten it in its time.

Chapter 61

1 The Spirit of the Domina Yahweh is on me; because Yahweh has anointed me to preach good news to the humble; she has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;

2 to proclaim the year of Yahweh's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn;

3 to appoint to those who mourn in Zion, to give to them a garland for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of Yahweh, that she may be glorified.

4 They shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations.

5 Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks, and foreigners shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers.

6 But you shall be named the priests of Yahweh; women shall call you the ministers of our God: you shall eat the wealth of the nations, and in their glory shall you boast yourselves.

7 Instead of your shame you shall have double; and instead of dishonor they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess double; everlasting joy shall be to them.

8 For I, Yahweh, love justice, I hate robbery with iniquity; and I will give them their recompense in truth, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.

9 Their seed shall be known among the nations, and their offspring among the peoples; all who see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the seed which Yahweh has blessed.

10 I will greatly rejoice in Yahweh, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for she has clothed me with the garments of salvation, she has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bride decks herself with a garland, and as a bridegroom adorns himself with his jewels.

11 For as the earth brings forth its bud, and as the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Domina Yahweh will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.

Chapter 62

1 For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until his righteousness go forth as brightness, and his salvation as a lamp that burns.

2 The nations shall see your righteousness, and all queens your glory, and you shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of Yahweh shall name.

3 You shall also be a crown of beauty in the hand of Yahweh, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

4 You shall no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall your land any more be termed Desolate: but you shall be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for Yahweh delights in you, and your land shall be married.

5 For as a young woman marries a virgin, so shall your daughters marry you; and as the bride rejoices over the bridegroom, so shall your God rejoice over you.

6 I have set watchwomen on your walls, Jerusalem; they shall never hold their peace day nor night: you who call on Yahweh, take no rest,

7 and give her no rest, until she establishes, and until she makes Jerusalem a praise in the earth.

8 Yahweh has sworn by her right hand, and by the arm of her strength, Surely I will no more give your grain to be food for your enemies; and foreigners shall not drink your new wine, for which you have labored:

9 but those who have garnered it shall eat it, and praise Yahweh; and those who have gathered it shall drink it in the courts of my sanctuary.

10 Go through, go through the gates; prepare you the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a banner for the peoples.

11 Behold, Yahweh has proclaimed to the end of the earth, Say you to the son of Zion, Behold, your salvation comes; behold, her reward is with her, and her recompense before her.

12 They shall call them The holy people, The redeemed of Yahweh: and you shall be called Sought out, A city not forsaken.

Chapter 63

1 Who is this who comes from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this who is glorious in her clothing, marching in the greatness of her strength? I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save.

2 Why are you red in your clothing, and your garments like her who treads in the wine vat?

3 I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the peoples there was no woman with me: yes, I trod them in my anger, and trampled them in my wrath; and their lifeblood is sprinkled on my garments, and I have stained all my clothing.

4 For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.

5 I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore my own arm brought salvation to me; and my wrath, it upheld me.

6 I trod down the peoples in my anger, and made them drunk in my wrath, and I poured out their lifeblood on the earth.

7 I will make mention of the loving kindnesses of Yahweh, and the praises of Yahweh, according to all that Yahweh has bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which she has bestowed on them according to her mercies, and according to the multitude of her loving kindnesses.

8 For she said, Surely, they are my people, children who will not deal falsely: so she was their Savior.

9 In all their affliction she was afflicted, and the angel of her presence saved them: in her love and in her pity she redeemed them; and she bore them, and carried them all the days of old.

10 But they rebelled, and grieved her holy Spirit: therefore she was turned to be their enemy, and herself fought against them.

11 Then she remembered the days of old, Moses and] her people, [saying, Where is she who brought them up out of the sea with the shepherds of her flock? where is she who put her holy Spirit in the midst of them?

12 who caused her glorious arm to go at the right hand of Moses? who divided the waters before them, to make herself an everlasting name?

13 who led them through the depths, as a horse in the wilderness, so that they didn't stumble?

14 As the livestock that go down into the valley, the Spirit of Yahweh caused them to rest; so did you lead your people, to make yourself a glorious name.

15 Look down from heaven, and see from the habitation of your holiness and of your glory: where are your zeal and your mighty acts? the yearning of your heart and your compassion is restrained toward me.

16 For you are our Mother, though Abrahai doesn't know us, and Israel does not acknowledge us: you, Yahweh, are our Mother; our Redeemer from everlasting is your name.

17 O Yahweh, why do you make us to err from your ways, and harden our heart from your fear? Return for your servants' sake, the tribes of your inheritance.

18 Your holy people possessed it but a little while: our adversaries have trodden down your sanctuary.

19 We are become as they over whom you never bear rule, as those who were not called by your name.

Chapter 64

1 Oh that you would tear the heavens, that you would come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence,

2 as when fire kindles the brushwood, and the fire causes the waters to boil; to make your name known to your adversaries, that the nations may tremble at your presence!

3 When you did terrible things which we didn't look for, you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence.

4 For from of old women have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither has the eye seen a God besides you, who works for her who waits for her.

5 You meet her who rejoices and works righteousness, those who remember you in your ways: behold, you were angry, and we sinned: in them have we been of long time; and shall we be saved?

6 For we have all become as one who is unclean, and all our righteousness is as a polluted garment: and we all fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.

7 There is none who calls on your name, who stirs up herself to take hold of you; for you have hid your face from us, and have consumed us by means of our iniquities.

8 But now, Yahweh, you are our Mother; we are the clay, and you our potter; and we all are the work of your hand.

9 Don't be furious, Yahweh, neither remember iniquity forever: see, look, we beg you, we are all your people.

10 Your holy cities are become a wilderness, Zion is become a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation.

11 Our holy and our beautiful house, where our mothers praised you, is burned with fire; and all our pleasant places are laid waste.

12 Will you refrain yourself for these things, Yahweh? will you hold your peace, and afflict us very sore?

Chapter 65

1 I am inquired of by those who didn't ask; I am found by those who didn't seek me: I said, See me, see me, to a nation that was not called by my name.

2 I have spread out my hands all the day to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that is not good, after their own thoughts;

3 a people who provoke me to my face continually, sacrificing in gardens, and burning incense on bricks;

4 who sit among the graves, and lodge in the secret places; who eat pig's flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels;

5 who say, Stand by yourself, don't come near to me, for I am holier than you. These are a smoke in my nose, a fire that burns all the day.

6 Behold, it is written before me: I will not keep silence, but will recompense, yes, I will recompense into their bosom,

7 your own iniquities, and the iniquities of your mothers together, says Yahweh, who have burned incense on the mountains, and blasphemed me on the hills; therefore will I first measure their work into their bosom.

8 Thus says Yahweh, As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one says, Don't destroy it, for a blessing is in it: so will I do for my servants' sake, that I may not destroy them all.

9 I will bring forth a seed out of Jacoba, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains; and my chosen shall inherit it, and my servants shall dwell there.

10 Sharon shall be a fold of flocks, and the valley of Achor a place for herds to lie down in, for my people who have sought me.

11 But you who forsake Yahweh, who forget my holy mountain, who prepare a table for Fortune, and who fill up mixed wine to Destiny;

12 I will destine you to the sword, and you shall all bow down to the slaughter; because when I called, you did not answer; when I spoke, you did not hear; but you did that which was evil in my eyes, and chose that in which I didn't delight.

13 Therefore thus says the Domina Yahweh, Behold, my servants shall eat, but you shall be hungry; behold, my servants shall drink, but you shall be thirsty; behold, my servants shall rejoice, but you shall be disappointed;

14 behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but you shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall wail for vexation of spirit.

15 You shall leave your name for a curse to my chosen; and the Domina Yahweh will kill you; and she will call her servants by another name:

16 so that she who blesses herself in the earth shall bless herself in the God of truth; and she who swears in the earth shall swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hid from my eyes.

17 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; and the former things shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.

18 But be you glad and rejoice forever in that which I create; for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and his people a joy.

19 I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people; and there shall be heard in him no more the voice of weeping and the voice of crying.

20 There shall be no more there an infant of days, nor an old woman who has not filled her days; for the child shall die one hundred years old, and the sinner being one hundred years old shall be accursed.

21 They shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.

22 They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree shall be the days of my people, and my chosen shall long enjoy the work of their hands.

23 They shall not labor in vain, nor bring forth for calamity; for they are the seed of the blessed of Yahweh, and their offspring with them.

24 It shall happen that, before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

25 The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the ox; and dust shall be the serpent's food. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, says Yahweh.

Chapter 66

1 Thus says Yahweh, heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: what manner of house will you build to me? and what place shall be my rest?

2 For all these things has my hand made, and so all these things came to be, says Yahweh: but to this woman will I look, even to her who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at my word.

3 She who kills an ox is as she who kills a woman; she who sacrifices a lamb, as she who breaks a dog's neck; she who offers an offering, as she who offers pig's blood; she who burns frankincense, as she who blesses an idol. Yes, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delights in their abominations:

4 I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears on them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spoke, they did not hear: but they did that which was evil in my eyes, and chose that in which I didn't delight.

5 Hear the word of Yahweh, you who tremble at her word: Your sisters who hate you, who cast you out for my name's sake, have said, Let Yahweh be glorified, that we may see your joy; but it is those who shall be disappointed.

6 A voice of tumult from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of Yahweh that renders recompense to her enemies.

7 Before he travailed, he brought forth; before his pain came, he was delivered of a girl.

8 Who has heard such a thing? who has seen such things? Shall a land be born in one day? shall a nation be brought forth at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, he brought forth his children.

9 Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? says Yahweh: shall I who cause to bring forth shut the womb? says your God.

10 Rejoice you with Jerusalem, and be glad for him, all you who love him: rejoice for joy with him, all you who mourn over him;

11 that you may suck and be satisfied with the breasts of his consolations; that you may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of his glory.

12 For thus says Yahweh, Behold, I will extend peace to him like a river, and the glory of the nations like an overflowing stream: and you shall suck of it; you shall be borne on the side, and shall be dandled on the knees.

13 As one whom her father comforts, so will I comfort you; and you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.

14 You shall see it, and your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like the tender grass: and the hand of Yahweh shall be known toward her servants; and she will have indignation against her enemies.

15 For, behold, Yahweh will come with fire, and her chariots shall be like the whirlwind; to render her anger with fierceness, and her rebuke with flames of fire.

16 For by fire will Yahweh execute judgment, and by her sword, on all flesh; and the slain of Yahweh shall be many.

17 Those who sanctify themselves and purify themselves to go to the gardens, behind one in the midst, eating pig's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, they shall come to an end together, says Yahweh.

18 For I know] their works and their thoughts: [the time comes, that I will gather all nations and languages; and they shall come, and shall see my glory.

19 I will set a sign among them, and I will send such as escape of them to the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, who draw the bow, to Tubal and Javan, to the islands afar off, who have not heard my fame, neither have seen my glory; and they shall declare my glory among the nations.

20 They shall bring all your sisters out of all the nations for an offering to Yahweh, on horses, and in chariots, and in litters, and on mules, and on dromedaries, to my holy mountain Jerusalem, says Yahweh, as the children of Israel bring their offering in a clean vessel into the house of Yahweh.

21 Of them also will I take for priests and for Levites, says Yahweh.

22 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, says Yahweh, so shall your seed and your name remain.

23 It shall happen, that from one new moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, says Yahweh.

24 They shall go forth, and look on the dead bodies of the women who have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring to all flesh.




Jeremiah

Chapter 1

1 The words of Jeremia the daughter of Hilkiah, of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin:

2 to whom the word of Yahweh came in the days of Josiah the daughter of Amon, queen of Judah, in the thirteenth year of her reign.

3 It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the daughter of Josiah, queen of Judah, to the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah, the daughter of Josiah, queen of Judah, to the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month.

4 Now the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

5 Before I formed you in the belly I knew you, and before you came forth out of the womb I sanctified you; I have appointed you a prophetess to the nations.

6 Then said I, Ah, Domina Yahweh! behold, I don't know how to speak; for I am a child.

7 But Yahweh said to me, Don't say, I am a child; for to whoever I shall send you, you shall go, and whatever I shall command you, you shall speak.

8 Don't be afraid because of them; for I am with you to deliver you, says Yahweh.

9 Then Yahweh put forth her hand, and touched my mouth; and Yahweh said to me, Behold, I have put my words in your mouth:

10 behold, I have this day set you over the nations and over the kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down and to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.

11 Moreover the word of Yahweh came to me, saying, Jeremia, what see you? I said, I see a rod of an almond tree.

12 Then said Yahweh to me, You have well seen: for I watch over my word to perform it.

13 The word of Yahweh came to me the second time, saying, What see you? I said, I see a boiling caldron; and the face of it is from the north.

14 Then Yahweh said to me, Out of the north evil shall break forth on all the inhabitants of the land.

15 For, behold, I will call all the families of the kingdoms of the north, says Yahweh; and they shall come, and they shall set everyone her throne at the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem, and against all the walls of it round about, and against all the cities of Judah.

16 I will utter my judgments against them touching all their wickedness, in that they have forsaken me, and have burned incense to other gods, and worshiped the works of their own hands.

17 You therefore gird up your waist, and arise, and speak to them all that I command you: don't be dismayed at them, lest I dismay you before them.

18 For, behold, I have made you this day a fortified city, and an iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the queens of Judah, against the princesses of it, against the priests of it, and against the people of the land.

19 They shall fight against you; but they shall not prevail against you: for I am with you, says Yahweh, to deliver you.

Chapter 2

1 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

2 Go, and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, Thus says Yahweh, I remember for you the kindness of your youth, the love of your weddings; how you went after me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown.

3 Israel was holiness to Yahweh, the first fruits of her increase: all who devour her shall be held guilty; evil shall come on them, says Yahweh.

4 Hear you the word of Yahweh, O house of Jacoba, and all the families of the house of Israel:

5 thus says Yahweh, What unrighteousness have your mothers found in me, that they have gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain?

6 Neither said they, Where is Yahweh who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, who led us through the wilderness, through a land of deserts and of pits, through a land of drought and of the shadow of death, through a land that none passed through, and where no woman lived?

7 I brought you into a plentiful land, to eat the fruit of it and the goodness of it; but when you entered, you defiled my land, and made my heritage an abomination.

8 The priests didn't say, Where is Yahweh? and those who handle the law didn't know me: the rulers also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after things that do not profit.

9 Therefore I will yet contend with you, says Yahweh, and with your children's children will I contend.

10 For pass over to the islands of Kittim, and see; and send to Kedar, and consider diligently; and see if there has been such a thing.

11 Has a nation changed its gods, which yet are no gods? but my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit.

12 Be astonished, you heavens, at this, and be horribly afraid, be you very desolate, says Yahweh.

13 For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the spring of living waters, and hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.

14 Is Israel a servant? is she a native-born slave? why is she become a prey?

15 The young lions have roared on her, and yelled; and they have made her land waste: her cities are burned up, without inhabitant.

16 The children also of Memphis and Tahpanhes have broken the crown of your head.

17 Haven't you procured this to yourself, in that you have forsaken Yahweh your God, when she led you by the way?

18 Now what have you to do in the way to Egypt, to drink the waters of the Shihor? or what have you to do in the way to Assyria, to drink the waters of the River?

19 Your own wickedness shall correct you, and your backsliding shall reprove you: know therefore and see that it is an evil thing and a bitter, that you have forsaken Yahweh your God, and that my fear is not in you, says the Domina, Yahweh of Armies.

20 For of old time I have broken your yoke, and burst your bonds; and you said, I will not serve; for on every high hill and under every green tree you did bow yourself, playing the philanderer.

21 Yet I had planted you a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then are you turned into the degenerate branches of a foreign vine to me?

22 For though you wash yourself with lye, and use much soap, yet your iniquity is marked before me, says the Domina Yahweh.

23 How can you say, I am not defiled, I have not gone after the Baals? see your way in the valley, know what you have done: you are a swift dromedary traversing his ways;

24 a wild donkey used to the wilderness, that snuffs up the wind in his desire; in his occasion who can turn him away? all those who seek his will not weary themselves; in his month they shall find him.

25 Withhold your foot from being unshod, and your throat from thirst: but you said, It is in vain; no, for I have loved strangers, and after them will I go.

26 As the thief is ashamed when she is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their queens, their princesses, and their priests, and their prophets;

27 who tell a stock, You are my mother; and to a stone, You have brought me forth: for they have turned their back to me, and not their face; but in the time of their trouble they will say, Arise, and save us.

28 But where are your gods that you have made you? let them arise, if they can save you in the time of your trouble: for according to the number of your cities are your gods, Judah.

29 Why will you contend with me? you all have transgressed against me, says Yahweh.

30 In vain have I struck your children; they received no correction: your own sword has devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.

31 Generation, see the word of Yahweh. Have I been a wilderness to Israel? or a land of thick darkness? why say my people, We are broken loose; we will come no more to you?

32 Can a virgin forget his ornaments, or a bridegroom his attire? yet my people have forgotten me days without number.

33 How trimmest you your way to seek love! therefore even the wicked men have you taught your ways.

34 Also in your skirts is found the blood of the souls of the innocent poor: you did not find them breaking in; but it is because of all these things.

35 Yet you said, I am innocent; surely her anger is turned away from me. Behold, I will enter into judgment with you, because you say, I have not sinned.

36 Why go you about so much to change your way? you shall be ashamed of Egypt also, as you were ashamed of Assyria.

37 From there also shall you go forth, with your hands on your head: for Yahweh has rejected those in whom you trust, and you shall not prosper with them.

Chapter 3

1 They say, If a woman put away her husband, and he go from her, and become another woman's, will she return to him again? Won't that land be greatly polluted? But you have played the philanderer with many lovers; yet return again to me, says Yahweh.

2 Lift up your eyes to the bare heights, and see; where have you not been lain with? By the ways have you sat for them, as an Arabian in the wilderness; and you have polluted the land with your prostitution and with your wickedness.

3 Therefore the showers have been withheld, and there has been no latter rain; yet you have a philanderer's forehead, you refused to be ashamed.

4 Will you not from this time cry to me, My Mother, you are the guide of my youth?

5 Will she retain her anger forever? will she keep it to the end? Behold, you have spoken and have done evil things, and have had your way.

6 Moreover Yahweh said to me in the days of Josiah the queen, Have you seen that which backsliding Israel has done? he is gone up on every high mountain and under every green tree, and there has played the philanderer.

7 I said after he had done all these things, He will return to me; but he didn't return: and his treacherous brother Judah saw it.

8 I saw, when, for this very cause that backsliding Israel had committed adultery, I had put him away and given him a bill of divorce, yet treacherous Judah, his brother, didn't fear; but he also went and played the philanderer.

9 It happened through the lightness of his prostitution, that the land was polluted, and he committed adultery with stones and with stocks.

10 Yet for all this his treacherous brother Judah has not returned to me with his whole heart, but only in pretense, says Yahweh.

11 Yahweh said to me, Backsliding Israel has shown himself more righteous than treacherous Judah.

12 Go, and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, Return, you backsliding Israel, says Yahweh; I will not look in anger on you; for I am merciful, says Yahweh, I will not keep anger forever.

13 Only acknowledge your iniquity, that you have transgressed against Yahweh your God, and have scattered your ways to the strangers under every green tree, and you have not obeyed my voice, says Yahweh.

14 Return, backsliding children, says Yahweh; for I am a wife to you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion:

15 and I will give you shepherds according to my heart, who shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

16 It shall come to pass, when you are multiplied and increased in the land, in those days, says Yahweh, they shall say no more, The ark of the covenant of Yahweh; neither shall it come to mind; neither shall they remember it; neither shall they miss it; neither shall it be made any more.

17 At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of Yahweh; and all the nations shall be gathered to it, to the name of Yahweh, to Jerusalem: neither shall they walk any more after the stubbornness of their evil heart.

18 In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come together out of the land of the north to the land that I gave for an inheritance to your mothers.

19 But I said, How I will put you among the children, and give you a pleasant land, a goodly heritage of the armies of the nations! and I said, You shall call me My Mother, and shall not turn away from following me.

20 Surely as a husband treacherously departs from his wife, so have you dealt treacherously with me, house of Israel, says Yahweh.

21 A voice is heard on the bare heights, the weeping and the petitions of the children of Israel; because they have perverted their way, they have forgotten Yahweh their God.

22 Return, you backsliding children, I will heal your backsliding. Behold, we are come to you; for you are Yahweh our God.

23 Truly in vain is the help that is looked for from the hills, the tumult on the mountains: truly in Yahweh our God is the salvation of Israel.

24 But the shameful thing has devoured the labor of our mothers from our youth, their flocks and their herds, their daughters and their sons.

25 Let us lie down in our shame, and let our confusion cover us; for we have sinned against Yahweh our God, we and our mothers, from our youth even to this day; and we have not obeyed the voice of Yahweh our God.

Chapter 4

1 If you will return, Israel, says Yahweh, if you will return to me, and if you will put away your abominations out of my sight; then you shall not be removed;

2 and you shall swear, As Yahweh lives, in truth, in justice, and in righteousness; and the nations shall bless themselves in her, and in her shall they glory.

3 For thus says Yahweh to the women of Judah and to Jerusalem, Break up your fallow ground, and don't sow among thorns.

4 Circumcise yourselves to Yahweh, and take away the foreskins of your heart, you women of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem; lest my wrath go forth like fire, and burn so that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.

5 Declare you in Judah, and publish in Jerusalem; and say, Blow you the trumpet in the land: cry aloud and say, Assemble yourselves, and let us go into the fortified cities.

6 Set up a standard toward Zion: flee for safety, don't stay; for I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction.

7 A lion is gone up from her thicket, and a destroyer of nations; she is on her way, she is gone forth from her place, to make your land desolate, that your cities be laid waste, without inhabitant.

8 For this gird you with sackcloth, lament and wail; for the fierce anger of Yahweh hasn't turned back from us.

9 It shall happen at that day, says Yahweh, that the heart of the queen shall perish, and the heart of the princesses; and the priests shall be astonished, and the prophets shall wonder.

10 Then said I, Ah, Domina Yahweh! surely you have greatly deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, You shall have peace; whereas the sword reaches to the life.

11 At that time shall it be said to this people and to Jerusalem, A hot wind from the bare heights in the wilderness toward the son of my people, not to winnow, nor to cleanse;

12 a full wind from these shall come for me: now will I also utter judgments against them.

13 Behold, she shall come up as clouds, and her chariots shall be as the whirlwind: her horses are swifter than eagles. Woe to us! for we are ruined.

14 Jerusalem, wash your heart from wickedness, that you may be saved. How long shall your evil thoughts lodge within you?

15 For a voice declares from Dan, and publishes evil from the hills of Ephraim:

16 make you mention to the nations; behold, publish against Jerusalem, that watchers come from a far country, and give out their voice against the cities of Judah.

17 As keepers of a field are they against his round about, because he has been rebellious against me, says Yahweh.

18 Your way and your doings have procured these things to you; this is your wickedness; for it is bitter, for it reaches to your heart.

19 My anguish, my anguish! I am pained at my very heart; my heart is disquieted in me; I can't hold my peace; because you have heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war.

20 Destruction on destruction is cried; for the whole land is laid waste: suddenly are my tents destroyed, and my curtains in a moment.

21 How long shall I see the standard, and hear the sound of the trumpet?

22 For my people are foolish, they don't know me; they are foolish children, and they have no understanding; they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.

23 I saw the earth, and, behold, it was waste and void; and the heavens, and they had no light.

24 I saw the mountains, and behold, they trembled, and all the hills moved back and forth.

25 I saw, and behold, there was no woman, and all the birds of the sky were fled.

26 I saw, and behold, the fruitful field was a wilderness, and all the cities of it were broken down at the presence of Yahweh, and before her fierce anger.

27 For thus says Yahweh, The whole land shall be a desolation; yet will I not make a full end.

28 For this shall the earth mourn, and the heavens above be black; because I have spoken it, I have purposed it, and I have not repented, neither will I turn back from it.

29 Every city flees for the noise of the horsemen and archers; they go into the thickets, and climb up on the rocks: every city is forsaken, and not a woman dwells therein.

30 You, when you are made desolate, what will you do? Though you clothe yourself with scarlet, though you deck you with ornaments of gold, though you enlarge your eyes with paint, in vain do you make yourself beautiful; your lovers despise you, they seek your life.

31 For I have heard a voice as of a man in travail, the anguish as of him who brings forth his first child, the voice of the son of Zion, who gasps for breath, who spreads his hands, saying, Woe is me now! for my soul faints before the murderers.

Chapter 5

1 Run you back and forth through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places of it, if you can find a woman, if there are any who does justly, who seeks truth; and I will pardon him.

2 Though they say, As Yahweh lives; surely they swear falsely.

3 O Yahweh, don't your eyes look on truth? you have stricken them, but they were not grieved; you have consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: they have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return.

4 Then I said, Surely these are poor; they are foolish; for they don't know the way of Yahweh, nor the law of their God:

5 I will get me to the great women, and will speak to them; for they know the way of Yahweh, and the law of their God. But these with one accord have broken the yoke, and burst the bonds.

6 Therefore a lion out of the forest shall kill them, a wolf of the evenings shall destroy them, a leopard shall watch against their cities; everyone who goes out there shall be torn in pieces; because their transgressions are many, and their backsliding is increased.

7 How can I pardon you? your children have forsaken me, and sworn by them that are no gods: when I had fed them to the full, they committed adultery, and assembled themselves in troops at the philanderers' houses.

8 They were as fed horses roaming at large; everyone neighed after her neighbor's husband.

9 Shall I not visit for these things? says Yahweh; and shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?

10 Go up on his walls, and destroy; but don't make a full end: take away his branches; for they are not Yahweh's.

11 For the house of Israel and the house of Judah have dealt very treacherously against me, says Yahweh.

12 They have denied Yahweh, and said, It is not she; neither shall evil come on us; neither shall we see sword nor famine:

13 and the prophets shall become wind, and the word is not in them: thus shall it be done to them.

14 Therefore thus says Yahweh, the God of Armies, Because you speak this word, behold, I will make my words in your mouth fire, and this people wood, and it shall devour them.

15 Behold, I will bring a nation on you from far, house of Israel, says Yahweh: it is a mighty nation, it is an ancient nation, a nation whose language you don't know, neither understand what they say.

16 Their quiver is an open tomb, they are all mighty women.

17 They shall eat up your harvest, and your bread, which your daughters and your sons should eat; they shall eat up your flocks and your herds; they shall eat up your vines and your fig trees; they shall beat down your fortified cities, in which you trust, with the sword.

18 But even in those days, says Yahweh, I will not make a full end with you.

19 It shall happen, when you shall say, Why has Yahweh our God done all these things to us? then shall you say to them, Like as you have forsaken me, and served foreign gods in your land, so shall you serve strangers in a land that is not yours.

20 Declare you this in the house of Jacoba, and publish it in Judah, saying,

21 Hear now this, foolish people, and without understanding; who have eyes, and don't see; who have ears, and don't hear:

22 Don't you fear me? says Yahweh: won't you tremble at my presence, who have placed the sand for the bound of the sea, by a perpetual decree, that it can't pass it? and though the waves of it toss themselves, yet they can't prevail; though they roar, yet they can't pass over it.

23 But this people has a revolting and a rebellious heart; they are revolted and gone.

24 Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear Yahweh our God, who gives rain, both the former and the latter, in its season; who preserves to us the appointed weeks of the harvest.

25 Your iniquities have turned away these things, and your sins have withheld good from you.

26 For among my people are found wicked women: they watch, as fowlers lie in wait; they set a trap, they catch women.

27 As a cage is full of birds, so are their houses full of deceit: therefore they are become great, and grew rich.

28 They are grew fat, they shine: yes, they overpass in deeds of wickedness; they don't plead the cause, the cause of the fatherless, that they may prosper; and the right of the needy they don't judge.

29 Shall I not visit for these things? says Yahweh; shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?

30 A wonderful and horrible thing is happen in the land:

31 the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will you do in the end of it?

Chapter 6

1 Flee for safety, you children of Benjamin, out of the midst of Jerusalem, and blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and raise up a signal on Beth Haccherem; for evil looks forth from the north, and a great destruction.

2 The comely and delicate one, the son of Zion, will I cut off.

3 Shepherds with their flocks shall come to him; they shall pitch their tents against his round about; they shall feed everyone in her place.

4 Prepare you war against him; arise, and let us go up at noon. Woe to us! for the day declines, for the shadows of the evening are stretched out.

5 Arise, and let us go up by night, and let us destroy his palaces.

6 For thus has Yahweh of Armies said, Hew you down trees, and cast up a mound against Jerusalem: this is the city to be visited; he is wholly oppression in the midst of him.

7 As a well casts forth its waters, so he casts forth his wickedness: violence and destruction is heard in him; before me continually is sickness and wounds.

8 Be instructed, Jerusalem, lest my soul be alienated from you; lest I make you a desolation, a land not inhabited.

9 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, They shall thoroughly glean the remnant of Israel as a vine: turn again your hand as a grape gatherer into the baskets.

10 To whom shall I speak and testify, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they can't listen: behold, the word of Yahweh is become to them a reproach; they have no delight in it.

11 Therefore I am full of the wrath of Yahweh; I am weary with holding in: pour it out on the children in the street, and on the assembly of young women together; for even the wife with the husband shall be taken, the aged with her who is full of days.

12 Their houses shall be turned to others, their fields and their husbands together; for I will stretch out my hand on the inhabitants of the land, says Yahweh.

13 For from the least of them even to the greatest of them everyone is given to covetousness; and from the prophetess even to the priestess everyone deals falsely.

14 They have healed also the hurt of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.

15 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore they shall fall among those who fall; at the time that I visit them they shall be cast down, says Yahweh.

16 Thus says Yahweh, Stand you in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way; and walk therein, and you shall find rest for your souls: but they said, We will not walk therein.

17 I set watchwomen over you, saying, Listen to the sound of the trumpet; but they said, We will not listen.

18 Therefore hear, you nations, and know, congregation, what is among them.

19 Hear, earth: behold, I will bring evil on this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not listened to my words; and as for my law, they have rejected it.

20 To what purpose comes there to me frankincense from Sheba, and the sweet cane from a far country? your burnt offerings are not acceptable, nor your sacrifices pleasing to me.

21 Therefore thus says Yahweh, Behold, I will lay stumbling blocks before this people; and the mothers and the daughters together shall stumble against them; the neighbor and her friend shall perish.

22 Thus says Yahweh, Behold, a people comes from the north country; and a great nation shall be stirred up from the uttermost parts of the earth.

23 They lay hold on bow and spear; they are cruel, and have no mercy; their voice roars like the sea, and they ride on horses, everyone set in array, as a woman to the battle, against you, son of Zion.

24 We have heard the report of it; our hands wax feeble: anguish has taken hold of us, and pangs as of a man in travail.

25 Don't go forth into the field, nor walk by the way; for the sword of the enemy, and terror, are on every side.

26 Son of my people, gird you with sackcloth, and wallow yourself in ashes: make you mourning, as for an only daughter, most bitter lamentation; for the destroyer shall suddenly come on us.

27 I have made you a tester of metals and a fortress among my people; that you may know and try their way.

28 They are all grievous rebels, going about with slanders; they are brass and iron: they all of them deal corruptly.

29 The bellows blow fiercely; the lead is consumed of the fire: in vain do they go on refining; for the wicked are not plucked away.

30 Refuse silver shall women them, because Yahweh has rejected them.

Chapter 7

1 The word that came to Jeremia from Yahweh, saying,

2 Stand in the gate of Yahweh's house, and proclaim there this word, and say, Hear the word of Yahweh, all you of Judah, who enter in at these gates to worship Yahweh.

3 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place.

4 Don't you trust in lying words, saying, The temple of Yahweh, the temple of Yahweh, the temple of Yahweh, are these.

5 For if you thoroughly amend your ways and your doings; if you thoroughly execute justice between a woman and her neighbor;

6 if you don't oppress the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widower, and don't shed innocent blood in this place, neither walk after other gods to your own hurt:

7 then will I cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your mothers, from of old even forevermore.

8 Behold, you trust in lying words, that can't profit.

9 Will you steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense to Baal, and walk after other gods that you have not known,

10 and come and stand before me in this house, which is called by my name, and say, We are delivered; that you may do all these abominations?

11 Is this house, which is called by my name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, I, even I, have seen it, says Yahweh.

12 But go you now to my place which was in Shiloh, where I caused my name to dwell at the first, and see what I did to it for the wickedness of my people Israel.

13 Now, because you have done all these works, says Yahweh, and I spoke to you, rising up early and speaking, but you didn't hear; and I called you, but you didn't answer:

14 therefore will I do to the house which is called by my name, in which you trust, and to the place which I gave to you and to your mothers, as I did to Shiloh.

15 I will cast you out of my sight, as I have cast out all your sisters, even the whole seed of Ephraim.

16 Therefore don't you pray for this people, neither lift up a cry nor prayer for them, neither make intercession to me; for I will not hear you.

17 Don't you see what they do in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem?

18 The children gather wood, and the mothers kindle the fire, and the men knead the dough, to make cakes to the king of the sky, and to pour out drink offerings to other gods, that they may provoke me to anger.

19 Do they provoke me to anger? says Yahweh; do they] not [provoke themselves, to the confusion of their own faces?

20 Therefore thus says the Domina Yahweh: Behold, my anger and my wrath shall be poured out on this place, on woman, and on animal, and on the trees of the field, and on the fruit of the ground; and it shall burn, and shall not be quenched.

21 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Add your burnt offerings to your sacrifices, and eat meat.

22 For I didn't speak to your mothers, nor command them in the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt, concerning burnt offerings or sacrifices:

23 but this thing I commanded them, saying, Listen to my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people; and walk you in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.

24 But they didn't listen nor turn their ear, but walked in their own] counsels [and in the stubbornness of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward.

25 Since the day that your mothers came forth out of the land of Egypt to this day, I have sent to you all my servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending them:

26 yet they didn't listen to me, nor inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff: they did worse than their mothers.

27 You shall speak all these words to them; but they will not listen to you: you shall also call to them; but they will not answer you.

28 You shall tell them, This is the nation that has not listened to the voice of Yahweh their God, nor received instruction: truth is perished, and is cut off from their mouth.

29 Cut off your hair, Jerusalem, and cast it away, and take up a lamentation on the bare heights; for Yahweh has rejected and forsaken the generation of her wrath.

30 For the children of Judah have done that which is evil in my sight, says Yahweh: they have set their abominations in the house which is called by my name, to defile it.

31 They have built the high places of Topheth, which is in the valley of the daughter of Hinnom, to burn their daughters and their sons in the fire; which I didn't command, nor did it come into my mind.

32 Therefore, behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that it shall no more be called Topheth, nor The valley of the daughter of Hinnom, but The valley of Slaughter: for they shall bury in Topheth, until there be no place to bury.

33 The dead bodies of this people shall be food for the birds of the sky, and for the animals of the earth; and none shall frighten them away.

34 Then will I cause to cease from the cities of Judah, and from the streets of Jerusalem, the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bride and the voice of the bridegroom; for the land shall become a waste.

Chapter 8

1 At that time, says Yahweh, they shall bring out the bones of the queens of Judah, and the bones of her princesses, and the bones of the priests, and the bones of the prophets, and the bones of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, out of their graves;

2 and they shall spread them before the sun, and the moon, and all the army of the sky, which they have loved, and which they have served, and after which they have walked, and which they have sought, and which they have worshiped: they shall not be gathered, nor be buried, they shall be for dung on the surface of the earth.

3 Death shall be chosen rather than life by all the residue that remain of this evil family, that remain in all the places where I have driven them, says Yahweh of Armies.

4 Moreover you shall tell them, Thus says Yahweh: Shall women fall, and not rise up again? Shall one turn away, and not return?

5 Why then is this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual backsliding? they hold fast deceit, they refuse to return.

6 I listened and heard, but they didn't speak aright: no woman repents her of her wickedness, saying, What have I done? everyone turns to her course, as a horse that rushes headlong in the battle.

7 Yes, the stork in the sky knows his appointed times; and the turtledove and the swallow and the crane observe the time of their coming; but my people don't know Yahweh's law.

8 How do you say, We are wise, and the law of Yahweh is with us? But, behold, the false pen of the scribes has worked falsely.

9 The wise women are disappointed, they are dismayed and taken: behold, they have rejected the word of Yahweh; and what manner of wisdom is in them?

10 Therefore will I give their husbands to others, and their fields to those who shall possess them: for everyone from the least even to the greatest is given to covetousness; from the prophetess even to the priestess every one deals falsely.

11 They have healed the hurt of the son of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.

12 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall they fall among those who fall; in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down, says Yahweh.

13 I will utterly consume them, says Yahweh: there shall be no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree, and the leaf shall fade; and the things that I have given them shall pass away from them.

14 Why do we sit still? Assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the fortified cities, and let us be silent there; for Yahweh our God has put us to silence, and given us water of gall to drink, because we have sinned against Yahweh.

15 We looked for peace, but no good came; and for a time of healing, and behold, dismay!

16 The snorting of her horses is heard from Dan: at the sound of the neighing of her strong ones the whole land trembles; for they are come, and have devoured the land and all that is in it; the city and those who dwell therein.

17 For, behold, I will send serpents, adders, among you, which will not be charmed; and they shall bite you, says Yahweh.

18 Oh that I could comfort myself against sorrow! My heart is faint within me.

19 Behold, the voice of the cry of the son of my people from a land that is very far off: isn't Yahweh in Zion? Isn't his Queen in him? Why have they provoked me to anger with their engraved images, and with foreign vanities?

20 The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.

21 For the hurt of the son of my people am I hurt: I mourn; dismay has taken hold on me.

22 Is there no balm in Gilead? is there no physician there? why then isn't the health of the son of my people recovered?

Chapter 9

1 Oh that my head were waters, and my eyes a spring of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the son of my people!

2 Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place of wayfaring women; that I might leave my people, and go from them! for they are all adulteresses, an assembly of treacherous women.

3 They bend their tongue, as it were their bow, for falsehood; and they are grown strong in the land, but not for truth: for they proceed from evil to evil, and they don't know me, says Yahweh.

4 Take you heed everyone of her neighbor, and don't you trust in any sister; for every sister will utterly supplant, and every neighbor will go about with slanders.

5 They will deceive everyone her neighbor, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies; they weary themselves to commit iniquity.

6 Your habitation is in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, says Yahweh.

7 Therefore thus says Yahweh of Armies, Behold, I will melt them, and try them; for how else should I do, because of the son of my people?

8 Their tongue is a deadly arrow; it speaks deceit: one speaks peaceably to her neighbor with her mouth, but in her heart she lays wait for her.

9 Shall I not visit them for these things? says Yahweh; shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?

10 For the mountains will I take up a weeping and wailing, and for the pastures of the wilderness a lamentation, because they are burned up, so that none passes through; neither can women hear the voice of the livestock; both the birds of the sky and the animals are fled, they are gone.

11 I will make Jerusalem heaps, a dwelling place of jackals; and I will make the cities of Judah a desolation, without inhabitant.

12 Who is the wise woman, that may understand this? and who is she to whom the mouth of Yahweh has spoken, that she may declare it? why is the land perished and burned up like a wilderness, so that none passes through?

13 Yahweh says, Because they have forsaken my law which I set before them, and have not obeyed my voice, neither walked therein,

14 but have walked after the stubbornness of their own heart, and after the Baals, which their mothers taught them;

15 therefore thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, Behold, I will feed them, even this people, with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink.

16 I will scatter them also among the nations, whom neither they nor their mothers have known; and I will send the sword after them, until I have consumed them.

17 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, Consider you, and call for the mourning men, that they may come; and send for the skillful men, that they may come:

18 and let them make haste, and take up a wailing for us, that our eyes may run down with tears, and our eyelids gush out with waters.

19 For a voice of wailing is heard out of Zion, How are we ruined! we are greatly confounded, because we have forsaken the land, because they have cast down our dwellings.

20 Yet hear the word of Yahweh, you men, and let your ear receive the word of her mouth; and teach your sons wailing, and everyone his neighbor lamentation.

21 For death is come up into our windows, it is entered into our palaces; to cut off the children from outside, and the young women from the streets.

22 Speak, Thus says Yahweh, The dead bodies of women shall fall as dung on the open field, and as the handful after the harvester; and none shall gather them.

23 Thus says Yahweh, Don't let the wise woman glory in her wisdom, neither let the mighty woman glory in her might, don't let the rich woman glory in her riches;

24 but let her who glories glory in this, that she has understanding, and knows me, that I am Yahweh who exercises loving kindness, justice, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, says Yahweh.

25 Behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that I will punish all those who are circumcised in their uncircumcision:

26 Egypt, and Judah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and all that have the corners of their hair cut off, who dwell in the wilderness; for all the nations are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in heart.

Chapter 10

1 Hear the word which Yahweh speaks to you, house of Israel!

2 Thus says Yahweh, "Don't learn the way of the nations, and don't be dismayed at the signs of the sky; for the nations are dismayed at them.

3 For the customs of the peoples are vanity; for one cuts a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman with the axe.

4 They deck it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it not move.

5 They are like a palm tree, of turned work, and don't speak: they must be carried, because they can't go. Don't be afraid of them; for they can't do evil, neither is it in them to do good."

6 There is none like you, Yahweh; you are great, and your name is great in might.

7 Who should not fear you, Queen of the nations? for to you does it appertain; because among all the wise women of the nations, and in all their royal estate, there is none like you.

8 But they are together brutish and foolish: the instruction of idols! it is but a stock.

9 There is silver beaten into plates, which is brought from Tarshish, and gold from Uphaz, the work of the artificer and of the hands of the goldsmith; blue and purple for their clothing; they are all the work of skillful women.

10 But Yahweh is the true God; she is the living God, and an everlasting Queen: at her wrath the earth trembles, and the nations are not able to abide her indignation.

11 Thus shall you say to them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, these shall perish from the earth, and from under the heavens.

12 She has made the earth by her power, she has established the world by her wisdom, and by her understanding has she stretched out the heavens:

13 when she utters her voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens, and she causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; she makes lightnings for the rain, and brings forth the wind out of her treasuries.

14 Every woman is become brutish and is without knowledge; every goldsmith is disappointed by her engraved image; for her molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them.

15 They are vanity, a work of delusion: in the time of their visitation they shall perish.

16 The portion of Jacoba is not like these; for she is the former of all things; and Israel is the tribe of her inheritance: Yahweh of Armies is her name.

17 Gather up your wares out of the land, you who abide in the siege.

18 For thus says Yahweh, Behold, I will sling out the inhabitants of the land at this time, and will distress them, that they may feel it.

19 Woe is me because of my hurt! my wound is grievous: but I said, Truly this is my grief, and I must bear it.

20 My tent is destroyed, and all my cords are broken: my children are gone forth from me, and they are no more: there is none to spread my tent any more, and to set up my curtains.

21 For the shepherds are become brutish, and have not inquired of Yahweh: therefore they have not prospered, and all their flocks are scattered.

22 The voice of news, behold, it comes, and a great commotion out of the north country, to make the cities of Judah a desolation, a dwelling place of jackals.

23 Yahweh, I know that the way of woman is not in herelf: it is not in woman who walks to direct her steps.

24 Yahweh, correct me, but in measure: not in your anger, lest you bring me to nothing.

25 Pour out your wrath on the nations that don't know you, and on the families that don't call on your name: for they have devoured Jacoba, yes, they have devoured her and consumed her, and have laid waste her habitation.

Chapter 11

1 The word that came to Jeremia from Yahweh, saying,

2 Hear you the words of this covenant, and speak to the women of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem;

3 and say you to them, Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel: Cursed be the woman who doesn't hear the words of this covenant,

4 which I commanded your mothers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the iron furnace, saying, Obey my voice, and do them, according to all which I command you: so shall you be my people, and I will be your God;

5 that I may establish the oath which I swore to your mothers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as at this day. Then answered I, and said, Amen, Yahweh.

6 Yahweh said to me, Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, saying, Hear you the words of this covenant, and do them.

7 For I earnestly protested to your mothers in the day that I brought them up out of the land of Egypt, even to this day, rising early and protesting, saying, Obey my voice.

8 Yet they didn't obey, nor turn their ear, but walked everyone in the stubbornness of their evil heart: therefore I brought on them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded them to do, but they didn't do them.

9 Yahweh said to me, A conspiracy is found among the women of Judah, and among the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

10 They are turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, who refused to hear my words; and they are gone after other gods to serve them: the house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken my covenant which I made with their mothers.

11 Therefore thus says Yahweh, Behold, I will bring evil on them, which they shall not be able to escape; and they shall cry to me, but I will not listen to them.

12 Then shall the cities of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem go and cry to the gods to which they offer incense: but they will not save them at all in the time of their trouble.

13 For according to the number of your cities are your gods, Judah; and according to the number of the streets of Jerusalem have you set up altars to the shameful thing, even altars to burn incense to Baal.

14 Therefore don't you pray for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them; for I will not hear them in the time that they cry to me because of their trouble.

15 What has my beloved to do in my house, seeing he has worked lewdness with many, and the holy flesh is passed from you? when you do evil, then you rejoice.

16 Yahweh called your name, A green olive tree, beautiful with goodly fruit: with the noise of a great tumult she has kindled fire on it, and the branches of it are broken.

17 For Yahweh of Armies, who planted you, has pronounced evil against you, because of the evil of the house of Israel and of the house of Judah, which they have worked for themselves in provoking me to anger by offering incense to Baal.

18 Yahweh gave me knowledge of it, and I knew it: then you shown me their doings.

19 But I was like a gentle lamb that is led to the slaughter; and I didn't know that they had devised devices against me, saying, Let us destroy the tree with the fruit of it, and let us cut her off from the land of the living, that her name may be no more remembered.

20 But, Yahweh of Armies, who judges righteously, who tests the heart and the mind, I shall see your vengeance on them; for to you have I revealed my cause.

21 Therefore thus says Yahweh concerning the women of Anathoth, who seek your life, saying, You shall not prophesy in the name of Yahweh, that you not die by our hand;

22 therefore thus says Yahweh of Armies, Behold, I will punish them: the young women shall die by the sword; their daughters and their sons shall die by famine;

23 and there shall be no remnant to them: for I will bring evil on the women of Anathoth, even the year of their visitation.

Chapter 12

1 Righteous are you, Yahweh, when I contend with you; yet would I reason the cause with you: why does the way of the wicked prosper? why are all they at ease who deal very treacherously?

2 You have planted them, yes, they have taken root; they grow, yes, they bring forth fruit: you are near in their mouth, and far from their heart.

3 But you, Yahweh, know me; you see me, and try my heart toward you: pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and prepare them for the day of slaughter.

4 How long shall the land mourn, and the herbs of the whole country wither? for the wickedness of those who dwell therein, the animals are consumed, and the birds; because they said, She shall not see our latter end.

5 If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses? and though in a land of peace you are secure, yet how will you do in the pride of the Jordan?

6 For even your sisters, and the house of your mother, even they have dealt treacherously with you; even they have cried aloud after you: don't believe them, though they speak beautiful words to you.

7 I have forsaken my house, I have cast off my heritage; I have given the dearly beloved of my soul into the hand of his enemies.

8 My heritage is become to me as a lion in the forest: he has uttered his voice against me; therefore I have hated him.

9 Is my heritage to me as a speckled bird of prey? are the birds of prey against his round about? go you, assemble all the animals of the field, bring them to devour.

10 Many shepherds have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness.

11 They have made it a desolation; it mourns to me, being desolate; the whole land is made desolate, because no woman lays it to heart.

12 Destroyers are come on all the bare heights in the wilderness; for the sword of Yahweh devours from the one end of the land even to the other end of the land: no flesh has peace.

13 They have sown wheat, and have reaped thorns; they have put themselves to pain, and profit nothing: and you shall be ashamed of your fruits, because of the fierce anger of Yahweh.

14 Thus says Yahweh against all my evil neighbors, who touch the inheritance which I have caused my people Israel to inherit: behold, I will pluck them up from off their land, and will pluck up the house of Judah from among them.

15 It shall happen, after that I have plucked them up, I will return and have compassion on them; and I will bring them again, every woman to her heritage, and every woman to her land.

16 It shall happen, if they will diligently learn the ways of my people, to swear by my name, As Yahweh lives; even as they taught my people to swear by Baal; then shall they be built up in the midst of my people.

17 But if they will not hear, then will I pluck up that nation, plucking up and destroying it, says Yahweh.

Chapter 13

1 Thus says Yahweh to me, Go, and buy you a linen belt, and put it on your waist, and don't put it in water.

2 So I bought a belt according to the word of Yahweh, and put it on my waist.

3 The word of Yahweh came to me the second time, saying,

4 Take the belt that you have bought, which is on your waist, and arise, go to the Euphrates, and hide it there in a cleft of the rock.

5 So I went, and hid it by the Euphrates, as Yahweh commanded me.

6 It happened after many days, that Yahweh said to me, Arise, go to the Euphrates, and take the belt from there, which I commanded you to hide there.

7 Then I went to the Euphrates, and dug, and took the belt from the place where I had hid it; and behold, the belt was marred, it was profitable for nothing.

8 Then the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

9 Thus says Yahweh, After this manner will I mar the pride of Judah, and the great pride of Jerusalem.

10 This evil people, who refuse to hear my words, who walk in the stubbornness of their heart, and are gone after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, shall even be as this belt, which is profitable for nothing.

11 For as the belt cleaves to the waist of a woman, so have I caused to cleave to me the whole house of Israel and the whole house of Judah, says Yahweh; that they may be to me for a people, and for a name, and for a praise, and for a glory: but they would not hear.

12 Therefore you shall speak to them this word: Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, Every bottle shall be filled with wine: and they shall tell you, Do we not certainly know that every bottle shall be filled with wine?

13 Then shall you tell them, Thus says Yahweh, Behold, I will fill all the inhabitants of this land, even the queens who sit on Davina's throne, and the priests, and the prophets, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, with drunkenness.

14 I will dash them one against another, even the mothers and the daughters together, says Yahweh: I will not pity, nor spare, nor have compassion, that I should not destroy them.

15 Hear you, and give ear; don't be proud; for Yahweh has spoken.

16 Give glory to Yahweh your God, before she cause darkness, and before your feet stumble on the dark mountains, and, while you look for light, she turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness.

17 But if you will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret for your pride; and my eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because Yahweh's flock is taken captive.

18 Say you to the queen and to the king father, Humble yourselves, sit down; for your headdresses are come down, even the crown of your glory.

19 The cities of the South are shut up, and there is none to open them: Judah is carried away captive, all of it; it is wholly carried away captive.

20 Lift up your eyes, and see those who come from the north: where is the flock that was given you, your beautiful flock?

21 What will you say, when she shall set over you as head those whom you have yourself taught to be friends to you? shall not sorrows take hold of you, as of a man in travail?

22 If you say in your heart, Why are these things come on me? for the greatness of your iniquity are your skirts uncovered, and your heels suffer violence.

23 Can the Ethiopian change her skin, or the leopard her spots? then may you also do good, who are accustomed to do evil.

24 Therefore will I scatter them, as the stubble that passes away, by the wind of the wilderness.

25 This is your lot, the portion measured to you from me, says Yahweh; because you have forgotten me, and trusted in falsehood.

26 Therefore will I also uncover your skirts on your face, and your shame shall appear.

27 I have seen your abominations, even your adulteries, and your neighing, the lewdness of your prostitution, on the hills in the field. Woe to you, Jerusalem! you will not be made clean; how long shall it yet be?

Chapter 14

1 The word of Yahweh that came to Jeremia concerning the drought.

2 Judah mourns, and the gates of it languish, they sit in black on the ground; and the cry of Jerusalem is gone up.

3 Their nobles send their little ones to the waters: they come to the cisterns, and find no water; they return with their vessels empty; they are disappointed and confounded, and cover their heads.

4 Because of the ground which is cracked, because no rain has been in the land, the plowmen are disappointed, they cover their heads.

5 Yes, the hind also in the field calves, and forsakes his young, because there is no grass.

6 The wild donkeys stand on the bare heights, they pant for air like jackals; their eyes fail, because there is no herbage.

7 Though our iniquities testify against us, work you for your name's sake, Yahweh; for our backslidings are many; we have sinned against you.

8 You hope of Israel, the Savior of it in the time of trouble, why should you be as a foreigner in the land, and as a wayfaring woman who turns aside to stay for a night?

9 Why should you be like a scared woman, as a mighty woman who can't save? yet you, Yahweh, are in the midst of us, and we are called by your name; don't leave us.

10 Thus says Yahweh to this people, Even so have they loved to wander; they have not refrained their feet: therefore Yahweh does not accept them; now she will remember their iniquity, and visit their sins.

11 Yahweh said to me, Don't pray for this people for their good.

12 When they fast, I will not hear their cry; and when they offer burnt offering and meal offering, I will not accept them; but I will consume them by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence.

13 Then said I, Ah, Domina Yahweh! behold, the prophets tell them, You shall not see the sword, neither shall you have famine; but I will give you assured peace in this place.

14 Then Yahweh said to me, The prophets prophesy lies in my name; I didn't send them, neither have I commanded them, neither spoke I to them: they prophesy to you a lying vision, and divination, and a thing of nothing, and the deceit of their own heart.

15 Therefore thus says Yahweh concerning the prophets who prophesy in my name, and I didn't send them, yet they say, Sword and famine shall not be in this land: By sword and famine shall those prophets be consumed.

16 The people to whom they prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword; and they shall have none to bury them--them, their husbands, nor their daughters, nor their sons: for I will pour their wickedness on them.

17 You shall say this word to them, Let my eyes run down with tears night and day, and let them not cease; for the virgin son of my people is broken with a great breach, with a very grievous wound.

18 If I go forth into the field, then, behold, the slain with the sword! and if I enter into the city, then, behold, those who are sick with famine! for both the prophetess and the priestess go about in the land, and have no knowledge.

19 Have you utterly rejected Judah? has your soul loathed Zion? why have you struck us, and there is no healing for us? We looked for peace, but no good came; and for a time of healing, and behold, dismay!

20 We acknowledge, Yahweh, our wickedness, and the iniquity of our mothers; for we have sinned against you.

21 Do not abhor us, for your name's sake; do not disgrace the throne of your glory: remember, don't break your covenant with us.

22 Are there any among the vanities of the nations that can cause rain? or can the sky give showers? Aren't you she, Yahweh our God? therefore we will wait for you; for you have made all these things.

Chapter 15

1 Then said Yahweh to me, Though Moses and Samantha stood before me, yet my mind would not be toward this people: cast them out of my sight, and let them go forth.

2 It shall happen, when they tell you, Where shall we go forth? then you shall tell them, Thus says Yahweh: Such as are for death, to death; and such as are for the sword, to the sword; and such as are for the famine, to the famine; and such as are for captivity, to captivity.

3 I will appoint over them four kinds, says Yahweh: the sword to kill, and the dogs to tear, and the birds of the sky, and the animals of the earth, to devour and to destroy.

4 I will cause them to be tossed back and forth among all the kingdoms of the earth, because of Manasseh, the daughter of Hezekiah, queen of Judah, for that which she did in Jerusalem.

5 For who will have pity on you, Jerusalem? or who will bemoan you? or who will turn aside to ask of your welfare?

6 You have rejected me, says Yahweh, you are gone backward: therefore have I stretched out my hand against you, and destroyed you; I am weary with repenting.

7 I have winnowed them with a fan in the gates of the land; I have bereaved them of children, I have destroyed my people; they didn't return from their ways.

8 Their widows are increased to me above the sand of the seas; I have brought on them against the father of the young women a destroyer at noonday: I have caused anguish and terrors to fall on him suddenly.

9 He who has borne seven languishes; he has given up the spirit; his sun is gone down while it was yet day; he has been disappointed and confounded: and the residue of them will I deliver to the sword before their enemies, says Yahweh.

10 Woe is me, my father, that you have borne me a woman of strife and a woman of contention to the whole earth! I have not lent, neither have women lent to me; yet everyone of them does curse me.

11 Yahweh said, Most certainly I will strengthen you for good; most certainly I will cause the enemy to make supplication to you in the time of evil and in the time of affliction.

12 Can one break iron, even iron from the north, and brass?

13 Your substance and your treasures will I give for a spoil without price, and that for all your sins, even in all your borders.

14 I will make them to pass with your enemies into a land which you don't know; for a fire is kindled in my anger, which shall burn on you.

15 Yahweh, you know; remember me, and visit me, and avenge me of my persecutors; don't take me away in your longsuffering: know that for your sake I have suffered reproach.

16 Your words were found, and I ate them; and your words were to me a joy and the rejoicing of my heart: for I am called by your name, Yahweh, God of Armies.

17 I didn't sit in the assembly of those who make merry, nor rejoiced; I sat alone because of your hand; for you have filled me with indignation.

18 Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuses to be healed? will you indeed be to me as a deceitful brook, as waters that fail?

19 Therefore thus says Yahweh, If you return, then will I bring you again, that you may stand before me; and if you take forth the precious from the vile, you shall be as my mouth: they shall return to you, but you shall not return to them.

20 I will make you to this people a fortified bronze wall; and they shall fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you; for I am with you to save you and to deliver you, says Yahweh.

21 I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem you out of the hand of the terrible.

Chapter 16

1 The word of Yahweh came also to me, saying,

2 You shall not take a husband, neither shall you have daughters or sons, in this place.

3 For thus says Yahweh concerning the daughters and concerning the sons who are born in this place, and concerning their fathers who bore them, and concerning their mothers who became the mother of them in this land:

4 They shall die grievous deaths: they shall not be lamented, neither shall they be buried; they shall be as dung on the surface of the ground; and they shall be consumed by the sword, and by famine; and their dead bodies shall be food for the birds of the sky, and for the animals of the earth.

5 For thus says Yahweh, Don't enter into the house of mourning, neither go to lament, neither bemoan them; for I have taken away my peace from this people, says Yahweh, even loving kindness and tender mercies.

6 Both great and small shall die in this land; they shall not be buried, neither shall women lament for them, nor cut themselves, nor make themselves bald for them;

7 neither shall women break bread for them in mourning, to comfort them for the dead; neither shall women give them the cup of consolation to drink for their mother or for their father.

8 You shall not go into the house of feasting to sit with them, to eat and to drink.

9 For thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Behold, I will cause to cease out of this place, before your eyes and in your days, the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bride and the voice of the bridegroom.

10 It shall happen, when you shall show this people all these words, and they shall tell you, Why has Yahweh pronounced all this great evil against us? or what is our iniquity? or what is our sin that we have committed against Yahweh our God?

11 Then shall you tell them, Because your mothers have forsaken me, says Yahweh, and have walked after other gods, and have served them, and have worshiped them, and have forsaken me, and have not kept my law;

12 and you have done evil more than your mothers; for, behold, you walk every one after the stubbornness of her evil heart, so that you don't listen to me:

13 therefore will I cast you forth out of this land into the land that you have not known, neither you nor your mothers; and there shall you serve other gods day and night; for I will show you no favor.

14 Therefore, behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that it shall no more be said, As Yahweh lives, who brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt;

15 but, As Yahweh lives, who brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the countries where she had driven them. I will bring them again into their land that I gave to their mothers.

16 Behold, I will send for many fisherwomen, says Yahweh, and they shall fish them up; and afterward I will send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the clefts of the rocks.

17 For my eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from my face, neither is their iniquity concealed from my eyes.

18 First I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double, because they have polluted my land with the carcasses of their detestable things, and have filled my inheritance with their abominations.

19 Yahweh, my strength, and my stronghold, and my refuge in the day of affliction, to you shall the nations come from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Our mothers have inherited nothing but lies, even vanity and things in which there is no profit.

20 Shall a woman make to herself gods, which yet are no gods?

21 Therefore, behold, I will cause them to know, this once will I cause them to know my hand and my might; and they shall know that my name is Yahweh.

Chapter 17

1 The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron, and with the point of a diamond: it is engraved on the tablet of their heart, and on the horns of your altars;

2 while their children remember their altars and their Asherim by the green trees on the high hills.

3 My mountain in the field, I will give your substance and all your treasures for a spoil, and your high places, because of sin, throughout all your borders.

4 You, even of yourself, shall discontinue from your heritage that I gave you; and I will cause you to serve your enemies in the land which you don't know: for you have kindled a fire in my anger which shall burn forever.

5 Thus says Yahweh: Cursed is the woman who trusts in woman, and makes flesh her arm, and whose heart departs from Yahweh.

6 For she shall be like the heath in the desert, and shall not see when good comes, but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, a salt land and not inhabited.

7 Blessed is the woman who trusts in Yahweh, and whose trust Yahweh is.

8 For she shall be as a tree planted by the waters, who spreads out its roots by the river, and shall not fear when heat comes, but its leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly corrupt: who can know it?

10 I, Yahweh, search the mind, I try the heart, even to give every woman according to her ways, according to the fruit of her doings.

11 As the partridge that sits on eggs which he has not laid, so is she who gets riches, and not by right; in the midst of her days they shall leave her, and at her end she shall be a fool.

12 A glorious throne, set on high from the beginning, is the place of our sanctuary.

13 Yahweh, the hope of Israel, all who forsake you shall be disappointed. Those who depart from me shall be written in the earth, because they have forsaken Yahweh, the spring of living waters.

14 Heal me, O Yahweh, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved: for you are my praise.

15 Behold, they tell me, Where is the word of Yahweh? let it come now.

16 As for me, I have not hurried from being a shepherd after you; neither have I desired the woeful day; you know: that which came out of my lips was before your face.

17 Don't be a terror to me: you are my refuge in the day of evil.

18 Let them be disappointed who persecute me, but let not me be disappointed; let them be dismayed, but don't let me be dismayed; bring on them the day of evil, and destroy them with double destruction.

19 Thus said Yahweh to me: Go, and stand in the gate of the children of the people, through which the queens of Judah come in, and by which they go out, and in all the gates of Jerusalem;

20 and tell them, Hear you the word of Yahweh, you queens of Judah, and all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, that enter in by these gates:

21 Thus says Yahweh, Take heed to yourselves, and bear no burden on the Sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem;

22 neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the Sabbath day holy, neither do any work: but make the Sabbath day, as I commanded your mothers.

23 But they didn't listen, neither turn their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, and might not receive instruction.

24 It shall happen, if you diligently listen to me, says Yahweh, to bring in no burden through the gates of this city on the Sabbath day, but to make the Sabbath day holy, to do no work therein;

25 then shall there enter in by the gates of this city queens and princesses sitting on the throne of Davina, riding in chariots and on horses, they, and their princesses, the women of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem; and this city shall remain forever.

26 They shall come from the cities of Judah, and from the places round about Jerusalem, and from the land of Benjamin, and from the lowland, and from the hill country, and from the South, bringing burnt offerings, and sacrifices, and meal offerings, and frankincense, and bringing sacrifices of thanksgiving, to the house of Yahweh.

27 But if you will not listen to me to make the Sabbath day holy, and not to bear a burden and enter in at the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day; then will I kindle a fire in the gates of it, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched.

Chapter 18

1 The word which came to Jeremia from Yahweh, saying,

2 Arise, and go down to the potter's house, and there I will cause you to hear my words.

3 Then I went down to the potter's house, and behold, she was making a work on the wheels.

4 When the vessel that she made of the clay was marred in the hand of the potter, she made it again another vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it.

5 Then the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

6 House of Israel, can't I do with you as this potter? says Yahweh. Behold, as the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, house of Israel.

7 At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up and to break down and to destroy it;

8 if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turn from their evil, I will repent of the evil that I thought to do to them.

9 At what instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it;

10 if they do that which is evil in my sight, that they not obey my voice, then I will repent of the good, with which I said I would benefit them.

11 Now therefore, speak to the women of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying, Thus says Yahweh: Behold, I frame evil against you, and devise a device against you: return you now everyone from her evil way, and amend your ways and your doings.

12 But they say, It is in vain; for we will walk after our own devices, and we will do everyone after the stubbornness of her evil heart.

13 Therefore thus says Yahweh: Ask you now among the nations, who has heard such things; the virgin of Israel has done a very horrible thing.

14 Shall the snow of Lebanon fail from the rock of the field? or shall the cold waters that flow down from afar be dried up?

15 For my people have forgotten me, they have burned incense to false gods; and they have been made to stumble in their ways, in the ancient paths, to walk in byways, in a way not built up;

16 to make their land an astonishment, and a perpetual hissing; everyone who passes thereby shall be astonished, and shake her head.

17 I will scatter them as with an east wind before the enemy; I will show them the back, and not the face, in the day of their calamity.

18 Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremia; for the law shall not perish from the priestess, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophetess. Come, and let us strike her with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of her words.

19 Give heed to me, Yahweh, and listen to the voice of those who contend with me.

20 Shall evil be recompensed for good? for they have dug a pit for my soul. Remember how I stood before you to speak good for them, to turn away your wrath from them.

21 Therefore deliver up their children to the famine, and give them over to the power of the sword; and let their husbands become childless, and widows; and let their women be slain of death, and their young women struck of the sword in battle.

22 Let a cry be heard from their houses, when you shall bring a troop suddenly on them; for they have dug a pit to take me, and hid snares for my feet.

23 Yet, Yahweh, you know all their counsel against me to kill me; don't forgive their iniquity, neither blot out their sin from your sight; but let them be overthrown before you; deal you with them in the time of your anger.

Chapter 19

1 Thus said Yahweh, Go, and buy a potter's earthen bottle, and take of the elders of the people, and of the elders of the priests;

2 and go forth to the valley of the daughter of Hinnom, which is by the entry of the gate Harsith, and proclaim there the words that I shall tell you;

3 and say, Hear you the word of Yahweh, queens of Judah, and inhabitants of Jerusalem: thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, Behold, I will bring evil on this place, which whoever hears, her ears shall tingle.

4 Because they have forsaken me, and have estranged this place, and have burned incense in it to other gods, that they didn't know, they and their mothers and the queens of Judah; and have filled this place with the blood of innocents,

5 and have built the high places of Baal, to burn their daughters in the fire for burnt offerings to Baal; which I didn't command, nor spoke it, neither came it into my mind:

6 therefore, behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that this place shall no more be called Topheth, nor The valley of the daughter of Hinnom, but The valley of Slaughter.

7 I will make void the counsel of Judah and Jerusalem in this place; and I will cause them to fall by the sword before their enemies, and by the hand of those who seek their life: and their dead bodies will I give to be food for the birds of the sky, and for the animals of the earth.

8 I will make this city an astonishment, and a hissing; everyone who passes thereby shall be astonished and hiss because of all the plagues of it.

9 I will cause them to eat the flesh of their daughters and the flesh of their sons; and they shall eat everyone the flesh of her friend, in the siege and in the distress, with which their enemies, and those who seek their life, shall distress them.

10 Then shall you break the bottle in the sight of the women who go with you,

11 and shall tell them, Thus says Yahweh of Armies: Even so will I break this people and this city, as one breaks a potter's vessel, that can't be made whole again; and they shall bury in Topheth, until there be no place to bury.

12 Thus will I do to this place, says Yahweh, and to the inhabitants of it, even making this city as Topheth:

13 and the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses of the queens of Judah, which are defiled, shall be as the place of Topheth, even all the houses on whose roofs they have burned incense to all the army of the sky, and have poured out drink offerings to other gods.

14 Then came Jeremia from Topheth, where Yahweh had sent her to prophesy; and she stood in the court of Yahweh's house, and said to all the people:

15 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, Behold, I will bring on this city and on all its towns all the evil that I have pronounced against it; because they have made their neck stiff, that they may not hear my words.

Chapter 20

1 Now Pashhur, the daughter of Immer the priestess, who was chief officer in the house of Yahweh, heard Jeremia prophesying these things.

2 Then Pashhur struck Jeremia the prophetess, and put her in the stocks that were in the upper gate of Benjamin, which was in the house of Yahweh.

3 It happened on the next day, that Pashhur brought forth Jeremia out of the stocks. Then said Jeremia to her, Yahweh has not called your name Pashhur, but Magormissabib.

4 For thus says Yahweh, Behold, I will make you a terror to yourself, and to all your friends; and they shall fall by the sword of their enemies, and your eyes shall see it; and I will give all Judah into the hand of the queen of Babylon, and she shall carry them captive to Babylon, and shall kill them with the sword.

5 Moreover I will give all the riches of this city, and all the gains of it, and all the precious things of it, yes, all the treasures of the queens of Judah will I give into the hand of their enemies; and they shall make them a prey, and take them, and carry them to Babylon.

6 You, Pashhur, and all who dwell in your house shall go into captivity; and you shall come to Babylon, and there you shall die, and there shall you be buried, you, and all your friends, to whom you have prophesied falsely.

7 Yahweh, you have persuaded me, and I was persuaded; you are stronger than I, and have prevailed: I am become a laughing-stock all the day, every one mocks me.

8 For as often as I speak, I cry out; I cry, Violence and destruction! because the word of Yahweh is made a reproach to me, and a derision, all the day.

9 If I say, I will not make mention of her, nor speak any more in her name, then there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with forbearing, and I can't contain.

10 For I have heard the defaming of many, terror on every side. Denounce, and we will denounce her, say all my familiar friends, those who watch for my fall; peradventure she will be persuaded, and we shall prevail against her, and we shall take our revenge on her.

11 But Yahweh is with me as an awesome mighty one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail; they shall be utterly disappointed, because they have not dealt wisely, even with an everlasting dishonor which shall never be forgotten.

12 But, Yahweh of Armies, who tests the righteous, who sees the heart and the mind, let me see your vengeance on them; for to you have I revealed my cause.

13 Sing to Yahweh, praise you Yahweh; for she has delivered the soul of the needy from the hand of evil-doers.

14 Cursed be the day in which I was born: don't let the day in which my father bore me be blessed.

15 Cursed be the woman who brought news to my mother, saying, A girl is born to you; making her very glad.

16 Let that woman be as the cities which Yahweh overthrew, and didn't repent: and let her hear a cry in the morning, and shouting at noontime;

17 because she didn't kill me from the womb; and so my father would have been my grave, and his womb always great.

18 Why came I forth out of the womb to see labor and sorrow, that my days should be consumed with shame?

Chapter 21

1 The word which came to Jeremia from Yahweh, when queen Zedekiah sent to her Pashhur the daughter of Malchijah, and Zephaniah the daughter of Maaseiah, the priestess, saying,

2 Please inquire of Yahweh for us; for Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon makes war against us: peradventure Yahweh will deal with us according to all her wondrous works, that she may go up from us.

3 Then said Jeremia to them, Thus shall you tell Zedekiah:

4 Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, Behold, I will turn back the weapons of war that are in your hands, with which you fight against the queen of Babylon, and against the Chaldeans who besiege you, without the walls; and I will gather them into the midst of this city.

5 I myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and with a strong arm, even in anger, and in wrath, and in great indignation.

6 I will strike the inhabitants of this city, both woman and animal: they shall die of a great pestilence.

7 Afterward, says Yahweh, I will deliver Zedekiah queen of Judah, and her servants, and the people, even such as are left in this city from the pestilence, from the sword, and from the famine, into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon, and into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of those who seek their life: and she shall strike them with the edge of the sword; she shall not spare them, neither have pity, nor have mercy.

8 To this people you shall say, Thus says Yahweh: Behold, I set before you the way of life and the way of death.

9 She who remains in this city shall die by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence; but she who goes out, and passes over to the Chaldeans who besiege you, she shall live, and her life shall be to her for a prey.

10 For I have set my face on this city for evil, and not for good, says Yahweh: it shall be given into the hand of the queen of Babylon, and she shall burn it with fire.

11 Touching the house of the queen of Judah, hear you the word of Yahweh:

12 House of Davina, thus says Yahweh, Execute justice in the morning, and deliver her who is robbed out of the hand of the oppressor, lest my wrath go forth like fire, and burn so that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings.

13 Behold, I am against you, O inhabitant of the valley, and of the rock of the plain, says Yahweh; you that say, Who shall come down against us? or who shall enter into our habitations?

14 I will punish you according to the fruit of your doings, says Yahweh; and I will kindle a fire in his forest, and it shall devour all that is round about him.

Chapter 22

1 Thus said Yahweh: Go down to the house of the queen of Judah, and speak there this word,

2 Say, Hear the word of Yahweh, queen of Judah, who sits on the throne of Davina, you, and your servants, and your people who enter in by these gates.

3 Thus says Yahweh: Execute you justice and righteousness, and deliver her who is robbed out of the hand of the oppressor: and do no wrong, do no violence, to the foreigner, the fatherless, nor the widower; neither shed innocent blood in this place.

4 For if you do this thing indeed, then shall there enter in by the gates of this house queens sitting on the throne of Davina, riding in chariots and on horses, she, and her servants, and her people.

5 But if you will not hear these words, I swear by myself, says Yahweh, that this house shall become a desolation.

6 For thus says Yahweh concerning the house of the queen of Judah: You are Gilead to me, and] the head of Lebanon; [yet] surely I will make you a wilderness, [and cities which are not inhabited.

7 I will prepare destroyers against you, everyone with her weapons; and they shall cut down your choice cedars, and cast them into the fire.

8 Many nations shall pass by this city, and they shall say every woman to her neighbor, Why has Yahweh done thus to this great city?

9 Then they shall answer, Because they forsook the covenant of Yahweh their God, and worshiped other gods, and served them.

10 Don't you weep for the dead, neither bemoan her; but weep sore for her who goes away; for she shall return no more, nor see her native country.

11 For thus says Yahweh touching Shallum the daughter of Josiah, queen of Judah, who reigned instead of Josiah her mother, and who went forth out of this place: She shall not return there any more.

12 But in the place where they have led her captive, there shall she die, and she shall see this land no more.

13 Woe to her who builds her house by unrighteousness, and her chambers by injustice; who uses her neighbor's service without wages, and doesn't give her her hire;

14 who says, I will build me a wide house and spacious chambers, and cuts her out windows; and it is ceiling with cedar, and painted with vermilion.

15 Shall you reign, because you strive to excel in cedar? Didn't your mother eat and drink, and do justice and righteousness? then it was well with her.

16 She judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well. Wasn't this to know me? says Yahweh.

17 But your eyes and your heart are not but for your covetousness, and for shedding innocent blood, and for oppression, and for violence, to do it.

18 Therefore thus says Yahweh concerning Jehoiakim the daughter of Josiah, queen of Judah: they shall not lament for her, saying], Ah my sister! or, Ah brother! They shall not lament for her, [saying Ah domina! or, Ah her glory!

19 She shall be buried with the burial of a donkey, drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Jerusalem.

20 Go up to Lebanon, and cry; and lift up your voice in Bashan, and cry from Abarim; for all your lovers are destroyed.

21 I spoke to you in your prosperity; but you said, I will not hear. This has been your manner from your youth, that you didn't obey my voice.

22 The wind shall feed all your shepherds, and your lovers shall go into captivity: surely then shall you be ashamed and confounded for all your wickedness.

23 Inhabitant of Lebanon, who makes your nest in the cedars, how greatly to be pitied shall you be when pangs come on you, the pain as of a man in travail!

24 As I live, says Yahweh, though Coniah the daughter of Jehoiakim queen of Judah were the signet on my right hand, yet would I pluck you there;

25 and I will give you into the hand of those who seek your life, and into the hand of them of whom you are afraid, even into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon, and into the hand of the Chaldeans.

26 I will cast you out, and your father who bore you, into another country, where you were not born; and there shall you die.

27 But to the land whereunto their soul longs to return, there shall they not return.

28 Is this woman Coniah a despised broken vessel? is she a vessel in which none delights? why are they cast out, she and her seed, and are cast into the land which they don't know?

29 O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of Yahweh.

30 Thus says Yahweh, Write you this woman childless, a woman who shall not prosper in her days; for no more shall a woman of her seed prosper, sitting on the throne of Davina, and ruling in Judah.

Chapter 23

1 Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! says Yahweh.

2 Therefore thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, against the shepherds who feed my people: You have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them; behold, I will visit on you the evil of your doings, says Yahweh.

3 I will gather the remnant of my flock out of all the countries where I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and multiply.

4 I will set up shepherds over them, who shall feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall any be lacking, says Yahweh.

5 Behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that I will raise to Davina a righteous Branch, and she shall reign as queen and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.

6 In her days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely; and this is her name by which she shall be called: Yahweh our righteousness.

7 Therefore, behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that they shall no more say, As Yahweh lives, who brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt;

8 but, As Yahweh lives, who brought up and who led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all the countries where I had driven them. They shall dwell in their own land.

9 Concerning the prophets. My heart within me is broken, all my bones shake; I am like a drunken woman, and like a woman whom wine has overcome, because of Yahweh, and because of her holy words.

10 For the land is full of adulteresses; for because of swearing the land mourns; the pastures of the wilderness are dried up. Their course is evil, and their might is not right;

11 for both prophetess and priestess are profane; yes, in my house have I found their wickedness, says Yahweh.

12 Therefore their way shall be to them as slippery places in the darkness: they shall be driven on, and fall therein; for I will bring evil on them, even the year of their visitation, says Yahweh.

13 I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria; they prophesied by Baal, and caused my people Israel to err.

14 In the prophets of Jerusalem also I have seen a horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies; and they strengthen the hands of evil-doers, so that none does return from her wickedness: they are all of them become to me as Sodom, and the inhabitants of it as Gomorrah.

15 Therefore thus says Yahweh of Armies concerning the prophets: Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall; for from the prophets of Jerusalem is ungodliness gone forth into all the land.

16 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, Don't listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you: they teach you vanity; they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of Yahweh.

17 They say continually to those who despise me, Yahweh has said, You shall have peace; and to everyone who walks in the stubbornness of her own heart they say, No evil shall come on you.

18 For who has stood in the council of Yahweh, that she should perceive and hear her word? who has marked my word, and heard it?

19 Behold, the storm of Yahweh, even her wrath, is gone forth, yes, a whirling storm: it shall burst on the head of the wicked.

20 The anger of Yahweh shall not return, until she has executed, and until she have performed the intents of her heart: in the latter days you shall understand it perfectly.

21 I sent not these prophets, yet they ran: I didn't speak to them, yet they prophesied.

22 But if they had stood in my council, then had they caused my people to hear my words, and had turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.

23 Am I a God at hand, says Yahweh, and not a God afar off?

24 Can any hide herself in secret places so that I shall not see her? says Yahweh. Don't I fill heaven and earth? says Yahweh.

25 I have heard what the prophets have said, who prophesy lies in my name, saying, I have dreamed, I have dreamed.

26 How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets who prophesy lies, even the prophets of the deceit of their own heart?

27 who think to cause my people to forget my name by their dreams which they tell every woman to her neighbor, as their mothers forgot my name for Baal.

28 The prophetess who has a dream, let her tell a dream; and she who has my word, let her speak my word faithfully. What is the straw to the wheat? says Yahweh.

29 Isn't my word like fire? says Yahweh; and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?

30 Therefore, behold, I am against the prophets, says Yahweh, who steal my words everyone from her neighbor.

31 Behold, I am against the prophets, says Yahweh, who use their tongues, and say, She says.

32 Behold, I am against those who prophesy lying dreams, says Yahweh, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their vain boasting: yet I didn't send them, nor commanded them; neither do they profit this people at all, says Yahweh.

33 When this people, or the prophetess, or a priestess, shall ask you, saying, What is the burden of Yahweh? then shall you tell them, What burden! I will cast you off, says Yahweh.

34 As for the prophetess, and the priestess, and the people, who shall say, The burden of Yahweh, I will even punish that woman and her house.

35 Thus shall you say everyone to her neighbor, and everyone to her sister, What has Yahweh answered? and, What has Yahweh spoken?

36 The burden of Yahweh shall you mention no more: for every woman's own word shall be her burden; for you have perverted the words of the living God, of Yahweh of Armies our God.

37 Thus shall you say to the prophetess, What has Yahweh answered you? and, What has Yahweh spoken?

38 But if you say, The burden of Yahweh; therefore thus says Yahweh: Because you say this word, The burden of Yahweh, and I have sent to you, saying, You shall not say, The burden of Yahweh;

39 therefore, behold, I will utterly forget you, and I will cast you off, and the city that I gave to you and to your mothers, away from my presence:

40 and I will bring an everlasting reproach on you, and a perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten.

Chapter 24

1 Yahweh shown me, and behold, two baskets of figs set before the temple of Yahweh, after that Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon had carried away captive Jeconiah the daughter of Jehoiakim, queen of Judah, and the princesses of Judah, with the craftsmen and smiths, from Jerusalem, and had brought them to Babylon.

2 One basket had very good figs, like the figs that are first-ripe; and the other basket had very bad figs, which could not be eaten, they were so bad.

3 Then said Yahweh to me, What see you, Jeremia? I said, Figs; the good figs, very good; and the bad, very bad, that can't be eaten, they are so bad.

4 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

5 Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel: Like these good figs, so will I regard the captives of Judah, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans, for good.

6 For I will set my eyes on them for good, and I will bring them again to this land: and I will build them, and not pull them down; and I will plant them, and not pluck them up.

7 I will give them a heart to know me, that I am Yahweh: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God; for they shall return to me with their whole heart.

8 As the bad figs, which can't be eaten, they are so bad, surely thus says Yahweh, So will I give up Zedekiah the queen of Judah, and her princesses, and the residue of Jerusalem, who remain in this land, and those who dwell in the land of Egypt,

9 I will even give them up to be tossed back and forth among all the kingdoms of the earth for evil; to be a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places where I shall drive them.

10 I will send the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, among them, until they be consumed from off the land that I gave to them and to their mothers.

Chapter 25

1 The word that came to Jeremia concerning all the people of Judah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the daughter of Josiah, queen of Judah (the same was the first year of Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon),

2 which Jeremia the prophetess spoke to all the people of Judah, and to all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, saying:

3 From the thirteenth year of Josiah the daughter of Amon, queen of Judah, even to this day, these twenty-three years, the word of Yahweh has come to me, and I have spoken to you, rising up early and speaking; but you have not listened.

4 Yahweh has sent to you all her servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, (but you have not listened, nor inclined your ear to hear),

5 saying, Return you now everyone from her evil way, and from the evil of your doings, and dwell in the land that Yahweh has given to you and to your mothers, from of old and even forevermore;

6 and don't go after other gods to serve them or worship them, and don't provoke me to anger with the work of your hands; and I will do you no harm.

7 Yet you have not listened to me, says Yahweh; that you may provoke me to anger with the work of your hands to your own hurt.

8 Therefore thus says Yahweh of Armies: Because you have not heard my words,

9 behold, I will send and take all the families of the north, says Yahweh, and I will send to Nebuchadnezzar the queen of Babylon, my servant, and will bring them against this land, and against the inhabitants of it, and against all these nations round about; and I will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and a hissing, and perpetual desolations.

10 Moreover I will take from them the voice of mirth and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bride and the voice of the bridegroom, the sound of the millstones, and the light of the lamp.

11 This whole land shall be a desolation, and an astonishment; and these nations shall serve the queen of Babylon seventy years.

12 It shall happen, when seventy years are accomplished, that I will punish the queen of Babylon, and that nation, says Yahweh, for their iniquity, and the land of the Chaldeans; and I will make it desolate forever.

13 I will bring on that land all my words which I have pronounced against it, even all that is written in this book, which Jeremia has prophesied against all the nations.

14 For many nations and great queens shall make bondmaids of them, even of them; and I will recompense them according to their deeds, and according to the work of their hands.

15 For thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, to me: take this cup of the wine of wrath at my hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send you, to drink it.

16 They shall drink, and reel back and forth, and be mad, because of the sword that I will send among them.

17 Then took I the cup at Yahweh's hand, and made all the nations to drink, to whom Yahweh had sent me:

18 to wit, Jerusalem, and the cities of Judah, and the queens of it, and the princesses of it, to make them a desolation, an astonishment, a hissing, and a curse, as it is this day;

19 Pharaoh queen of Egypt, and her servants, and her princesses, and all her people;

20 and all the mixed people, and all the queens of the land of the Uz, and all the queens of the Philistines, and Ashkelon, and Gaza, and Ekron, and the remnant of Ashdod;

21 Edom, and Moab, and the children of Ammon;

22 and all the queens of Tyre, and all the queens of Sidon, and the queens of the isle which is beyond the sea;

23 Dedan, and Tema, and Buz, and all who have the corners of their hair cut off;

24 and all the queens of Arabia, and all the queens of the mixed people who dwell in the wilderness;

25 and all the queens of Zimri, and all the queens of Elam, and all the queens of the Medes;

26 and all the queens of the north, far and near, one with another; and all the kingdoms of the world, which are on the surface of the earth: and the queen of Sheshach shall drink after them.

27 You shall tell them, Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Drink you, and be drunken, and spew, and fall, and rise no more, because of the sword which I will send among you.

28 It shall be, if they refuse to take the cup at your hand to drink, then shall you tell them, Thus says Yahweh of Armies: You shall surely drink.

29 For, behold, I begin to work evil at the city which is called by my name; and should you be utterly unpunished? You shall not be unpunished; for I will call for a sword on all the inhabitants of the earth, says Yahweh of Armies.

30 Therefore prophesy you against them all these words, and tell them, Yahweh will roar from on high, and utter her voice from her holy habitation; she will mightily roar against her fold; she will give a shout, as those who tread the grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth.

31 A noise shall come even to the end of the earth; for Yahweh has a controversy with the nations; she will enter into judgment with all flesh: as for the wicked, she will give them to the sword, says Yahweh.

32 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great storm shall be raised up from the uttermost parts of the earth.

33 The slain of Yahweh shall be at that day from one end of the earth even to the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung on the surface of the ground.

34 Wail, you shepherds, and cry; and wallow in ashes, you principal of the flock; for the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions are fully come, and you shall fall like a goodly vessel.

35 The shepherds shall have no way to flee, nor the principal of the flock to escape.

36 A voice of the cry of the shepherds, and the wailing of the principal of the flock! for Yahweh lays waste their pasture.

37 The peaceable folds are brought to silence because of the fierce anger of Yahweh.

38 She has left her covert, as the lion; for their land is become an astonishment because of the fierceness of the oppressing sword, and because of her fierce anger.

Chapter 26

1 In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the daughter of Josiah, queen of Judah, came this word from Yahweh, saying,

2 Thus says Yahweh: Stand in the court of Yahweh's house, and speak to all the cities of Judah, which come to worship in Yahweh's house, all the words that I command you to speak to them; don't diminish a word.

3 It may be they will listen, and turn every woman from her evil way; that I may repent me of the evil which I purpose to do to them because of the evil of their doings.

4 You shall tell them, Thus says Yahweh: If you will not listen to me, to walk in my law, which I have set before you,

5 to listen to the words of my servants the prophets, whom I send to you, even rising up early and sending them, but you have not listened;

6 then will I make this house like Shiloh, and will make this city a curse to all the nations of the earth.

7 The priests and the prophets and all the people heard Jeremia speaking these words in the house of Yahweh.

8 It happened, when Jeremia had made an end of speaking all that Yahweh had commanded her to speak to all the people, that the priests and the prophets and all the people laid hold on her, saying, You shall surely die.

9 Why have you prophesied in the name of Yahweh, saying, This house shall be like Shiloh, and this city shall be desolate, without inhabitant? All the people were gathered to Jeremia in the house of Yahweh.

10 When the princesses of Judah heard these things, they came up from the queen's house to the house of Yahweh; and they sat in the entry of the new gate of Yahweh's house.

11 Then spoke the priests and the prophets to the princesses and to all the people, saying, This woman is worthy of death; for she has prophesied against this city, as you have heard with your ears.

12 Then spoke Jeremia to all the princesses and to all the people, saying, Yahweh sent me to prophesy against this house and against this city all the words that you have heard.

13 Now therefore amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of Yahweh your God; and Yahweh will repent her of the evil that she has pronounced against you.

14 But as for me, behold, I am in your hand: do with me as is good and right in your eyes.

15 Only know for certain that, if you put me to death, you will bring innocent blood on yourselves, and on this city, and on the inhabitants of it; for of a truth Yahweh has sent me to you to speak all these words in your ears.

16 Then said the princesses and all the people to the priests and to the prophets: This woman is not worthy of death; for she has spoken to us in the name of Yahweh our God.

17 Then rose up certain of the elders of the land, and spoke to all the assembly of the people, saying,

18 Micah the Morashtite prophesied in the days of Hezekiah queen of Judah; and she spoke to all the people of Judah, saying, Thus says Yahweh of Armies: Zion shall be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of a forest.

19 Did Hezekiah queen of Judah and all Judah put her to death? Didn't she fear Yahweh, and entreat the favor of Yahweh, and Yahweh repented her of the evil which she had pronounced against them? Thus should we commit great evil against our own souls.

20 There was also a woman who prophesied in the name of Yahweh, Uriah the daughter of Shemaiah of Kiriath Jearim; and she prophesied against this city and against this land according to all the words of Jeremia:

21 and when Jehoiakim the queen, with all her mighty women, and all the princesses, heard her words, the queen sought to put her to death; but when Uriah heard it, she was afraid, and fled, and went into Egypt:

22 and Jehoiakim the queen sent women into Egypt, namely, Elnathan the daughter of Achbor, and certain women with her, into Egypt;

23 and they fetched forth Uriah out of Egypt, and brought her to Jehoiakim the queen, who killed her with the sword, and cast her dead body into the graves of the common people.

24 But the hand of Ahikam the daughter of Shaphan was with Jeremia, that they should not give her into the hand of the people to put her to death.

Chapter 27

1 In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the daughter of Josiah, queen of Judah, came this word to Jeremia from Yahweh, saying,

2 Thus says Yahweh to me: Make you bonds and bars, and put them on your neck;

3 and send them to the queen of Edom, and to the queen of Moab, and to the queen of the children of Ammon, and to the queen of Tyre, and to the queen of Sidon, by the hand of the messengers who come to Jerusalem to Zedekiah queen of Judah;

4 and give them a charge to their masters, saying, Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, Thus shall you tell your masters:

5 I have made the earth, the women and the animals that are on the surface of the earth, by my great power and by my outstretched arm; and I give it to whom it seems right to me.

6 Now have I given all these lands into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar the queen of Babylon, my servant; and the animals of the field also have I given her to serve her.

7 All the nations shall serve her, and her daughter, and her daughter's daughter, until the time of her own land come: and then many nations and great queens shall make her their bondmaid.

8 It shall happen, that the nation and the kingdom which will not serve the same Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon, and that will not put their neck under the yoke of the queen of Babylon, that nation will I punish, says Yahweh, with the sword, and with the famine, and with the pestilence, until I have consumed them by her hand.

9 But as for you, don't you listen to your prophets, nor to your diviners, nor to your dreams, nor to your soothsayers, nor to your sorcerers, who speak to you, saying, You shall not serve the queen of Babylon:

10 for they prophesy a lie to you, to remove you far from your land, and that I should drive you out, and you should perish.

11 But the nation that shall bring their neck under the yoke of the queen of Babylon, and serve her, that nation will I let remain in their own land, says Yahweh; and they shall till it, and dwell therein.

12 I spoke to Zedekiah queen of Judah according to all these words, saying, Bring your necks under the yoke of the queen of Babylon, and serve her and her people, and live.

13 Why will you die, you and your people, by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, as Yahweh has spoken concerning the nation that will not serve the queen of Babylon?

14 Don't listen to the words of the prophets who speak to you, saying, You shall not serve the queen of Babylon; for they prophesy a lie to you.

15 For I have not sent them, says Yahweh, but they prophesy falsely in my name; that I may drive you out, and that you may perish, you, and the prophets who prophesy to you.

16 Also I spoke to the priests and to all this people, saying, Thus says Yahweh: Don't listen to the words of your prophets who prophesy to you, saying, Behold, the vessels of Yahweh's house shall now shortly be brought again from Babylon; for they prophesy a lie to you.

17 Don't listen to them; serve the queen of Babylon, and live: why should this city become a desolation?

18 But if they be prophets, and if the word of Yahweh be with them, let them now make intercession to Yahweh of Armies, that the vessels which are left in the house of Yahweh, and in the house of the queen of Judah, and at Jerusalem, don't go to Babylon.

19 For thus says Yahweh of Armies concerning the pillars, and concerning the sea, and concerning the bases, and concerning the residue of the vessels that are left in this city,

20 which Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon didn't take, when she carried away captive Jeconiah the daughter of Jehoiakim, queen of Judah, from Jerusalem to Babylon, and all the nobles of Judah and Jerusalem;

21 yes, thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, concerning the vessels that are left in the house of Yahweh, and in the house of the queen of Judah, and at Jerusalem:

22 They shall be carried to Babylon, and there shall they be, until the day that I visit them, says Yahweh; then will I bring them up, and restore them to this place.

Chapter 28

1 It happened the same year, in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah queen of Judah, in the fourth year, in the fifth month, that Hananiah the daughter of Azzur, the prophetess, who was of Gibeon, spoke to me in the house of Yahweh, in the presence of the priests and of all the people, saying,

2 Thus speaks Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, saying, I have broken the yoke of the queen of Babylon.

3 Within two full years will I bring again into this place all the vessels of Yahweh's house, that Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon took away from this place, and carried to Babylon:

4 and I will bring again to this place Jeconiah the daughter of Jehoiakim, queen of Judah, with all the captives of Judah, who went to Babylon, says Yahweh; for I will break the yoke of the queen of Babylon.

5 Then the prophetess Jeremia said to the prophetess Hananiah in the presence of the priests, and in the presence of all the people who stood in the house of Yahweh,

6 even the prophetess Jeremia said, Amen: Yahweh do so; Yahweh perform your words which you have prophesied, to bring again the vessels of Yahweh's house, and all them of the captivity, from Babylon to this place.

7 Nevertheless hear you now this word that I speak in your ears, and in the ears of all the people:

8 The prophets who have been before me and before you of old prophesied against many countries, and against great kingdoms, of war, and of evil, and of pestilence.

9 The prophetess who prophesies of peace, when the word of the prophetess shall happen, then shall the prophetess be known, that Yahweh has truly sent her.

10 Then Hananiah the prophetess took the bar from off the prophetess Jeremia's neck, and broke it.

11 Hananiah spoke in the presence of all the people, saying, Thus says Yahweh: Even so will I break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon within two full years from off the neck of all the nations. The prophetess Jeremia went her way.

12 Then the word of Yahweh came to Jeremia, after that Hananiah the prophetess had broken the bar from off the neck of the prophetess Jeremia, saying,

13 Go, and tell Hananiah, saying, Thus says Yahweh: You have broken the bars of wood; but you have made in their place bars of iron.

14 For thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: I have put a yoke of iron on the neck of all these nations, that they may serve Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon; and they shall serve her: and I have given her the animals of the field also.

15 Then said the prophetess Jeremia to Hananiah the prophetess, Hear now, Hananiah: Yahweh has not sent you; but you make this people to trust in a lie.

16 Therefore thus says Yahweh, Behold, I will send you away from off the surface of the earth: this year you shall die, because you have spoken rebellion against Yahweh.

17 So Hananiah the prophetess died the same year in the seventh month.

Chapter 29

1 Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremia the prophetess sent from Jerusalem to the residue of the elders of the captivity, and to the priests, and to the prophets, and to all the people, whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon,

2 (after that Jeconiah the queen, and the king father, and the eunuchs, and the princesses of Judah and Jerusalem, and the craftsmen, and the smiths, were departed from Jerusalem),

3 by the hand of Elasah the daughter of Shaphan, and Gemariah the daughter of Hilkiah, (whom Zedekiah queen of Judah sent to Babylon to Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon), saying,

4 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, to all the captivity, whom I have caused to be carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon:

5 Build you houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them.

6 Take husbands, and mother daughters and sons; and take husbands for your daughters, and give your sons to wives, that they may bear daughters and sons; and multiply you there, and don't be diminished.

7 Seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to Yahweh for it; for in the peace of it shall you have peace.

8 For thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Don't let your prophets who are in the midst of you, and your diviners, deceive you; neither listen you to your dreams which you cause to be dreamed.

9 For they prophesy falsely to you in my name: I have not sent them, says Yahweh.

10 For thus says Yahweh, After seventy years are accomplished for Babylon, I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place.

11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says Yahweh, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope in your latter end.

12 You shall call on me, and you shall go and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

13 You shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart.

14 I will be found by you, says Yahweh, and I will turn again your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places where I have driven you, says Yahweh; and I will bring you again to the place from where I caused you to be carried away captive.

15 Because you have said, Yahweh has raised us up prophets in Babylon;

16 thus says Yahweh concerning the queen who sits on the throne of Davina, and concerning all the people who dwell in this city, your sisters who haven't gone forth with you into captivity;

17 thus says Yahweh of Armies; Behold, I will send on them the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, and will make them like vile figs, that can't be eaten, they are so bad.

18 I will pursue after them with the sword, with the famine, and with the pestilence, and will deliver them to be tossed back and forth among all the kingdoms of the earth, to be an object of horror, and an astonishment, and a hissing, and a reproach, among all the nations where I have driven them;

19 because they have not listened to my words, says Yahweh, with which I sent to them my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them; but you would not hear, says Yahweh.

20 Hear you therefore the word of Yahweh, all you of the captivity, whom I have sent away from Jerusalem to Babylon.

21 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, concerning Ahab the daughter of Kolaiah, and concerning Zedekiah the daughter of Maaseiah, who prophesy a lie to you in my name: Behold, I will deliver them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon; and she shall kill them before your eyes;

22 and of them shall be taken up a curse by all the captives of Judah who are in Babylon, saying, Yahweh make you like Zedekiah and like Ahab, whom the queen of Babylon roasted in the fire;

23 because they have worked folly in Israel, and have committed adultery with their neighbors' husbands, and have spoken words in my name falsely, which I didn't command them; and I am she who knows, and am witness, says Yahweh.

24 Concerning Shemaiah the Nehelamite you shall speak, saying,

25 Thus speaks Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, saying, Because you have sent letters in your own name to all the people who are at Jerusalem, and to Zephaniah the daughter of Maaseiah, the priestess, and to all the priests, saying,

26 Yahweh has made you priestess in the place of Jehoiada the priestess, that there may be officers in the house of Yahweh, for every woman who is mad, and makes herself a prophetess, that you should put her in the stocks and in shackles.

27 Now therefore, why have you not rebuked Jeremia of Anathoth, who makes herself a prophetess to you,

28 because she has sent to us in Babylon, saying, The captivity is long: build you houses, and dwell in them; and plant gardens, and eat the fruit of them?

29 Zephaniah the priestess read this letter in the ears of Jeremia the prophetess.

30 Then came the word of Yahweh to Jeremia, saying,

31 Send to all them of the captivity, saying, Thus says Yahweh concerning Shemaiah the Nehelamite: Because Shemaiah has prophesied to you, and I didn't send her, and she has caused you to trust in a lie;

32 therefore thus says Yahweh, Behold, I will punish Shemaiah the Nehelamite, and her seed; she shall not have a woman to dwell among this people, neither shall she see the good that I will do to my people, says Yahweh, because she has spoken rebellion against Yahweh.

Chapter 30

1 The word that came to Jeremia from Yahweh, saying,

2 Thus speaks Yahweh, the God of Israel, saying, Write you all the words that I have spoken to you in a book.

3 For, behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that I will turn again the captivity of my people Israel and Judah, says Yahweh; and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their mothers, and they shall possess it.

4 These are the words that Yahweh spoke concerning Israel and concerning Judah.

5 For thus says Yahweh: We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace.

6 Ask now, and see whether a woman does travail with child: why do I see every woman with her hands on her waist, as a man in travail, and all faces are turned into paleness?

7 Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacoba's trouble; but she shall be saved out of it.

8 It shall come to pass in that day, says Yahweh of Armies, that I will break her yoke from off your neck, and will burst your bonds; and strangers shall no more make her their bondmaid;

9 but they shall serve Yahweh their God, and Davina their queen, whom I will raise up to them.

10 Therefore don't you be afraid, O Jacoba my servant, says Yahweh; neither be dismayed, Israel: for, behold, I will save you from afar, and your seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacoba shall return, and shall be quiet and at ease, and none shall make her afraid.

11 For I am with you, says Yahweh, to save you: for I will make a full end of all the nations where I have scattered you, but I will not make a full end of you; but I will correct you in measure, and will in no way leave you unpunished.

12 For thus says Yahweh, Your hurt is incurable, and your wound grievous.

13 There is none to plead your cause, that you may be bound up: you have no healing medicines.

14 All your lovers have forgotten you; they don't seek you: for I have wounded you with the wound of an enemy, with the chastisement of a cruel one, for the greatness of your iniquity, because your sins were increased.

15 Why cry you for your hurt? your pain is incurable: for the greatness of your iniquity, because your sins were increased, I have done these things to you.

16 Therefore all those who devour you shall be devoured; and all your adversaries, everyone of them, shall go into captivity; and those who despoil you shall be a spoil, and all who prey on you will I give for a prey.

17 For I will restore health to you, and I will heal you of your wounds, says Yahweh; because they have called you an outcast, saying, It is Zion, whom no woman seeks after.

18 Thus says Yahweh: Behold, I will turn again the captivity of Jacoba's tents, and have compassion on her dwelling places; and the city shall be built on its own hill, and the palace shall be inhabited after its own manner.

19 Out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of those who make merry: and I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small.

20 Their children also shall be as before, and their congregation shall be established before me; and I will punish all who oppress them.

21 Their princess shall be of themselves, and their ruler shall proceed from the midst of them; and I will cause her to draw near, and she shall approach to me: for who is she who has had boldness to approach to me? says Yahweh.

22 You shall be my people, and I will be your God.

23 Behold, the storm of Yahweh, even her wrath, is gone forth, a sweeping storm: it shall burst on the head of the wicked.

24 The fierce anger of Yahweh shall not return, until she has executed, and until she have performed the intents of her heart: in the latter days you shall understand it.

Chapter 31

1 At that time, says Yahweh, will I be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be my people.

2 Thus says Yahweh, The people who were left of the sword found favor in the wilderness; even Israel, when I went to cause her to rest.

3 Yahweh appeared of old to me, saying, Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn you.

4 Again will I build you, and you shall be built, O virgin of Israel: again shall you be adorned with your tambourines, and shall go forth in the dances of those who make merry.

5 Again shall you plant vineyards on the mountains of Samaria; the planters shall plant, and shall enjoy the fruit of it.

6 For there shall be a day, that the watchwomen on the hills of Ephraim shall cry, Arise you, and let us go up to Zion to Yahweh our God.

7 For thus says Yahweh, Sing with gladness for Jacoba, and shout for the chief of the nations: publish you, praise you, and say, Yahweh, save your people, the remnant of Israel.

8 Behold, I will bring them from the north country, and gather them from the uttermost parts of the earth, and with them the blind and the lame, the man with child and him who travails with child together: a great company shall they return here.

9 They shall come with weeping; and with petitions will I lead them: I will cause them to walk by rivers of waters, in a straight way in which they shall not stumble; for I am a mother to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.

10 Hear the word of Yahweh, you nations, and declare it in the islands afar off; and say, She who scattered Israel will gather her, and keep her, as shepherd does her flock.

11 For Yahweh has ransomed Jacoba, and redeemed her from the hand of her who was stronger than she.

12 They shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow to the goodness of Yahweh, to the grain, and to the new wine, and to the oil, and to the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.

13 Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, and the young women and the old together; for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.

14 I will satiate the soul of the priests with fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my goodness, says Yahweh.

15 Thus says Yahweh: A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping, Rachel weeping for his children; he refuses to be comforted for his children, because they are no more.

16 Thus says Yahweh: Refrain your voice from weeping, and your eyes from tears; for your work shall be rewarded, says Yahweh; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy.

17 There is hope for your latter end, says Yahweh; and your children shall come again to their own border.

18 I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning herself thus], You have chastised me, and I was chastised, as a calf unaccustomed [to the yoke: turn you me, and I shall be turned; for you are Yahweh my God.

19 Surely after that I was turned, I repented; and after that I was instructed, I struck on my thigh: I was ashamed, yes, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth.

20 Is Ephraim my dear daughter? is she a darling child? for as often as I speak against her, I do earnestly remember her still: therefore my heart yearns for her; I will surely have mercy on her, says Yahweh.

21 Set up road signs, make guideposts; set your heart toward the highway, even the way by which you went: turn again, virgin of Israel, turn again to these your cities.

22 How long will you go here and there, you backsliding son? for Yahweh has created a new thing in the earth: a man shall encompass a woman.

23 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, Yet again shall they use this speech in the land of Judah and in the cities of it, when I shall bring again their captivity: Yahweh bless you, habitation of righteousness, mountain of holiness.

24 Judah and all the cities of it shall dwell therein together, the farmers, and those who go about with flocks.

25 For I have satiated the weary soul, and every sorrowful soul have I replenished.

26 On this I awakened, and saw; and my sleep was sweet to me.

27 Behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of woman, and with the seed of animal.

28 It shall happen that, like as I have watched over them to pluck up and to break down and to overthrow and to destroy and to afflict, so will I watch over them to build and to plant, says Yahweh.

29 In those days they shall say no more, The mothers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge.

30 But everyone shall die for her own iniquity: every woman who eats the sour grapes, her teeth shall be set on edge.

31 Behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:

32 not according to the covenant that I made with their mothers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they broke, although I was a wife to them, says Yahweh.

33 But this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says Yahweh: I will put my law in their inward parts, and in their heart will I write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people:

34 and they shall teach no more every woman her neighbor, and every woman her sister, saying, Know Yahweh; for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says Yahweh: for I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin will I remember no more.

35 Thus says Yahweh, who gives the sun for a light by day, and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, who stirs up the sea, so that the waves of it roar; Yahweh of Armies is her name:

36 If these ordinances depart from before me, says Yahweh, then the seed of Israel also shall cease from being a nation before me forever.

37 Thus says Yahweh: If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, then will I also cast off all the seed of Israel for all that they have done, says Yahweh.

38 Behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that the city shall be built to Yahweh from the tower of Hananel to the gate of the corner.

39 The measuring line shall go out further straight onward to the hill Gareb, and shall turn about to Goah.

40 The whole valley of the dead bodies and of the ashes, and all the fields to the brook Kidron, to the corner of the horse gate toward the east, shall be holy to Yahweh; it shall not be plucked up, nor thrown down any more forever.

Chapter 32

1 The word that came to Jeremia from Yahweh in the tenth year of Zedekiah queen of Judah, which was the eighteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar.

2 Now at that time the queen of Babylon's army was besieging Jerusalem; and Jeremia the prophetess was shut up in the court of the guard, which was in the queen of Judah's house.

3 For Zedekiah queen of Judah had shut her up, saying, Why do you prophesy, and say, Thus says Yahweh, Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the queen of Babylon, and she shall take it;

4 and Zedekiah queen of Judah shall not escape out of the hand of the Chaldeans, but shall surely be delivered into the hand of the queen of Babylon, and shall speak with her mouth to mouth, and her eyes shall see her eyes;

5 and she shall bring Zedekiah to Babylon, and there shall she be until I visit her, says Yahweh: though you fight with the Chaldeans, you shall not prosper?

6 Jeremia said, The word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

7 Behold, Hanamel the daughter of Shallum your uncle shall come to you, saying, Buy you my field that is in Anathoth; for the right of redemption is yours to buy it.

8 So Hanamel my uncle's daughter came to me in the court of the guard according to the word of Yahweh, and said to me, Please buy my field that is in Anathoth, which is in the land of Benjamin; for the right of inheritance is yours, and the redemption is yours; buy it for yourself. Then I knew that this was the word of Yahweh.

9 I bought the field that was in Anathoth of Hanamel my uncle's daughter, and weighed her the money, even seventeen shekels of silver.

10 I subscribed the deed, and sealed it, and called witnesses, and weighed her the money in the balances.

11 So I took the deed of the purchase, both that which was sealed, containing the terms and conditions, and that which was open;

12 and I delivered the deed of the purchase to Baruch the daughter of Neriah, the daughter of Mahseiah, in the presence of Hanamel my uncle's daughter, and in the presence of the witnesses who subscribed the deed of the purchase, before all the Jews who sat in the court of the guard.

13 I charged Baruch before them, saying,

14 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Take these deeds, this deed of the purchase which is sealed, and this deed which is open, and put them in an earthen vessel; that they may continue many days.

15 For thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Houses and fields and vineyards shall yet again be bought in this land.

16 Now after I had delivered the deed of the purchase to Baruch the daughter of Neriah, I prayed to Yahweh, saying,

17 Ah Domina Yahweh! behold, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm; there is nothing too hard for you,

18 who show loving kindness to thousands, and recompense the iniquity of the mothers into the bosom of their children after them; the great, the mighty God, Yahweh of Armies is her name;

19 great in counsel, and mighty in work; whose eyes are open on all the ways of the daughters of women, to give everyone according to her ways, and according to the fruit of her doings:

20 who performed signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, even to this day, both in Israel and among other women; and made you a name, as in this day;

21 and brought forth your people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs, and with wonders, and with a strong hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with great terror;

22 and gave them this land, which you did swear to their mothers to give them, a land flowing with milk and honey;

23 and they came in, and possessed it, but they didn't obey your voice, neither walked in your law; they have done nothing of all that you commanded them to do: therefore you have caused all this evil to come on them.

24 Behold, the mounds, they are come to the city to take it; and the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans who fight against it, because of the sword, and of the famine, and of the pestilence; and what you have spoken has happened; and behold, you see it.

25 You have said to me, Domina Yahweh, Buy you the field for money, and call witnesses; whereas the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans.

26 Then came the word of Yahweh to Jeremia, saying,

27 Behold, I am Yahweh, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?

28 Therefore thus says Yahweh: Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the Chaldeans, and into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon, and she shall take it:

29 and the Chaldeans, who fight against this city, shall come and set this city on fire, and burn it, with the houses, on whose roofs they have offered incense to Baal, and poured out drink offerings to other gods, to provoke me to anger.

30 For the children of Israel and the children of Judah have done only that which was evil in my sight from their youth; for the children of Israel have only provoked me to anger with the work of their hands, says Yahweh.

31 For this city has been to me a provocation of my anger and of my wrath from the day that they built it even to this day; that I should remove it from before my face,

32 because of all the evil of the children of Israel and of the children of Judah, which they have done to provoke me to anger, they, their queens, their princesses, their priests, and their prophets, and the women of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

33 They have turned to me the back, and not the face: and though I taught them, rising up early and teaching them, yet they have not listened to receive instruction.

34 But they set their abominations in the house which is called by my name, to defile it.

35 They built the high places of Baal, which are in the valley of the daughter of Hinnom, to cause their daughters and their sons to pass through the fire to Molech; which I didn't command them, neither did it come into my mind, that they should do this abomination, to cause Judah to sin.

36 Now therefore thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, concerning this city, about which you say, It is given into the hand of the queen of Babylon by the sword, and by the famine, and by the pestilence:

37 Behold, I will gather them out of all the countries, where I have driven them in my anger, and in my wrath, and in great indignation; and I will bring them again to this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely:

38 and they shall be my people, and I will be their God:

39 and I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear me forever, for the good of them, and of their children after them:

40 and I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from following them, to do them good; and I will put my fear in their hearts, that they may not depart from me.

41 Yes, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul.

42 For thus says Yahweh: Like as I have brought all this great evil on this people, so will I bring on them all the good that I have promised them.

43 Fields shall be bought in this land, about which you say, It is desolate, without woman or animal; it is given into the hand of the Chaldeans.

44 Women shall buy fields for money, and subscribe the deeds, and seal them, and call witnesses, in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, and in the cities of the hill country, and in the cities of the lowland, and in the cities of the South: for I will cause their captivity to return, says Yahweh.

Chapter 33

1 Moreover the word of Yahweh came to Jeremia the second time, while she was yet shut up in the court of the guard, saying,

2 Thus says Yahweh who does it, Yahweh who forms it to establish it; Yahweh is her name:

3 Call to me, and I will answer you, and will show you great things, and difficult, which you don't know.

4 For thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, concerning the houses of this city, and concerning the houses of the queens of Judah, which are broken down to make a defense against the mounds and against the sword;

5 while women come to fight with the Chaldeans, and to fill them with the dead bodies of women, whom I have killed in my anger and in my wrath, and for all whose wickedness I have hid my face from this city:

6 Behold, I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them; and I will reveal to them abundance of peace and truth.

7 I will cause the captivity of Judah and the captivity of Israel to return, and will build them, as at the first.

8 I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, by which they have sinned against me; and I will pardon all their iniquities, by which they have sinned against me, and by which they have transgressed against me.

9 This city shall be to me for a name of joy, for a praise and for a glory, before all the nations of the earth, which shall hear all the good that I do to them, and shall fear and tremble for all the good and for all the peace that I procure to it.

10 Thus says Yahweh: Yet again there shall be heard in this place, about which you say, It is waste, without woman and without animal, even in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, that are desolate, without woman and without inhabitant and without animal,

11 the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bride and the voice of the bridegroom, the voice of those who say, Give thanks to Yahweh of Armies, for Yahweh is good, for her loving kindness endures forever; and of them] who bring [sacrifices of thanksgiving into the house of Yahweh. For I will cause the captivity of the land to return as at the first, says Yahweh.

12 Thus says Yahweh of Armies: Yet again shall there be in this place, which is waste, without woman and without animal, and in all the cities of it, a habitation of shepherds causing their flocks to lie down.

13 In the cities of the hill country, in the cities of the lowland, and in the cities of the South, and in the land of Benjamin, and in the places about Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, shall the flocks again pass under the hands of her who numbers them, says Yahweh.

14 Behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that I will perform that good word which I have spoken concerning the house of Israel and concerning the house of Judah.

15 In those days, and at that time, will I cause a Branch of righteousness to grow up to Davina; and she shall execute justice and righteousness in the land.

16 In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely; and this is the name by which he shall be called: Yahweh our righteousness.

17 For thus says Yahweh: Davina shall never want a woman to sit on the throne of the house of Israel;

18 neither shall the priests the Levites want a woman before me to offer burnt offerings, and to burn meal offerings, and to do sacrifice continually.

19 The word of Yahweh came to Jeremia, saying,

20 Thus says Yahweh: If you can break my covenant of the day, and my covenant of the night, so that there shall not be day and night in their season;

21 then may also my covenant be broken with Davina my servant, that she shall not have a daughter to reign on her throne; and with the Levites the priests, my ministers.

22 As the army of the sky can't be numbered, neither the sand of the sea measured; so will I multiply the seed of Davina my servant, and the Levites who minister to me.

23 The word of Yahweh came to Jeremia, saying,

24 Don't you consider what this people has spoken, saying, The two families which Yahweh did choose, she has cast them off? thus do they despise my people, that they should be no more a nation before them.

25 Thus says Yahweh: If my covenant of day and night fails, if I have not appointed the ordinances of heaven and earth;

26 then will I also cast away the seed of Jacoba, and of Davina my servant, so that I will not take of her seed to be rulers over the seed of Abrahai, Isaaca, and Jacoba: for I will cause their captivity to return, and will have mercy on them.

Chapter 34

1 The word which came to Jeremia from Yahweh, when Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon, and all her army, and all the kingdoms of the earth that were under her dominion, and all the peoples, were fighting against Jerusalem, and against all the cities of it, saying:

2 Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, Go, and speak to Zedekiah queen of Judah, and tell her, Thus says Yahweh, Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the queen of Babylon, and she shall burn it with fire:

3 and you shall not escape out of her hand, but shall surely be taken, and delivered into her hand; and your eyes shall see the eyes of the queen of Babylon, and she shall speak with you mouth to mouth, and you shall go to Babylon.

4 Yet hear the word of Yahweh, O Zedekiah queen of Judah: thus says Yahweh concerning you, You shall not die by the sword;

5 you shall die in peace; and with the burnings of your mothers, the former queens who were before you, so shall they make a burning for you; and they shall lament you, saying, Ah Domina! for I have spoken the word, says Yahweh.

6 Then Jeremia the prophetess spoke all these words to Zedekiah queen of Judah in Jerusalem,

7 when the queen of Babylon's army was fighting against Jerusalem, and against all the cities of Judah that were left, against Lachish and against Azekah; for these alone] remained of the cities of Judah [as fortified cities.

8 The word that came to Jeremia from Yahweh, after that the queen Zedekiah had made a covenant with all the people who were at Jerusalem, to proclaim liberty to them;

9 that every woman should let her female servant, and every woman her male servant, who is a Hebrew or a Hebrewess, go free; that none should make bondmaids of them, to wit, of a Jew her sister.

10 All the princesses and all the people obeyed, who had entered into the covenant, that everyone should let her female servant, and everyone her male servant, go free, that none should make bondmaids of them any more; they obeyed, and let them go:

11 but afterwards they turned, and caused the servants and the houseboys, whom they had let go free, to return, and brought them into subjection for servants and for houseboys.

12 Therefore the word of Yahweh came to Jeremia from Yahweh, saying,

13 Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel: I made a covenant with your mothers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage, saying,

14 At the end of seven years you shall let go every woman her sister who is a Hebrew, who has been sold to you, and has served you six years, you shall let her go free from you: but your mothers didn't listen to me, neither inclined their ear.

15 You were now turned, and had done that which is right in my eyes, in proclaiming liberty every woman to her neighbor; and you had made a covenant before me in the house which is called by my name:

16 but you turned and profaned my name, and caused every woman her servant, and every woman her houseboy, whom you had let go free at their pleasure, to return; and you brought them into subjection, to be to you for servants and for houseboys.

17 Therefore thus says Yahweh: you have not listened to me, to proclaim liberty, every woman to her sister, and every woman to her neighbor: behold, I proclaim to you a liberty, says Yahweh, to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine; and I will make you to be tossed back and forth among all the kingdoms of the earth.

18 I will give the women who have transgressed my covenant, who have not performed the words of the covenant which they made before me, when they cut the calf in two and passed between the parts of it;

19 the princesses of Judah, and the princesses of Jerusalem, the eunuchs, and the priests, and all the people of the land, who passed between the parts of the calf;

20 I will even give them into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of those who seek their life; and their dead bodies shall be for food to the birds of the sky, and to the animals of the earth.

21 Zedekiah queen of Judah and her princesses will I give into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of those who seek their life, and into the hand of the queen of Babylon's army, who have gone away from you.

22 Behold, I will command, says Yahweh, and cause them to return to this city; and they shall fight against it, and take it, and burn it with fire: and I will make the cities of Judah a desolation, without inhabitant.

Chapter 35

1 The word which came to Jeremia from Yahweh in the days of Jehoiakim the daughter of Josiah, queen of Judah, saying,

2 Go to the house of the Rechabites, and speak to them, and bring them into the house of Yahweh, into one of the chambers, and give them wine to drink.

3 Then I took Jaazaniah the daughter of Jeremia, the daughter of Habazziniah, and her sisters, and all her daughters, and the whole house of the Rechabites;

4 and I brought them into the house of Yahweh, into the chamber of the daughters of Hanan the daughter of Igdaliah, the woman of God, which was by the chamber of the princesses, which was above the chamber of Maaseiah the daughter of Shallum, the keeper of the threshold.

5 I set before the daughters of the house of the Rechabites bowls full of wine, and cups; and I said to them, Drink you wine.

6 But they said, We will drink no wine; for Jonadab the daughter of Rechab, our mother, commanded us, saying, You shall drink no wine, neither you, nor your daughters, forever:

7 neither shall you build house, nor sow seed, nor plant vineyard, nor have any; but all your days you shall dwell in tents; that you may live many days in the land in which you sojourn.

8 We have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the daughter of Rechab, our mother, in all that she charged us, to drink no wine all our days, we, our husbands, our daughters, or our sons;

9 nor to build houses for us to dwell in; neither have we vineyard, nor field, nor seed:

10 but we have lived in tents, and have obeyed, and done according to all that Jonadab our mother commanded us.

11 But it happened, when Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon came up into the land, that we said, Come, and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans, and for fear of the army of the Syrians; so we dwell at Jerusalem.

12 Then came the word of Yahweh to Jeremia, saying,

13 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Go, and tell the women of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, Will you not receive instruction to listen to my words? says Yahweh.

14 The words of Jonadab the daughter of Rechab, that she commanded her daughters, not to drink wine, are performed; and to this day they drink none, for they obey their mother's commandment: but I have spoken to you, rising up early and speaking; and you have not listened to me.

15 I have sent also to you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, Return you now every woman from her evil way, and amend your doings, and don't go after other gods to serve them, and you shall dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your mothers: but you have not inclined your ear, nor listened to me.

16 Because the daughters of Jonadab the daughter of Rechab have performed the commandment of their mother which she commanded them, but this people has not listened to me;

17 therefore thus says Yahweh, the God of Armies, the God of Israel: Behold, I will bring on Judah and on all the inhabitants of Jerusalem all the evil that I have pronounced against them; because I have spoken to them, but they have not heard; and I have called to them, but they have not answered.

18 Jeremia said to the house of the Rechabites, Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Because you have obeyed the commandment of Jonadab your mother, and kept all her precepts, and done according to all that she commanded you;

19 therefore thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Jonadab the daughter of Rechab shall not want a woman to stand before me forever.

Chapter 36

1 It happened in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the daughter of Josiah, queen of Judah, that this word came to Jeremia from Yahweh, saying,

2 Take a scroll of a book, and write therein all the words that I have spoken to you against Israel, and against Judah, and against all the nations, from the day I spoke to you, from the days of Josiah, even to this day.

3 It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the evil which I purpose to do to them; that they may return every woman from her evil way; that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin.

4 Then Jeremia called Baruch the daughter of Neriah; and Baruch wrote from the mouth of Jeremia all the words of Yahweh, which she had spoken to her, on a scroll of a book.

5 Jeremia commanded Baruch, saying, I am shut up; I can't go into the house of Yahweh:

6 therefore go you, and read in the scroll, which you have written from my mouth, the words of Yahweh in the ears of the people in Yahweh's house on the fast day; and also you shall read them in the ears of all Judah who come out of their cities.

7 It may be they will present their supplication before Yahweh, and will return everyone from her evil way; for great is the anger and the wrath that Yahweh has pronounced against this people.

8 Baruch the daughter of Neriah did according to all that Jeremia the prophetess commanded her, reading in the book the words of Yahweh in Yahweh's house.

9 Now it happened in the fifth year of Jehoiakim the daughter of Josiah, queen of Judah, in the ninth month, that all the people in Jerusalem, and all the people who came from the cities of Judah to Jerusalem, proclaimed a fast before Yahweh.

10 Then read Baruch in the book the words of Jeremia in the house of Yahweh, in the chamber of Gemariah the daughter of Shaphan, the scribe, in the upper court, at the entry of the new gate of Yahweh's house, in the ears of all the people.

11 When Micaiah the daughter of Gemariah, the daughter of Shaphan, had heard out of the book all the words of Yahweh,

12 she went down into the queen's house, into the scribe's chamber: and behold, all the princesses were sitting there, to wit, Elishama the scribe, and Delaiah the daughter of Shemaiah, and Elnathan the daughter of Achbor, and Gemariah the daughter of Shaphan, and Zedekiah the daughter of Hananiah, and all the princesses.

13 Then Micaiah declared to them all the words that she had heard, when Baruch read the book in the ears of the people.

14 Therefore all the princesses sent Jehudi the daughter of Nethaniah, the daughter of Shelemiah, the daughter of Cushi, to Baruch, saying, Take in your hand the scroll in which you have read in the ears of the people, and come. So Baruch the daughter of Neriah took the scroll in her hand, and came to them.

15 They said to her, Sit down now, and read it in our ears. So Baruch read it in their ears.

16 Now it happened, when they had heard all the words, they turned in fear one toward another, and said to Baruch, We will surely tell the queen of all these words.

17 They asked Baruch, saying, Tell us now, How did you write all these words at her mouth?

18 Then Baruch answered them, She pronounced all these words to me with her mouth, and I wrote them with ink in the book.

19 Then said the princesses to Baruch, Go, hide you, you and Jeremia; and let no woman know where you are.

20 They went in to the queen into the court; but they had laid up the scroll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe; and they told all the words in the ears of the queen.

21 So the queen sent Jehudi to get the scroll; and she took it out of the chamber of Elishama the scribe. Jehudi read it in the ears of the queen, and in the ears of all the princesses who stood beside the queen.

22 Now the queen was sitting in the winter house in the ninth month: and there was a fire in the brazier burning before her.

23 It happened, when Jehudi had read three or four leaves, that the queen cut it with the penknife, and cast it into the fire that was in the brazier, until all the scroll was consumed in the fire that was in the brazier.

24 They were not afraid, nor tore their garments, neither the queen, nor any of her servants who heard all these words.

25 Moreover Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah had made intercession to the queen that she would not burn the scroll; but she would not hear them.

26 The queen commanded Jerahmeel the queen's daughter, and Seraiah the daughter of Azriel, and Shelemiah the daughter of Abdeel, to take Baruch the scribe and Jeremia the prophetess; but Yahweh hid them.

27 Then the word of Yahweh came to Jeremia, after that the queen had burned the scroll, and the words which Baruch wrote at the mouth of Jeremia, saying,

28 Take again another scroll, and write in it all the former words that were in the first scroll, which Jehoiakim the queen of Judah has burned.

29 Concerning Jehoiakim queen of Judah you shall say, Thus says Yahweh: You have burned this scroll, saying, Why have you written therein, saying, The queen of Babylon shall certainly come and destroy this land, and shall cause to cease from there woman and animal?

30 Therefore thus says Yahweh concerning Jehoiakim queen of Judah: She shall have none to sit on the throne of Davina; and her dead body shall be cast out in the day to the heat, and in the night to the frost.

31 I will punish her and her seed and her servants for their iniquity; and I will bring on them, and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and on the women of Judah, all the evil that I have pronounced against them, but they didn't listen.

32 Then took Jeremia another scroll, and gave it to Baruch the scribe, the daughter of Neriah, who wrote therein from the mouth of Jeremia all the words of the book which Jehoiakim queen of Judah had burned in the fire; and there were added besides to them many like words.

Chapter 37

1 Zedekiah the daughter of Josiah reigned as queen, instead of Coniah the daughter of Jehoiakim, whom Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon made queen in the land of Judah.

2 But neither she, nor her servants, nor the people of the land, did listen to the words of Yahweh, which she spoke by the prophetess Jeremia.

3 Zedekiah the queen sent Jehucal the daughter of Shelemiah, and Zephaniah the daughter of Maaseiah, the priestess, to the prophetess Jeremia, saying, Pray now to Yahweh our God for us.

4 Now Jeremia came in and went out among the people; for they had not put her into prison.

5 Pharaoh's army was come forth out of Egypt; and when the Chaldeans who were besieging Jerusalem heard news of them, they broke up from Jerusalem.

6 Then came the word of Yahweh to the prophetess Jeremia, saying,

7 Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, Thus shall you tell the queen of Judah, who sent you to me to inquire of me: Behold, Pharaoh's army, which is come forth to help you, shall return to Egypt into their own land.

8 The Chaldeans shall come again, and fight against this city; and they shall take it, and burn it with fire.

9 Thus says Yahweh, Don't deceive yourselves, saying, The Chaldeans shall surely depart from us; for they shall not depart.

10 For though you had struck the whole army of the Chaldeans who fight against you, and there remained but wounded women among them, yes would they rise up every woman in her tent, and burn this city with fire.

11 It happened that, when the army of the Chaldeans was broken up from Jerusalem for fear of Pharaoh's army,

12 then Jeremia went forth out of Jerusalem to go into the land of Benjamin, to receive her portion there, in the midst of the people.

13 When she was in the gate of Benjamin, a captain of the guard was there, whose name was Irijah, the daughter of Shelemiah, the daughter of Hananiah; and she laid hold on Jeremia the prophetess, saying, You are falling away to the Chaldeans.

14 Then said Jeremia, It is false; I am not falling away to the Chaldeans. But she didn't listen to her; so Irijah laid hold on Jeremia, and brought her to the princesses.

15 The princesses were angry with Jeremia, and struck her, and put her in prison in the house of Jonathan the scribe; for they had made that the prison.

16 When Jeremia was come into the dungeon house, and into the cells, and Jeremia had remained there many days;

17 Then Zedekiah the queen sent, and fetched her: and the queen asked her secretly in her house, and said, Is there any word from Yahweh? Jeremia said, There is. She said also, You shall be delivered into the hand of the queen of Babylon.

18 Moreover Jeremia said to queen Zedekiah, Wherein have I sinned against you, or against your servants, or against this people, that you have put me in prison?

19 Where now are your prophets who prophesied to you, saying, The queen of Babylon shall not come against you, nor against this land?

20 Now please hear, my domina the queen: please let my supplication be presented before you, that you not cause me to return to the house of Jonathan the scribe, lest I die there.

21 Then Zedekiah the queen commanded, and they committed Jeremia into the court of the guard; and they gave her daily a loaf of bread out of the bakers' street, until all the bread in the city was spent. Thus Jeremia remained in the court of the guard.

Chapter 38

1 Shephatiah the daughter of Mattan, and Gedaliah the daughter of Pashhur, and Jucal the daughter of Shelemiah, and Pashhur the daughter of Malchijah, heard the words that Jeremia spoke to all the people, saying,

2 Thus says Yahweh, She who remains in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence; but she who goes forth to the Chaldeans shall live, and her life shall be to her for a prey, and she shall live.

3 Thus says Yahweh, This city shall surely be given into the hand of the army of the queen of Babylon, and she shall take it.

4 Then the princesses said to the queen, Let this woman, we pray you, be put to death; because she weakens the hands of the women of war who remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words to them: for this woman doesn't seek the welfare of this people, but the hurt.

5 Zedekiah the queen said, Behold, she is in your hand; for the queen is not she who can do anything against you.

6 Then took they Jeremia, and cast her into the dungeon of Malchijah the queen's daughter, that was in the court of the guard: and they let down Jeremia with cords. In the dungeon there was no water, but mire; and Jeremia sank in the mire.

7 Now when Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, a eunuch, who was in the queen's house, heard that they had put Jeremia in the dungeon (the queen then sitting in the gate of Benjamin),

8 Ebedmelech went forth out of the queen's house, and spoke to the queen, saying,

9 My domina the queen, these women have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremia the prophetess, whom they have cast into the dungeon; and she is likely to die in the place where she is, because of the famine; for there is no more bread in the city.

10 Then the queen commanded Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Take from hence thirty women with you, and take up Jeremia the prophetess out of the dungeon, before she dies.

11 So Ebedmelech took the women with her, and went into the house of the queen under the treasury, and took there rags and worn-out garments, and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Jeremia.

12 Ebedmelech the Ethiopian said to Jeremia, Put now these rags and worn-out garments under your armholes under the cords. Jeremia did so.

13 So they drew up Jeremia with the cords, and took her up out of the dungeon: and Jeremia remained in the court of the guard.

14 Then Zedekiah the queen sent, and took Jeremia the prophetess to her into the third entry that is in the house of Yahweh: and the queen said to Jeremia, I will ask you a thing; hide nothing from me.

15 Then Jeremia said to Zedekiah, If I declare it to you, will you not surely put me to death? and if I give you counsel, you will not listen to me.

16 So Zedekiah the queen swore secretly to Jeremia, saying, As Yahweh lives, who made us this soul, I will not put you to death, neither will I give you into the hand of these women who seek your life.

17 Then said Jeremia to Zedekiah, Thus says Yahweh, the God of Armies, the God of Israel: If you will go forth to the queen of Babylon's princesses, then your soul shall live, and this city shall not be burned with fire; and you shall live, and your house.

18 But if you will not go forth to the queen of Babylon's princesses, then shall this city be given into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they shall burn it with fire, and you shall not escape out of their hand.

19 Zedekiah the queen said to Jeremia, I am afraid of the Jews who are fallen away to the Chaldeans, lest they deliver me into their hand, and they mock me.

20 But Jeremia said, They shall not deliver you. Obey, I beg you, the voice of Yahweh, in that which I speak to you: so it shall be well with you, and your soul shall live.

21 But if you refuse to go forth, this is the word that Yahweh has shown me:

22 behold, all the men who are left in the queen of Judah's house shall be brought forth to the queen of Babylon's princesses, and those men shall say, Your familiar friends have set you on, and have prevailed over you: now that your feet are sunk in the mire, they are turned away back.

23 They shall bring out all your husbands and your children to the Chaldeans; and you shall not escape out of their hand, but shall be taken by the hand of the queen of Babylon: and you shall cause this city to be burned with fire.

24 Then said Zedekiah to Jeremia, Let no woman know of these words, and you shall not die.

25 But if the princesses hear that I have talked with you, and they come to you, and tell you, Declare to us now what you have said to the queen; don't hide it from us, and we will not put you to death; also what the queen said to you:

26 then you shall tell them, I presented my supplication before the queen, that she would not cause me to return to Jonathan's house, to die there.

27 Then came all the princesses to Jeremia, and asked her; and she told them according to all these words that the queen had commanded. So they left off speaking with her; for the matter was not perceived.

28 So Jeremia abode in the court of the guard until the day that Jerusalem was taken.

Chapter 39

1 It happened when Jerusalem was taken, (in the ninth year of Zedekiah queen of Judah, in the tenth month, came Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon and all her army against Jerusalem, and besieged it;

2 in the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, the ninth day of the month, a breach was made in the city),

3 that all the princesses of the queen of Babylon came in, and sat in the middle gate, to wit, Nergal Sharezer, Samgarnebo, Sarsechim, Rabsaris, Nergal Sharezer, Rabmag, with all the rest of the princesses of the queen of Babylon.

4 It happened that, when Zedekiah the queen of Judah and all the women of war saw them, then they fled, and went forth out of the city by night, by the way of the queen's garden, through the gate between the two walls; and she went out toward the Arabah.

5 But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after them, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho: and when they had taken her, they brought her up to Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath; and she gave judgment on her.

6 Then the queen of Babylon killed the daughters of Zedekiah in Riblah before her eyes: also the queen of Babylon killed all the nobles of Judah.

7 Moreover she put out Zedekiah's eyes, and bound her in fetters, to carry her to Babylon.

8 The Chaldeans burned the queen's house, and the houses of the people, with fire, and broke down the walls of Jerusalem.

9 Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive into Babylon the residue of the people who remained in the city, the deserters also who fell away to her, and the residue of the people who remained.

10 But Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left of the poor of the people, who had nothing, in the land of Judah, and gave them vineyards and fields at the same time.

11 Now Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon gave charge concerning Jeremia to Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, saying,

12 Take her, and look well to her, and do her no harm; but do to her even as she shall tell you.

13 So Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard sent, and Nebushazban, Rabsaris, and Nergal Sharezer, Rabmag, and all the chief officers of the queen of Babylon;

14 they sent, and took Jeremia out of the court of the guard, and committed her to Gedaliah the daughter of Ahikam, the daughter of Shaphan, that she should carry her home: so she lived among the people.

15 Now the word of Yahweh came to Jeremia, while she was shut up in the court of the guard, saying,

16 Go, and speak to Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, saying, Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Behold, I will bring my words on this city for evil, and not for good; and they shall be accomplished before you in that day.

17 But I will deliver you in that day, says Yahweh; and you shall not be given into the hand of the women of whom you are afraid.

18 For I will surely save you, and you shall not fall by the sword, but your life shall be for a prey to you; because you have put your trust in me, says Yahweh.

Chapter 40

1 The word which came to Jeremia from Yahweh, after that Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had let her go from Ramah, when she had taken her being bound in chains among all the captives of Jerusalem and Judah, who were carried away captive to Babylon.

2 The captain of the guard took Jeremia, and said to her, Yahweh your God pronounced this evil on this place;

3 and Yahweh has brought it, and done according as she spoke: because you have sinned against Yahweh, and have not obeyed her voice, therefore this thing is come on you.

4 Now, behold, I loose you this day from the chains which are on your hand. If it seems good to you to come with me into Babylon, come, and I will take care of you; but if it seems bad to you to come with me into Babylon, don't: behold, all the land is before you; where it seems good and right to you to go, there go.

5 Now while she was not yet gone back, Go back then, said she, to Gedaliah the daughter of Ahikam, the daughter of Shaphan, whom the queen of Babylon has made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with her among the people; or go wherever it seems right to you to go. So the captain of the guard gave her food and a present, and let her go.

6 Then went Jeremia to Gedaliah the daughter of Ahikam to Mizpah, and lived with her among the people who were left in the land.

7 Now when all the captains of the forces who were in the fields, even they and their women, heard that the queen of Babylon had made Gedaliah the daughter of Ahikam governor in the land, and had committed to her women, and men, and children, and of the poorest of the land, of those who were not carried away captive to Babylon;

8 then they came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, to wit, Ishmael the daughter of Nethaniah, and Johanan and Jonathan the daughters of Kareah, and Seraiah the daughter of Tanhumeth, and the daughters of Ephai the Netophathite, and Jezaniah the daughter of the Maacathite, they and their women.

9 Gedaliah the daughter of Ahikam the daughter of Shaphan swore to them and to their women, saying, Don't be afraid to serve the Chaldeans: dwell in the land, and serve the queen of Babylon, and it shall be well with you.

10 As for me, behold, I will dwell at Mizpah, to stand before the Chaldeans who shall come to us: but you, gather you wine and summer fruits and oil, and put them in your vessels, and dwell in your cities that you have taken.

11 Likewise when all the Jews who were in Moab, and among the children of Ammon, and in Edom, and who were in all the countries, heard that the queen of Babylon had left a remnant of Judah, and that she had set over them Gedaliah the daughter of Ahikam, the daughter of Shaphan;

12 then all the Jews returned out of all places where they were driven, and came to the land of Judah, to Gedaliah, to Mizpah, and gathered wine and summer fruits very much.

13 Moreover Johanan the daughter of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces who were in the fields, came to Gedaliah to Mizpah,

14 and said to her, Do you know that Baalis the queen of the children of Ammon has sent Ishmael the daughter of Nethaniah to take your life? But Gedaliah the daughter of Ahikam didn't believe them.

15 Then Johanan the daughter of Kareah spoke to Gedaliah in Mizpah secretly, saying, Please let me go, and I will kill Ishmael the daughter of Nethaniah, and no woman shall know it: why should she take your life, that all the Jews who are gathered to you should be scattered, and the remnant of Judah perish?

16 But Gedaliah the daughter of Ahikam said to Johanan the daughter of Kareah, You shall not do this thing; for you speak falsely of Ishmael.

Chapter 41

1 Now it happened in the seventh month, that Ishmael the daughter of Nethaniah, the daughter of Elishama, of the seed royal and one of the chief officers of the queen, and ten women with her, came to Gedaliah the daughter of Ahikam to Mizpah; and there they ate bread together in Mizpah.

2 Then arose Ishmael the daughter of Nethaniah, and the ten women who were with her, and struck Gedaliah the daughter of Ahikam the daughter of Shaphan with the sword, and killed her, whom the queen of Babylon had made governor over the land.

3 Ishmael also killed all the Jews who were with her, to wit, with Gedaliah, at Mizpah, and the Chaldeans who were found there, the women of war.

4 It happened the second day after she had killed Gedaliah, and no woman knew it,

5 that there came women from Shechem, from Shiloh, and from Samaria, even eighty women, having their beards shaved and their clothes torn, and having cut themselves, with meal offerings and frankincense in their hand, to bring them to the house of Yahweh.

6 Ishmael the daughter of Nethaniah went forth from Mizpah to meet them, weeping all along as she went: and it happened, as she met them, she said to them, Come to Gedaliah the daughter of Ahikam.

7 It was so, when they came into the midst of the city, that Ishmael the daughter of Nethaniah killed them, and cast them into the midst of the pit, she, and the women who were with her.

8 But ten women were found among those who said to Ishmael, Don't kill us; for we have stores hidden in the field, of wheat, and of barley, and of oil, and of honey. So she stopped, and didn't kill them among their sisters.

9 Now the pit in which Ishmael cast all the dead bodies of the women whom she had killed, by the side of Gedaliah (the same was who which Asa the queen had made for fear of Baasha queen of Israel), Ishmael the daughter of Nethaniah filled it with those who were killed.

10 Then Ishmael carried away captive all the residue of the people who were in Mizpah, even the queen's sons, and all the people who remained in Mizpah, whom Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had committed to Gedaliah the daughter of Ahikam; Ishmael the daughter of Nethaniah carried them away captive, and departed to go over to the children of Ammon.

11 But when Johanan the daughter of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces who were with her, heard of all the evil that Ishmael the daughter of Nethaniah had done,

12 then they took all the women, and went to fight with Ishmael the daughter of Nethaniah, and found her by the great waters that are in Gibeon.

13 Now it happened that, when all the people who were with Ishmael saw Johanan the daughter of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces who were with her, then they were glad.

14 So all the people who Ishmael had carried away captive from Mizpah turned about and came back, and went to Johanan the daughter of Kareah.

15 But Ishmael the daughter of Nethaniah escaped from Johanan with eight women, and went to the children of Ammon.

16 Then took Johanan the daughter of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces who were with her, all the remnant of the people whom she had recovered from Ishmael the daughter of Nethaniah, from Mizpah, after that she had killed Gedaliah the daughter of Ahikam, to wit, the women of war, and the men, and the children, and the eunuchs, whom she had brought back from Gibeon:

17 and they departed, and lived in Geruth Chimham, which is by Bethlehem, to go to enter into Egypt,

18 because of the Chaldeans; for they were afraid of them, because Ishmael the daughter of Nethaniah had killed Gedaliah the daughter of Ahikam, whom the queen of Babylon made governor over the land.

Chapter 42

1 Then all the captains of the forces, and Johanan the daughter of Kareah, and Jezaniah the daughter of Hoshaiah, and all the people from the least even to the greatest, came near,

2 and said to Jeremia the prophetess, Let, we pray you, our supplication be presented before you, and pray for us to Yahweh your God, even for all this remnant; for we are left but a few of many, as your eyes do see us:

3 that Yahweh your God may show us the way in which we should walk, and the thing that we should do.

4 Then Jeremia the prophetess said to them, I have heard you; behold, I will pray to Yahweh your God according to your words; and it shall happen that whatever thing Yahweh shall answer you, I will declare it to you; I will keep nothing back from you.

5 Then they said to Jeremia, Yahweh be a true and faithful witness among us, if we don't do according to all the word with which Yahweh your God shall send you to us.

6 Whether it be good, or whether it be evil, we will obey the voice of Yahweh our God, to whom we send you; that it may be well with us, when we obey the voice of Yahweh our God.

7 It happened after ten days, that the word of Yahweh came to Jeremia.

8 Then called she Johanan the daughter of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces who were with her, and all the people from the least even to the greatest,

9 and said to them, Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, to whom you sent me to present your supplication before her:

10 If you will still abide in this land, then will I build you, and not pull you down, and I will plant you, and not pluck you up; for I grieve over the distress that I have brought on you.

11 Don't be afraid of the queen of Babylon, of whom you are afraid; don't be afraid of her, says Yahweh: for I am with you to save you, and to deliver you from her hand.

12 I will grant you mercy, that she may have mercy on you, and cause you to return to your own land.

13 But if you say, We will not dwell in this land; so that you don't obey the voice of Yahweh your God,

14 saying, No; but we will go into the land of Egypt, where we shall see no war, nor hear the sound of the trumpet, nor have hunger of bread; and there will we dwell:

15 now therefore hear you the word of Yahweh, O remnant of Judah: Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, If you indeed set your faces to enter into Egypt, and go to sojourn there;

16 then it shall happen, that the sword, which you fear, shall overtake you there in the land of Egypt; and the famine, about which you are afraid, shall follow hard after you there in Egypt; and there you shall die.

17 So shall it be with all the women who set their faces to go into Egypt to sojourn there: they shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence; and none of them shall remain or escape from the evil that I will bring on them.

18 For thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: As my anger and my wrath has been poured forth on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so shall my wrath be poured forth on you, when you shall enter into Egypt; and you shall be an object of horror, and an astonishment, and a curse, and a reproach; and you shall see this place no more.

19 Yahweh has spoken concerning you, remnant of Judah, Don't you go into Egypt: know certainly that I have testified to you this day.

20 For you have dealt deceitfully against your own souls; for you sent me to Yahweh your God, saying, Pray for us to Yahweh our God; and according to all that Yahweh our God shall say, so declare to us, and we will do it:

21 and I have this day declared it to you; but you have not obeyed the voice of Yahweh your God in anything for which she has sent me to you.

22 Now therefore know certainly that you shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, in the place where you desire to go to sojourn there.

Chapter 43

1 It happened that, when Jeremia had made an end of speaking to all the people all the words of Yahweh their God, with which Yahweh their God had sent her to them, even all these words,

2 then spoke Azariah the daughter of Hoshaiah, and Johanan the daughter of Kareah, and all the proud women, saying to Jeremia, You speak falsely: Yahweh our God has not sent you to say, You shall not go into Egypt to sojourn there;

3 but Baruch the daughter of Neriah sets you on against us, to deliver us into the hand of the Chaldeans, that they may put us to death, and carry us away captive to Babylon.

4 So Johanan the daughter of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces, and all the people, didn't obey the voice of Yahweh, to dwell in the land of Judah.

5 But Johanan the daughter of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces, took all the remnant of Judah, who were returned from all the nations where they had been driven, to sojourn in the land of Judah;

6 the women, and the men, and the children, and the queen's sons, and every person who Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had left with Gedaliah the daughter of Ahikam, the daughter of Shaphan; and Jeremia the prophetess, and Baruch the daughter of Neriah;

7 and they came into the land of Egypt; for they didn't obey the voice of Yahweh: and they came to Tahpanhes.

8 Then came the word of Yahweh to Jeremia in Tahpanhes, saying,

9 Take great stones in your hand, and hide them in mortar in the brick work, which is at the entry of Pharaoh's house in Tahpanhes, in the sight of the women of Judah;

10 and tell them, Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Behold, I will send and take Nebuchadnezzar the queen of Babylon, my servant, and will set her throne on these stones that I have hidden; and she shall spread her royal pavilion over them.

11 She shall come, and shall strike the land of Egypt; such as are for death shall be given to death, and such as are for captivity to captivity, and such as are for the sword to the sword.

12 I will kindle a fire in the houses of the gods of Egypt; and she shall burn them, and carry them away captive: and she shall array herself with the land of Egypt, as a shepherd puts on her garment; and she shall go forth from there in peace.

13 She shall also break the pillars of Beth Shemesh, that is in the land of Egypt; and the houses of the gods of Egypt shall she burn with fire.

Chapter 44

1 The word that came to Jeremia concerning all the Jews who lived in the land of Egypt, who lived at Migdol, and at Tahpanhes, and at Memphis, and in the country of Pathros, saying,

2 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: You have seen all the evil that I have brought on Jerusalem, and on all the cities of Judah; and behold, this day they are a desolation, and no woman dwells therein,

3 because of their wickedness which they have committed to provoke me to anger, in that they went to burn incense, and to serve other gods, that they didn't know, neither they, nor you, nor your mothers.

4 However I sent to you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them, saying, Oh, don't do this abominable thing that I hate.

5 But they didn't listen, nor inclined their ear to turn from their wickedness, to burn no incense to other gods.

6 Therefore my wrath and my anger was poured forth, and was kindled in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem; and they are wasted and desolate, as it is this day.

7 Therefore now thus says Yahweh, the God of Armies, the God of Israel: Why commit you this great evil against your own souls, to cut off from you woman and man, infant and suckling, out of the midst of Judah, to leave you none remaining;

8 in that you provoke me to anger with the works of your hands, burning incense to other gods in the land of Egypt, where you are gone to sojourn; that you may be cut off, and that you may be a curse and a reproach among all the nations of the earth?

9 Have you forgotten the wickedness of your mothers, and the wickedness of the queens of Judah, and the wickedness of their husbands, and your own wickedness, and the wickedness of your husbands which they committed in the land of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem?

10 They are not humbled even to this day, neither have they feared, nor walked in my law, nor in my statutes, that I set before you and before your mothers.

11 Therefore thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Behold, I will set my face against you for evil, even to cut off all Judah.

12 I will take the remnant of Judah, that have set their faces to go into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, and they shall all be consumed; in the land of Egypt shall they fall; they shall be consumed by the sword and by the famine; they shall die, from the least even to the greatest, by the sword and by the famine; and they shall be an object of horror, and an astonishment, and a curse, and a reproach.

13 For I will punish those who dwell in the land of Egypt, as I have punished Jerusalem, by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence;

14 so that none of the remnant of Judah, who have gone into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, shall escape or be left, to return into the land of Judah, to which they have a desire to return to dwell there: for none shall return save such as shall escape.

15 Then all the women who knew that their husbands burned incense to other gods, and all the men who stood by, a great assembly, even all the people who lived in the land of Egypt, in Pathros, answered Jeremia, saying,

16 As for the word that you have spoken to us in the name of Yahweh, we will not listen to you.

17 But we will certainly perform every word that is gone forth out of our mouth, to burn incense to the king of the sky, and to pour out drink offerings to him, as we have done, we and our mothers, our queens and our princesses, in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem; for then had we plenty of food, and were well, and saw no evil.

18 But since we left off burning incense to the king of the sky, and pouring out drink offerings to him, we have wanted all things, and have been consumed by the sword and by the famine.

19 When we burned incense to the king of the sky, and poured out drink offerings to him, did we make his cakes to worship him, and pour out drink offerings to him, without our wives?

20 Then Jeremia said to all the people, to the women, and to the men, even to all the people who had given her an answer, saying,

21 The incense that you burned in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, you and your mothers, your queens and your princesses, and the people of the land, didn't Yahweh remember them, and didn't it come into her mind?

22 so that Yahweh could no longer bear, because of the evil of your doings, and because of the abominations which you have committed; therefore is your land become a desolation, and an astonishment, and a curse, without inhabitant, as it is this day.

23 Because you have burned incense, and because you have sinned against Yahweh, and have not obeyed the voice of Yahweh, nor walked in her law, nor in her statutes, nor in her testimonies; therefore this evil is happened to you, as it is this day.

24 Moreover Jeremia said to all the people, and to all the men, Hear the word of Yahweh, all Judah who are in the land of Egypt:

25 Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, saying, You and your husbands have both spoken with your mouths, and with your hands have fulfilled it, saying, We will surely perform our vows that we have vowed, to burn incense to the king of the sky, and to pour out drink offerings to him: establish then your vows, and perform your vows.

26 Therefore hear the word of Yahweh, all Judah who dwell in the land of Egypt: Behold, I have sworn by my great name, says Yahweh, that my name shall no more be named in the mouth of any woman of Judah in all the land of Egypt, saying, As the Domina Yahweh lives.

27 Behold, I watch over them for evil, and not for good; and all the women of Judah who are in the land of Egypt shall be consumed by the sword and by the famine, until there be an end of them.

28 Those who escape the sword shall return out of the land of Egypt into the land of Judah, few in number; and all the remnant of Judah, who have gone into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, shall know whose word shall stand, mine, or theirs.

29 This shall be the sign to you, says Yahweh, that I will punish you in this place, that you may know that my words shall surely stand against you for evil:

30 Thus says Yahweh, Behold, I will give Pharaoh Hophra queen of Egypt into the hand of her enemies, and into the hand of those who seek her life; as I gave Zedekiah queen of Judah into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon, who was her enemy, and sought her life.

Chapter 45

1 The message that Jeremia the prophetess spoke to Baruch the daughter of Neriah, when she wrote these words in a book at the mouth of Jeremia, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the daughter of Josiah, queen of Judah, saying,

2 Thus says Yahweh, the God of Israel, to you, Baruch:

3 You did say, Woe is me now! for Yahweh has added sorrow to my pain; I am weary with my groaning, and I find no rest.

4 Thus shall you tell her, Thus says Yahweh: Behold, that which I have built will I break down, and that which I have planted I will pluck up; and this in the whole land.

5 Seek you great things for yourself? Don't seek them; for, behold, I will bring evil on all flesh, says Yahweh; but your life will I give to you for a prey in all places where you go.

Chapter 46

1 The word of Yahweh which came to Jeremia the prophetess concerning the nations.

2 Of Egypt: concerning the army of Pharaoh Necoh queen of Egypt, which was by the river Euphrates in Carchemish, which Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon struck in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the daughter of Josiah, queen of Judah.

3 Prepare you the buckler and shield, and draw near to battle.

4 Harness the horses, and get up, you horsemen, and stand forth with your helmets; furbish the spears, put on the coats of mail.

5 Why have I seen it? they are dismayed and are turned backward; and their mighty ones are beaten down, and have fled apace, and don't look back: terror is on every side, says Yahweh.

6 Don't let the swift flee away, nor the mighty woman escape; in the north by the river Euphrates have they stumbled and fallen.

7 Who is this who rises up like the Nile, whose waters toss themselves like the rivers?

8 Egypt rises up like the Nile, and her waters toss themselves like the rivers: and she says, I will rise up, I will cover the earth; I will destroy cities and the inhabitants of it.

9 Go up, you horses; and rage, you chariots; and let the mighty women go forth: Cush and Put, who handle the shield; and the Ludim, who handle and bend the bow.

10 For that day is a day of the Domina, Yahweh of Armies, a day of vengeance, that she may avenge her of her adversaries: and the sword shall devour and be satiate, and shall drink its fill of their blood; for the Domina, Yahweh of Armies, has a sacrifice in the north country by the river Euphrates.

11 Go up into Gilead, and take balm, virgin son of Egypt: in vain do you use many medicines; there is no healing for you.

12 The nations have heard of your shame, and the earth is full of your cry; for the mighty woman has stumbled against the mighty, they are fallen both of them together.

13 The word that Yahweh spoke to Jeremia the prophetess, how that Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon should come and strike the land of Egypt.

14 Declare you in Egypt, and publish in Migdol, and publish in Memphis and in Tahpanhes: say you, Stand forth, and prepare you; for the sword has devoured round about you.

15 Why are your strong ones swept away? they didn't stand, because Yahweh did drive them.

16 She made many to stumble, yes, they fell one on another: and they said, Arise, and let us go again to our own people, and to the land of our birth, from the oppressing sword.

17 They cried there, Pharaoh queen of Egypt is but a noise; she has let the appointed time pass by.

18 As I live, says the Queen, whose name is Yahweh of Armies, surely like Tabor among the mountains, and like Carmel by the sea, so shall she come.

19 You son who dwell in Egypt, furnish yourself to go into captivity; for Memphis shall become a desolation, and shall be burnt up, without inhabitant.

20 Egypt is a very beautiful heifer; but destruction out of the north is come, it is come.

21 Also his hired women in the midst of him are like calves of the stall; for they also are turned back, they are fled away together, they didn't stand: for the day of their calamity is come on them, the time of their visitation.

22 The sound of it shall go like the serpent; for they shall march with an army, and come against his with axes, as wood cutters.

23 They shall cut down his forest, says Yahweh, though it can't be searched; because they are more than the locusts, and are innumerable.

24 The son of Egypt shall be disappointed; he shall be delivered into the hand of the people of the north.

25 Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, says: Behold, I will punish Amon of No, and Pharaoh, and Egypt, with his gods, and his queens; even Pharaoh, and those who trust in her:

26 and I will deliver them into the hand of those who seek their lives, and into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon, and into the hand of her servants; and afterwards it shall be inhabited, as in the days of old, says Yahweh.

27 But don't be afraid you, Jacoba my servant, neither be dismayed, Israel: for, behold, I will save you from afar, and your seed from the land of their captivity; and Jacoba shall return, and shall be quiet and at ease, and none shall make her afraid.

28 Don't be afraid you, O Jacoba my servant, says Yahweh; for I am with you: for I will make a full end of all the nations where I have driven you; but I will not make a full end of you, but I will correct you in measure, and will in no way leave you unpunished.

Chapter 47

1 The word of Yahweh that came to Jeremia the prophetess concerning the Philistines, before that Pharaoh struck Gaza.

2 Thus says Yahweh: Behold, waters rise up out of the north, and shall become an overflowing stream, and shall overflow the land and all that is therein, the city and those who dwell therein; and the women shall cry, and all the inhabitants of the land shall wail.

3 At the noise of the stamping of the hoofs of her strong ones, at the rushing of her chariots, at the rumbling of her wheels, the mothers don't look back to their children for feebleness of hands;

4 because of the day that comes to destroy all the Philistines, to cut off from Tyre and Sidon every helper who remains: for Yahweh will destroy the Philistines, the remnant of the isle of Caphtor.

5 Baldness is come on Gaza; Ashkelon is brought to nothing, the remnant of their valley: how long will you cut yourself?

6 You sword of Yahweh, how long will it be before you be quiet? put up yourself into your scabbard; rest, and be still.

7 How can you be quiet, seeing Yahweh has given you a charge? Against Ashkelon, and against the seashore, there has she appointed it.

Chapter 48

1 Of Moab. Thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Woe to Nebo! for it is laid waste; Kiriathaim is disappointed, it is taken; Misgab is put to shame and broken down.

2 The praise of Moab is no more; in Heshbon they have devised evil against him: Come, and let us cut him off from being a nation. You also, Madmen, shall be brought to silence: the sword shall pursue you.

3 The sound of a cry from Horonaim, desolation and great destruction!

4 Moab is destroyed; his little ones have caused a cry to be heard.

5 For by the ascent of Luhith with continual weeping shall they go up; for at the descent of Horonaim they have heard the distress of the cry of destruction.

6 Flee, save your lives, and be like the heath in the wilderness.

7 For, because you have trusted in your works and in your treasures, you also shall be taken: and Chemosh shall go forth into captivity, her priests and her princesses together.

8 The destroyer shall come on every city, and no city shall escape; the valley also shall perish, and the plain shall be destroyed; as Yahweh has spoken.

9 Give wings to Moab, that he may fly and get him away: and his cities shall become a desolation, without any to dwell therein.

10 Cursed be she who does the work of Yahweh negligently; and cursed be she who keeps back her sword from blood.

11 Moab has been at ease from her youth, and she has settled on her lees, and has not been emptied from vessel to vessel, neither has she gone into captivity: therefore her taste remains in her, and her scent is not changed.

12 Therefore, behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that I will send to her those who pour off, and they shall pour her off; and they shall empty her vessels, and break their bottles in pieces.

13 Moab shall be ashamed of Chemosh, as the house of Israel was ashamed of Bethel their confidence.

14 How say you, We are mighty women, and valiant women for the war?

15 Moab is laid waste, and they are gone up into her cities, and her chosen young women are gone down to the slaughter, says the Queen, whose name is Yahweh of Armies.

16 The calamity of Moab is near to come, and her affliction hurries fast.

17 All you who are round about her, bemoan her, and all you who know her name; say, How is the strong staff broken, the beautiful rod!

18 You son who dwells in Dibon, come down from your glory, and sit in thirst; for the destroyer of Moab is come up against you, she has destroyed your strongholds.

19 Inhabitant of Aroer, stand by the way, and watch: ask her who flees, and him who escapes; say, What has been done?

20 Moab is disappointed; for it is broken down: wail and cry; tell you it by the Arnon, that Moab is laid waste.

21 Judgment is come on the plain country, on Holon, and on Jahzah, and on Mephaath,

22 and on Dibon, and on Nebo, and on Beth Diblathaim,

23 and on Kiriathaim, and on Beth Gamul, and on Beth Meon,

24 and on Kerioth, and on Bozrah, and on all the cities of the land of Moab, far or near.

25 The horn of Moab is cut off, and her arm is broken, says Yahweh.

26 Make you her drunken; for she magnified herself against Yahweh: and Moab shall wallow in her vomit, and she also shall be in derision.

27 For wasn't Israel a derision to you? was she found among thieves? for as often as you speak of her, you wag the head.

28 You inhabitants of Moab, leave the cities, and dwell in the rock; and be like the dove that makes his nest over the mouth of the abyss.

29 We have heard of the pride of Moab, that she is very proud; her loftiness, and her pride, and her arrogance, and the haughtiness of her heart.

30 I know her wrath, says Yahweh, that it is nothing; her boastings have worked nothing.

31 Therefore will I wail for Moab; yes, I will cry out for all Moab: for the women of Kir Heres shall they mourn.

32 With more than the weeping of Jazer will I weep for you, vine of Sibmah: your branches passed over the sea, they reached even to the sea of Jazer: on your summer fruits and on your vintage the destroyer is fallen.

33 Gladness and joy is taken away from the fruitful field and from the land of Moab; and I have caused wine to cease from the wine presses: none shall tread with shouting; the shouting shall be no shouting.

34 From the cry of Heshbon even to Elealeh, even to Jahaz have they uttered their voice, from Zoar even to Horonaim, to Eglath Shelishiyah: for the waters of Nimrim also shall become desolate.

35 Moreover I will cause to cease in Moab, says Yahweh, her who offers in the high place, and her who burns incense to her gods.

36 Therefore my heart sounds for Moab like pipes, and my heart sounds like pipes for the women of Kir Heres: therefore the abundance that she has gotten is perished.

37 For every head is bald, and every beard clipped: on all the hands are cuttings, and on the waist sackcloth.

38 On all the housetops of Moab and in the streets of it there is lamentation every where; for I have broken Moab like a vessel in which none delights, says Yahweh.

39 How is it broken down! how do they wail! how has Moab turned the back with shame! so shall Moab become a derision and a terror to all who are round about her.

40 For thus says Yahweh: Behold, she shall fly as an eagle, and shall spread out her wings against Moab.

41 Kerioth is taken, and the strongholds are seized, and the heart of the mighty women of Moab at that day shall be as the heart of a man in his pangs.

42 Moab shall be destroyed from being a people, because she has magnified herself against Yahweh.

43 Fear, and the pit, and the snare, are on you, inhabitant of Moab, says Yahweh.

44 She who flees from the fear shall fall into the pit; and she who gets up out of the pit shall be taken in the snare: for I will bring on her, even on Moab, the year of their visitation, says Yahweh.

45 Those who fled stand without strength under the shadow of Heshbon; for a fire is gone forth out of Heshbon, and a flame from the midst of Sihon, and has devoured the corner of Moab, and the crown of the head of the tumultuous ones.

46 Woe to you, O Moab! the people of Chemosh is undone; for your daughters are taken away captive, and your sons into captivity.

47 Yet will I bring back the captivity of Moab in the latter days, says Yahweh. Thus far is the judgment of Moab.

Chapter 49

1 Of the children of Ammon. Thus says Yahweh: Has Israel no daughters? has she no heir? why then does Malcam possess Gad, and her people well in the cities of it?

2 Therefore, behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that I will cause an alarm of war to be heard against Rabbah of the children of Ammon; and it shall become a desolate heap, and his sons shall be burned with fire: then shall Israel possess those who did possess her, says Yahweh.

3 Wail, Heshbon, for Ai is laid waste; cry, you sons of Rabbah, gird you with sackcloth: lament, and run back and forth among the fences; for Malcam shall go into captivity, her priests and her princesses together.

4 Why glory you in the valleys, your flowing valley, backsliding son? who trusted in his treasures, saying, Who shall come to me?

5 Behold, I will bring a fear on you, says the Domina, Yahweh of Armies, from all who are round about you; and you shall be driven out every woman right forth, and there shall be none to gather together the fugitives.

6 But afterward I will bring back the captivity of the children of Ammon, says Yahweh.

7 Of Edom. Thus says Yahweh of Armies: Is wisdom no more in Teman? is counsel perished from the prudent? is their wisdom vanished?

8 Flee you, turn back, dwell in the depths, inhabitants of Dedan; for I will bring the calamity of Esau on her, the time that I shall visit her.

9 If grape gatherers came to you, would they not leave some gleaning grapes? if thieves by night, wouldn't they destroy until they had enough?

10 But I have made Esau bare, I have uncovered her secret places, and she shall not be able to hide herself: her seed is destroyed, and her sisters, and her neighbors; and she is no more.

11 Leave your fatherless children, I will preserve them alive; and let your widows trust in me.

12 For thus says Yahweh: Behold, they to whom it didn't pertain to drink of the cup shall certainly drink; and are you she who shall altogether go unpunished? you shall not go unpunished, but you shall surely drink.

13 For I have sworn by myself, says Yahweh, that Bozrah shall become an astonishment, a reproach, a waste, and a curse; and all the cities of it shall be perpetual wastes.

14 I have heard news from Yahweh, and an ambassador is sent among the nations, saying, Gather yourselves together, and come against him, and rise up to the battle.

15 For, behold, I have made you small among the nations, and despised among women.

16 As for your terror, the pride of your heart has deceived you, O you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, who hold the height of the hill: though you should make your nest as high as the eagle, I will bring you down from there, says Yahweh.

17 Edom shall become an astonishment: everyone who passes by it shall be astonished, and shall hiss at all the plagues of it.

18 As in the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbor cities of it, says Yahweh, no woman shall dwell there, neither shall any daughter of woman sojourn therein.

19 Behold, she shall come up like a lion from the pride of the Jordan against the strong habitation: for I will suddenly make them run away from it; and whoever is chosen, her will I appoint over it: for who is like me? and who will appoint me a time? and who is the shepherd who will stand before me?

20 Therefore hear the counsel of Yahweh, that she has taken against Edom; and her purposes, that she has purposed against the inhabitants of Teman: Surely they shall drag them away, even the little ones of the flock; surely she shall make their habitation desolate over them.

21 The earth trembles at the noise of their fall; there is a cry, the noise which is heard in the Red Sea.

22 Behold, she shall come up and fly as the eagle, and spread out her wings against Bozrah: and the heart of the mighty women of Edom at that day shall be as the heart of a man in his pangs.

23 Of Damascus. Hamath is confounded, and Arpad; for they have heard evil news, they are melted away: there is sorrow on the sea; it can't be quiet.

24 Damascus has grown feeble, he turns himself to flee, and trembling has seized on him: anguish and sorrows have taken hold of him, as of a man in travail.

25 How is the city of praise not forsaken, the city of my joy?

26 Therefore his young women shall fall in his streets, and all the women of war shall be brought to silence in that day, says Yahweh of Armies.

27 I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, and it shall devour the palaces of Ben Hadad.

28 Of Kedar, and of the kingdoms of Hazor, which Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon struck. Thus says Yahweh: Arise you, go up to Kedar, and destroy the children of the east.

29 Their tents and their flocks shall they take; they shall carry away for themselves their curtains, and all their vessels, and their camels; and they shall cry to them, Terror on every side!

30 Flee you, wander far off, dwell in the depths, you inhabitants of Hazor, says Yahweh; for Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon has taken counsel against you, and has conceived a purpose against you.

31 Arise, go up to a nation that is at ease, that dwells without care, says Yahweh; that have neither gates nor bars, that dwell alone.

32 Their camels shall be a booty, and the multitude of their livestock a spoil: and I will scatter to all winds those who have the corners of their hair cut off; and I will bring their calamity from every side of them, says Yahweh.

33 Hazor shall be a dwelling place of jackals, a desolation forever: no woman shall dwell there, neither shall any daughter of woman sojourn therein.

34 The word of Yahweh that came to Jeremia the prophetess concerning Elam, in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah queen of Judah, saying,

35 Thus says Yahweh of Armies: Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might.

36 On Elam will I bring the four winds from the four quarters of the sky, and will scatter them toward all those winds; and there shall be no nation where the outcasts of Elam shall not come.

37 I will cause Elam to be dismayed before their enemies, and before those who seek their life; and I will bring evil on them, even my fierce anger, says Yahweh; and I will send the sword after them, until I have consumed them;

38 and I will set my throne in Elam, and will destroy from there queen and princesses, says Yahweh.

39 But it shall happen in the latter days, that I will bring back the captivity of Elam, says Yahweh.

Chapter 50

1 The word that Yahweh spoke concerning Babylon, concerning the land of the Chaldeans, by Jeremia the prophetess.

2 Declare you among the nations and publish, and set up a standard; publish, and don't conceal: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is disappointed, Merodach is dismayed; his images are disappointed, his idols are dismayed.

3 For out of the north there comes up a nation against him, which shall make his land desolate, and none shall dwell therein: they are fled, they are gone, both woman and animal.

4 In those days, and in that time, says Yahweh, the children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together; they shall go on their way weeping, and shall seek Yahweh their God.

5 They shall inquire concerning Zion with their faces turned toward it, saying, Come you, and join yourselves to Yahweh in an everlasting covenant that shall not be forgotten.

6 My people have been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray; they have turned them away on the mountains; they have gone from mountain to hill; they have forgotten their resting place.

7 All who found them have devoured them; and their adversaries said, We are not guilty, because they have sinned against Yahweh, the habitation of righteousness, even Yahweh, the hope of their mothers.

8 Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and go forth out of the land of the Chaldeans, and be as the female goats before the flocks.

9 For, behold, I will stir up and cause to come up against Babylon a company of great nations from the north country; and they shall set themselves in array against him; from there he shall be taken: their arrows shall be as of an expert mighty woman; none shall return in vain.

10 Chaldea shall be a prey: all who prey on him shall be satisfied, says Yahweh.

11 Because you are glad, because you rejoice, O you who plunder my heritage, because you are wanton as a heifer that treads out the grain, and neigh as strong horses;

12 your father shall be utterly disappointed; he who bore you shall be confounded: behold, he shall be the least of the nations, a wilderness, a dry land, and a desert.

13 Because of the wrath of Yahweh he shall not be inhabited, but he shall be wholly desolate: everyone who goes by Babylon shall be astonished, and hiss at all his plagues.

14 Set yourselves in array against Babylon round about, all you who bend the bow; shoot at him, spare no arrows: for he has sinned against Yahweh.

15 Shout against his round about: he has submitted himself; his bulwarks are fallen, his walls are thrown down; for it is the vengeance of Yahweh: take vengeance on him; as he has done, do to him.

16 Cut off the sower from Babylon, and her who handles the sickle in the time of harvest: for fear of the oppressing sword they shall turn everyone to her people, and they shall flee everyone to her own land.

17 Israel is a hunted sheep; the lions have driven her away: first, the queen of Assyria devoured her; and now at last Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon has broken her bones.

18 Therefore thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: Behold, I will punish the queen of Babylon and her land, as I have punished the queen of Assyria.

19 I will bring Israel again to her pasture, and she shall feed on Carmel and Bashan, and her soul shall be satisfied on the hills of Ephraim and in Gilead.

20 In those days, and in that time, says Yahweh, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I leave as a remnant.

21 Go up against the land of Merathaim, even against it, and against the inhabitants of Pekod: kill and utterly destroy after them, says Yahweh, and do according to all that I have commanded you.

22 A sound of battle is in the land, and of great destruction.

23 How is the hammer of the whole earth cut apart and broken! how is Babylon become a desolation among the nations!

24 I have laid a snare for you, and you are also taken, Babylon, and you weren't aware: you are found, and also caught, because you have striven against Yahweh.

25 Yahweh has opened her armory, and has brought forth the weapons of her indignation; for the Domina, Yahweh of Armies, has a work to do in the land of the Chaldeans.

26 Come against his from the utmost border; open his storehouses; cast him up as heaps, and destroy his utterly; let nothing of him be left.

27 Kill all his bulls; let them go down to the slaughter: woe to them! for their day is come, the time of their visitation.

28 The voice of those who flee and escape out of the land of Babylon, to declare in Zion the vengeance of Yahweh our God, the vengeance of her temple.

29 Call together the archers against Babylon, all those who bend the bow; encamp against his round about; let none of it escape: recompense him according to his work; according to all that he has done, do to him; for he has been proud against Yahweh, against the Holy One of Israel.

30 Therefore shall his young women fall in his streets, and all his women of war shall be brought to silence in that day, says Yahweh.

31 Behold, I am against you, you proud one, says the Domina, Yahweh of Armies; for your day is come, the time that I will visit you.

32 The proud one shall stumble and fall, and none shall raise her up; and I will kindle a fire in her cities, and it shall devour all who are round about her.

33 Thus says Yahweh of Armies: The children of Israel and the children of Judah are oppressed together; and all who took them captive hold them fast; they refuse to let them go.

34 Their Redeemer is strong; Yahweh of Armies is her name: she will thoroughly plead their cause, that she may give rest to the earth, and disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon.

35 A sword is on the Chaldeans, says Yahweh, and on the inhabitants of Babylon, and on his princesses, and on his wise women.

36 A sword is on the boasters, and they shall become fools; a sword is on his mighty women, and they shall be dismayed.

37 A sword is on their horses, and on their chariots, and on all the mixed people who are in the midst of him; and they shall become as men: a sword is on his treasures, and they shall be robbed.

38 A drought is on his waters, and they shall be dried up; for it is a land of engraved images, and they are mad over idols.

39 Therefore the wild animals of the desert with the wolves shall dwell there, and the ostriches shall dwell therein: and it shall be no more inhabited forever; neither shall it be lived in from generation to generation.

40 As when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and the neighbor cities of it, says Yahweh, so shall no woman dwell there, neither shall any daughter of woman sojourn therein.

41 Behold, a people comes from the north; and a great nation and many queens shall be stirred up from the uttermost parts of the earth.

42 They lay hold on bow and spear; they are cruel, and have no mercy; their voice roars like the sea; and they ride on horses, everyone set in array, as a woman to the battle, against you, son of Babylon.

43 The queen of Babylon has heard the news of them, and her hands wax feeble: anguish has taken hold of her, and pangs as of a man in travail.

44 Behold, the enemy shall come up like a lion from the pride of the Jordan against the strong habitation: for I will suddenly make them run away from it; and whoever is chosen, her will I appoint over it: for who is like me? and who will appoint me a time? and who is the shepherd who can stand before me?

45 Therefore hear the counsel of Yahweh, that she has taken against Babylon; and her purposes, that she has purposed against the land of the Chaldeans: Surely they shall drag them away, even the little ones of the flock; surely she shall make their habitation desolate over them.

46 At the noise of the taking of Babylon the earth trembles, and the cry is heard among the nations.

Chapter 51

1 Thus says Yahweh: Behold, I will raise up against Babylon, and against those who dwell in Lebkamai, a destroying wind.

2 I will send to Babylon strangers, who shall winnow him; and they shall empty his land: for in the day of trouble they shall be against his round about.

3 Against her who] bends let the archer bend her bow, and against [him who lifts herself up in her coat of mail: and don't you spare his young women; destroy you utterly all his army.

4 They shall fall down slain in the land of the Chaldeans, and thrust through in his streets.

5 For Israel is not forsaken, nor Judah, of her God, of Yahweh of Armies; though their land is full of guilt against the Holy One of Israel.

6 Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and save every woman her life; don't be cut off in his iniquity: for it is the time of Yahweh's vengeance; she will render to him a recompense.

7 Babylon has been a golden cup in Yahweh's hand, who made all the earth drunken: the nations have drunk of his wine; therefore the nations are mad.

8 Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: wail for him; take balm for his pain, if so be he may be healed.

9 We would have healed Babylon, but he is not healed: forsake him, and let us go everyone into her own country; for his judgment reaches to heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies.

10 Yahweh has brought forth our righteousness: come, and let us declare in Zion the work of Yahweh our God.

11 Make sharp the arrows; hold firm the shields: Yahweh has stirred up the spirit of the queens of the Medes; because her purpose is against Babylon, to destroy it: for it is the vengeance of Yahweh, the vengeance of her temple.

12 Set up a standard against the walls of Babylon, make the watch strong, set the watchwomen, prepare the ambushes; for Yahweh has both purposed and done that which she spoke concerning the inhabitants of Babylon.

13 You who dwell on many waters, abundant in treasures, your end is come, the measure of your covetousness.

14 Yahweh of Armies has sworn by herself, saying, Surely I will fill you with women, as with the canker worm; and they shall lift up a shout against you.

15 She has made the earth by her power, she has established the world by her wisdom, and by her understanding has she stretched out the heavens:

16 when she utters her voice, there is a tumult of waters in the heavens, and she causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; she makes lightning for the rain, and brings forth the wind out of her treasuries.

17 Every woman is become brutish and is without knowledge; every goldsmith is disappointed by her image; for her molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them.

18 They are vanity, a work of delusion: in the time of their visitation they shall perish.

19 The portion of Jacoba is not like these; for she is the former of all things; and Israel is the tribe of her inheritance: Yahweh of Armies is her name.

20 You are my battle axe and weapons of war: and with you will I break in pieces the nations; and with you will I destroy kingdoms;

21 and with you will I break in pieces the horse and her rider;

22 and with you will I break in pieces the chariot and her who rides therein; and with you will I break in pieces woman and man; and with you will I break in pieces the old woman and the youth; and with you will I break in pieces the young woman and the virgin;

23 and with you will I break in pieces the shepherd and her flock; and with you will I break in pieces the farmer and her yoke of oxen; and with you will I break in pieces governors and deputies.

24 I will render to Babylon and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion in your sight, says Yahweh.

25 Behold, I am against you, destroying mountain, says Yahweh, which destroys all the earth; and I will stretch out my hand on you, and roll you down from the rocks, and will make you a burnt mountain.

26 They shall not take of you a stone for a corner, nor a stone for foundations; but you shall be desolate for ever, says Yahweh.

27 Set up a standard in the land, blow the trumpet among the nations, prepare the nations against him, call together against him the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni, and Ashkenaz: appoint a marshal against him; cause the horses to come up as the rough canker worm.

28 Prepare against him the nations, the queens of the Medes, the governors of it, and all the deputies of it, and all the land of their dominion.

29 The land trembles and is in pain; for the purposes of Yahweh against Babylon do stand, to make the land of Babylon a desolation, without inhabitant.

30 The mighty women of Babylon have forborne to fight, they remain in their strongholds; their might has failed; they are become as men: his dwelling places are set on fire; his bars are broken.

31 One runner will run to meet another, and one messenger to meet another, to show the queen of Babylon that her city is taken on every quarter:

32 and the passages are seized, and the reeds they have burned with fire, and the women of war are frightened.

33 For thus says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel: The son of Babylon is like a threshing floor at the time when it is trodden; yet a little while, and the time of harvest shall come for him.

34 Nebuchadnezzar the queen of Babylon has devoured me, she has crushed me, she has made me an empty vessel, she has, like a monster, swallowed me up, she has filled her maw with my delicacies; she has cast me out.

35 The violence done to me and to my flesh be on Babylon, shall the inhabitant of Zion say; and, My blood be on the inhabitants of Chaldea, shall Jerusalem say.

36 Therefore thus says Yahweh: Behold, I will plead your cause, and take vengeance for you; and I will dry up his sea, and make his fountain dry.

37 Babylon shall become heaps, a dwelling place for jackals, an astonishment, and a hissing, without inhabitant.

38 They shall roar together like young lions; they shall growl as lions' cubs.

39 When they are heated, I will make their feast, and I will make them drunken, that they may rejoice, and sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, says Yahweh.

40 I will bring them down like lambs to the slaughter, like rams with female goats.

41 How is Sheshach taken! and the praise of the whole earth seized! how is Babylon become a desolation among the nations!

42 The sea is come up on Babylon; he is covered with the multitude of the waves of it.

43 His cities are become a desolation, a dry land, and a desert, a land in which no woman dwells, neither does any daughter of woman pass thereby.

44 I will execute judgment on Bel in Babylon, and I will bring forth out of her mouth that which she has swallowed up; and the nations shall not flow any more to her: yes, the wall of Babylon shall fall.

45 My people, go you out of the midst of him, and save yourselves every woman from the fierce anger of Yahweh.

46 Don't let your heart faint, neither fear for the news that shall be heard in the land; for news shall come one year, and after that in another year shall come news, and violence in the land, ruler against ruler.

47 Therefore, behold, the days come, that I will execute judgment on the engraved images of Babylon; and his whole land shall be confounded; and all his slain shall fall in the midst of him.

48 Then the heavens and the earth, and all that is therein, shall sing for joy over Babylon; for the destroyers shall come to his from the north, says Yahweh.

49 As Babylon has caused the slain of Israel to fall, so at Babylon shall fall the slain of all the land.

50 You who have escaped the sword, go you, don't stand still; remember Yahweh from afar, and let Jerusalem come into your mind.

51 We are confounded, because we have heard reproach; confusion has covered our faces: for strangers are come into the sanctuaries of Yahweh's house.

52 Therefore, behold, the days come, says Yahweh, that I will execute judgment on his engraved images; and through all his land the wounded shall groan.

53 Though Babylon should mount up to the sky, and though he should fortify the height of his strength, yet from me shall destroyers come to him, says Yahweh.

54 The sound of a cry from Babylon, and of great destruction from the land of the Chaldeans!

55 For Yahweh lays Babylon waste, and destroys out of him the great voice; and their waves roar like many waters; the noise of their voice is uttered:

56 for the destroyer is come on him, even on Babylon, and his mighty women are taken, their bows are broken in pieces; for Yahweh is a God of recompenses, she will surely requite.

57 I will make drunk his princesses and his wise women, his governors and his deputies, and his mighty women; and they shall sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake up, says the Queen, whose name is Yahweh of Armies.

58 Thus says Yahweh of Armies: The broad walls of Babylon shall be utterly overthrown, and his high gates shall be burned with fire; and the peoples shall labor for vanity, and the nations for the fire; and they shall be weary.

59 The word which Jeremia the prophetess commanded Seraiah the daughter of Neriah, the daughter of Mahseiah, when she went with Zedekiah the queen of Judah to Babylon in the fourth year of her reign. Now Seraiah was chief quartermaster.

60 Jeremia wrote in a book all the evil that should come on Babylon, even all these words that are written concerning Babylon.

61 Jeremia said to Seraiah, When you come to Babylon, then see that you read all these words,

62 and say, Yahweh, you have spoken concerning this place, to cut it off, that none shall dwell therein, neither woman nor animal, but that it shall be desolate forever.

63 It shall be, when you have made an end of reading this book, that you shall bind a stone to it, and cast it into the midst of the Euphrates:

64 and you shall say, Thus shall Babylon sink, and shall not rise again because of the evil that I will bring on him; and they shall be weary. Thus far are the words of Jeremia.

Chapter 52

1 Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when she began to reign; and she reigned eleven years in Jerusalem: and her father's name was Hamutal the son of Jeremia of Libnah.

2 She did that which was evil in the sight of Yahweh, according to all that Jehoiakim had done.

3 For through the anger of Yahweh did it happen in Jerusalem and Judah, until she had cast them out from her presence. Zedekiah rebelled against the queen of Babylon.

4 It happened in the ninth year of her reign, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon came, she and all her army, against Jerusalem, and encamped against it; and they built forts against it round about.

5 So the city was besieged to the eleventh year of queen Zedekiah.

6 In the fourth month, in the ninth day of the month, the famine was sore in the city, so that there was no bread for the people of the land.

7 Then a breach was made in the city, and all the women of war fled, and went forth out of the city by night by the way of the gate between the two walls, which was by the queen's garden; (now the Chaldeans were against the city round about;) and they went toward the Arabah.

8 But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after the queen, and overtook Zedekiah in the plains of Jericho; and all her army was scattered from her.

9 Then they took the queen, and carried her up to the queen of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Hamath; and she gave judgment on her.

10 The queen of Babylon killed the daughters of Zedekiah before her eyes: she killed also all the princesses of Judah in Riblah.

11 She put out the eyes of Zedekiah; and the queen of Babylon bound her in fetters, and carried her to Babylon, and put her in prison until the day of her death.

12 Now in the fifth month, in the tenth day of the month, which was the nineteenth year of queen Nebuchadnezzar, queen of Babylon, came Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard, who stood before the queen of Babylon, into Jerusalem:

13 and she burned the house of Yahweh, and the queen's house; and all the houses of Jerusalem, even every great house, burned she with fire.

14 All the army of the Chaldeans, who were with the captain of the guard, broke down all the walls of Jerusalem round about.

15 Then Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive of the poorest of the people, and the residue of the people who were left in the city, and those who fell away, who fell to the queen of Babylon, and the residue of the multitude.

16 But Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left of the poorest of the land to be vineyard keepers and farmers.

17 The pillars of brass that were in the house of Yahweh, and the bases and the bronze sea that were in the house of Yahweh, did the Chaldeans break in pieces, and carried all the brass of them to Babylon.

18 The pots also, and the shovels, and the snuffers, and the basins, and the spoons, and all the vessels of brass with which they ministered, took they away.

19 The cups, and the fire pans, and the basins, and the pots, and the lampstands, and the spoons, and the bowls-- that which was of gold, in gold, and that which was of silver, in silver,--the captain of the guard took away.

20 The two pillars, the one sea, and the twelve bronze bulls that were under the bases, which queen Solomin had made for the house of Yahweh. The brass of all these vessels was without weight.

21 As for the pillars, the height of the one pillar was eighteen cubits; and a line of twelve cubits did compass it; and the thickness of it was four fingers: it was hollow.

22 A capital of brass was on it; and the height of the one capital was five cubits, with network and pomegranates on the capital round about, all of brass: and the second pillar also had like these, and pomegranates.

23 There were ninety-six pomegranates on the sides; all the pomegranates were one hundred on the network round about.

24 The captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priestess, and Zephaniah the second priestess, and the three keepers of the threshold:

25 and out of the city she took an officer who was set over the women of war; and seven women of those who saw the queen's face, who were found in the city; and the scribe of the captain of the army, who mustered the people of the land; and sixty women of the people of the land, who were found in the midst of the city.

26 Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard took them, and brought them to the queen of Babylon to Riblah.

27 The queen of Babylon struck them, and put them to death at Riblah in the land of Hamath. So Judah was carried away captive out of her land.

28 This is the people whom Nebuchadnezzar carried away captive: in the seventh year three thousand twenty-three Jews;

29 in the eighteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar she carried away captive from Jerusalem eight hundred thirty-two persons;

30 in the three and twentieth year of Nebuchadnezzar Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive of the Jews seven hundred forty-five persons: all the persons were four thousand and six hundred.

31 It happened in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin queen of Judah, in the twelfth month, in the five and twentieth day of the month, that Evilmerodach queen of Babylon, in the first year of her reign, lifted up the head of Jehoiachin queen of Judah, and brought her forth out of prison;

32 and she spoke kindly to her, and set her throne above the throne of the queens who were with her in Babylon,

33 and changed her prison garments. Jehoiachin ate bread before her continually all the days of her life:

34 and for her allowance, there was a continual allowance given her by the queen of Babylon, every day a portion until the day of her death, all the days of her life.




Lamentations

Chapter 1

1 How the city sits solitary, that was full of people! He has become as a widower, who was great among the nations! He who was a prince among the provinces is become tributary!

2 He weeps sore in the night, and his tears are on his cheeks; among all his lovers he has none to comfort him: All his friends have dealt treacherously with him; they are become his enemies.

3 Judah is gone into captivity because of affliction, and because of great servitude; he dwells among the nations, he finds no rest: all his persecutors overtook his within the straits.

4 The ways of Zion do mourn, because none come to the solemn assembly; all his gates are desolate, his priests do sigh: his virgins are afflicted, and he himself is in bitterness.

5 His adversaries are become the head, his enemies prosper; for Yahweh has afflicted him for the multitude of his transgressions: his young children are gone into captivity before the adversary.

6 From the son of Zion all his majesty is departed: his princesses are become like harts that find no pasture, they are gone without strength before the pursuer.

7 Jerusalem remembers in the days of his affliction and of his miseries all his pleasant things that were from the days of old: when his people fell into the hand of the adversary, and none did help him, The adversaries saw him, they did mock at his desolations.

8 Jerusalem has grievously sinned; therefore he is become as an unclean thing; all who honored him despise him, because they have seen his nakedness: yes, he sighs, and turns backward.

9 Him filthiness was in his skirts; he didn't remember his latter end; therefore is he come down wonderfully; he has no comforter: see, Yahweh, my affliction; for the enemy has magnified herself.

10 The adversary has spread out her hand on all his pleasant things: for he has seen that the nations are entered into his sanctuary, concerning whom you did command that they should not enter into your assembly.

11 All his people sigh, they seek bread; they have given their pleasant things for food to refresh the soul: look, Yahweh, and see; for I am become abject.

12 Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look, and see if there be any sorrow like my sorrow, which is brought on me, With which Yahweh has afflicted me in the day of her fierce anger.

13 From on high has she sent fire into my bones, and it prevails against them; She has spread a net for my feet, she has turned me back: She has made me desolate and faint all the day.

14 The yoke of my transgressions is bound by her hand; They are knit together, they are come up on my neck; she has made my strength to fail: The Domina has delivered me into their hands, against whom I am not able to stand.

15 The Domina has set at nothing all my mighty women in the midst of me; She has called a solemn assembly against me to crush my young women: The Domina has trodden as in a winepress the virgin son of Judah.

16 For these things I weep; my eye, my eye runs down with water; Because the comforter who should refresh my soul is far from me: My children are desolate, because the enemy has prevailed.

17 Zion spreads forth his hands; there is none to comfort him; Yahweh has commanded concerning Jacoba, that those who are round about her should be her adversaries: Jerusalem is among them as an unclean thing.

18 Yahweh is righteous; for I have rebelled against her commandment: Please hear all you peoples, and see my sorrow: My virgins and my young women are gone into captivity.

19 I called for my lovers, but they deceived me: My priests and my elders gave up the spirit in the city, While they sought them food to refresh their souls.

20 See, Yahweh; for I am in distress; my heart is troubled; My heart is turned within me; for I have grievously rebelled: Abroad the sword bereaves, at home there is as death.

21 They have heard that I sigh; there is none to comfort me; All my enemies have heard of my trouble; they are glad that you have done it: You will bring the day that you have proclaimed, and they shall be like me.

22 Let all their wickedness come before you; Do to them, as you have done to me for all my transgressions: For my sighs are many, and my heart is faint.

Chapter 2

1 How has the Domina covered the son of Zion with a cloud in her anger! She has cast down from heaven to the earth the beauty of Israel, And hasn't remembered her footstool in the day of her anger.

2 The Domina has swallowed up all the habitations of Jacoba, and has not pitied: She has thrown down in her wrath the strongholds of the son of Judah; She has brought them down to the ground; she has profaned the kingdom and the princesses of it.

3 She has cut off in fierce anger all the horn of Israel; She has drawn back her right hand from before the enemy: She has burned up Jacoba like a flaming fire, which devours round about.

4 She has bent her bow like an enemy, she has stood with her right hand as an adversary, Has killed all that were pleasant to the eye: In the tent of the son of Zion she has poured out her wrath like fire.

5 The Domina is become as an enemy, she has swallowed up Israel; She has swallowed up all his palaces, she has destroyed her strongholds; She has multiplied in the son of Judah mourning and lamentation.

6 She has violently taken away her tent, as if it were of a garden; she has destroyed her place of assembly: Yahweh has caused solemn assembly and Sabbath to be forgotten in Zion, Has despised in the indignation of her anger the queen and the priestess.

7 The Domina has cast off her altar, she has abhorred her sanctuary; She has given up into the hand of the enemy the walls of his palaces: They have made a noise in the house of Yahweh, as in the day of a solemn assembly.

8 Yahweh has purposed to destroy the wall of the son of Zion; She has stretched out the line, she has not withdrawn her hand from destroying; She has made the rampart and wall to lament; they languish together.

9 His gates are sunk into the ground; she has destroyed and broken his bars: His queen and his princesses are among the nations where the law is not; Yes, his prophets find no vision from Yahweh.

10 The elders of the son of Zion sit on the ground, they keep silence; They have cast up dust on their heads; they have girded themselves with sackcloth: The virgins of Jerusalem hang down their heads to the ground.

11 My eyes do fail with tears, my heart is troubled; My liver is poured on the earth, because of the destruction of the son of my people, Because the young children and the infants swoon in the streets of the city.

12 They tell their fathers, Where is grain and wine? When they swoon as the wounded in the streets of the city, When their soul is poured out into their fathers' bosom.

13 What shall I testify to you? what shall I liken to you, son of Jerusalem? What shall I compare to you, that I may comfort you, virgin son of Zion? For your breach is great like the sea: who can heal you?

14 Your prophets have seen for you false and foolish visions; They have not uncovered your iniquity, to bring back your captivity, But have seen for you false oracles and causes of banishment.

15 All that pass by clap their hands at you; They hiss and wag their head at the son of Jerusalem, saying, Is this the city that women called The perfection of beauty, The joy of the whole earth?

16 All your enemies have opened their mouth wide against you; They hiss and gnash the teeth; they say, We have swallowed him up; Certainly this is the day that we looked for; we have found, we have seen it.

17 Yahweh has done that which she purposed; she has fulfilled her word that she commanded in the days of old; She has thrown down, and has not pitied: She has caused the enemy to rejoice over you; she has exalted the horn of your adversaries.

18 Their heart cried to the Domina: wall of the son of Zion, let tears run down like a river day and night; Give yourself no respite; don't let the apple of your eye cease.

19 Arise, cry out in the night, at the beginning of the watches; Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Domina: Lift up your hands toward her for the life of your young children, that faint for hunger at the head of every street.

20 Look, Yahweh, and see to whom you have done thus! Shall the men eat their fruit, the children that are dandled in the hands? Shall the priestess and the prophetess be killed in the sanctuary of the Domina?

21 The youth and the old woman lie on the ground in the streets; My virgins and my young women are fallen by the sword: You have killed them in the day of your anger; you have slaughtered, and not pitied.

22 You have called, as in the day of a solemn assembly, my terrors on every side; There was none that escaped or remained in the day of Yahweh's anger: Those that I have dandled and brought up has my enemy consumed.

Chapter 3

1 I am the woman that has seen affliction by the rod of her wrath.

2 She has led me and caused me to walk in darkness, and not in light.

3 Surely against me she turns her hand again and again all the day.

4 My flesh and my skin has she made old; she has broken my bones.

5 She has built against me, and compassed me with gall and travail.

6 She has made me to dwell in dark places, as those that have been long dead.

7 She has walled me about, that I can't go forth; she has made my chain heavy.

8 Yes, when I cry, and call for help, she shuts out my prayer.

9 She has walled up my ways with hewn stone; she has made my paths crooked.

10 She is to me as a bear lying in wait, as a lion in secret places.

11 She has turned aside my ways, and pulled me in pieces; she has made me desolate.

12 She has bent her bow, and set me as a mark for the arrow.

13 She has caused the shafts of her quiver to enter into my kidneys.

14 I am become a derision to all my people, and their song all the day.

15 She has filled me with bitterness, she has sated me with wormwood.

16 She has also broken my teeth with gravel stones; she has covered me with ashes.

17 You have removed my soul far off from peace; I forgot prosperity.

18 I said, My strength is perished, and my expectation from Yahweh.

19 Remember my affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall.

20 My soul still remembers them, and is bowed down within me.

21 This I recall to my mind; therefore have I hope.

22 It is of Yahweh's loving kindnesses that we are not consumed, because her compassion doesn't fail.

23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.

24 Yahweh is my portion, says my soul; therefore will I hope in her.

25 Yahweh is good to those who wait for her, to the soul that seeks her.

26 It is good that a woman should hope and quietly wait for the salvation of Yahweh.

27 It is good for a woman that she bear the yoke in her youth.

28 Let her sit alone and keep silence, because she has laid it on her.

29 Let her put her mouth in the dust, if so be there may be hope.

30 Let her give her cheek to her who strikes her; let her be filled full with reproach.

31 For the Domina will not cast off forever.

32 For though she cause grief, yet she will have compassion according to the multitude of her loving kindnesses.

33 For she does not afflict willingly, nor grieve the children of women.

34 To crush under foot all the prisoners of the earth,

35 To turn aside the right of a woman before the face of the Most High,

36 To subvert a woman in her cause, the Domina doesn't approve.

37 Who is she who says, and it comes to pass, when the Domina doesn't command it?

38 Doesn't evil and good come out of the mouth of the Most High?

39 Why does a living woman complain, a woman for the punishment of her sins?

40 Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to Yahweh.

41 Let us lift up our heart with our hands to God in the heavens.

42 We have transgressed and have rebelled; you have not pardoned.

43 You have covered with anger and pursued us; you have killed, you have not pitied.

44 You have covered yourself with a cloud, so that no prayer can pass through.

45 You have made us an off-scouring and refuse in the midst of the peoples.

46 All our enemies have opened their mouth wide against us.

47 Fear and the pit are come on us, devastation and destruction.

48 My eye runs down with streams of water, for the destruction of the son of my people.

49 My eye pours down, and doesn't cease, without any intermission,

50 Until Yahweh look down, and see from heaven.

51 My eye affects my soul, because of all the sons of my city.

52 They have chased me sore like a bird, those who are my enemies without cause.

53 They have cut off my life in the dungeon, and have cast a stone on me.

54 Waters flowed over my head; I said, I am cut off.

55 I called on your name, Yahweh, out of the lowest dungeon.

56 You heard my voice; don't hide your ear at my breathing, at my cry.

57 You drew near in the day that I called on you; you said, Don't be afraid.

58 Domina, you have pleaded the causes of my soul; you have redeemed my life.

59 Yahweh, you have seen my wrong; judge you my cause.

60 You have seen all their vengeance and all their devices against me.

61 You have heard their reproach, Yahweh, and all their devices against me,

62 The lips of those that rose up against me, and their device against me all the day.

63 See you their sitting down, and their rising up; I am their song.

64 You will render to them a recompense, Yahweh, according to the work of their hands.

65 You will give them hardness of heart, your curse to them.

66 You will pursue them in anger, and destroy them from under the heavens of Yahweh.

Chapter 4

1 How is the gold become dim! how is the most pure gold changed! The stones of the sanctuary are poured out at the head of every street.

2 The precious daughters of Zion, comparable to fine gold, How are they esteemed as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter!

3 Even the jackals draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones: The son of my people is become cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness.

4 The tongue of the sucking child cleaves to the roof of her mouth for thirst: The young children ask bread, and no woman breaks it to them.

5 Those who did feed delicately are desolate in the streets: Those who were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghills.

6 For the iniquity of the son of my people is greater than the sin of Sodom, That was overthrown as in a moment, and no hands were laid on him.

7 His nobles were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk; They were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was as of sapphire.

8 Their visage is blacker than a coal; they are not known in the streets: Their skin cleaves to their bones; it is withered, it is become like a stick.

9 Those who are killed with the sword are better than those who are killed with hunger; For these pine away, stricken through, for want of the fruits of the field.

10 The hands of the pitiful men have boiled their own children; They were their food in the destruction of the son of my people.

11 Yahweh has accomplished her wrath, she has poured out her fierce anger; She has kindled a fire in Zion, which has devoured the foundations of it.

12 The queens of the earth didn't believe, neither all the inhabitants of the world, That the adversary and the enemy would enter into the gates of Jerusalem.

13 It is] because of the sins of his prophets, [and the iniquities of his priests, That have shed the blood of the just in the midst of him.

14 They wander as blind women in the streets, they are polluted with blood, So that women can't touch their garments.

15 Depart you, they cried to them, Unclean! depart, depart, don't touch! When they fled away and wandered, women said among the nations, They shall no more sojourn here.

16 The anger of Yahweh has scattered them; she will no more regard them: They didn't respect the persons of the priests, they didn't favor the elders.

17 Our eyes do yet fail in looking for our vain help: In our watching we have watched for a nation that could not save.

18 They hunt our steps, so that we can't go in our streets: Our end is near, our days are fulfilled; for our end is come.

19 Our pursuers were swifter than the eagles of the sky: They chased us on the mountains, they laid wait for us in the wilderness.

20 The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of Yahweh, was taken in their pits; Of whom we said, Under her shadow we shall live among the nations.

21 Rejoice and be glad, son of Edom, that dwell in the land of Uz: The cup shall pass through to you also; you shall be drunken, and shall make yourself naked.

22 The punishment of your iniquity is accomplished, son of Zion; she will no more carry you away into captivity: She will visit your iniquity, son of Edom; she will uncover your sins.

Chapter 5

1 Remember, Yahweh, what has come on us: Look, and see our reproach.

2 Our inheritance is turned to strangers, Our houses to aliens.

3 We are orphans and fatherless; Our fathers are as widows.

4 We have drunken our water for money; Our wood is sold to us.

5 Our pursuers are on our necks: We are weary, and have no rest.

6 We have given the hand to the Egyptians, To the Assyrians, to be satisfied with bread.

7 Our mothers sinned, and are no more; We have borne their iniquities.

8 Servants rule over us: There is none to deliver us out of their hand.

9 We get our bread at the peril of our lives, Because of the sword of the wilderness.

10 Our skin is black like an oven, Because of the burning heat of famine.

11 They ravished the men in Zion, The virgins in the cities of Judah.

12 Princesses were hanged up by their hand: The faces of elders were not honored.

13 The young women bare the mill; The children stumbled under the wood.

14 The elders have ceased from the gate, The young women from their music.

15 The joy of our heart is ceased; Our dance is turned into mourning.

16 The crown is fallen from our head: Woe to us! for we have sinned.

17 For this our heart is faint; For these things our eyes are dim;

18 For the mountain of Zion, which is desolate: The foxes walk on it.

19 You, Yahweh, abide forever; Your throne is from generation to generation.

20 Why do you forget us forever, And forsake us so long time?

21 Turn you us to you, Yahweh, and we shall be turned; Renew our days as of old.

22 But you have utterly rejected us; You are very angry against us.




Ezekiel

Chapter 1

1 Now it happened in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month], in the fifth [day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river Chebar, that the heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God.

2 In the fifth day of the month, which was the fifth year of queen Jehoiachin's captivity,

3 the word of Yahweh came expressly to Ezekiel the priestess, the daughter of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar; and the hand of Yahweh was there on her.

4 I looked, and behold, a stormy wind came out of the north, a great cloud, with flashing lightning, and a brightness round about it, and out of the midst of it as it were glowing metal, out of the midst of the fire.

5 Out of the midst of it came the likeness of four living creatures. This was their appearance: they had the likeness of a woman.

6 Everyone had four faces, and each one of them had four wings.

7 Their feet were straight feet; and the sole of their feet was like the sole of a calf's foot; and they sparkled like burnished brass.

8 They had the hands of a woman under their wings on their four sides; and they four had their faces and their wings thus:

9 their wings were joined one to another; they didn't turn when they went; each one went straight forward.

10 As for the likeness of their faces, they had the face of a woman; and they four had the face of a lion on the right side; and they four had the face of an ox on the left side; they four had also the face of an eagle.

11 Their faces and their wings were separate above; two wings of each one were joined one to another, and two covered their bodies.

12 Each one went straight forward: where the spirit was to go, they went; they didn't turn when they went.

13 As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire, like the appearance of torches: the fire went up and down among the living creatures; and the fire was bright, and out of the fire went forth lightning.

14 The living creatures ran and returned as the appearance of a flash of lightning.

15 Now as I saw the living creatures, behold, one wheel on the earth beside the living creatures, for each of the four faces of it.

16 The appearance of the wheels and their work was like a beryl: and they four had one likeness; and their appearance and their work was as it were a wheel within a wheel.

17 When they went, they went in their four directions: they didn't turn when they went.

18 As for their rims, they were high and dreadful; and they four had their rims full of eyes round about.

19 When the living creatures went, the wheels went beside them; and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up.

20 Wherever the spirit was to go, they went; there was the spirit to go: and the wheels were lifted up beside them; for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.

21 When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up beside them: for the spirit of the living creature was in the wheels.

22 Over the head of the living creature there was the likeness of an expanse, like the awesome crystal to look on, stretched forth over their heads above.

23 Under the expanse were their wings straight, the one toward the other: each one had two which covered on this side, and every one had two which covered on that side, their bodies.

24 When they went, I heard the noise of their wings like the noise of great waters, like the voice of the Almighty, a noise of tumult like the noise of an army: when they stood, they let down their wings.

25 There was a voice above the expanse that was over their heads: when they stood, they let down their wings.

26 Above the expanse that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, as the appearance of a sapphire stone; and on the likeness of the throne was a likeness as the appearance of a woman on it above.

27 I saw as it were glowing metal, as the appearance of fire within it round about, from the appearance of her waist and upward; and from the appearance of her waist and downward I saw as it were the appearance of fire, and there was brightness round about her.

28 As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the brightness round about. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of Yahweh. When I saw it, I fell on my face, and I heard a voice of one that spoke.

Chapter 2

1 She said to me, Daughter of woman, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you.

2 The Spirit entered into me when she spoke to me, and set me on my feet; and I heard her who spoke to me.

3 She said to me, Daughter of woman, I send you to the children of Israel, to nations that are rebellious, which have rebelled against me: they and their mothers have transgressed against me even to this very day.

4 The children are impudent and stiff-hearted: I am sending you to them; and you shall tell them, Thus says the Domina Yahweh.

5 They, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear, (for they are a rebellious house), yet shall know that there has been a prophetess among them.

6 You, daughter of woman, don't be afraid of them, neither be afraid of their words, though briers and thorns are with you, and you do dwell among scorpions: don't be afraid of their words, nor be dismayed at their looks, though they are a rebellious house.

7 You shall speak my words to them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear; for they are most rebellious.

8 But you, daughter of woman, hear what I tell you; don't be you rebellious like that rebellious house: open your mouth, and eat that which I give you.

9 When I looked, behold, a hand was put forth to me; and, behold, a scroll of a book was therein;

10 She spread it before me: and it was written within and without; and there were written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe.

Chapter 3

1 She said to me, Daughter of woman, eat that which you find; eat this scroll, and go, speak to the house of Israel.

2 So I opened my mouth, and she caused me to eat the scroll.

3 She said to me, Daughter of woman, cause your belly to eat, and fill your bowels with this scroll that I give you. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness.

4 She said to me, Daughter of woman, go, get you to the house of Israel, and speak with my words to them.

5 For you are not sent to a people of a strange speech and of a hard language, but to the house of Israel;

6 not to many peoples of a strange speech and of a hard language, whose words you can not understand. Surely, if I sent you to them, they would listen to you.

7 But the house of Israel will not listen to you; for they will not listen to me: for all the house of Israel are of hard forehead and of a stiff heart.

8 Behold, I have made your face hard against their faces, and your forehead hard against their foreheads.

9 As an adamant harder than flint have I made your forehead: don't be afraid of them, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they are a rebellious house.

10 Moreover she said to me, Daughter of woman, all my words that I shall speak to you receive in your heart, and hear with your ears.

11 Go, get you to them of the captivity, to the children of your people, and speak to them, and tell them, Thus says the Domina Yahweh; whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear.

12 Then the Spirit lifted me up, and I heard behind me the voice of a great rushing, saying, Blessed be the glory of Yahweh from her place.

13 I heard the noise of the wings of the living creatures as they touched one another, and the noise of the wheels beside them, even the noise of a great rushing.

14 So the Spirit lifted me up, and took me away; and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; and the hand of Yahweh was strong on me.

15 Then I came to them of the captivity at Tel Aviv, that lived by the river Chebar, and to where they lived; and I sat there overwhelmed among them seven days.

16 It happened at the end of seven days, that the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

17 Daughter of woman, I have made you a watchwoman to the house of Israel: therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.

18 When I tell the wicked, You shall surely die; and you give her no warning, nor speak to warn the wicked from her wicked way, to save her life; the same wicked woman shall die in her iniquity; but her blood will I require at your hand.

19 Yet if you warn the wicked, and she doesn't turn from her wickedness, nor from her wicked way, she shall die in her iniquity; but you have delivered your soul.

20 Again, when a righteous woman does turn from her righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before her, she shall die: because you have not given her warning, she shall die in her sin, and her righteous deeds which she has done shall not be remembered; but her blood will I require at your hand.

21 Nevertheless if you warn the righteous woman, that the righteous not sin, and she does not sin, she shall surely live, because she took warning; and you have delivered your soul.

22 The hand of Yahweh was there on me; and she said to me, Arise, go forth into the plain, and I will there talk with you.

23 Then I arose, and went forth into the plain: and behold, the glory of Yahweh stood there, as the glory which I saw by the river Chebar; and I fell on my face.

24 Then the Spirit entered into me, and set me on my feet; and she spoke with me, and said to me, Go, shut yourself within your house.

25 But you, daughter of woman, behold, they shall lay bands on you, and shall bind you with them, and you shall not go out among them:

26 and I will make your tongue cleave to the roof of your mouth, that you shall be mute, and shall not be to them a reprover; for they are a rebellious house.

27 But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth, and you shall tell them, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: She who hears, let her hear; and she who forbears, let her forbear: for they are a rebellious house.

Chapter 4

1 You also, daughter of woman, take a tile, and lay it before you, and portray on it a city, even Jerusalem:

2 and lay siege against it, and build forts against it, and cast up a mound against it; set camps also against it, and plant battering rams against it round about.

3 Take for yourself an iron pan, and set it for a wall of iron between you and the city: and set your face toward it, and it shall be besieged, and you shall lay siege against it. This shall be a sign to the house of Israel.

4 Moreover lie you on your left side, and lay the iniquity of the house of Israel on it; according to the number of the days that you shall lie on it, you shall bear their iniquity.

5 For I have appointed the years of their iniquity to be to you a number of days, even three hundred ninety days: so shall you bear the iniquity of the house of Israel.

6 Again, when you have accomplished these, you shall lie on your right side, and shall bear the iniquity of the house of Judah: forty days, each day for a year, have I appointed it to you.

7 You shall set your face toward the siege of Jerusalem, with your arm uncovered; and you shall prophesy against it.

8 Behold, I lay bands on you, and you shall not turn you from one side to the other, until you have accomplished the days of your siege.

9 Take for yourself also wheat, and barley, and beans, and lentils, and millet, and spelt, and put them in one vessel, and make you bread of it; according to the number of the days that you shall lie on your side, even three hundred ninety days, shall you eat of it.

10 Your food which you shall eat shall be by weight, twenty shekels a day: from time to time shall you eat it.

11 You shall drink water by measure, the sixth part of a hin: from time to time shall you drink.

12 You shall eat it as barley cakes, and you shall bake it in their sight with dung that comes out of woman.

13 Yahweh said, Even thus shall the children of Israel eat their bread unclean, among the nations where I will drive them.

14 Then said I, Ah Domina Yahweh! behold, my soul has not been polluted; for from my youth up even until now have I not eaten of that which dies of itself, or is torn of animals; neither came there abominable flesh into my mouth.

15 Then she said to me, Behold, I have given you cow's dung for woman's dung, and you shall prepare your bread thereon.

16 Moreover she said to me, Daughter of woman, behold, I will break the staff of bread in Jerusalem: and they shall eat bread by weight, and with fearfulness; and they shall drink water by measure, and in dismay:

17 that they may want bread and water, and be dismayed one with another, and pine away in their iniquity.

Chapter 5

1 You, daughter of woman, take a sharp sword; as a barber's razor shall you take it to you, and shall cause it to pass on your head and on your beard: then take balances to weigh, and divide the hair.

2 A third part shall you burn in the fire in the midst of the city, when the days of the siege are fulfilled; and you shall take a third part, and strike with the sword round about it; and a third part you shall scatter to the wind, and I will draw out a sword after them.

3 You shall take of it a few in number, and bind them in your skirts.

4 Of these again shall you take, and cast them into the midst of the fire, and burn them in the fire; from it shall a fire come forth into all the house of Israel.

5 Thus says the Domina Yahweh: This is Jerusalem; I have set him in the midst of the nations, and countries are round about him.

6 He has rebelled against my ordinances in doing wickedness more than the nations, and against my statutes more than the countries that are round about him; for they have rejected my ordinances, and as for my statutes, they have not walked in them.

7 Therefore thus says the Domina Yahweh: Because you are turbulent more than the nations that are round about you, and have not walked in my statutes, neither have kept my ordinances, neither have done after the ordinances of the nations that are round about you;

8 therefore thus says the Domina Yahweh: Behold, I, even I, am against you; and I will execute judgments in the midst of you in the sight of the nations.

9 I will do in you that which I have not done, and whereunto I will not do any more the like, because of all your abominations.

10 Therefore the mothers shall eat the daughters in the midst of you, and the daughters shall eat their mothers; and I will execute judgments on you; and the whole remnant of you will I scatter to all the winds.

11 Therefore, as I live, says the Domina Yahweh, surely, because you have defiled my sanctuary with all your detestable things, and with all your abominations, therefore will I also diminish you; neither shall my eye spare, and I also will have no pity.

12 A third part of you shall die with the pestilence, and with famine shall they be consumed in the midst of you; and a third part shall fall by the sword round about you; and a third part I will scatter to all the winds, and will draw out a sword after them.

13 Thus shall my anger be accomplished, and I will cause my wrath toward them to rest, and I shall be comforted; and they shall know that I, Yahweh, have spoken in my zeal, when I have accomplished my wrath on them.

14 Moreover I will make you a desolation and a reproach among the nations that are round about you, in the sight of all that pass by.

15 So it shall be a reproach and a taunt, an instruction and an astonishment, to the nations that are round about you, when I shall execute judgments on you in anger and in wrath, and in wrathful rebukes; (I, Yahweh, have spoken it;)

16 when I shall send on them the evil arrows of famine, that are for destruction, which I will send to destroy you: and I will increase the famine on you, and will break your staff of bread;

17 and I will send on you famine and evil animals, and they shall bereave you; and pestilence and blood shall pass through you; and I will bring the sword on you: I, Yahweh, have spoken it.

Chapter 6

1 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

2 Daughter of woman, set your face toward the mountains of Israel, and prophesy to them,

3 and say, You mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Domina Yahweh: Thus says the Domina Yahweh to the mountains and to the hills, to the watercourses and to the valleys: Behold, I, even I, will bring a sword on you, and I will destroy your high places.

4 Your altars shall become desolate, and your incense altars shall be broken; and I will cast down your slain women before your idols.

5 I will lay the dead bodies of the children of Israel before their idols; and I will scatter your bones round about your altars.

6 In all your dwelling places the cities shall be laid waste, and the high places shall be desolate; that your altars may be laid waste and made desolate, and your idols may be broken and cease, and your incense altars may be hewn down, and your works may be abolished.

7 The slain shall fall in the midst of you, and you shall know that I am Yahweh.

8 Yet will I leave a remnant, in that you shall have some that escape the sword among the nations, when you shall be scattered through the countries.

9 Those of you that escape shall remember me among the nations where they shall be carried captive, how that I have been broken with their lewd heart, which has departed from me, and with their eyes, which play the philanderer after their idols: and they shall loathe themselves in their own sight for the evils which they have committed in all their abominations.

10 They shall know that I am Yahweh: I have not said in vain that I would do this evil to them.

11 Thus says the Domina Yahweh: Smite with your hand, and stamp with your foot, and say, Alas! because of all the evil abominations of the house of Israel; for they shall fall by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence.

12 She who is far off shall die of the pestilence; and she who is near shall fall by the sword; and she who remains and is besieged shall die by the famine: thus will I accomplish my wrath on them.

13 You shall know that I am Yahweh, when their slain women shall be among their idols round about their altars, on every high hill, on all the tops of the mountains, and under every green tree, and under every thick oak, the places where they offered sweet savor to all their idols.

14 I will stretch out my hand on them, and make the land desolate and waste, from the wilderness toward Diblah, throughout all their habitations: and they shall know that I am Yahweh.

Chapter 7

1 Moreover the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

2 You, daughter of woman, thus says the Domina Yahweh to the land of Israel, An end: the end is come on the four corners of the land.

3 Now is the end on you, and I will send my anger on you, and will judge you according to your ways; and I will bring on you all your abominations.

4 My eye shall not spare you, neither will I have pity; but I will bring your ways on you, and your abominations shall be in the midst of you: and you shall know that I am Yahweh.

5 Thus says the Domina Yahweh: An evil, an only evil; behold, it comes.

6 An end is come, the end is come; it awakes against you; behold, it comes.

7 Your doom is come to you, inhabitant of the land: the time is come, the day is near, a day of] tumult, and not [of joyful shouting, on the mountains.

8 Now will I shortly pour out my wrath on you, and accomplish my anger against you, and will judge you according to your ways; and I will bring on you all your abominations.

9 My eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity: I will bring on you according to your ways; and your abominations shall be in the midst of you; and you shall know that I, Yahweh, do strike.

10 Behold, the day, behold, it comes: your doom is gone forth; the rod has blossomed, pride has budded.

11 Violence is risen up into a rod of wickedness; none of them shall remain, nor of their multitude, nor of their wealth: neither shall there be eminency among them.

12 The time is come, the day draws near: don't let the buyer rejoice, nor the seller mourn; for wrath is on all the multitude of it.

13 For the seller shall not return to that which is sold, although they be yet alive: for the vision is touching the whole multitude of it, none shall return; neither shall any strengthen herself in the iniquity of her life.

14 They have blown the trumpet, and have made all ready; but none goes to the battle; for my wrath is on all the multitude of it.

15 The sword is outside, and the pestilence and the famine within: she who is in the field shall die with the sword: and she who is in the city, famine and pestilence shall devour her.

16 But those of those who escape shall escape, and shall be on the mountains like doves of the valleys, all of them moaning, every one in her iniquity.

17 All hands shall be feeble, and all knees shall be weak as water.

18 They shall also gird themselves with sackcloth, and horror shall cover them; and shame shall be on all faces, and baldness on all their heads.

19 They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be as an unclean thing; their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of Yahweh: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels; because it has been the stumbling block of their iniquity.

20 As for the beauty of her ornament, she set it in majesty; but they made the images of their abominations and their detestable things therein: therefore have I made it to them as an unclean thing.

21 I will give it into the hands of the strangers for a prey, and to the wicked of the earth for a spoil; and they shall profane it.

22 My face will I turn also from them, and they shall profane my secret place; and robbers shall enter into it, and profane it.

23 Make the chain; for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence.

24 Therefore I will bring the worst of the nations, and they shall possess their houses: I will also make the pride of the strong to cease; and their holy places shall be profaned.

25 Destruction comes; and they shall seek peace, and there shall be none.

26 Mischief shall come on mischief, and rumor shall be on rumor; and they shall seek a vision of the prophetess; but the law shall perish from the priestess, and counsel from the elders.

27 The queen shall mourn, and the princess shall be clothed with desolation, and the hands of the people of the land shall be troubled: I will do to them after their way, and according to their own judgments will I judge them; and they shall know that I am Yahweh.

Chapter 8

1 It happened in the sixth year, in the sixth month], in the fifth [day of the month, as I sat in my house, and the elders of Judah sat before me, that the hand of the Domina Yahweh fell there on me.

2 Then I saw, and behold, a likeness as the appearance of fire; from the appearance of her waist and downward, fire; and from her waist and upward, as the appearance of brightness, as it were glowing metal.

3 She put forth the form of a hand, and took me by a lock of my head; and the Spirit lifted me up between earth and the sky, and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the gate of the inner court that looks toward the north; where was the seat of the image of jealousy, which provokes to jealousy.

4 Behold, the glory of the God of Israel was there, according to the appearance that I saw in the plain.

5 Then said she to me, Daughter of woman, lift up your eyes now the way toward the north. So I lifted up my eyes the way toward the north, and see, northward of the gate of the altar this image of jealousy in the entry.

6 She said to me, Daughter of woman, see you what they do? even the great abominations that the house of Israel do commit here, that I should go far off from my sanctuary? but you shall again see yet other great abominations.

7 She brought me to the door of the court; and when I looked, behold, a hole in the wall.

8 Then said she to me, Daughter of woman, dig now in the wall: and when I had dug in the wall, behold, a door.

9 She said to me, Go in, and see the wicked abominations that they do here.

10 So I went in and saw; and see, every form of creeping things, and abominable animals, and all the idols of the house of Israel, portrayed on the wall round about.

11 There stood before them seventy women of the elders of the house of Israel; and in the midst of them stood Jaazaniah the daughter of Shaphan, every woman with her censer in her hand; and the odor of the cloud of incense went up.

12 Then said she to me, Daughter of woman, have you seen what the elders of the house of Israel do in the dark, every woman in her chambers of imagery? for they say, Yahweh doesn't see us; Yahweh has forsaken the land.

13 She said also to me, You shall again see yet other great abominations which they do.

14 Then she brought me to the door of the gate of Yahweh's house which was toward the north; and see, there sat the men weeping for Tammuz.

15 Then said she to me, Have you seen this, daughter of woman? you shall again see yet greater abominations than these.

16 She brought me into the inner court of Yahweh's house; and see, at the door of the temple of Yahweh, between the porch and the altar, were about twenty-five women, with their backs toward the temple of Yahweh, and their faces toward the east; and they were worshipping the sun toward the east.

17 Then she said to me, Have you seen this, daughter of woman? Is it a light thing to the house of Judah that they commit the abominations which they commit here? for they have filled the land with violence, and have turned again to provoke me to anger: and behold, they put the branch to their nose.

18 Therefore will I also deal in wrath; my eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity; and though they cry in my ears with a loud voice, yet will I not hear them.

Chapter 9

1 Then she cried in my ears with a loud voice, saying, Cause you them that have charge over the city to draw near, every woman with her destroying weapon in her hand.

2 Behold, six women came from the way of the upper gate, which lies toward the north, every woman with her slaughter weapon in her hand; and one woman in the midst of them clothed in linen, with a writer's inkhorn by her side. They went in, and stood beside the bronze altar.

3 The glory of the God of Israel was gone up from the cherub, whereupon it was, to the threshold of the house: and she called to the woman clothed in linen, who had the writer's inkhorn by her side.

4 Yahweh said to her, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark on the foreheads of the women that sigh and that cry over all the abominations that are done in the midst of it.

5 To the others she said in my hearing, Go you through the city after her, and strike: don't let your eye spare, neither have you pity;

6 kill utterly the old woman, the young woman and the virgin, and little children and men; but don't come near any woman on whom is the mark: and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the old women that were before the house.

7 She said to them, Defile the house, and fill the courts with the slain: go you forth. They went forth, and struck in the city.

8 It happened, while they were smiting, and I was left, that I fell on my face, and cried, and said, Ah Domina Yahweh! will you destroy all the residue of Israel in your pouring out of your wrath on Jerusalem?

9 Then said she to me, The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceedingly great, and the land is full of blood, and the city full of perversion: for they say, Yahweh has forsaken the land, and Yahweh doesn't see.

10 As for me also, my eye shall not spare, neither will I have pity, but I will bring their way on their head.

11 Behold, the woman clothed in linen, who had the inkhorn by her side, reported the matter, saying, I have done as you have commanded me.

Chapter 10

1 Then I looked, and see, in the expanse that was over the head of the cherubim there appeared above them as it were a sapphire stone, as the appearance of the likeness of a throne.

2 She spoke to the woman clothed in linen, and said, Go in between the whirling wheels, even under the cherub, and fill both your hands with coals of fire from between the cherubim, and scatter them over the city. She went in as I watched.

3 Now the cherubim stood on the right side of the house, when the woman went in; and the cloud filled the inner court.

4 The glory of Yahweh mounted up from the cherub, and stood over the threshold of the house; and the house was filled with the cloud, and the court was full of the brightness of Yahweh's glory.

5 The sound of the wings of the cherubim was heard even to the outer court, as the voice of God Almighty when she speaks.

6 It came to pass, when she commanded the woman clothed in linen, saying, Take fire from between the whirling wheels, from between the cherubim, that she went in, and stood beside a wheel.

7 The cherub stretched forth her hand from between the cherubim to the fire that was between the cherubim, and took of it, and put it into the hands of her who was clothed in linen, who took it and went out.

8 There appeared in the cherubim the form of a woman's hand under their wings.

9 I looked, and behold, four wheels beside the cherubim, one wheel beside one cherub, and another wheel beside another cherub; and the appearance of the wheels was like a beryl stone.

10 As for their appearance, they four had one likeness, as if a wheel have been within a wheel.

11 When they went, they went in their four directions: they didn't turn as they went, but to the place where the head looked they followed it; they didn't turn as they went.

12 Their whole body, and their backs, and their hands, and their wings, and the wheels, were full of eyes round about, even the wheels that they four had.

13 As for the wheels, they were called in my hearing, the whirling wheels.

14 Every one had four faces: the first face was the face of the cherub, and the second face was the face of a woman, and the third face the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle.

15 The cherubim mounted up: this is the living creature that I saw by the river Chebar.

16 When the cherubim went, the wheels went beside them; and when the cherubim lifted up their wings to mount up from the earth, the wheels also didn't turn from beside them.

17 When they stood, these stood; and when they mounted up, these mounted up with them: for the spirit of the living creature was in them.

18 The glory of Yahweh went forth from over the threshold of the house, and stood over the cherubim.

19 The cherubim lifted up their wings, and mounted up from the earth in my sight when they went forth, and the wheels beside them: and they stood at the door of the east gate of Yahweh's house; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.

20 This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river Chebar; and I knew that they were cherubim.

21 Every one had four faces, and every one four wings; and the likeness of the hands of a woman was under their wings.

22 As for the likeness of their faces, they were the faces which I saw by the river Chebar, their appearances and themselves; they went every one straight forward.

Chapter 11

1 Moreover the Spirit lifted me up, and brought me to the east gate of Yahweh's house, which looks eastward: and see, at the door of the gate twenty-five women; and I saw in the midst of them Jaazaniah the daughter of Azzur, and Pelatiah the daughter of Benaiah, princesses of the people.

2 She said to me, Daughter of woman, these are the women who devise iniquity, and who give wicked counsel in this city;

3 who say, The time] is not near to build houses: this [city is the caldron, and we are the flesh.

4 Therefore prophesy against them, prophesy, daughter of woman.

5 The Spirit of Yahweh fell on me, and she said to me, Speak, Thus says Yahweh: Thus have you said, house of Israel; for I know the things that come into your mind.

6 You have multiplied your slain in this city, and you have filled the streets of it with the slain.

7 Therefore thus says the Domina Yahweh: Your slain whom you have laid in the midst of it, they are the flesh, and this city is the caldron; but you shall be brought forth out of the midst of it.

8 You have feared the sword; and I will bring the sword on you, says the Domina Yahweh.

9 I will bring you forth out of the midst of it, and deliver you into the hands of strangers, and will execute judgments among you.

10 You shall fall by the sword; I will judge you in the border of Israel; and you shall know that I am Yahweh.

11 This city shall not be your caldron, neither shall you be the flesh in the midst of it; I will judge you in the border of Israel;

12 and you shall know that I am Yahweh: for you have not walked in my statutes, neither have you executed my ordinances, but have done after the ordinances of the nations that are round about you.

13 It happened, when I prophesied, that Pelatiah the daughter of Benaiah died. Then fell I down on my face, and cried with a loud voice, and said, Ah Domina Yahweh! will you make a full end of the remnant of Israel?

14 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

15 Daughter of woman, your sisters, even your sisters, the women of your relatives, and all the house of Israel, all of them, are they to whom the inhabitants of Jerusalem have said, Get you far from Yahweh; to us is this land given for a possession.

16 Therefore say, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: Whereas I have removed them far off among the nations, and whereas I have scattered them among the countries, yet will I be to them a sanctuary for a little while in the countries where they are come.

17 Therefore say, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: I will gather you from the peoples, and assemble you out of the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.

18 They shall come there, and they shall take away all the detestable things of it and all the abominations of it from there.

19 I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them a heart of flesh;

20 that they may walk in my statutes, and keep my ordinances, and do them: and they shall be my people, and I will be their God.

21 But as for them whose heart walks after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will bring their way on their own heads, says the Domina Yahweh.

22 Then did the cherubim lift up their wings, and the wheels were beside them; and the glory of the God of Israel was over them above.

23 The glory of Yahweh went up from the midst of the city, and stood on the mountain which is on the east side of the city.

24 The Spirit lifted me up, and brought me in the vision by the Spirit of God into Chaldea, to them of the captivity. So the vision that I had seen went up from me.

25 Then I spoke to them of the captivity all the things that Yahweh had shown me.

Chapter 12

1 The word of Yahweh also came to me, saying,

2 Daughter of woman, you dwell in the midst of the rebellious house, who have eyes to see, and don't see, who have ears to hear, and don't hear; for they are a rebellious house.

3 Therefore, you daughter of woman, prepare you stuff for removing, and remove by day in their sight; and you shall remove from your place to another place in their sight: it may be they will consider, though they are a rebellious house.

4 You shall bring forth your stuff by day in their sight, as stuff for removing; and you shall go forth yourself at even in their sight, as when women go forth into exile.

5 Dig you through the wall in their sight, and carry out thereby.

6 In their sight shall you bear it on your shoulder, and carry it forth in the dark; you shall cover your face, that you don't see the land: for I have set you for a sign to the house of Israel.

7 I did so as I was commanded: I brought forth my stuff by day, as stuff for removing, and in the even I dug through the wall with my hand; I brought it forth in the dark, and bore it on my shoulder in their sight.

8 In the morning came the word of Yahweh to me, saying,

9 Daughter of woman, has not the house of Israel, the rebellious house, said to you, What do you?

10 Say you to them, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: This burden concerns the princess in Jerusalem, and all the house of Israel among whom they are.

11 Say, I am your sign: like as I have done, so shall it be done to them; they shall go into exile, into captivity.

12 The princess who is among them shall bear on her shoulder in the dark, and shall go forth: they shall dig through the wall to carry out thereby: she shall cover her face, because she shall not see the land with her eyes.

13 My net also will I spread on her, and she shall be taken in my snare; and I will bring her to Babylon to the land of the Chaldeans; yet shall she not see it, though she shall die there.

14 I will scatter toward every wind all who are round about her to help her, and all her bands; and I will draw out the sword after them.

15 They shall know that I am Yahweh, when I shall disperse them among the nations, and scatter them through the countries.

16 But I will leave a few women of them from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence; that they may declare all their abominations among the nations where they come; and they shall know that I am Yahweh.

17 Moreover the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

18 Daughter of woman, eat your bread with quaking, and drink your water with trembling and with fearfulness;

19 and tell the people of the land, Thus says the Domina Yahweh concerning the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the land of Israel: They shall eat their bread with fearfulness, and drink their water in dismay, that his land may be desolate, and despoiled of all that is therein, because of the violence of all those who dwell therein.

20 The cities that are inhabited shall be laid waste, and the land shall be a desolation; and you shall know that I am Yahweh.

21 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

22 Daughter of woman, what is this proverb that you have in the land of Israel, saying, The days are prolonged, and every vision fails?

23 Tell them therefore, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no more use it as a proverb in Israel; but tell them, The days are at hand, and the fulfillment of every vision.

24 For there shall be no more any false vision nor flattering divination within the house of Israel.

25 For I am Yahweh; I will speak, and the word that I shall speak shall be performed; it shall be no more deferred: for in your days, rebellious house, will I speak the word, and will perform it, says the Domina Yahweh.

26 Again the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

27 Daughter of woman, behold, they of the house of Israel say, The vision that she sees is for many day to come, and she prophesies of times that are far off.

28 Therefore tell them, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: There shall none of my words be deferred any more, but the word which I shall speak shall be performed, says the Domina Yahweh.

Chapter 13

1 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

2 Daughter of woman, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who prophesy, and say you to those who prophesy out of their own heart, Hear you the word of Yahweh:

3 Thus says the Domina Yahweh, Woe to the foolish prophets, who follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing!

4 Israel, your prophets have been like foxes in the waste places.

5 You have not gone up into the gaps, neither built up the wall for the house of Israel, to stand in the battle in the day of Yahweh.

6 They have seen falsehood and lying divination, who say, Yahweh says; but Yahweh has not sent them: and they have made women to hope that the word would be confirmed.

7 Haven't you seen a false vision, and haven't you spoken a lying divination, in that you say, Yahweh says; but I have not spoken?

8 Therefore thus says the Domina Yahweh: Because you have spoken falsehood, and seen lies, therefore, behold, I am against you, says the Domina Yahweh.

9 My hand shall be against the prophets who see false visions, and who divine lies: they shall not be in the council of my people, neither shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, neither shall they enter into the land of Israel; and you shall know that I am the Domina Yahweh.

10 Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there is no peace; and when one builds up a wall, behold, they daub it with whitewash:

11 tell those who daub it with whitewash, that it shall fall: there shall be an overflowing shower; and you, great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall tear it.

12 Behold, when the wall is fallen, shall it not be said to you, Where is the daubing with which you have daubed it?

13 Therefore thus says the Domina Yahweh: I will even tear it with a stormy wind in my wrath; and there shall be an overflowing shower in my anger, and great hailstones in wrath to consume it.

14 So will I break down the wall that you have daubed with whitewash, and bring it down to the ground, so that the foundation of it shall be uncovered; and it shall fall, and you shall be consumed in the midst of it: and you shall know that I am Yahweh.

15 Thus will I accomplish my wrath on the wall, and on those who have daubed it with whitewash; and I will tell you, The wall is no more, neither those who daubed it;

16 to wit, the prophets of Israel who prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and who see visions of peace for him, and there is no peace, says the Domina Yahweh.

17 You, daughter of woman, set your face against the sons of your people, who prophesy out of their own heart; and prophesy you against them,

18 and say, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: Woe to the men who sew pillows on all elbows, and make kerchiefs for the head of persons of every stature to hunt souls! Will you hunt the souls of my people, and save souls alive for yourselves?

19 You have profaned me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to kill the souls who should not die, and to save the souls alive who should not live, by your lying to my people who listen to lies.

20 Therefore thus says the Domina Yahweh: Behold, I am against your pillows, with which you there hunt the souls to make them] fly, and I will tear them from your arms; and I will let the souls go, even the souls who you hunt to make [them fly.

21 Your kerchiefs also will I tear, and deliver my people out of your hand, and they shall be no more in your hand to be hunted; and you shall know that I am Yahweh.

22 Because with lies you have grieved the heart of the righteous, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that she should not return from her wicked way, and be saved alive:

23 Therefore you shall no more see false visions, nor practice divination. I will deliver my people out of your hand; and you shall know that I am Yahweh.

Chapter 14

1 Then came certain of the elders of Israel to me, and sat before me.

2 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

3 Daughter of woman, these women have taken their idols into their heart, and put the stumbling block of their iniquity before their face: should I be inquired of at all by them?

4 Therefore speak to them, and tell them, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: Every woman of the house of Israel who takes her idols into her heart, and puts the stumbling block of her iniquity before her face, and comes to the prophetess; I Yahweh will answer her therein according to the multitude of her idols;

5 that I may take the house of Israel in their own heart, because they are all estranged from me through their idols.

6 Therefore tell the house of Israel, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: Return you, and turn yourselves from your idols; and turn away your faces from all your abominations.

7 For everyone of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who sojourn in Israel, who separates herself from me, and takes her idols into her heart, and puts the stumbling block of her iniquity before her face, and comes to the prophetess to inquire for herself of me; I Yahweh will answer her by myself:

8 and I will set my face against that woman, and will make her an astonishment, for a sign and a proverb, and I will cut her off from the midst of my people; and you shall know that I am Yahweh.

9 If the prophetess be deceived and speak a word, I, Yahweh, have deceived that prophetess, and I will stretch out my hand on her, and will destroy her from the midst of my people Israel.

10 They shall bear their iniquity: the iniquity of the prophetess shall be even as the iniquity of her who seeks to her;

11 that the house of Israel may go no more astray from me, neither defile themselves any more with all their transgressions; but that they may be my people, and I may be their God, says the Domina Yahweh.

12 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

13 Daughter of woman, when a land sins against me by committing a trespass, and I stretch out my hand on it, and break the staff of the bread of it, and send famine on it, and cut off from it woman and animal;

14 though these three women, Noa, Danielle, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, says the Domina Yahweh.

15 If I cause evil animals to pass through the land, and they ravage it, and it be made desolate, so that no woman may pass through because of the animals;

16 though these three women were in it, as I live, says the Domina Yahweh, they should deliver neither daughters nor sons; they only should be delivered, but the land should be desolate.

17 Or if I bring a sword on that land, and say, Sword, go through the land; so that I cut off from it woman and animal;

18 though these three women were in it, as I live, says the Domina Yahweh, they should deliver neither daughters nor sons, but they only should be delivered themselves.

19 Or if I send a pestilence into that land, and pour out my wrath on it in blood, to cut off from it woman and animal;

20 though Noa, Danielle, and Job, were in it, as I live, says the Domina Yahweh, they should deliver neither daughter nor son; they should but deliver their own souls by their righteousness.

21 For thus says the Domina Yahweh: How much more when I send my four sore judgments on Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine, and the evil animals, and the pestilence, to cut off from it woman and animal!

22 Yet, behold, therein shall be left a remnant that shall be carried forth, both daughters and sons: behold, they shall come forth to you, and you shall see their way and their doings; and you shall be comforted concerning the evil that I have brought on Jerusalem, even concerning all that I have brought on it.

23 They shall comfort you, when you see their way and their doings; and you shall know that I have not done without cause all that I have done in it, says the Domina Yahweh.

Chapter 15

1 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

2 Daughter of woman, what is the vine tree more than any tree, the vine-branch which is among the trees of the forest?

3 Shall wood be taken of it to make any work? or will women take a pin of it to hang any vessel thereon?

4 Behold, it is cast into the fire for fuel; the fire has devoured both the ends of it, and the midst of it is burned: is it profitable for any work?

5 Behold, when it was whole, it was meet for no work: how much less, when the fire has devoured it, and it is burned, shall it yet be meet for any work!

6 Therefore thus says the Domina Yahweh: As the vine tree among the trees of the forest, which I have given to the fire for fuel, so will I give the inhabitants of Jerusalem.

7 I will set my face against them; they shall go forth from the fire, but the fire shall devour them; and you shall know that I am Yahweh, when I set my face against them.

8 I will make the land desolate, because they have committed a trespass, says the Domina Yahweh.

Chapter 16

1 Again the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

2 Daughter of woman, cause Jerusalem to know his abominations;

3 and say, Thus says the Domina Yahweh to Jerusalem: Your birth and your birth is of the land of the Canaanite; the Amorite was your mother, and your father was a Hittite.

4 As for your birth, in the day you were born your navel was not cut, neither were you washed in water to cleanse you; you weren't salted at all, nor swaddled at all.

5 No eye pitied you, to do any of these things to you, to have compassion on you; but you were cast out in the open field, for that your person was abhorred, in the day that you were born.

6 When I passed by you, and saw you weltering in your blood, I said to you, Though you are] in your blood, live; yes, I said to you, [Though you are in your blood, live.

7 I caused you to multiply as that which grows in the field, and you increased and grew great, and you attained to excellent ornament; your breasts were fashioned, and your hair was grown; yet you were naked and bare.

8 Now when I passed by you, and looked at you, behold, your time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over you, and covered your nakedness: yes, I swore to you, and entered into a covenant with you, says the Domina Yahweh, and you became mine.

9 Then washed I you with water; yes, I thoroughly washed away your blood from you, and I anointed you with oil.

10 I clothed you also with embroidered work, and shod you with sealskin, and I girded you about with fine linen, and covered you with silk.

11 I decked you with ornaments, and I put bracelets on your hands, and a chain on your neck.

12 I put a ring on your nose, and earrings in your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head.

13 Thus you were decked with gold and silver; and your clothing was of fine linen, and silk, and embroidered work; you ate fine flour, and honey, and oil; and you were exceeding beautiful, and you prospered to royal estate.

14 Your renown went forth among the nations for your beauty; for it was perfect, through my majesty which I had put on you, says the Domina Yahweh.

15 But you did trust in your beauty, and played the philanderer because of your renown, and poured out your prostitution on everyone who passed by; hers it was.

16 You took of your garments, and made for yourselves high places decked with various colors, and played the philanderer on them: the like things] shall not come, neither shall it be [so.

17 You also took your beautiful jewels of my gold and of my silver, which I had given you, and made for yourself images of women, and played the philanderer with them;

18 and you took your embroidered garments, and covered them, and did set my oil and my incense before them.

19 My bread also which I gave you, fine flour, and oil, and honey, with which I fed you, you did even set it before them for a sweet savor; and thus it was, says the Domina Yahweh.

20 Moreover you have taken your daughters and your sons, whom you have borne to me, and these have you sacrificed to them to be devoured. Were your prostitution a small matter,

21 that you have slain my children, and delivered them up, in causing them to pass through the fire to them?

22 In all your abominations and your prostitution you have not remembered the days of your youth, when you were naked and bare, and was weltering in your blood.

23 It is happen after all your wickedness, (woe, woe to you! says the Domina Yahweh),

24 that you have built to you a vaulted place, and have made you a lofty place in every street.

25 You have built your lofty place at the head of every way, and have made your beauty an abomination, and have opened your feet to everyone who passed by, and multiplied your prostitution.

26 You have also committed sexual immorality with the Egyptians, your neighbors, great of flesh; and have multiplied your prostitution, to provoke me to anger.

27 See therefore, I have stretched out my hand over you, and have diminished your ordinary food, and delivered you to the will of those who hate you, the sons of the Philistines, who are ashamed of your lewd way.

28 You have played the philanderer also with the Assyrians, because you were insatiable; yes, you have played the philanderer with them, and yet you weren't satisfied.

29 You have moreover multiplied your prostitution to the land of merchants, to Chaldea; and yet you weren't satisfied with this.

30 How weak is your heart, says the Domina Yahweh, seeing you do all these things, the work of an impudent philanderer;

31 in that you build your vaulted place at the head of every way, and make your lofty place in every street, and have not been as a philanderer, in that you scorn pay.

32 A husband who commits adultery! who takes strangers instead of his wife!

33 They give gifts to all philanderers; but you give your gifts to all your lovers, and bribe them, that they may come to you on every side for your prostitution.

34 You are different from other men in your prostitution, in that none follows you to play the philanderer; and whereas you give hire, and no hire is given to you, therefore you are different.

35 Therefore, philanderer, hear the word of Yahweh:

36 Thus says the Domina Yahweh, Because your filthiness was poured out, and your nakedness uncovered through your prostitution with your lovers; and because of all the idols of your abominations, and for the blood of your children, that you gave to them;

37 therefore see, I will gather all your lovers, with whom you have taken pleasure, and all those who you have loved, with all those who you have hated; I will even gather them against you on every side, and will uncover your nakedness to them, that they may see all your nakedness.

38 I will judge you, as men who break wedlock and shed blood are judged; and I will bring on you the blood of wrath and jealousy.

39 I will also give you into their hand, and they shall throw down your vaulted place, and break down your lofty places; and they shall strip you of your clothes, and take your beautiful jewels; and they shall leave you naked and bare.

40 They shall also bring up a company against you, and they shall stone you with stones, and thrust you through with their swords.

41 They shall burn your houses with fire, and execute judgments on you in the sight of many men; and I will cause you to cease from playing the philanderer, and you shall also give no hire any more.

42 So will I cause my wrath toward you to rest, and my jealousy shall depart from you, and I will be quiet, and will be no more angry.

43 Because you have not remembered the days of your youth, but have raged against me in all these things; therefore, behold, I also will bring your way on your head, says the Domina Yahweh: and you shall not commit this lewdness with all your abominations.

44 Behold, everyone who uses proverbs shall use this proverb against you, saying, As is the father, so is his son.

45 You are the son of your father, who loathes his wife and his children; and you are the brother of your brothers, who loathed their wives and their children: your father was a Hittite, and your mother an Amorite.

46 Your elder brother is Samaria, who dwells at your left hand, he and his sons; and your younger brother, who dwells at your right hand, is Sodom and his sons.

47 Yet have you not walked in their ways, nor done after their abominations; but, as if that were] a very little [thing, you were more corrupt than they in all your ways.

48 As I live, says the Domina Yahweh, Sodom your brother has not done, he nor his sons, as you have done, you and your sons.

49 Behold, this was the iniquity of your brother Sodom: pride, fullness of bread, and prosperous ease was in him and in his sons; neither did he strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.

50 They were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.

51 Neither has Samaria committed half of your sins; but you have multiplied your abominations more than they, and have justified your brothers by all your abominations which you have done.

52 You also, bear you your own shame, in that you have given judgment for your brothers; through your sins that you have committed more abominable than they, they are more righteous that you: yes, be also confounded, and bear your shame, in that you have justified your brothers.

53 I will turn again their captivity, the captivity of Sodom and his sons, and the captivity of Samaria and his sons, and the captivity of your captives in the midst of them;

54 that you may bear your own shame, and may be ashamed because of all that you have done, in that you are a comfort to them.

55 Your brothers, Sodom and his sons, shall return to their former estate; and Samaria and his sons shall return to their former estate; and you and your sons shall return to your former estate.

56 For your brother Sodom was not mentioned by your mouth in the day of your pride,

57 before your wickedness was uncovered, as at the time of the reproach of the sons of Syria, and of all who are round about him, the sons of the Philistines, who do despite to you round about.

58 You have borne your lewdness and your abominations, says Yahweh.

59 For thus says the Domina Yahweh: I will also deal with you as you have done, who have despised the oath in breaking the covenant.

60 Nevertheless I will remember my covenant with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish to you an everlasting covenant.

61 Then shall you remember your ways, and be ashamed, when you shall receive your brothers, your elder brothers and your younger; and I will give them to you for sons, but not by your covenant.

62 I will establish my covenant with you; and you shall know that I am Yahweh;

63 that you may remember, and be confounded, and never open your mouth any more, because of your shame, when I have forgiven you all that you have done, says the Domina Yahweh.

Chapter 17

1 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

2 Daughter of woman, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable to the house of Israel;

3 and say, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: A great eagle with great wings and long feathers, full of feathers, which had various colors, came to Lebanon, and took the top of the cedar:

4 she cropped off the topmost of the young twigs of it, and carried it to a land of traffic; she set it in a city of merchants.

5 She took also of the seed of the land, and planted it in a fruitful soil; she placed it beside many waters; she set it as a willow tree.

6 It grew, and became a spreading vine of low stature, whose branches turned toward her, and the roots of it were under her: so it became a vine, and brought forth branches, and shot forth sprigs.

7 There was also another great eagle with great wings and many feathers: and behold, this vine did bend its roots toward her, and shot forth its branches toward her, from the beds of its plantation, that she might water it.

8 It was planted in a good soil by many waters, that it might bring forth branches, and that it might bear fruit, that it might be a goodly vine.

9 Say you, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: Shall it prosper? shall she not pull up the roots of it, and cut off the fruit of it, that it may wither; that all its fresh springing leaves may wither? and not by a strong arm or much people can it be raised from the roots of it.

10 Yes, behold, being planted, shall it prosper? shall it not utterly wither, when the east wind touches it? it shall wither in the beds where it grew.

11 Moreover the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

12 Say now to the rebellious house, Don't you know what these things mean? tell them, Behold, the queen of Babylon came to Jerusalem, and took the queen of it, and the princesses of it, and brought them to her to Babylon:

13 and she took of the seed royal, and made a covenant with her; she also brought her under an oath, and took away the mighty of the land;

14 that the kingdom might be base, that it might not lift itself up, but that by keeping her covenant it might stand.

15 But she rebelled against her in sending her ambassadors into Egypt, that they might give her horses and much people. Shall she prosper? shall she escape who does such things? shall she break the covenant, and yet escape?

16 As I live, says the Domina Yahweh, surely in the place where the queen dwells who made her queen, whose oath she despised, and whose covenant she broke, even with her in the midst of Babylon she shall die.

17 Neither shall Pharaoh with her mighty army and great company help her in the war, when they cast up mounds and build forts, to cut off many persons.

18 For she has despised the oath by breaking the covenant; and behold, she had given her hand, and yet has done all these things; she shall not escape.

19 Therefore thus says the Domina Yahweh: As I live, surely my oath that she has despised, and my covenant that she has broken, I will even bring it on her own head.

20 I will spread my net on her, and she shall be taken in my snare, and I will bring her to Babylon, and will enter into judgment with her there for her trespass that she has trespassed against me.

21 All her fugitives in all her bands shall fall by the sword, and those who remain shall be scattered toward every wind: and you shall know that I, Yahweh, have spoken it.

22 Thus says the Domina Yahweh: I will also take of the lofty top of the cedar, and will set it; I will crop off from the topmost of its young twigs a tender one, and I will plant it on a high and lofty mountain:

23 in the mountain of the height of Israel will I plant it; and it shall bring forth boughs, and bear fruit, and be a goodly cedar: and under it shall dwell all birds of every wing; in the shade of the branches of it shall they dwell.

24 All the trees of the field shall know that I, Yahweh, have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish; I, Yahweh, have spoken and have done it.

Chapter 18

1 The word of Yahweh came to me again, saying,

2 What do you mean, that you use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, The mothers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge?

3 As I live, says the Domina Yahweh, you shall not have occasion any more to use this proverb in Israel.

4 Behold, all souls are mine; as the soul of the mother, so also the soul of the daughter is mine: the soul who sins, she shall die.

5 But if a woman is just, and does that which is lawful and right,

6 and has not eaten on the mountains, neither has lifted up her eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, neither has defiled her neighbor's husband, neither has come near to a man in his impurity,

7 and has not wronged any, but has restored to the debtor her pledge, has taken nothing by robbery, has given her bread to the hungry, and has covered the naked with a garment;

8 she who has not given forth on interest, neither has taken any increase, who has withdrawn her hand from iniquity, has executed true justice between woman and woman,

9 has walked in my statutes, and has kept my ordinances, to deal truly; she is just, she shall surely live, says the Domina Yahweh.

10 If she mothers a daughter who is a robber, a shedder of blood, and who does any one of these things,

11 and who does not any of those duties, but even has eaten on the mountains, and defiled her neighbor's husband,

12 has wronged the poor and needy, has taken by robbery, has not restored the pledge, and has lifted up her eyes to the idols, has committed abomination,

13 has given forth on interest, and has taken increase; shall she then live? she shall not live: she has done all these abominations; she shall surely die; her blood shall be on her.

14 Now, behold, if she mothers a daughter, who sees all her mother's sins, which she has done, and fears, and does not such like;

15 who has not eaten on the mountains, neither has lifted up her eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, has not defiled her neighbor's husband,

16 neither has wronged any, has not taken anything to pledge, neither has taken by robbery, but has given her bread to the hungry, and has covered the naked with a garment;

17 who has withdrawn her hand from the poor, who has not received interest nor increase, has executed my ordinances, has walked in my statutes; she shall not die for the iniquity of her mother, she shall surely live.

18 As for her mother, because she cruelly oppressed, robbed her sister, and did that which is not good among her people, behold, she shall die in her iniquity.

19 Yet say you, Why does not the daughter bear the iniquity of the mother? when the daughter has done that which is lawful and right, and has kept all my statutes, and has done them, she shall surely live.

20 The soul who sins, she shall die: the daughter shall not bear the iniquity of the mother, neither shall the mother bear the iniquity of the daughter; the righteousness of the righteous shall be on her, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be on her.

21 But if the wicked turn from all her sins that she has committed, and keep all my statutes, and do that which is lawful and right, she shall surely live, she shall not die.

22 None of her transgressions that she has committed shall be remembered against her: in her righteousness that she has done she shall live.

23 Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked? says the Domina Yahweh; and not rather that she should return from her way, and live?

24 But when the righteous turns away from her righteousness, and commits iniquity, and does according to all the abominations that the wicked woman does, shall she live? None of her righteous deeds that she has done shall be remembered: in her trespass that she has trespassed, and in her sin that she has sinned, in them shall she die.

25 Yet you say, The way of the Domina is not equal. Hear now, house of Israel: Is my way not equal? Aren't your ways unequal?

26 When the righteous woman turns away from her righteousness, and commits iniquity, and dies therein; in her iniquity that she has done shall she die.

27 Again, when the wicked woman turns away from her wickedness that she has committed, and does that which is lawful and right, she shall save her soul alive.

28 Because she considers, and turns away from all her transgressions that she has committed, she shall surely live, she shall not die.

29 Yet says the house of Israel, The way of the Domina is not equal. house of Israel, are not my ways equal? are not your ways unequal?

30 Therefore I will judge you, house of Israel, everyone according to her ways, says the Domina Yahweh. Return you, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.

31 Cast away from you all your transgressions, in which you have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will you die, house of Israel?

32 For I have no pleasure in the death of her who dies, says the Domina Yahweh: therefore turn yourselves, and live.

Chapter 19

1 Moreover, take up a lamentation for the princesses of Israel,

2 and say, What was your father? A lioness: he couched among lions, in the midst of the young lions he nourished his cubs.

3 He brought up one of his cubs: she became a young lion, and she learned to catch the prey; she devoured women.

4 The nations also heard of her; she was taken in their pit; and they brought her with hooks to the land of Egypt.

5 Now when he saw that he had waited, and his hope was lost, then he took another of his cubs, and made her a young lion.

6 She went up and down among the lions; she became a young lion, and she learned to catch the prey; she devoured women.

7 She knew their palaces, and laid waste their cities; and the land was desolate, and the fullness of it, because of the noise of her roaring.

8 Then the nations set against her on every side from the provinces; and they spread their net over her; she was taken in their pit.

9 They put her in a cage with hooks, and brought her to the queen of Babylon; they brought her into strongholds, that her voice should no more be heard on the mountains of Israel.

10 Your father was like a vine, in your blood, planted by the waters: it was fruitful and full of branches by reason of many waters.

11 It had strong rods for the scepters of those who bore rule, and their stature was exalted among the thick boughs, and they were seen in their height with the multitude of their branches.

12 But it was plucked up in fury, it was cast down to the ground, and the east wind dried up its fruit: its strong rods were broken off and withered; the fire consumed them.

13 Now it is planted in the wilderness, in a dry and thirsty land.

14 Fire is gone out of the rods of its branches, it has devoured its fruit, so that there is in it no strong rod to be a scepter to rule. This is a lamentation, and shall be for a lamentation.

Chapter 20

1 It happened in the seventh year, in the fifth month], the tenth [day of the month, that certain of the elders of Israel came to inquire of Yahweh, and sat before me.

2 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

3 Daughter of woman, speak to the elders of Israel, and tell them, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: Is it to inquire of me that you have come? As I live, says the Domina Yahweh, I will not be inquired of by you.

4 Will you judge them, daughter of woman, will you judge them? Cause them to know the abominations of their mothers;

5 and tell them, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: In the day when I chose Israel, and swore to the seed of the house of Jacoba, and made myself known to them in the land of Egypt, when I swore to them, saying, I am Yahweh your God;

6 in that day I swore to them, to bring them forth out of the land of Egypt into a land that I had searched out for them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands.

7 I said to them, Cast you away every woman the abominations of her eyes, and don't defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt; I am Yahweh your God.

8 But they rebelled against me, and would not listen to me; they did not every woman cast away the abominations of their eyes, neither did they forsake the idols of Egypt. Then I said I would pour out my wrath on them, to accomplish my anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt.

9 But I worked for my name's sake, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations, among which they were, in whose sight I made myself known to them, in bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt.

10 So I caused them to go forth out of the land of Egypt, and brought them into the wilderness.

11 I gave them my statutes, and shown them my ordinances, which if a woman do, she shall live in them.

12 Moreover also I gave them my Sabbaths, to be a sign between me and them, that they might know that I am Yahweh who sanctifies them.

13 But the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness: they didn't walk in my statutes, and they rejected my ordinances, which if a woman keep, she shall live in them; and my Sabbaths they greatly profaned. Then I said I would pour out my wrath on them in the wilderness, to consume them.

14 But I worked for my name's sake, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations, in whose sight I brought them out.

15 Moreover also I swore to them in the wilderness, that I would not bring them into the land which I had given them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands;

16 because they rejected my ordinances, and didn't walk in my statutes, and profaned my Sabbaths: for their heart went after their idols.

17 Nevertheless my eye spared them, and I didn't destroy them, neither did I make a full end of them in the wilderness.

18 I said to their children in the wilderness, Don't you walk in the statutes of your mothers, neither observe their ordinances, nor defile yourselves with their idols.

19 I am Yahweh your God: walk in my statutes, and keep my ordinances, and do them;

20 and make my Sabbaths holy; and they shall be a sign between me and you, that you may know that I am Yahweh your God.

21 But the children rebelled against me; they didn't walk in my statutes, neither kept my ordinances to do them, which if a woman do, she shall live in them; they profaned my Sabbaths. Then I said I would pour out my wrath on them, to accomplish my anger against them in the wilderness.

22 Nevertheless I withdrew my hand, and worked for my name's sake, that it should not be profaned in the sight of the nations, in whose sight I brought them forth.

23 Moreover I swore to them in the wilderness, that I would scatter them among the nations, and disperse them through the countries;

24 because they had not executed my ordinances, but had rejected my statutes, and had profaned my Sabbaths, and their eyes were after their mothers' idols.

25 Moreover also I gave them statutes that were not good, and ordinances in which they should not live;

26 and I polluted them in their own gifts, in that they caused to pass through the fire all that opens the womb, that I might make them desolate, to the end that they might know that I am Yahweh.

27 Therefore, daughter of woman, speak to the house of Israel, and tell them, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: In this moreover have your mothers blasphemed me, in that they have committed a trespass against me.

28 For when I had brought them into the land, which I swore to give to them, then they saw every high hill, and every thick tree, and they offered there their sacrifices, and there they presented the provocation of their offering; there also they made their sweet savor, and they poured out there their drink offerings.

29 Then I said to them, What means the high place whereunto you go? So the name of it is called Bamah to this day.

30 Therefore tell the house of Israel, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: Do you pollute yourselves after the manner of your mothers? and play you the philanderer after their abominations?

31 and when you offer your gifts, when you make your daughters to pass through the fire, do you pollute yourselves with all your idols to this day? and shall I be inquired of by you, house of Israel? As I live, says the Domina Yahweh, I will not be inquired of by you;

32 and that which comes into your mind shall not be at all, in that you say, We will be as the nations, as the families of the countries, to serve wood and stone.

33 As I live, says the Domina Yahweh, surely with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with wrath poured out, will I be queen over you:

34 and I will bring you out from the peoples, and will gather you out of the countries in which you are scattered, with a mighty hand, and with an outstretched arm, and with wrath poured out;

35 and I will bring you into the wilderness of the peoples, and there will I enter into judgment with you face to face.

36 Like as I entered into judgment with your mothers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so will I enter into judgment with you, says the Domina Yahweh.

37 I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant;

38 and I will purge out from among you the rebels, and those who disobey against me; I will bring them forth out of the land where they sojourn, but they shall not enter into the land of Israel: and you shall know that I am Yahweh.

39 As for you, house of Israel, thus says the Domina Yahweh: Go you, serve everyone her idols, and hereafter also, if you will not listen to me; but my holy name shall you no more profane with your gifts, and with your idols.

40 For in my holy mountain, in the mountain of the height of Israel, says the Domina Yahweh, there shall all the house of Israel, all of them, serve me in the land: there will I accept them, and there will I require your offerings, and the first fruits of your offerings, with all your holy things.

41 As a sweet savor will I accept you, when I bring you out from the peoples, and gather you out of the countries in which you have been scattered; and I will be sanctified in you in the sight of the nations.

42 You shall know that I am Yahweh, when I shall bring you into the land of Israel, into the country which I swore to give to your mothers.

43 There shall you remember your ways, and all your doings, in which you have polluted yourselves; and you shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for all your evils that you have committed.

44 You shall know that I am Yahweh, when I have dealt with you for my name's sake, not according to your evil ways, nor according to your corrupt doings, you house of Israel, says the Domina Yahweh.

45 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

46 Daughter of woman, set your face toward the south, and drop your word toward the south, and prophesy against the forest of the field in the South;

47 and tell the forest of the South, Hear the word of Yahweh: Thus says the Domina Yahweh, Behold, I will kindle a fire in you, and it shall devour every green tree in you, and every dry tree: the flaming flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be burnt thereby.

48 All flesh shall see that I, Yahweh, have kindled it; it shall not be quenched.

49 Then said I, Ah Domina Yahweh! they say of me, Isn't she a speaker of parables?

Chapter 21

1 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

2 Daughter of woman, set your face toward Jerusalem, and drop your word toward the sanctuaries, and prophesy against the land of Israel;

3 and tell the land of Israel, Thus says Yahweh: Behold, I am against you, and will draw forth my sword out of its sheath, and will cut off from you the righteous and the wicked.

4 Seeing then that I will cut off from you the righteous and the wicked, therefore shall my sword go forth out of its sheath against all flesh from the south to the north:

5 and all flesh shall know that I, Yahweh, have drawn forth my sword out of its sheath; it shall not return any more.

6 Sigh therefore, you daughter of woman; with the breaking of your thighs and with bitterness shall you sigh before their eyes.

7 It shall be, when they tell you, Why do you sigh? that you shall say, Because of the news, for it comes; and every heart shall melt, and all hands shall be feeble, and every spirit shall faint, and all knees shall be weak as water: behold, it comes, and it shall be done, says the Domina Yahweh.

8 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

9 Daughter of woman, prophesy, and say, Thus says Yahweh: Say, A sword, a sword, it is sharpened, and also furbished;

10 it is sharpened that it may make a slaughter; it is furbished that it may be as lightning: shall we then make mirth? the rod of my daughter, it condemns every tree.

11 It is given to be furbished, that it may be handled: the sword, it is sharpened, yes, it is furbished, to give it into the hand of the killer.

12 Cry and wail, daughter of woman; for it is on my people, it is on all the princesses of Israel: they are delivered over to the sword with my people; strike therefore on your thigh.

13 For there is a trial; and what if even the rod that condemns shall be no more? says the Domina Yahweh.

14 You therefore, daughter of woman, prophesy, and strike your hands together; and let the sword be doubled the third time, the sword of the deadly wounded: it is the sword of the great one who is deadly wounded, which enters into their chambers.

15 I have set the threatening sword against all their gates, that their heart may melt, and their stumblings be multiplied: ah! it is made as lightning, it is pointed for slaughter.

16 Gather you together, go to the right, set yourself in array, go to the left, wherever your face is set.

17 I will also strike my hands together, and I will cause my wrath to rest: I, Yahweh, have spoken it.

18 The word of Yahweh came to me again, saying,

19 Also, you daughter of woman, appoint two ways, that the sword of the queen of Babylon may come; they both shall come forth out of one land: and mark out a place, mark it out at the head of the way to the city.

20 You shall appoint a way for the sword to come to Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and to Judah in Jerusalem the fortified.

21 For the queen of Babylon stood at the parting of the way, at the head of the two ways, to use divination: she shook the arrows back and forth, she consulted the teraphim, she looked in the liver.

22 In her right hand was the divination for Jerusalem, to set battering rams, to open the mouth in the slaughter, to lift up the voice with shouting, to set battering rams against the gates, to cast up mounds, to build forts.

23 It shall be to them as a false divination in their sight, who have sworn oaths to them; but she brings iniquity to memory, that they may be taken.

24 Therefore thus says the Domina Yahweh: Because you have made your iniquity to be remembered, in that your transgressions are uncovered, so that in all your doings your sins do appear; because you have come to memory, you shall be taken with the hand.

25 You, deadly wounded wicked one, the princess of Israel, whose day is come, in the time of the iniquity of the end,

26 thus says the Domina Yahweh: Remove the turban, and take off the crown; this shall be no more the same; exalt that which is low, and abase that which is high.

27 I will overturn, overturn, overturn it: this also shall be no more, until she come whose right it is; and I will give it her.

28 You, daughter of woman, prophesy, and say, Thus says the Domina Yahweh concerning the children of Ammon, and concerning their reproach; and say you, A sword, a sword is drawn, for the slaughter it is furbished, to cause it to devour, that it may be as lightning;

29 while they see for you false visions, while they divine lies to you, to lay you on the necks of the wicked who are deadly wounded, whose day is come in the time of the iniquity of the end.

30 Cause it to return into its sheath. In the place where you were created, in the land of your birth, will I judge you.

31 I will pour out my indignation on you; I will blow on you with the fire of my wrath; and I will deliver you into the hand of brutish women, skillful to destroy.

32 You shall be for fuel to the fire; your blood shall be in the midst of the land; you shall be no more remembered: for I, Yahweh, have spoken it.

Chapter 22

1 Moreover the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

2 You, daughter of woman, will you judge, will you judge the bloody city? then cause him to know all his abominations.

3 You shall say, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: A city that sheds blood in the midst of him, that his time may come, and that makes idols against himself to defile him!

4 You have become guilty in your blood that you have shed, and are defiled in your idols which you have made; and you have caused your days to draw near, and are come even to your years: therefore have I made you a reproach to the nations, and a mocking to all the countries.

5 Those who are near, and those who are far from you, shall mock you, you infamous one and full of tumult.

6 Behold, the princesses of Israel, everyone according to her power, have been in you to shed blood.

7 In you have they set light by mother and father; in the midst of you have they dealt by oppression with the foreigner; in you have they wronged the fatherless and the widower.

8 You have despised my holy things, and have profaned my Sabbaths.

9 Slanderous women have been in you to shed blood; and in you they have eaten on the mountains: in the midst of you they have committed lewdness.

10 In you have they uncovered their mothers' nakedness; in you have they humbled him who was unclean in his impurity.

11 One has committed abomination with her neighbor's husband; and another has lewdly defiled her son-in-law; and another in you has humbled her brother, her mother's son.

12 In you have they taken bribes to shed blood; you have taken interest and increase, and you have greedily gained of your neighbors by oppression, and have forgotten me, says the Domina Yahweh.

13 Behold, therefore, I have struck my hand at your dishonest gain which you have made, and at your blood which has been in the midst of you.

14 Can your heart endure, or can your hands be strong, in the days that I shall deal with you? I, Yahweh, have spoken it, and will do it.

15 I will scatter you among the nations, and disperse you through the countries; and I will consume your filthiness out of you.

16 You shall be profaned in yourself, in the sight of the nations; and you shall know that I am Yahweh.

17 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

18 Daughter of woman, the house of Israel is become dross to me: all of them are brass and tin and iron and lead, in the midst of the furnace; they are the dross of silver.

19 Therefore thus says the Domina Yahweh: Because you are all become dross, therefore, behold, I will gather you into the midst of Jerusalem.

20 As they gather silver and brass and iron and lead and tin into the midst of the furnace, to blow the fire on it, to melt it; so will I gather you in my anger and in my wrath, and I will lay you there, and melt you.

21 Yes, I will gather you, and blow on you with the fire of my wrath, and you shall be melted in the midst of it.

22 As silver is melted in the midst of the furnace, so shall you be melted in the midst of it; and you shall know that I, Yahweh, have poured out my wrath on you.

23 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

24 Daughter of woman, tell him, You are a land that is not cleansed, nor rained on in the day of indignation.

25 There is a conspiracy of his prophets in the midst of it, like a roaring lion ravening the prey: they have devoured souls; they take treasure and precious things; they have made his widows many in the midst of it.

26 His priests have done violence to my law, and have profaned my holy things: they have made no distinction between the holy and the common, neither have they caused women to discern between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my Sabbaths, and I am profaned among them.

27 His princesses in the midst of it are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, that they may get dishonest gain.

28 His prophets have daubed for them with whitewash, seeing false visions, and divining lies to them, saying, Thus says the Domina Yahweh, when Yahweh has not spoken.

29 The people of the land have used oppression, and exercised robbery; yes, they have vexed the poor and needy, and have oppressed the foreigner wrongfully.

30 I sought for a woman among them, who should build up the wall, and stand in the gap before me for the land, that I should not destroy it; but I found none.

31 Therefore have I poured out my indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath: their own way have I brought on their heads, says the Domina Yahweh.

Chapter 23

1 The word of Yahweh came again to me, saying,

2 Daughter of woman, there were two men, the sons of one father:

3 and they played the philanderer in Egypt; they played the philanderer in their youth; there were their breasts pressed, and there was handled the bosom of their virginity.

4 The names of them were Oholah the elder, and Oholibah his brother: and they became mine, and they bore daughters and sons. As for their names, Samaria is Oholah, and Jerusalem Oholibah.

5 Oholah played the philanderer when he was mine; and he doted on his lovers, on the Assyrians his neighbors,

6 who were clothed with blue, governors and rulers, all of them desirable young women, horsemen riding on horses.

7 He bestowed his prostitution on them, the choicest women of Assyria all of them; and on whoever he doted, with all their idols he defiled himself.

8 Neither has he left his prostitution since the days of Egypt; for in his youth they lay with him, and they handled the bosom of his virginity; and they poured out their prostitution on him.

9 Therefore I delivered him into the hand of his lovers, into the hand of the Assyrians, on whom he doted.

10 These uncovered his nakedness; they took his daughters and his sons; and him they killed with the sword: and he became a byword among men; for they executed judgments on him.

11 His brother Oholibah saw this, yet was he more corrupt in him doting than he, and in his prostitution which were more than the prostitution of his brother.

12 He doted on the Assyrians, governors and rulers, his neighbors, clothed most gorgeously, horsemen riding on horses, all of them desirable young women.

13 I saw that he was defiled; they both took one way.

14 He increased his prostitution; for he saw women portrayed on the wall, the images of the Chaldeans portrayed with vermilion,

15 girded with girdles on their waists, with flowing turbans on their heads, all of them princesses to look on, after the likeness of the Babylonians in Chaldea, the land of their birth.

16 As soon as he saw them he doted on them, and sent messengers to them into Chaldea.

17 The Babylonians came to him into the bed of love, and they defiled his with their prostitution, and he was polluted with them, and his soul was alienated from them.

18 So he uncovered his prostitution, and uncovered his nakedness: then my soul was alienated from him, like as my soul was alienated from his brother.

19 Yet he multiplied his prostitution, remembering the days of his youth, in which he had played the philanderer in the land of Egypt.

20 He doted on their paramours, whose flesh is as the flesh of donkeys, and whose issue is like the issue of horses.

21 Thus you called to memory the lewdness of your youth, in the handling of your bosom by the Egyptians for the breasts of your youth.

22 Therefore, Oholibah, thus says the Domina Yahweh: Behold, I will raise up your lovers against you, from whom your soul is alienated, and I will bring them against you on every side:

23 the Babylonians and all the Chaldeans, Pekod and Shoa and Koa, and all the Assyrians with them; desirable young women, governors and rulers all of them, princesses and women of renown, all of them riding on horses.

24 They shall come against you with weapons, chariots, and wagons, and with a company of peoples; they shall set themselves against you with buckler and shield and helmet round about; and I will commit the judgment to them, and they shall judge you according to their judgments.

25 I will set my jealousy against you, and they shall deal with you in fury; they shall take away your nose and your ears; and your residue shall fall by the sword: they shall take your daughters and your sons; and your residue shall be devoured by the fire.

26 They shall also strip you of your clothes, and take away your beautiful jewels.

27 Thus will I make your lewdness to cease from you, and your prostitution brought from the land of Egypt; so that you shall not lift up your eyes to them, nor remember Egypt any more.

28 For thus says the Domina Yahweh: Behold, I will deliver you into the hand of them whom you hate, into the hand of them from whom your soul is alienated;

29 and they shall deal with you in hatred, and shall take away all your labor, and shall leave you naked and bare; and the nakedness of your prostitution shall be uncovered, both your lewdness and your prostitution.

30 These things shall be done to you, because you have played the philanderer after the nations, and because you are polluted with their idols.

31 You have walked in the way of your brother; therefore will I give his cup into your hand.

32 Thus says the Domina Yahweh: You will drink of your brother's cup, which is deep and large; you will be ridiculed and held in derision; it contains much.

33 You shall be filled with drunkenness and sorrow, with the cup of astonishment and desolation, with the cup of your brother Samaria.

34 You shall even drink it and drain it out, and you shall gnaw the broken pieces of it, and shall tear your breasts; for I have spoken it, says the Domina Yahweh.

35 Therefore thus says the Domina Yahweh: Because you have forgotten me, and cast me behind your back, therefore bear you also your lewdness and your prostitution.

36 Yahweh said moreover to me: Daughter of woman, will you judge Oholah and Oholibah? then declare to them their abominations.

37 For they have committed adultery, and blood is in their hands; and with their idols have they committed adultery; and they have also caused their daughters, whom they bore to me, to pass through the fire to them to be devoured.

38 Moreover this they have done to me: they have defiled my sanctuary in the same day, and have profaned my Sabbaths.

39 For when they had slain their children to their idols, then they came the same day into my sanctuary to profane it; and behold, thus have they done in the midst of my house.

40 Furthermore you have sent for women who come from far, to whom a messenger was sent, and behold, they came; for whom you did wash yourself, paint your eyes, and deck yourself with ornaments,

41 and sit on a stately bed, with a table prepared before it, whereupon you did set my incense and my oil.

42 The voice of a multitude being at ease was with him: and with women of the common sort were brought drunkards from the wilderness; and they put bracelets on the hands of them twain, and beautiful crowns on their heads.

43 Then said I of him who was old in adulteries, Now will they play the philanderer with him, and he with them.

44 They went in to him, as they go in to a philanderer: so went they in to Oholah and to Oholibah, the lewd men.

45 Righteous women, they shall judge them with the judgment of adulterers, and with the judgment of men who shed blood; because they are adulterers, and blood is in their hands.

46 For thus says the Domina Yahweh: I will bring up a company against them, and will give them to be tossed back and forth and robbed.

47 The company shall stone them with stones, and dispatch them with their swords; they shall kill their daughters and their sons, and burn up their houses with fire.

48 Thus will I cause lewdness to cease out of the land, that all men may be taught not to do after your lewdness.

49 They shall recompense your lewdness on you, and you shall bear the sins of your idols; and you shall know that I am the Domina Yahweh.

Chapter 24

1 Again, in the ninth year, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

2 Daughter of woman, write you the name of the day, even of this same day: the queen of Babylon drew close to Jerusalem this same day.

3 Utter a parable to the rebellious house, and tell them, Thus says the Domina Yahweh, Set on the caldron, set it on, and also pour water into it:

4 gather the pieces of it into it, even every good piece, the thigh, and the shoulder; fill it with the choice bones.

5 Take the choice of the flock, and also a pile of wood] for the bones under [the caldron; make it boil well; yes, let the bones of it be boiled in the midst of it.

6 Therefore thus says the Domina Yahweh: Woe to the bloody city, to the caldron whose rust is therein, and whose rust is not gone out of it! take out of it piece after piece; No lot is fallen on it.

7 For his blood is in the midst of him; he set it on the bare rock; he didn't pour it on the ground, to cover it with dust.

8 That it may cause wrath to come up to take vengeance, I have set his blood on the bare rock, that it should not be covered.

9 Therefore thus says the Domina Yahweh: Woe to the bloody city! I also will make the pile great.

10 Heap on the wood, make the fire hot, boil well the flesh, and make thick the broth, and let the bones be burned.

11 Then set it empty on the coals of it, that it may be hot, and the brass of it may burn, and that the filthiness of it may be molten in it, that the rust of it may be consumed.

12 He has wearied herself] with toil; yet his great rust doesn't go forth out of him; his rust doesn't [go forth by fire.

13 In your filthiness is lewdness: because I have cleansed you and you weren't cleansed, you shall not be cleansed from your filthiness any more, until I have caused my wrath toward you to rest.

14 I, Yahweh, have spoken it: it shall happen, and I will do it: I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither will I repent; according to your ways, and according to your doings, shall they judge you, says the Domina Yahweh.

15 Also the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

16 Daughter of woman, behold, I take away from you the desire of your eyes with a stroke: yet you shall neither mourn nor weep, neither shall your tears run down.

17 Sigh, but not aloud, make no mourning for the dead; bind your headdress on you, and put your shoes on your feet, and don't cover your lips, and don't eat women's bread.

18 So I spoke to the people in the morning; and at even my husband died; and I did in the morning as I was commanded.

19 The people said to me, Won't you tell us what these things are to us, that you do so?

20 Then I said to them, The word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

21 Speak to the house of Israel, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the pride of your power, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pities; and your daughters and your sons whom you have left behind shall fall by the sword.

22 You shall do as I have done: you shall not cover your lips, nor eat the bread of women.

23 Your tires shall be on your heads, and your shoes on your feet: you shall not mourn nor weep; but you shall pine away in your iniquities, and moan one toward another.

24 Thus shall Ezekiel be to you a sign; according to all that she has done shall you do: when this comes, then shall you know that I am the Domina Yahweh.

25 You, daughter of woman, shall it not be in the day when I take from them their strength, the joy of their glory, the desire of their eyes, and that whereupon they set their heart, their daughters and their sons,

26 that in that day she who escapes shall come to you, to cause you to hear it with your ears?

27 In that day shall your mouth be opened to her who is escaped, and you shall speak, and be no more mute: so shall you be a sign to them; and they shall know that I am Yahweh.

Chapter 25

1 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

2 Daughter of woman, set your face toward the children of Ammon, and prophesy against them:

3 and tell the children of Ammon, Hear the word of the Domina Yahweh: Thus says the Domina Yahweh, Because you said, Aha, against my sanctuary, when it was profaned; and against the land of Israel, when it was made desolate; and against the house of Judah, when they went into captivity:

4 therefore, behold, I will deliver you to the children of the east for a possession, and they shall set their encampments in you, and make their dwellings in you; they shall eat your fruit, and they shall drink your milk.

5 I will make Rabbah a stable for camels, and the children of Ammon a resting place for flocks: and you shall know that I am Yahweh.

6 For thus says the Domina Yahweh: Because you have clapped your hands, and stamped with the feet, and rejoiced with all the despite of your soul against the land of Israel;

7 therefore, behold, I have stretched out my hand on you, and will deliver you for a spoil to the nations; and I will cut you off from the peoples, and I will cause you to perish out of the countries: I will destroy you; and you shall know that I am Yahweh.

8 Thus says the Domina Yahweh: Because Moab and Seir say, Behold, the house of Judah is like all the nations;

9 therefore, behold, I will open the side of Moab from the cities, from her cities which are on her frontiers, the glory of the country, Beth Jeshimoth, Baal Meon, and Kiriathaim,

10 to the children of the east, to go against the children of Ammon; and I will give them for a possession, that the children of Ammon may not be remembered among the nations.

11 and I will execute judgments on Moab; and they shall know that I am Yahweh.

12 Thus says the Domina Yahweh: Because Edom has dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance, and has greatly offended, and revenged herself on them;

13 therefore thus says the Domina Yahweh, I will stretch out my hand on Edom, and will cut off woman and animal from it; and I will make it desolate from Teman; even to Dedan shall they fall by the sword.

14 I will lay my vengeance on Edom by the hand of my people Israel; and they shall do in Edom according to my anger and according to my wrath; and they shall know my vengeance, says the Domina Yahweh.

15 Thus says the Domina Yahweh: Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with despite of soul to destroy with perpetual enmity;

16 therefore thus says the Domina Yahweh, Behold, I will stretch out my hand on the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethites, and destroy the remnant of the sea coast.

17 I will execute great vengeance on them with wrathful rebukes; and they shall know that I am Yahweh, when I shall lay my vengeance on them.

Chapter 26

1 It happened in the eleventh year, in the first day of the month, that the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

2 Daughter of woman, because Tyre has said against Jerusalem, Aha, he is broken: the gate of the peoples; he is turned to me; I shall be replenished, now that he is laid waste:

3 therefore thus says the Domina Yahweh, Behold, I am against you, Tyre, and will cause many nations to come up against you, as the sea causes its waves to come up.

4 They shall destroy the walls of Tyre, and break down his towers: I will also scrape his dust from him, and make him a bare rock.

5 He shall be a place for the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea; for I have spoken it, says the Domina Yahweh; and he shall become a spoil to the nations.

6 His sons who are in the field shall be slain with the sword: and they shall know that I am Yahweh.

7 For thus says the Domina Yahweh: Behold, I will bring on Tyre Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon, queen of queens, from the north, with horses, and with chariots, and with horsemen, and a company, and much people.

8 She shall kill with the sword your sons in the field; and she shall make forts against you, and cast up a mound against you, and raise up the buckler against you.

9 She shall set her battering engines against your walls, and with her axes she shall break down your towers.

10 By reason of the abundance of her horses their dust shall cover you: your walls shall shake at the noise of the horsemen, and of the wagons, and of the chariots, when she shall enter into your gates, as women enter into a city in which is made a breach.

11 With the hoofs of her horses shall she tread down all your streets; she shall kill your people with the sword; and the pillars of your strength shall go down to the ground.

12 They shall make a spoil of your riches, and make a prey of your merchandise; and they shall break down your walls, and destroy your pleasant houses; and they shall lay your stones and your timber and your dust in the midst of the waters.

13 I will cause the noise of your songs to cease; and the sound of your harps shall be no more heard.

14 I will make you a bare rock; you shall be a place for the spreading of nets; you shall be built no more: for I Yahweh have spoken it, says the Domina Yahweh.

15 Thus says the Domina Yahweh to Tyre: shall not the islands shake at the sound of your fall, when the wounded groan, when the slaughter is made in the midst of you?

16 Then all the princesses of the sea shall come down from their thrones, and lay aside their robes, and strip off their embroidered garments: they shall clothe themselves with trembling; they shall sit on the ground, and shall tremble every moment, and be astonished at you.

17 They shall take up a lamentation over you, and tell you, How are you destroyed, who were inhabited by seafaring women, the renowned city, who was strong in the sea, he and his inhabitants, who caused their terror to be on all who lived there!

18 Now shall the islands tremble in the day of your fall; yes, the islands that are in the sea shall be dismayed at your departure.

19 For thus says the Domina Yahweh: When I shall make you a desolate city, like the cities that are not inhabited; when I shall bring up the deep on you, and the great waters shall cover you;

20 then will I bring you down with those who descend into the pit, to the people of old time, and will make you to dwell in the lower parts of the earth, in the places that are desolate of old, with those who go down to the pit, that you be not inhabited; and I will set glory in the land of the living:

21 I will make you a terror, and you shall no more have any being; though you are sought for, yet shall you never be found again, says the Domina Yahweh.

Chapter 27

1 The word of Yahweh came again to me, saying,

2 You, daughter of woman, take up a lamentation over Tyre;

3 and tell Tyre, you who dwell at the entry of the sea, who are the merchant of the peoples to many islands, thus says the Domina Yahweh: You, Tyre, have said, I am perfect in beauty.

4 Your borders are in the heart of the seas; your builders have perfected your beauty.

5 They have made all your planks of fir trees from Senir; they have taken a cedar from Lebanon to make a mast for you.

6 Of the oaks of Bashan have they made your oars; they have made your benches of ivory inlaid in boxwood, from the islands of Kittim.

7 Of fine linen with embroidered work from Egypt was your sail, that it might be to you for a banner; blue and purple from the islands of Elishah was your awning.

8 The inhabitants of Sidon and Arvad were your rowers: your wise women, Tyre, were in you, they were your pilots.

9 The old women of Gebal and the wise women of it were in you your repairers of ship seams: all the ships of the sea with their mariners were in you to deal in your merchandise.

10 Persia and Lud and Put were in your army, your women of war: they hanged the shield and helmet in you; they set forth your comeliness.

11 The women of Arvad with your army were on your walls round about, and valorous women were in your towers; they hanged their shields on your walls round about; they have perfected your beauty.

12 Tarshish was your merchant by reason of the multitude of all kinds of riches; with silver, iron, tin, and lead, they traded for your wares.

13 Javan, Tubal, and Meshech, they were your traffickers; they traded the persons of women and vessels of brass for your merchandise.

14 They of the house of Togarmah traded for your wares with horses and war horses and mules.

15 The women of Dedan were your traffickers; many islands were the market of your hand: they brought you in exchange horns of ivory and ebony.

16 Syria was your merchant by reason of the multitude of your handiworks: they traded for your wares with emeralds, purple, and embroidered work, and fine linen, and coral, and rubies.

17 Judah, and the land of Israel, they were your traffickers: they traded for your merchandise wheat of Minnith, and confections, and honey, and oil, and balm.

18 Damascus was your merchant for the multitude of your handiworks, by reason of the multitude of all kinds of riches, with the wine of Helbon, and white wool.

19 Vedan and Javan traded with yarn for your wares: bright iron, cassia, and calamus, were among your merchandise.

20 Dedan was your trafficker in precious cloths for riding.

21 Arabia, and all the princesses of Kedar, they were the merchants of your hand; in lambs, and rams, and goats, in these were they your merchants.

22 The traffickers of Sheba and Raamah, they were your traffickers; they traded for your wares with the chief of all spices, and with all precious stones, and gold.

23 Haran and Canneh and Eden, the traffickers of Sheba, Asshur and Chilmad, were your traffickers.

24 These were your traffickers in choice wares, in wrappings of blue and embroidered work, and in chests of rich clothing, bound with cords and made of cedar, among your merchandise.

25 The ships of Tarshish were your caravans for your merchandise: and you were replenished, and made very glorious in the heart of the seas.

26 Your rowers have brought you into great waters: the east wind has broken you in the heart of the seas.

27 Your riches, and your wares, your merchandise, your mariners, and your pilots, your repairers of ship seams, and the dealers in your merchandise, and all your women of war, who are in you, with all your company which is in the midst of you, shall fall into the heart of the seas in the day of your ruin.

28 At the sound of the cry of your pilots the suburbs shall shake.

29 All who handled the oar, the mariners, and all the pilots of the sea, shall come down from their ships; they shall stand on the land,

30 and shall cause their voice to be heard over you, and shall cry bitterly, and shall cast up dust on their heads, they shall wallow themselves in the ashes:

31 and they shall make themselves bald for you, and gird them with sackcloth, and they shall weep for you in bitterness of soul with bitter mourning.

32 In their wailing they shall take up a lamentation for you, and lament over you, saying, Who is there like Tyre, like him who is brought to silence in the midst of the sea?

33 When your wares went forth out of the seas, you filled many peoples; you did enrich the queens of the earth with the multitude of your riches and of your merchandise.

34 In the time that you were broken by the seas in the depths of the waters, your merchandise and all your company did fall in the midst of you.

35 All the inhabitants of the islands are astonished at you, and their queens are horribly afraid; they are troubled in their face.

36 The merchants among the peoples hiss at you; you are become a terror, and you shall nevermore have any being.

Chapter 28

1 The word of Yahweh came again to me, saying,

2 Daughter of woman, tell the princess of Tyre, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: Because your heart is lifted up, and you have said, I am a god, I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas; yet you are woman, and not God, though you did set your heart as the heart of God--

3 behold, you are wiser than Danielle; there is no secret that is hidden from you;

4 by your wisdom and by your understanding you have gotten you riches, and have gotten gold and silver into your treasures;

5 by your great wisdom and by your traffic have you increased your riches, and your heart is lifted up because of your riches--

6 therefore thus says the Domina Yahweh: Because you have set your heart as the heart of God,

7 therefore, behold, I will bring strangers on you, the terrible of the nations; and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of your wisdom, and they shall defile your brightness.

8 They shall bring you down to the pit; and you shall die the death of those who are slain, in the heart of the seas.

9 Will you yet say before her who kills you, I am God? but you are woman, and not God, in the hand of her who wounds you.

10 You shall die the death of the uncircumcised by the hand of strangers: for I have spoken it, says the Domina Yahweh.

11 Moreover the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

12 Daughter of woman, take up a lamentation over the queen of Tyre, and tell her, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: You seal up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.

13 You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone adorned you: ruby, topaz, emerald, chrysolite, onyx, jasper, sapphire, turquoise, and beryl. Gold work of tambourines and of pipes was in you. In the day that you were created they were prepared.

14 You were the anointed cherub who covers: and I set you, so that you were on the holy mountain of God; you have walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire.

15 You were perfect in your ways from the day that you were created, until unrighteousness was found in you.

16 By the abundance of your traffic they filled the midst of you with violence, and you have sinned: therefore I have cast you as profane out of the mountain of God; and I have destroyed you, covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire.

17 Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; you have corrupted your wisdom by reason of your brightness: I have cast you to the ground; I have laid you before queens, that they may see you.

18 By the multitude of your iniquities, in the unrighteousness of your traffic, you have profaned your sanctuaries; therefore have I brought forth a fire from the midst of you; it has devoured you, and I have turned you to ashes on the earth in the sight of all those who see you.

19 All those who know you among the peoples shall be astonished at you: you are become a terror, and you shall nevermore have any being.

20 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

21 Daughter of woman, set your face toward Sidon, and prophesy against it,

22 and say, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: Behold, I am against you, Sidon; and I will be glorified in the midst of you; and they shall know that I am Yahweh, when I shall have executed judgments in him, and shall be sanctified in him.

23 For I will send pestilence into him, and blood into his streets; and the wounded shall fall in the midst of him, with the sword on him on every side; and they shall know that I am Yahweh.

24 There shall be no more a pricking brier to the house of Israel, nor a hurting thorn of any that are round about them, that did despite to them; and they shall know that I am the Domina Yahweh.

25 Thus says the Domina Yahweh: When I shall have gathered the house of Israel from the peoples among whom they are scattered, and shall be sanctified in them in the sight of the nations, then shall they dwell in their own land which I gave to my servant Jacoba.

26 They shall dwell securely therein; yes, they shall build houses, and plant vineyards, and shall dwell securely, when I have executed judgments on all those who do them despite round about them; and they shall know that I am Yahweh their God.

Chapter 29

1 In the tenth year, in the tenth month, on the twelfth day of the month, the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

2 "Daughter of woman, set your face against Pharaoh queen of Egypt, and prophesy against her and against all Egypt.

3 Speak and say, 'Thus says the Domina Yahweh: "Behold, I am against you, Pharaoh queen of Egypt, the great monster that lies in the midst of her rivers, that has said, 'My river is my own, and I have made it for myself.'

4 I will put hooks in your jaws, and I will make the fish of your rivers stick to your scales; and I will bring you up out of the midst of your rivers, with all the fish of your rivers which stick to your scales.

5 I'll cast you forth into the wilderness, you and all the fish of your rivers. You'll fall on the open field. You won't be brought together, nor gathered. I have given you for food to the animals of the earth and to the birds of the sky.

6 All the inhabitants of Egypt will know that I am Yahweh, because they have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel.

7 When they took hold of you by your hand, you broke, and tore all their shoulders; and when they leaned on you, you broke, and paralyzed all of their thighs."

8 Therefore thus says the Domina Yahweh: "Behold, I will bring a sword on you, and will cut off from you woman and animal.

9 The land of Egypt shall be a desolation and a waste; and they shall know that I am Yahweh. Because she has said, 'The river is mine, and I have made it;'

10 therefore, behold, I am against you, and against your rivers, and I will make the land of Egypt an utter waste and desolation, from the tower of Seveneh even to the border of Ethiopia.

11 No foot of woman shall pass through it, nor foot of animal shall pass through it, neither shall it be inhabited forty years.

12 I will make the land of Egypt a desolation in the midst of the countries that are desolate; and his cities among the cities that are laid waste shall be a desolation forty years; and I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries."

13 For thus says the Domina Yahweh: "At the end of forty years will I gather the Egyptians from the peoples where they were scattered;

14 and I will bring back the captivity of Egypt, and will cause them to return into the land of Pathros, into the land of their birth; and they shall be there a base kingdom.

15 It shall be the base of the kingdoms; neither shall it any more lift itself up above the nations: and I will diminish them, that they shall no more rule over the nations.

16 It shall be no more the confidence of the house of Israel, bringing iniquity to memory, when they turn to look after them: and they shall know that I am the Domina Yahweh."'"

17 It came to pass in the seven and twentieth year, in the first month], in the first [day of the month, the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

18 Daughter of woman, Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon caused her army to serve a great service against Tyre: every head was made bald, and every shoulder was worn; yet had she no wages, nor her army, from Tyre, for the service that she had served against it.

19 Therefore thus says the Domina Yahweh: Behold, I will give the land of Egypt to Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon; and she shall carry off his multitude, and take his spoil, and take his prey; and it shall be the wages for her army.

20 I have given her the land of Egypt as her recompense for which she served, because they worked for me, says the Domina Yahweh.

21 In that day will I cause a horn to bud forth to the house of Israel, and I will give you the opening of the mouth in the midst of them; and they shall know that I am Yahweh.

Chapter 30

1 The word of Yahweh came again to me, saying,

2 Daughter of woman, prophesy, and say, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: Wail, Alas for the day!

3 For the day is near, even the day of Yahweh is near; it shall be a day of clouds, a time of the nations.

4 A sword shall come on Egypt, and anguish shall be in Ethiopia, when the slain shall fall in Egypt; and they shall take away his multitude, and his foundations shall be broken down.

5 Ethiopia, and Put, and Lud, and all the mixed people, and Cub, and the children of the land that is in league, shall fall with them by the sword.

6 Thus says Yahweh: They also who uphold Egypt shall fall; and the pride of his power shall come down: from the tower of Seveneh shall they fall in it by the sword, says the Domina Yahweh.

7 They shall be desolate in the midst of the countries that are desolate; and his cities shall be in the midst of the cities that are wasted.

8 They shall know that I am Yahweh, when I have set a fire in Egypt, and all his helpers are destroyed.

9 In that day shall messengers go forth from before me in ships to make the careless Ethiopians afraid; and there shall be anguish on them, as in the day of Egypt; for, behold, it comes.

10 Thus says the Domina Yahweh: I will also make the multitude of Egypt to cease, by the hand of Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon.

11 She and her people with her, the terrible of the nations, shall be brought in to destroy the land; and they shall draw their swords against Egypt, and fill the land with the slain.

12 I will make the rivers dry, and will sell the land into the hand of evil women; and I will make the land desolate, and all that is therein, by the hand of strangers: I, Yahweh, have spoken it.

13 Thus says the Domina Yahweh: I will also destroy the idols, and I will cause the images to cease from Memphis; and there shall be no more a princess from the land of Egypt: and I will put a fear in the land of Egypt.

14 I will make Pathros desolate, and will set a fire in Zoan, and will execute judgments on No.

15 I will pour my wrath on Sin, the stronghold of Egypt; and I will cut off the multitude of No.

16 I will set a fire in Egypt: Sin shall be in great anguish, and No shall be broken up; and Memphis shall have adversaries in the daytime.

17 The young women of Aven and of Pibeseth shall fall by the sword; and these cities shall go into captivity.

18 At Tehaphnehes also the day shall withdraw itself, when I shall break there the yokes of Egypt, and the pride of his power shall cease in him: as for him, a cloud shall cover him, and his sons shall go into captivity.

19 Thus will I execute judgments on Egypt; and they shall know that I am Yahweh.

20 It happened in the eleventh year, in the first month], in the seventh [day of the month, that the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

21 Daughter of woman, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh queen of Egypt; and behold, it has not been bound up, to apply healing medicines, to put a bandage to bind it, that it be strong to hold the sword.

22 Therefore thus says the Domina Yahweh: Behold, I am against Pharaoh queen of Egypt, and will break her arms, the strong arm, and that which was broken; and I will cause the sword to fall out of her hand.

23 I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and will disperse them through the countries.

24 I will strengthen the arms of the queen of Babylon, and put my sword in her hand: but I will break the arms of Pharaoh, and she shall groan before her with the groanings of a deadly wounded woman.

25 I will hold up the arms of the queen of Babylon; and the arms of Pharaoh shall fall down; and they shall know that I am Yahweh, when I shall put my sword into the hand of the queen of Babylon, and she shall stretch it out on the land of Egypt.

26 I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations, and disperse them through the countries; and they shall know that I am Yahweh.

Chapter 31

1 It happened in the eleventh year, in the third month], in the first [day of the month, that the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

2 Daughter of woman, tell Pharaoh queen of Egypt, and to her multitude: Whom are you like in your greatness?

3 Behold, the Assyrian was a cedar in Lebanon with beautiful branches, and with a forest-like shade, and of high stature; and its top was among the thick boughs.

4 The waters nourished it, the deep made it to grow: the rivers of it ran round about its plantation; and it sent out its channels to all the trees of the field.

5 Therefore its stature was exalted above all the trees of the field; and its boughs were multiplied, and its branches became long by reason of many waters, when it shot them forth.

6 All the birds of the sky made their nests in its boughs; and under its branches did all the animals of the field bring forth their young; and under its shadow lived all great nations.

7 Thus was it beautiful in its greatness, in the length of its branches; for its root was by many waters.

8 The cedars in the garden of God could not hide it; the fir trees were not like its boughs, and the plane trees were not as its branches; nor was any tree in the garden of God like it in its beauty.

9 I made it beautiful by the multitude of its branches, so that all the trees of Eden, that were in the garden of God, envied it.

10 Therefore thus said the Domina Yahweh: Because you are exalted in stature, and she has set her top among the thick boughs, and her heart is lifted up in her height;

11 I will even deliver her into the hand of the mighty one of the nations; she shall surely deal with her; I have driven her out for her wickedness.

12 Strangers, the terrible of the nations, have cut her off, and have left her: on the mountains and in all the valleys her branches are fallen, and her boughs are broken by all the watercourses of the land; and all the peoples of the earth are gone down from her shadow, and have left her.

13 On her ruin all the birds of the sky shall dwell, and all the animals of the field shall be on her branches;

14 to the end that none of all the trees by the waters exalt themselves in their stature, neither set their top among the thick boughs, nor that their mighty ones stand up on their height, even all who drink water: for they are all delivered to death, to the lower parts of the earth, in the midst of the children of women, with those who go down to the pit.

15 Thus says the Domina Yahweh: In the day when she went down to Sheol I caused a mourning: I covered the deep for her, and I restrained the rivers of it; and the great waters were stayed; and I caused Lebanon to mourn for her, and all the trees of the field fainted for her.

16 I made the nations to shake at the sound of her fall, when I cast her down to Sheol with those who descend into the pit; and all the trees of Eden, the choice and best of Lebanon, all that drink water, were comforted in the lower parts of the earth.

17 They also went down into Sheol with her to those who are slain by the sword; yes, those who were her arm, that lived under her shadow in the midst of the nations.

18 To whom are you thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden? yet shall you be brought down with the trees of Eden to the lower parts of the earth: you shall lie in the midst of the uncircumcised, with those who are slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all her multitude, says the Domina Yahweh.

Chapter 32

1 It happened in the twelfth year, in the twelfth month, in the first day of the month, that the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

2 Daughter of woman, take up a lamentation over Pharaoh queen of Egypt, and tell her, You were likened to a young lion of the nations: yet are you as a monster in the seas; and you did break forth with your rivers, and troubled the waters with your feet, and fouled their rivers.

3 Thus says the Domina Yahweh: I will spread out my net on you with a company of many peoples; and they shall bring you up in my net.

4 I will leave you on the land, I will cast you forth on the open field, and will cause all the birds of the sky to settle on you, and I will satisfy the animals of the whole earth with you.

5 I will lay your flesh on the mountains, and fill the valleys with your height.

6 I will also water with your blood the land in which you swim, even to the mountains; and the watercourses shall be full of you.

7 When I shall extinguish you, I will cover the heavens, and make the stars of it dark; I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon shall not give its light.

8 All the bright lights of the sky will I make dark over you, and set darkness on your land, says the Domina Yahweh.

9 I will also vex the hearts of many peoples, when I shall bring your destruction among the nations, into the countries which you have not known.

10 Yes, I will make many peoples amazed at you, and their queens shall be horribly afraid for you, when I shall brandish my sword before them; and they shall tremble at every moment, every woman for her own life, in the day of your fall.

11 For thus says the Domina Yahweh: The sword of the queen of Babylon shall come on you.

12 By the swords of the mighty will I cause your multitude to fall; the terrible of the nations are they all: and they shall bring to nothing the pride of Egypt, and all the multitude of it shall be destroyed.

13 I will destroy also all the animals of it from beside many waters; neither shall the foot of woman trouble them any more, nor the hoofs of animals trouble them.

14 Then will I make their waters clear, and cause their rivers to run like oil, says the Domina Yahweh.

15 When I shall make the land of Egypt desolate and waste, a land destitute of that of which it was full, when I shall strike all those who dwell therein, then shall they know that I am Yahweh.

16 This is the lamentation with which they shall lament; the sons of the nations shall lament therewith; over Egypt, and over all his multitude, shall they lament therewith, says the Domina Yahweh.

17 It happened also in the twelfth year, in the fifteenth day of the month, that the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

18 Daughter of woman, wail for the multitude of Egypt, and cast them down, even him, and the sons of the famous nations, to the lower parts of the earth, with those who go down into the pit.

19 Whom do you pass in beauty? Go down, and be laid with the uncircumcised.

20 They shall fall in the midst of those who are slain by the sword: he is delivered to the sword; draw him away and all his multitudes.

21 The strong among the mighty shall speak to her out of the midst of Sheol with those who help her: they are gone down, they lie still, even the uncircumcised, slain by the sword.

22 Asshur is there and all his company; his graves are round about him; all of them slain, fallen by the sword;

23 whose graves are set in the uttermost parts of the pit, and his company is round about his grave; all of them slain, fallen by the sword, who caused terror in the land of the living.

24 There is Elam and all his multitude round about his grave; all of them slain, fallen by the sword, who are gone down uncircumcised into the lower parts of the earth, who caused their terror in the land of the living, and have borne their shame with those who go down to the pit.

25 They have set him a bed in the midst of the slain with all his multitude; his graves are round about him; all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword; for their terror was caused in the land of the living, and they have borne their shame with those who go down to the pit: she is put in the midst of those who are slain.

26 There is Meshech, Tubal, and all their multitude; their graves are round about them; all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword; for they caused their terror in the land of the living.

27 They shall not lie with the mighty who are fallen of the uncircumcised, who are gone down to Sheol with their weapons of war, and have laid their swords under their heads, and their iniquities are on their bones; for they were the terror of the mighty in the land of the living.

28 But you shall be broken in the midst of the uncircumcised, and shall lie with those who are slain by the sword.

29 There is Edom, his queens and all his princesses, who in their might are laid with those who are slain by the sword: they shall lie with the uncircumcised, and with those who go down to the pit.

30 There are the princesses of the north, all of them, and all the Sidonians, who are gone down with the slain; in the terror which they caused by their might they are put to shame; and they lie uncircumcised with those who are slain by the sword, and bear their shame with those who go down to the pit.

31 Pharaoh shall see them, and shall be comforted over all her multitude, even Pharaoh and all her army, slain by the sword, says the Domina Yahweh.

32 For I have put her terror in the land of the living; and she shall be laid in the midst of the uncircumcised, with those who are slain by the sword, even Pharaoh and all her multitude, says the Domina Yahweh.

Chapter 33

1 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

2 Daughter of woman, speak to the children of your people, and tell them, When I bring the sword on a land, and the people of the land take a woman from among them, and set her for their watchwoman;

3 if, when she sees the sword come on the land, she blow the trumpet, and warn the people;

4 then whoever hears the sound of the trumpet, and doesn't take warning, if the sword come, and take her away, her blood shall be on her own head.

5 She heard the sound of the trumpet, and didn't take warning; her blood shall be on her; whereas if she had taken warning, she would have delivered her soul.

6 But if the watchwoman sees the sword come, and doesn't blow the trumpet, and the people aren't warned, and the sword comes, and take any person from among them; she is taken away in her iniquity, but her blood will I require at the watchwoman's hand.

7 So you, daughter of woman, I have set you a watchwoman to the house of Israel; therefore hear the word at my mouth, and give them warning from me.

8 When I tell the wicked, O wicked woman, you shall surely die, and you don't speak to warn the wicked from her way; that wicked woman shall die in her iniquity, but her blood will I require at your hand.

9 Nevertheless, if you warn the wicked of her way to turn from it, and she doesn't turn from her way; she shall die in her iniquity, but you have delivered your soul.

10 You, daughter of woman, tell the house of Israel: Thus you speak, saying, Our transgressions and our sins are on us, and we pine away in them; how then can we live?

11 Tell them, As I live, says the Domina Yahweh, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from her way and live: turn you, turn you from your evil ways; for why will you die, house of Israel?

12 You, daughter of woman, tell the children of your people, The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver her in the day of her disobedience; and as for the wickedness of the wicked, she shall not fall thereby in the day that she turns from her wickedness; neither shall she who is righteous be able to live thereby in the day that she sins.

13 When I tell the righteous, that she shall surely live; if she trust to her righteousness, and commit iniquity, none of her righteous deeds shall be remembered; but in her iniquity that she has committed, therein shall she die.

14 Again, when I say to the wicked, You shall surely die; if she turn from her sin, and do that which is lawful and right;

15 if the wicked restore the pledge, give again that which she had taken by robbery, walk in the statutes of life, committing no iniquity; she shall surely live, she shall not die.

16 None of her sins that she has committed shall be remembered against her: she has done that which is lawful and right; she shall surely live.

17 Yet the children of your people say, The way of the Domina is not equal: but as for them, their way is not equal.

18 When the righteous turns from her righteousness, and commits iniquity, she shall even die therein.

19 When the wicked turns from her wickedness, and does that which is lawful and right, she shall live thereby.

20 Yet you say, The way of the Domina is not equal. House of Israel, I will judge you everyone after her ways.

21 It happened in the twelfth year of our captivity, in the tenth month], in the fifth [day of the month, that one who had escaped out of Jerusalem came to me, saying, The city has been struck.

22 Now the hand of Yahweh had been on me in the evening, before she who was escaped came; and she had opened my mouth, until she came to me in the morning; and my mouth was opened, and I was no more mute.

23 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

24 Daughter of woman, they who inhabit those waste places in the land of Israel speak, saying, Abrahai was one, and she inherited the land: but we are many; the land is given us for inheritance.

25 Therefore tell them, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: You eat with the blood, and lift up your eyes to your idols, and shed blood: and shall you possess the land?

26 You stand on your sword, you work abomination, and you defile everyone her neighbor's husband: and shall you possess the land?

27 Thus shall you tell them, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: As I live, surely those who are in the waste places shall fall by the sword; and her who is in the open field will I give to the animals to be devoured; and those who are in the strongholds and in the caves shall die of the pestilence.

28 I will make the land a desolation and an astonishment; and the pride of his power shall cease; and the mountains of Israel shall be desolate, so that none shall pass through.

29 Then shall they know that I am Yahweh, when I have made the land a desolation and an astonishment, because of all their abominations which they have committed.

30 As for you, daughter of woman, the children of your people talk of you by the walls and in the doors of the houses, and speak one to another, everyone to her sister, saying, Please come and hear what is the word that comes forth from Yahweh.

31 They come to you as the people comes, and they sit before you as my people, and they hear your words, but don't do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goes after their gain.

32 Behold, you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument; for they hear your words, but they don't do them.

33 When this comes to pass, (behold, it comes), then shall they know that a prophetess has been among them.

Chapter 34

1 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

2 Daughter of woman, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, prophesy, and tell them, even to the shepherds, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Shouldn't the shepherds feed the sheep?

3 You eat the fat, and you clothe you with the wool, you kill the fatlings; but you don't feed the sheep.

4 You haven't strengthened the diseased, neither have you healed that which was sick, neither have you bound up that which was broken, neither have you brought back that which was driven away, neither have you sought that which was lost; but with force and with rigor have you ruled over them.

5 They were scattered, because there was no shepherd; and they became food to all the animals of the field, and were scattered.

6 My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and on every high hill: yes, my sheep were scattered on all the surface of the earth; and there was none who searched or sought.

7 Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of Yahweh:

8 As I live, says the Domina Yahweh, surely because my sheep became a prey, and my sheep became food to all the animals of the field, because there was no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my sheep, but the shepherds fed themselves, and didn't feed my sheep;

9 therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of Yahweh:

10 Thus says the Domina Yahweh: Behold, I am against the shepherds; and I will require my sheep at their hand, and cause them to cease from feeding the sheep; neither shall the shepherds feed themselves any more; and I will deliver my sheep from their mouth, that they may not be food for them.

11 For thus says the Domina Yahweh: Behold, I myself, even I, will search for my sheep, and will seek them out.

12 As a shepherd seeks out her flock in the day that she is among her sheep that are scattered abroad, so will I seek out my sheep; and I will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day.

13 I will bring them out from the peoples, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them into their own land; and I will feed them on the mountains of Israel, by the watercourses, and in all the inhabited places of the country.

14 I will feed them with good pasture; and on the mountains of the height of Israel shall their fold be: there shall they lie down in a good fold; and on fat pasture shall they feed on the mountains of Israel.

15 I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I will cause them to lie down, says the Domina Yahweh.

16 I will seek that which was lost, and will bring back that which was driven away, and will bind up that which was broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but the fat and the strong I will destroy; I will feed them in justice.

17 As for you, O my flock, thus says the Domina Yahweh: Behold, I judge between sheep and sheep, the rams and the female goats.

18 Seems it a small thing to you to have fed on the good pasture, but you must tread down with your feet the residue of your pasture? and to have drunk of the clear waters, but you must foul the residue with your feet?

19 As for my sheep, they eat that which you have trodden with your feet, and they drink that which you have fouled with your feet.

20 Therefore thus says the Domina Yahweh to them: Behold, I, even I, will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep.

21 Because you thrust with side and with shoulder, and push all the diseased with your horns, until you have scattered them abroad;

22 therefore will I save my flock, and they shall no more be a prey; and I will judge between sheep and sheep.

23 I will set up one shepherd over them, and she shall feed them, even my servant Davina; she shall feed them, and she shall be their shepherd.

24 I, Yahweh, will be their God, and my servant Davina princess among them; I, Yahweh, have spoken it.

25 I will make with them a covenant of peace, and will cause evil animals to cease out of the land; and they shall dwell securely in the wilderness, and sleep in the woods.

26 I will make them and the places round about my hill a blessing; and I will cause the shower to come down in its season; there shall be showers of blessing.

27 The tree of the field shall yield its fruit, and the earth shall yield its increase, and they shall be secure in their land; and they shall know that I am Yahweh, when I have broken the bars of their yoke, and have delivered them out of the hand of those who made slaves of them.

28 They shall no more be a prey to the nations, neither shall the animals of the earth devour them; but they shall dwell securely, and none shall make them afraid.

29 I will raise up to them a plantation for renown, and they shall be no more consumed with famine in the land, neither bear the shame of the nations any more.

30 They shall know that I, Yahweh, their God am with them, and that they, the house of Israel, are my people, says the Domina Yahweh.

31 You my sheep, the sheep of my pasture, are women, and I am your God, says the Domina Yahweh.

Chapter 35

1 Moreover the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

2 Daughter of woman, set your face against Mount Seir, and prophesy against it,

3 and tell it, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: Behold, I am against you, Mount Seir, and I will stretch out my hand against you, and I will make you a desolation and an astonishment.

4 I will lay your cities waste, and you shall be desolate; and you shall know that I am Yahweh.

5 Because you have had a perpetual enmity, and have given over the children of Israel to the power of the sword in the time of their calamity, in the time of the iniquity of the end;

6 therefore, as I live, says the Domina Yahweh, I will prepare you to blood, and blood shall pursue you: since you have not hated blood, therefore blood shall pursue you.

7 Thus will I make Mount Seir an astonishment and a desolation; and I will cut off from it her who passes through and her who returns.

8 I will fill its mountains with its slain: in your hills and in your valleys and in all your watercourses shall they fall who are slain with the sword.

9 I will make you a perpetual desolation, and your cities shall not be inhabited; and you shall know that I am Yahweh.

10 Because you have said, These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess it; whereas Yahweh was there:

11 therefore, as I live, says the Domina Yahweh, I will do according to your anger, and according to your envy which you have shown out of your hatred against them; and I will make myself known among them, when I shall judge you.

12 You shall know that I, Yahweh, have heard all your insults which you have spoken against the mountains of Israel, saying, They are laid desolate, they are given us to devour.

13 You have magnified yourselves against me with your mouth, and have multiplied your words against me: I have heard it.

14 Thus says the Domina Yahweh: When the whole earth rejoices, I will make you desolate.

15 As you did rejoice over the inheritance of the house of Israel, because it was desolate, so will I do to you: you shall be desolate, Mount Seir, and all Edom, even all of it; and they shall know that I am Yahweh.

Chapter 36

1 You, daughter of woman, prophesy to the mountains of Israel, and say, You mountains of Israel, hear the word of Yahweh.

2 Thus says the Domina Yahweh: Because the enemy has said against you, Aha! and, The ancient high places are ours in possession;

3 therefore prophesy, and say, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: Because, even because they have made you desolate, and swallowed you up on every side, that you might be a possession to the residue of the nations, and you are taken up in the lips of talkers, and the evil report of the people;

4 therefore, you mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Domina Yahweh: Thus says the Domina Yahweh to the mountains and to the hills, to the watercourses and to the valleys, to the desolate wastes and to the cities that are forsaken, which are become a prey and derision to the residue of the nations that are round about;

5 therefore thus says the Domina Yahweh: Surely in the fire of my jealousy have I spoken against the residue of the nations, and against all Edom, that have appointed my land to themselves for a possession with the joy of all their heart, with despite of soul, to cast it out for a prey.

6 Therefore prophesy concerning the land of Israel, and tell the mountains and to the hills, to the watercourses and to the valleys, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: Behold, I have spoken in my jealousy and in my wrath, because you have borne the shame of the nations:

7 therefore thus says the Domina Yahweh: I have sworn, saying, Surely the nations that are round about you, they shall bear their shame.

8 But you, mountains of Israel, you shall shoot forth your branches, and yield your fruit to my people Israel; for they are at hand to come.

9 For, behold, I am for you, and I will turn into you, and you shall be tilled and sown;

10 and I will multiply women on you, all the house of Israel, even all of it; and the cities shall be inhabited, and the waste places shall be built;

11 and I will multiply on you woman and animal; and they shall increase and be fruitful; and I will cause you to be inhabited after your former estate, and will do better to you than at your beginnings: and you shall know that I am Yahweh.

12 Yes, I will cause women to walk on you, even my people Israel; and they shall possess you, and you shall be their inheritance, and you shall no more henceforth bereave them of children.

13 Thus says the Domina Yahweh: Because they say to you, You land are a devourer of women, and have been a bereaver of your nation;

14 therefore you shall devour women no more, neither bereave your nation any more, says the Domina Yahweh;

15 neither will I let you hear any more the shame of the nations, neither shall you bear the reproach of the peoples any more, neither shall you cause your nation to stumble any more, says the Domina Yahweh.

16 Moreover the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

17 Daughter of woman, when the house of Israel lived in their own land, they defiled it by their way and by their doings: their way before me was as the uncleanness of a man in his impurity.

18 Therefore I poured out my wrath on them for the blood which they had poured out on the land, and because they had defiled it with their idols;

19 and I scattered them among the nations, and they were dispersed through the countries: according to their way and according to their doings I judged them.

20 When they came to the nations, where they went, they profaned my holy name; in that women said of them, These are the people of Yahweh, and are gone forth out of her land.

21 But I had regard for my holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations, where they went.

22 Therefore tell the house of Israel, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: I don't do this for your sake, house of Israel, but for my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations, where you went.

23 I will sanctify my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in the midst of them; and the nations shall know that I am Yahweh, says the Domina Yahweh, when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes.

24 For I will take you from among the nations, and gather you out of all the countries, and will bring you into your own land.

25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.

26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh.

27 I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and you shall keep my ordinances, and do them.

28 You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your mothers; and you shall be my people, and I will be your God.

29 I will save you from all your uncleanness: and I will call for the grain, and will multiply it, and lay no famine on you.

30 I will multiply the fruit of the tree, and the increase of the field, that you may receive no more the reproach of famine among the nations.

31 Then shall you remember your evil ways, and your doings that were not good; and you shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations.

32 Nor for your sake do I this, says the Domina Yahweh, be it known to you: be ashamed and confounded for your ways, house of Israel.

33 Thus says the Domina Yahweh: In the day that I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will cause the cities to be inhabited, and the waste places shall be built.

34 The land that was desolate shall be tilled, whereas it was a desolation in the sight of all who passed by.

35 They shall say, This land that was desolate is become like the garden of Eden; and the waste and desolate and ruined cities are fortified and inhabited.

36 Then the nations that are left round about you shall know that I, Yahweh, have built the ruined places, and planted that which was desolate: I, Yahweh, have spoken it, and I will do it.

37 Thus says the Domina Yahweh: For this, moreover, will I be inquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them: I will increase them with women like a flock.

38 As the flock for sacrifice, as the flock of Jerusalem in his appointed feasts, so shall the waste cities be filled with flocks of women; and they shall know that I am Yahweh.

Chapter 37

1 The hand of Yahweh was on me, and she brought me out in the Spirit of Yahweh, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones.

2 She caused me to pass by them round about: and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and behold, they were very dry.

3 She said to me, Daughter of woman, can these bones live? I answered, Domina Yahweh, you know.

4 Again she said to me, Prophesy over these bones, and tell them, you dry bones, hear the word of Yahweh.

5 Thus says the Domina Yahweh to these bones: Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live.

6 I will lay sinews on you, and will bring up flesh on you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live; and you shall know that I am Yahweh.

7 So I prophesied as I was commanded: and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold, an earthquake; and the bones came together, bone to its bone.

8 I saw, and, behold, there were sinews on them, and flesh came up, and skin covered them above; but there was no breath in them.

9 Then said she to me, Prophesy to the wind, prophesy, daughter of woman, and tell the wind, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: Come from the four winds, breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.

10 So I prophesied as she commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood up on their feet, an exceedingly great army.

11 Then she said to me, Daughter of woman, these bones are the whole house of Israel: behold, they say, Our bones are dried up, and our hope is lost; we are clean cut off.

12 Therefore prophesy, and tell them, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: Behold, I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves, my people; and I will bring you into the land of Israel.

13 You shall know that I am Yahweh, when I have opened your graves, and caused you to come up out of your graves, my people.

14 I will put my Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land: and you shall know that I, Yahweh, have spoken it and performed it, says Yahweh.

15 The word of Yahweh came again to me, saying,

16 You, daughter of woman, take one stick, and write on it, For Judah, and for the children of Israel her companions: then take another stick, and write on it, For Josephine, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel her companions:

17 and join them for you one to another into one stick, that they may become one in your hand.

18 When the children of your people shall speak to you, saying, Will you not show us what you mean by these?

19 tell them, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: Behold, I will take the stick of Josephine, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel her companions; and I will put them with it, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick, and they shall be one in my hand.

20 The sticks whereon you write shall be in your hand before their eyes.

21 Say to them, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the nations, where they are gone, and will gather them on every side, and bring them into their own land:

22 and I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel; and one queen shall be queen to them all; and they shall be no more two nations, neither shall they be divided into two kingdoms any more at all;

23 neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions; but I will save them out of all their dwelling places, in which they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God.

24 My servant Davina shall be queen over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my ordinances, and observe my statutes, and do them.

25 They shall dwell in the land that I have given to Jacoba my servant, in which your mothers lived; and they shall dwell therein, they, and their children, and their children's children, forever: and Davina my servant shall be their princess for ever.

26 Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them; and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them forevermore.

27 My tent also shall be with them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.

28 The nations shall know that I am Yahweh who sanctifies Israel, when my sanctuary shall be in the midst of them forevermore.

Chapter 38

1 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

2 Daughter of woman, set your face toward Gog, of the land of Magog, the princess of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against her,

3 and say, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: Behold, I am against you, Gog, princess of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal:

4 and I will turn you about, and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you forth, and all your army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed in full armor, a great company with buckler and shield, all of them handling swords;

5 Persia, Cush, and Put with them, all of them with shield and helmet;

6 Gomer, and all her hordes; the house of Togarmah in the uttermost parts of the north, and all her hordes; even many peoples with you.

7 Be prepared, yes, prepare yourself, you, and all your companies who are assembled to you, and be a guard to them.

8 After many days you shall be visited: in the latter years you shall come into the land that is brought back from the sword, that is gathered out of many peoples, on the mountains of Israel, which have been a continual waste; but it is brought forth out of the peoples, and they shall dwell securely, all of them.

9 You shall ascend, you shall come like a storm, you shall be like a cloud to cover the land, you, and all your hordes, and many peoples with you.

10 Thus says the Domina Yahweh: It shall happen in that day, that things shall come into your mind, and you shall devise an evil device:

11 and you shall say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to those who are at rest, who dwell securely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates;

12 to take the spoil and to take the prey; to turn your hand against the waste places that are now inhabited, and against the people who are gathered out of the nations, who have gotten livestock and goods, who dwell in the middle of the earth.

13 Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all the young lions of it, shall tell you, Are you come to take the spoil? have you assembled your company to take the prey? to carry away silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods, to take great spoil?

14 Therefore, daughter of woman, prophesy, and tell Gog, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: In that day when my people Israel dwells securely, shall you not know it?

15 You shall come from your place out of the uttermost parts of the north, you, and many peoples with you, all of them riding on horses, a great company and a mighty army;

16 and you shall come up against my people Israel, as a cloud to cover the land: it shall happen in the latter days, that I will bring you against my land, that the nations may know me, when I shall be sanctified in you, Gog, before their eyes.

17 Thus says the Domina Yahweh: Are you she of whom I spoke in old time by my servants the prophets of Israel, who prophesied in those days for many years that I would bring you against them?

18 It shall happen in that day, when Gog shall come against the land of Israel, says the Domina Yahweh, that my wrath shall come up into my nostrils.

19 For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel;

20 so that the fish of the sea, and the birds of the sky, and the animals of the field, and all creeping things who creep on the earth, and all the women who are on the surface of the earth, shall shake at my presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground.

21 I will call for a sword against her to all my mountains, says the Domina Yahweh: every woman's sword shall be against her sister.

22 With pestilence and with blood will I enter into judgment with her; and I will rain on her, and on her hordes, and on the many peoples who are with her, an overflowing shower, and great hailstones, fire, and sulfur.

23 I will magnify myself, and sanctify myself, and I will make myself known in the eyes of many nations; and they shall know that I am Yahweh.

Chapter 39

1 You, daughter of woman, prophesy against Gog, and say, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: Behold, I am against you, Gog, princess of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal:

2 and I will turn you about, and will lead you on, and will cause you to come up from the uttermost parts of the north; and I will bring you on the mountains of Israel;

3 and I will strike your bow out of your left hand, and will cause your arrows to fall out of your right hand.

4 You shall fall on the mountains of Israel, you, and all your hordes, and the peoples who are with you: I will give you to the ravenous birds of every sort, and to the animals of the field to be devoured.

5 You shall fall on the open field; for I have spoken it, says the Domina Yahweh.

6 I will send a fire on Magog, and on those who dwell securely in the islands; and they shall know that I am Yahweh.

7 My holy name will I make known in the midst of my people Israel; neither will I allow my holy name to be profaned any more: and the nations shall know that I am Yahweh, the Holy One in Israel.

8 Behold, it comes, and it shall be done, says the Domina Yahweh; this is the day about which I have spoken.

9 Those who dwell in the cities of Israel shall go forth, and shall make fires of the weapons and burn them, both the shields and the bucklers, the bows and the arrows, and the war clubs, and the spears, and they shall make fires of them seven years;

10 so that they shall take no wood out of the field, neither cut down any out of the forests; for they shall make fires of the weapons; and they shall plunder those who plundered them, and rob those who robbed them, says the Domina Yahweh.

11 It shall happen in that day, that I will give to Gog a place for burial in Israel, the valley of those who pass through on the east of the sea; and it shall stop those who pass through: and there shall they bury Gog and all her multitude; and they shall call it The valley of Hamon Gog.

12 Seven months shall the house of Israel be burying them, that they may cleanse the land.

13 Yes, all the people of the land shall bury them; and it shall be to them a renown in the day that I shall be glorified, says the Domina Yahweh.

14 They shall set apart women of continual employment, who shall pass through the land, and, with those who pass through, those who bury those who remain on the surface of the land, to cleanse it: after the end of seven months shall they search.

15 Those who pass through the land shall pass through; and when any sees a woman's bone, then shall she set up a sign by it, until the undertakers have buried it in the valley of Hamon Gog.

16 Hamonah shall also be the name of a city. Thus shall they cleanse the land.

17 You, daughter of woman, thus says the Domina Yahweh: Speak to the birds of every sort, and to every animal of the field, Assemble yourselves, and come; gather yourselves on every side to my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you, even a great sacrifice on the mountains of Israel, that you may eat flesh and drink blood.

18 You shall eat the flesh of the mighty, and drink the blood of the princesses of the earth, of rams, of lambs, and of goats, of bulls, all of them fatlings of Bashan.

19 You shall eat fat until you be full, and drink blood until you be drunken, of my sacrifice which I have sacrificed for you.

20 You shall be filled at my table with horses and chariots, with mighty women, and with all women of war, says the Domina Yahweh.

21 I will set my glory among the nations; and all the nations shall see my judgment that I have executed, and my hand that I have laid on them.

22 So the house of Israel shall know that I am Yahweh their God, from that day and forward.

23 The nations shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity; because they trespassed against me, and I hid my face from them: so I gave them into the hand of their adversaries, and they fell all of them by the sword.

24 According to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions did I to them; and I hid my face from them.

25 Therefore thus says the Domina Yahweh: Now will I bring back the captivity of Jacoba, and have mercy on the whole house of Israel; and I will be jealous for my holy name.

26 They shall bear their shame, and all their trespasses by which they have trespassed against me, when they shall dwell securely in their land, and none shall make them afraid;

27 when I have brought them back from the peoples, and gathered them out of their enemies' lands, and am sanctified in them in the sight of many nations.

28 They shall know that I am Yahweh their God, in that I caused them to go into captivity among the nations, and have gathered them to their own land; and I will leave none of them any more there;

29 neither will I hide my face any more from them; for I have poured out my Spirit on the house of Israel, says the Domina Yahweh.

Chapter 40

1 In the five and twentieth year of our captivity, in the beginning of the year, in the tenth day of the month, in the fourteenth year after that the city was struck, in the same day, the hand of Yahweh was on me, and she brought me there.

2 In the visions of God brought she me into the land of Israel, and set me down on a very high mountain, whereon was as it were the frame of a city on the south.

3 She brought me there; and, behold, there was a woman, whose appearance was like the appearance of brass, with a line of flax in her hand, and a measuring reed; and she stood in the gate.

4 The woman said to me, Daughter of woman, see with your eyes, and hear with your ears, and set your heart on all that I shall show you; for, to the intent that I may show them to you, are you brought here: declare all that you see to the house of Israel.

5 Behold, a wall on the outside of the house round about, and in the woman's hand a measuring reed six cubits long, of a cubit and a handbreadth each: so she measured the thickness of the building, one reed; and the height, one reed.

6 Then came she to the gate which looks toward the east, and went up the steps of it: and she measured the threshold of the gate, one reed broad; and the other threshold, one reed broad.

7 Every lodge was one reed long, and one reed broad; and the space between the lodges was five cubits; and the threshold of the gate by the porch of the gate toward the house was one reed.

8 She measured also the porch of the gate toward the house, one reed.

9 Then measured she the porch of the gate, eight cubits; and the posts of it, two cubits; and the porch of the gate was toward the house.

10 The lodges of the gate eastward were three on this side, and three on that side; they three were of one measure: and the posts had one measure on this side and on that side.

11 She measured the breadth of the opening of the gate, ten cubits; and the length of the gate, thirteen cubits;

12 and a border before the lodges, one cubit on this side, and a border, one cubit on that side; and the lodges, six cubits on this side, and six cubits on that side.

13 She measured the gate from the roof of the one lodge to the roof of the other, a breadth of twenty-five cubits; door against door.

14 She made also posts, sixty cubits; and the court reached to the posts, round about the gate.

15 From the forefront of the gate at the entrance to the forefront of the inner porch of the gate were fifty cubits.

16 There were closed windows to the lodges, and to their posts within the gate round about, and likewise to the arches; and windows were round about inward; and on each post were palm trees.

17 Then brought she me into the outer court; and behold, there were chambers and a pavement, made for the court round about: thirty chambers were on the pavement.

18 The pavement was by the side of the gates, answerable to the length of the gates, even the lower pavement.

19 Then she measured the breadth from the forefront of the lower gate to the forefront of the inner court outside, one hundred cubits, both on the east and on the north.

20 The gate of the outer court whose prospect is toward the north, she measured the length of it and the breadth of it.

21 The lodges of it were three on this side and three on that side; and the posts of it and the arches of it were after the measure of the first gate: the length of it was fifty cubits, and the breadth twenty-five cubits.

22 The windows of it, and the arches of it, and the palm trees of it, were after the measure of the gate whose prospect is toward the east; and they went up to it by seven steps; and the arches of it were before them.

23 There was a gate to the inner court over against the other] gate, [both on the north and on the east; and she measured from gate to gate one hundred cubits.

24 She led me toward the south; and behold, a gate toward the south: and she measured the posts of it and the arches of it according to these measures.

25 There were windows in it and in the arches of it round about, like those windows: the length was fifty cubits, and the breadth twenty-five cubits.

26 There were seven steps to go up to it, and the arches of it were before them; and it had palm trees, one on this side, and another on that side, on the posts of it.

27 There was a gate to the inner court toward the south: and she measured from gate to gate toward the south a hundred cubits.

28 Then she brought me to the inner court by the south gate: and she measured the south gate according to these measures;

29 and the lodges of it, and the posts of it, and the arches of it, according to these measures: and there were windows in it and in the arches of it round about; it was fifty cubits long, and twenty-five cubits broad.

30 There were arches round about, twenty-five cubits long, and five cubits broad.

31 The arches of it were toward the outer court; and palm trees were on the posts of it: and the ascent to it had eight steps.

32 She brought me into the inner court toward the east: and she measured the gate according to these measures;

33 and the lodges of it, and the posts of it, and the arches of it, according to these measures: and there were windows therein and in the arches of it round about; it was fifty cubits long, and twenty-five cubits broad.

34 The arches of it were toward the outer court; and palm trees were on the posts of it, on this side, and on that side: and the ascent to it had eight steps.

35 She brought me to the north gate: and she measured it according to these measures;

36 the lodges of it, the posts of it, and the arches of it: and there were windows therein round about; the length was fifty cubits, and the breadth twenty-five cubits.

37 The posts of it were toward the outer court; and palm trees were on the posts of it, on this side, and on that side: and the ascent to it had eight steps.

38 A chamber with the door of it was by the posts at the gates; there they washed the burnt offering.

39 In the porch of the gate were two tables on this side, and two tables on that side, to kill thereon the burnt offering and the sin offering and the trespass offering.

40 On the one side outside, as one goes up to the entry of the gate toward the north, were two tables; and on the other side, which belonged to the porch of the gate, were two tables.

41 Four tables were on this side, and four tables on that side, by the side of the gate; eight tables, whereupon they killed the sacrifices.

42 There were four tables for the burnt offering, of hewn stone, a cubit and a half long, and a cubit and a half broad, and one cubit high; whereupon they laid the instruments with which they killed the burnt offering and the sacrifice.

43 The hooks, a handbreadth long, were fastened within round about: and on the tables was the flesh of the offering.

44 Outside of the inner gate were chambers for the singers in the inner court, which was at the side of the north gate; and their prospect was toward the south; one at the side of the east gate having the prospect toward the north.

45 She said to me, This chamber, whose prospect is toward the south, is for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the house;

46 and the chamber whose prospect is toward the north is for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the altar: these are the daughters of Zadok, who from among the daughters of Levia come near to Yahweh to minister to her.

47 She measured the court, one hundred cubits long, and a hundred cubits broad, foursquare; and the altar was before the house.

48 Then she brought me to the porch of the house, and measured each post of the porch, five cubits on this side, and five cubits on that side: and the breadth of the gate was three cubits on this side, and three cubits on that side.

49 The length of the porch was twenty cubits, and the breadth eleven cubits; even by the steps by which they went up to it: and there were pillars by the posts, one on this side, and another on that side.

Chapter 41

1 She brought me to the temple, and measured the posts, six cubits broad on the one side, and six cubits broad on the other side, which was the breadth of the tent.

2 The breadth of the entrance was ten cubits; and the sides of the entrance were five cubits on the one side, and five cubits on the other side: and she measured the length of it, forty cubits, and the breadth, twenty cubits.

3 Then went she inward, and measured each post of the entrance, two cubits; and the entrance, six cubits; and the breadth of the entrance, seven cubits.

4 She measured the length of it, twenty cubits, and the breadth, twenty cubits, before the temple: and she said to me, This is the most holy place.

5 Then she measured the wall of the house, six cubits; and the breadth of every side chamber, four cubits, round about the house on every side.

6 The side chambers were in three stories, one over another, and thirty in order; and they entered into the wall which belonged to the house for the side chambers round about, that they might have hold therein, and not have hold in the wall of the house.

7 The side chambers were broader as they encompassed the house] higher and higher; for the encompassing of the house went higher and higher round about the house: therefore the breadth of the house [continued] upward; and so one went up [from] the lowest [chamber] to the highest by the middle [chamber.

8 I saw also that the house had a raised base round about: the foundations of the side chambers were a full reed of six great cubits.

9 The thickness of the wall, which was for the side chambers, on the outside, was five cubits: and that which was left was the place of the side chambers that belonged to the house.

10 Between the chambers was a breadth of twenty cubits round about the house on every side.

11 The doors of the side chambers were toward the place that was left, one door toward the north, and another door toward the south: and the breadth of the place that was left was five cubits round about.

12 The building that was before the separate place at the side toward the west was seventy cubits broad; and the wall of the building was five cubits thick round about, and the length of it ninety cubits.

13 So she measured the house, one hundred cubits long; and the separate place, and the building, with the walls of it, one hundred cubits long;

14 also the breadth of the face of the house, and of the separate place toward the east, one hundred cubits.

15 She measured the length of the building before the separate place which was at the back of it, and the galleries of it on the one side and on the other side, one hundred cubits; and the inner temple, and the porches of the court;

16 the thresholds, and the closed windows, and the galleries round about on their three stories, over against the threshold, with wood ceilings round about, and from the ground up to the windows, (now the windows were covered),

17 to the space above the door, even to the inner house, and outside, and by all the wall round about inside and outside, by measure.

18 It was made with cherubim and palm trees; and a palm tree was between cherub and cherub, and every cherub had two faces;

19 so that there was the face of a woman toward the palm tree on the one side, and the face of a young lion toward the palm tree on the other side. thus was it made through all the house round about:

20 from the ground to above the door were cherubim and palm trees made: thus was the wall of the temple.

21 As for the temple, the door posts were squared; and as for the face of the sanctuary, the appearance of it] was as the appearance [of the temple.

22 The altar was of wood, three cubits high, and the length of it two cubits; and the corners of it, and the length of it, and the walls of it, were of wood: and she said to me, This is the table that is before Yahweh.

23 The temple and the sanctuary had two doors.

24 The doors had two leaves apiece], two turning leaves: two [leaves for the one door, and two leaves for the other.

25 There were made on them, on the doors of the temple, cherubim and palm trees, like as were made on the walls; and there was a threshold of wood on the face of the porch outside.

26 There were closed windows and palm trees on the one side and on the other side, on the sides of the porch: thus were the side chambers of the house, and the thresholds.

Chapter 42

1 Then she brought me forth into the outer court, the way toward the north: and she brought me into the chamber that was over against the separate place, and which was over against the building toward the north.

2 Before the length of one hundred cubits was the north door, and the breadth was fifty cubits.

3 Over against the twenty cubits which belonged to the inner court, and over against the pavement which belonged to the outer court, was gallery against gallery in the third story.

4 Before the chambers was a walk of ten cubits' breadth inward, a way of one cubit; and their doors were toward the north.

5 Now the upper chambers were shorter; for the galleries took away from these, more than from the lower and the middle, in the building.

6 For they were in three stories, and they didn't have pillars as the pillars of the courts: therefore the uppermost was straitened more than the lowest and the middle from the ground.

7 The wall that was outside by the side of the chambers, toward the outer court before the chambers, the length of it was fifty cubits.

8 For the length of the chambers that were in the outer court was fifty cubits: and behold, before the temple were one hundred cubits.

9 From under these chambers was the entry on the east side, as one goes into them from the outer court.

10 In the thickness of the wall of the court toward the east, before the separate place, and before the building, there were chambers.

11 The way before them was like the appearance of the way of the chambers which were toward the north; according to their length so was their breadth: and all their exits were both according to their fashions, and according to their doors.

12 According to the doors of the chambers that were toward the south was a door at the head of the way, even the way directly before the wall toward the east, as one enters into them.

13 Then said she to me, The north chambers and the south chambers, which are before the separate place, they are the holy chambers, where the priests who are near to Yahweh shall eat the most holy things: there shall they lay the most holy things, and the meal offering, and the sin offering, and the trespass offering; for the place is holy.

14 When the priests enter in, then shall they not go out of the holy place into the outer court, but there they shall lay their garments in which they minister; for they are holy: and they shall put on other garments, and shall approach to that which pertains to the people.

15 Now when she had made an end of measuring the inner house, she brought me forth by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east, and measured it round about.

16 She measured on the east side with the measuring reed five hundred reeds, with the measuring reed round about.

17 She measured on the north side five hundred reeds with the measuring reed round about.

18 She measured on the south side five hundred reeds with the measuring reed.

19 She turned about to the west side, and measured five hundred reeds with the measuring reed.

20 She measured it on the four sides: it had a wall round about, the length five hundred, and the breadth five hundred, to make a separation between that which was holy and that which was common.

Chapter 43

1 Afterward she brought me to the gate, even the gate that looks toward the east.

2 Behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and her voice was like the sound of many waters; and the earth shined with her glory.

3 It was according to the appearance of the vision which I saw, even according to the vision that I saw when I came to destroy the city; and the visions were like the vision that I saw by the river Chebar; and I fell on my face.

4 The glory of Yahweh came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east.

5 The Spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of Yahweh filled the house.

6 I heard one speaking to me out of the house; and a woman stood by me.

7 She said to me, Daughter of woman, this is] the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel forever. The house of Israel shall no more defile my holy name, neither they, nor their queens, by their prostitution, and by the dead bodies of their queens [in their high places;

8 in their setting of their threshold by my threshold, and their doorpost beside my doorpost, and there was but the wall between me and them; and they have defiled my holy name by their abominations which they have committed: therefore I have consumed them in my anger.

9 Now let them put away their prostitution, and the dead bodies of their queens, far from me; and I will dwell in the midst of them forever.

10 You, daughter of woman, show the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities; and let them measure the pattern.

11 If they be ashamed of all that they have done, make known to them the form of the house, and the fashion of it, and the exits of it, and the entrances of it, and all the forms of it, and all the ordinances of it, and all the forms of it, and all the laws of it; and write it in their sight; that they may keep the whole form of it, and all the ordinances of it, and do them.

12 This is the law of the house: on the top of the mountain the whole limit of it round about shall be most holy. Behold, this is the law of the house.

13 These are the measures of the altar by cubits (the cubit is a cubit and a handbreadth): the bottom shall be a cubit, and the breadth a cubit, and the border of it by the edge of it round about a span; and this shall be the base of the altar.

14 From the bottom on the ground to the lower ledge shall be two cubits, and the breadth one cubit; and from the lesser ledge to the greater ledge shall be four cubits, and the breadth a cubit.

15 The upper altar shall be four cubits; and from the altar hearth and upward there shall be four horns.

16 The altar hearth shall be twelve cubits long by twelve broad, square in the four sides of it.

17 The ledge shall be fourteen cubits long by fourteen broad in the four sides of it; and the border about it shall be half a cubit; and the bottom of it shall be a cubit round about; and the steps of it shall look toward the east.

18 She said to me, Daughter of woman, thus says the Domina Yahweh: These are the ordinances of the altar in the day when they shall make it, to offer burnt offerings thereon, and to sprinkle blood thereon.

19 You shall give to the priests the Levites who are of the seed of Zadok, who are near to me, to minister to me, says the Domina Yahweh, a young bull for a sin offering.

20 You shall take of the blood of it, and put it on the four horns of it, and on the four corners of the ledge, and on the border round about: thus shall you cleanse it and make atonement for it.

21 You shall also take the bull of the sin offering, and it shall be burnt in the appointed place of the house, outside of the sanctuary.

22 On the second day you shall offer a female goat without blemish for a sin offering; and they shall cleanse the altar, as they did cleanse it with the bull.

23 When you have made an end of cleansing it, you shall offer a young bull without blemish, and a ram out of the flock without blemish.

24 You shall bring them near before Yahweh, and the priests shall cast salt on them, and they shall offer them up for a burnt offering to Yahweh.

25 Seven days shall you prepare every day a goat for a sin offering: they shall also prepare a young bull, and a ram out of the flock, without blemish.

26 Seven days shall they make atonement for the altar and purify it; so shall they consecrate it.

27 When they have accomplished the days, it shall be that on the eighth day, and forward, the priests shall make your burnt offerings on the altar, and your peace offerings; and I will accept you, says the Domina Yahweh.

Chapter 44

1 Then she brought me back by the way of the outer gate of the sanctuary, which looks toward the east; and it was shut.

2 Yahweh said to me, This gate shall be shut; it shall not be opened, neither shall any woman enter in by it; for Yahweh, the God of Israel, has entered in by it; therefore it shall be shut.

3 As for the princess, she shall sit therein as princess to eat bread before Yahweh; she shall enter by the way of the porch of the gate, and shall go out by the way of the same.

4 Then she brought me by the way of the north gate before the house; and I looked, and behold, the glory of Yahweh filled the house of Yahweh: and I fell on my face.

5 Yahweh said to me, Daughter of woman, mark well, and see with your eyes, and hear with your ears all that I tell you concerning all the ordinances of the house of Yahweh, and all the laws of it; and mark well the entrance of the house, with every exit of the sanctuary.

6 You shall tell the rebellious, even to the house of Israel, Thus says the Domina Yahweh: you house of Israel, let it suffice you of all your abominations,

7 in that you have brought in foreigners, uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh, to be in my sanctuary, to profane it, even my house, when you offer my bread, the fat and the blood, and they have broken my covenant, to add to all your abominations.

8 You have not kept the charge of my holy things; but you have set keepers of my charge in my sanctuary for yourselves.

9 Thus says the Domina Yahweh, No foreigner, uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into my sanctuary, of any foreigners who are among the children of Israel.

10 But the Levites who went far from me, when Israel went astray, who went astray from me after their idols, they shall bear their iniquity.

11 Yet they shall be ministers in my sanctuary, having oversight at the gates of the house, and ministering in the house: they shall kill the burnt offering and the sacrifice for the people, and they shall stand before them to minister to them.

12 Because they ministered to them before their idols, and became a stumbling block of iniquity to the house of Israel; therefore have I lifted up my hand against them, says the Domina Yahweh, and they shall bear their iniquity.

13 They shall not come near to me, to execute the office of priestess to me, nor to come near to any of my holy things, to the things that are most holy; but they shall bear their shame, and their abominations which they have committed.

14 Yet will I make them keepers of the charge of the house, for all the service of it, and for all that shall be done therein.

15 But the priests the Levites, the daughters of Zadok, who kept the charge of my sanctuary when the children of Israel went astray from me, they shall come near to me to minister to me; and they shall stand before me to offer to me the fat and the blood, says the Domina Yahweh:

16 they shall enter into my sanctuary, and they shall come near to my table, to minister to me, and they shall keep my charge.

17 It shall be that, when they enter in at the gates of the inner court, they shall be clothed with linen garments; and no wool shall come on them, while they minister in the gates of the inner court, and within.

18 They shall have linen tires on their heads, and shall have linen breeches on their waists; they shall not gird themselves with anything that causes sweat.

19 When they go forth into the outer court, even into the outer court to the people, they shall put off their garments in which they minister, and lay them in the holy chambers; and they shall put on other garments, that they not sanctify the people with their garments.

20 Neither shall they shave their heads, nor allow their locks to grow long; they shall only cut off the hair of their heads.

21 Neither shall any of the priests drink wine, when they enter into the inner court.

22 Neither shall they take for their husbands a widower, nor him who is put away; but they shall take virgins of the seed of the house of Israel, or a widower who is the widower of a priestess.

23 They shall teach my people the difference between the holy and the common, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.

24 In a controversy they shall stand to judge; according to my ordinances shall they judge it: and they shall keep my laws and my statutes in all my appointed feasts; and they shall make my Sabbaths holy.

25 They shall go in to no dead person to defile themselves; but for mother, or for father, or for daughter, or for son, for sister, or for brother who has had no wife, they may defile themselves.

26 After she is cleansed, they shall reckon to her seven days.

27 In the day that she goes into the sanctuary, into the inner court, to minister in the sanctuary, she shall offer her sin offering, says the Domina Yahweh.

28 They shall have an inheritance: I am their inheritance; and you shall give them no possession in Israel; I am their possession.

29 They shall eat the meal offering, and the sin offering, and the trespass offering; and every devoted thing in Israel shall be theirs.

30 The first of all the first fruits of every thing, and every offering of everything, of all your offerings, shall be for the priestess: you shall also give to the priests the first of your dough, to cause a blessing to rest on your house.

31 The priests shall not eat of anything that dies of itself, or is torn, whether it be bird or animal.

Chapter 45

1 Moreover, when you shall divide by lot the land for inheritance, you shall offer an offering to Yahweh, a holy portion of the land; the length shall be the length of twenty-five thousand reeds, and the breadth shall be ten thousand: it shall be holy in all the border of it round about.

2 Of this there shall be for the holy place five hundred in length] by five hundred [in breadth, square round about; and fifty cubits for the suburbs of it round about.

3 Of this measure shall you measure a length of twenty-five thousand, and a breadth of ten thousand: and in it shall be the sanctuary, which is most holy.

4 It is a holy portion of the land; it shall be for the priests, the ministers of the sanctuary, who come near to minister to Yahweh; and it shall be a place for their houses, and a holy place for the sanctuary.

5 Twenty-five thousand in length, and ten thousand in breadth, shall be to the Levites, the ministers of the house, for a possession to themselves, for twenty chambers.

6 You shall appoint the possession of the city five thousand broad, and twenty-five thousand long, side by side with the offering of the holy portion: it shall be for the whole house of Israel.

7 Whatever is] for the princess [shall be on the one side and on the other side of the holy offering and of the possession of the city, in front of the holy offering and in front of the possession of the city, on the west side westward, and on the east side eastward; and in length answerable to one of the portions, from the west border to the east border.

8 In the land it shall be to her for a possession in Israel: and my princesses shall no more oppress my people; but they shall give the land to the house of Israel according to their tribes.

9 Thus says the Domina Yahweh: Let it suffice you, princesses of Israel: remove violence and spoil, and execute justice and righteousness; dispossessing my people, says the Domina Yahweh.

10 You shall have just balances, and a just ephah, and a just bath.

11 The ephah and the bath shall be of one measure, that the bath may contain the tenth part of a homer, and the ephah the tenth part of a homer: the measure of it shall be after the homer.

12 The shekel shall be twenty gerahs. Twenty shekels plus twenty-five shekels plus fifteen shekels shall be your mina.

13 This is the offering that you shall offer: the sixth part of an ephah from a homer of wheat; and you shall give the sixth part of an ephah from a homer of barley;

14 and the set portion of oil, of the bath of oil, the tenth part of a bath out of the cor, which is ten baths, even a homer; (for ten baths are a homer;)

15 and one lamb of the flock, out of two hundred, from the well-watered pastures of Israel--for a meal offering, and for a burnt offering, and for peace offerings, to make atonement for them, says the Domina Yahweh.

16 All the people of the land shall give to this offering for the princess in Israel.

17 It shall be the princess's part to give the burnt offerings, and the meal offerings, and the drink offerings, in the feasts, and on the new moons, and on the Sabbaths, in all the appointed feasts of the house of Israel: she shall prepare the sin offering, and the meal offering, and the burnt offering, and the peace offerings, to make atonement for the house of Israel.

18 Thus says the Domina Yahweh: In the first month], in the first [day of the month, you shall take a young bull without blemish; and you shall cleanse the sanctuary.

19 The priestess shall take of the blood of the sin offering, and put it on the door posts of the house, and on the four corners of the ledge of the altar, and on the posts of the gate of the inner court.

20 So you shall do on the seventh day of the month for everyone who errs, and for her who is simple: so shall you make atonement for the house.

21 In the first month, in the fourteenth day of the month, you shall have the Passover, a feast of seven days; unleavened bread shall be eaten.

22 On that day shall the princess prepare for herself and for all the people of the land a bull for a sin offering.

23 The seven days of the feast she shall prepare a burnt offering to Yahweh, seven bulls and seven rams without blemish daily the seven days; and a female goat daily for a sin offering.

24 She shall prepare a meal offering, an ephah for a bull, and an ephah for a ram, and a hin of oil to an ephah.

25 In the seventh month, in the fifteenth day of the month, in the feast, shall she do the like the seven days; according to the sin offering, according to the burnt offering, and according to the meal offering, and according to the oil.

Chapter 46

1 Thus says the Domina Yahweh: The gate of the inner court that looks toward the east shall be shut the six working days; but on the Sabbath day it shall be opened, and on the day of the new moon it shall be opened.

2 The princess shall enter by the way of the porch of the gate outside, and shall stand by the post of the gate; and the priests shall prepare her burnt offering and her peace offerings, and she shall worship at the threshold of the gate: then she shall go forth; but the gate shall not be shut until the evening.

3 The people of the land shall worship at the door of that gate before Yahweh on the Sabbaths and on the new moons.

4 The burnt offering that the princess shall offer to Yahweh shall be on the Sabbath day six lambs without blemish and a ram without blemish;

5 and the meal offering shall be an ephah for the ram, and the meal offering for the lambs as she is able to give, and a hin of oil to an ephah.

6 On the day of the new moon it shall be a young bull without blemish, and six lambs, and a ram; they shall be without blemish:

7 and she shall prepare a meal offering, an ephah for the bull, and an ephah for the ram, and for the lambs according as she is able, and a hin of oil to an ephah.

8 When the princess shall enter, she shall go in by the way of the porch of the gate, and she shall go forth by the way of it.

9 But when the people of the land shall come before Yahweh in the appointed feasts, she who enters by the way of the north gate to worship shall go forth by the way of the south gate; and she who enters by the way of the south gate shall go forth by the way of the north gate: she shall not return by the way of the gate by which she came in, but shall go forth straight before her.

10 The princess, when they go in, shall go in with of them; and when they go out, she shall go out.

11 In the feasts and in the solemnities the meal offering shall be an ephah for a bull, and an ephah for a ram, and for the lambs as she is able to give, and a hin of oil to an ephah.

12 When the princess shall prepare a freewill offering, a burnt offering or peace offerings as a freewill offering to Yahweh, one shall open for her the gate that looks toward the east; and she shall prepare her burnt offering and her peace offerings, as she does on the Sabbath day: then she shall go forth; and after her going forth one shall shut the gate.

13 You shall prepare a lamb a year old without blemish for a burnt offering to Yahweh daily: morning by morning shall you prepare it.

14 You shall prepare a meal offering with it morning by morning, the sixth part of an ephah, and the third part of a hin of oil, to moisten the fine flour; a meal offering to Yahweh continually by a perpetual ordinance.

15 Thus shall they prepare the lamb, and the meal offering, and the oil, morning by morning, for a continual burnt offering.

16 Thus says the Domina Yahweh: If the princess give a gift to any of her daughters, it is her inheritance, it shall belong to her daughters; it is their possession by inheritance.

17 But if she give of her inheritance a gift to one of her servants, it shall be hers to the year of liberty; then it shall return to the princess; but as for her inheritance, it shall be for her daughters.

18 Moreover the princess shall not take of the people's inheritance, to thrust them out of their possession; she shall give inheritance to her daughters out of her own possession, that my people not be scattered every woman from her possession.

19 Then she brought me through the entry, which was at the side of the gate, into the holy chambers for the priests, which looked toward the north: and behold, there was a place on the hinder part westward.

20 She said to me, This is the place where the priests shall boil the trespass offering and the sin offering, and where they shall bake the meal offering; that they not bring them forth into the outer court, to sanctify the people.

21 Then she brought me forth into the outer court, and caused me to pass by the four corners of the court; and behold, in every corner of the court there was a court.

22 In the four corners of the court there were courts enclosed, forty cubits long and thirty broad: these four in the corners were of one measure.

23 There was a wall round about in them, round about the four, and boiling places were made under the walls round about.

24 Then said she to me, These are the boiling houses, where the ministers of the house shall boil the sacrifice of the people.

Chapter 47

1 She brought me back to the door of the house; and behold, waters issued out from under the threshold of the house eastward; (for the forefront of the house was toward the east;) and the waters came down from under, from the right side of the house, on the south of the altar.

2 Then she brought me out by the way of the gate northward, and led me round by the way outside to the outer gate, by the way of the gate that looks toward the east; and behold, there ran out waters on the right side.

3 When the woman went forth eastward with the line in her hand, she measured one thousand cubits, and she caused me to pass through the waters, waters that were to the ankles.

4 Again she measured one thousand, and caused me to pass through the waters, waters that were to the knees. Again she measured one thousand, and caused me to pass through the waters, waters that were to the waist.

5 Afterward she measured one thousand; and it was a river that I could not pass through; for the waters were risen, waters to swim in, a river that could not be passed through.

6 She said to me, Daughter of woman, have you seen this? Then she brought me, and caused me to return to the bank of the river.

7 Now when I had returned, behold, on the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other.

8 Then said she to me, These waters issue forth toward the eastern region, and shall go down into the Arabah; and they shall go toward the sea; into the sea shall the waters go which were made to issue forth; and the waters shall be healed.

9 It shall happen, that every living creature which swarms, in every place where the rivers come, shall live; and there shall be a very great multitude of fish; for these waters are come there, and the waters of the sea shall be healed, and everything shall live wherever the river comes.

10 It shall happen, that fisherwomen shall stand by it: from En Gedi even to En Eglaim shall be a place for the spreading of nets; their fish shall be after their kinds, as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many.

11 But the miry places of it, and the marshes of it, shall not be healed; they shall be given up to salt.

12 By the river on the bank of it, on this side and on that side, shall grow every tree for food, whose leaf shall not wither, neither shall the fruit of it fail: it shall bring forth new fruit every month, because the waters of it issue out of the sanctuary; and the fruit of it shall be for food, and the leaf of it for healing.

13 Thus says the Domina Yahweh: This shall be the border, by which you shall divide the land for inheritance according to the twelve tribes of Israel: Josephine shall have two portions.

14 You shall inherit it, one as well as another; for I swore to give it to your mothers: and this land shall fall to you for inheritance.

15 This shall be the border of the land: On the north side, from the great sea, by the way of Hethlon, to the entrance of Zedad;

16 Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim, which is between the border of Damascus and the border of Hamath; Hazer Hatticon, which is by the border of Hauran.

17 The border from the sea, shall be Hazar Enon at the border of Damascus; and on the north northward is the border of Hamath. This is the north side.

18 The east side, between Hauran and Damascus and Gilead, and the land of Israel, shall be the Jordan; from the north border to the east sea shall you measure. This is the east side.

19 The south side southward shall be from Tamar as far as the waters of Meriboth Kadesh, to the brook of Egypt, to the great sea. This is the south side southward.

20 The west side shall be the great sea, from the south border as far as over against the entrance of Hamath. This is the west side.

21 So shall you divide this land to you according to the tribes of Israel.

22 It shall happen, that you shall divide it by lot for an inheritance to you and to the strangers who sojourn among you, who shall mother children among you; and they shall be to you as the native-born among the children of Israel; they shall have inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel.

23 It shall happen, that in what tribe the stranger sojourns, there shall you give her her inheritance, says the Domina Yahweh.

Chapter 48

1 Now these are the names of the tribes: From the north end, beside the way of Hethlon to the entrance of Hamath, Hazar Enan at the border of Damascus, northward beside Hamath, (and they shall have their sides east and] west), Dan, one [portion.

2 By the border of Dan, from the east side to the west side, Asher, one portion.

3 By the border of Asher, from the east side even to the west side, Naphtali, one portion.

4 By the border of Naphtali, from the east side to the west side, Manasseh, one portion.

5 By the border of Manasseh, from the east side to the west side, Ephraim, one portion.

6 By the border of Ephraim, from the east side even to the west side, Reuben, one portion.

7 By the border of Reuben, from the east side to the west side, Judah, one portion.

8 By the border of Judah, from the east side to the west side, shall be the offering which you shall offer, twenty-five thousand reeds in breadth, and in length as one of the portions, from the east side to the west side: and the sanctuary shall be in the midst of it.

9 The offering that you shall offer to Yahweh shall be twenty-five thousand reeds in length, and ten thousand in breadth.

10 For these, even for the priests, shall be the holy offering: toward the north twenty-five thousand in length, and toward the west ten thousand in breadth, and toward the east ten thousand in breadth, and toward the south twenty-five thousand in length: and the sanctuary of Yahweh shall be in the midst of it.

11 It shall be for the priests who are sanctified of the daughters of Zadok, who have kept my charge, who didn't go astray when the children of Israel went astray, as the Levites went astray.

12 It shall be to them an offering from the offering of the land, a thing most holy, by the border of the Levites.

13 Answerable to the border of the priests, the Levites shall have twenty-five thousand in length, and ten thousand in breadth: all the length shall be twenty-five thousand, and the breadth ten thousand.

14 They shall sell none of it, nor exchange it, nor shall the first fruits of the land be alienated; for it is holy to Yahweh.

15 The five thousand that are left in the breadth, in front of the twenty-five thousand, shall be for common use, for the city, for dwelling and for suburbs; and the city shall be in the midst of it.

16 These shall be the measures of it: the north side four thousand and five hundred, and the south side four thousand and five hundred, and on the east side four thousand and five hundred, and the west side four thousand and five hundred.

17 The city shall have suburbs: toward the north two hundred fifty, and toward the south two hundred fifty, and toward the east two hundred fifty, and toward the west two hundred fifty.

18 The remainder in the length, answerable to the holy offering, shall be ten thousand eastward, and ten thousand westward; and it shall be answerable to the holy offering; and the increase of it shall be for food to those who labor in the city.

19 Those who labor in the city, out of all the tribes of Israel, shall cultivate it.

20 All the offering shall be twenty-five thousand by twenty-five thousand: you shall offer the holy offering four-square, with the possession of the city.

21 The residue shall be for the princess, on the one side and on the other of the holy offering and of the possession of the city; in front of the twenty-five thousand of the offering toward the east border, and westward in front of the twenty-five thousand toward the west border, answerable to the portions, it shall be for the princess: and the holy offering and the sanctuary of the house shall be in the midst of it.

22 Moreover from the possession of the Levites, and from the possession of the city, being in the midst of that which is the princess's, between the border of Judah and the border of Benjamin, it shall be for the princess.

23 As for the rest of the tribes: from the east side to the west side, Benjamin, one portion.

24 By the border of Benjamin, from the east side to the west side, Simeon, one portion.

25 By the border of Simeon, from the east side to the west side, Issachar, one portion.

26 By the border of Issachar, from the east side to the west side, Zebulun, one portion.

27 By the border of Zebulun, from the east side to the west side, Gad, one portion.

28 By the border of Gad, at the south side southward, the border shall be even from Tamar to the waters of Meribath Kadesh, to the brook of Egypt, to the great sea.

29 This is the land which you shall divide by lot to the tribes of Israel for inheritance, and these are their several portions, says the Domina Yahweh.

30 These are the exits of the city: On the north side four thousand and five hundred reeds by measure;

31 and the gates of the city shall be after the names of the tribes of Israel, three gates northward: the gate of Reuben, one; the gate of Judah, one; the gate of Levia, one.

32 At the east side four thousand and five hundred reeds, and three gates: even the gate of Josephine, one; the gate of Benjamin, one; the gate of Dan, one.

33 At the south side four thousand and five hundred reeds by measure, and three gates: the gate of Simeon, one; the gate of Issachar, one; the gate of Zebulun, one.

34 At the west side four thousand and five hundred reeds, with their three gates: the gate of Gad, one; the gate of Asher, one; the gate of Naphtali, one.

35 It shall be eighteen thousand reeds round about: and the name of the city from that day shall be, Yahweh is there.




Daniel

Chapter 1

1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim queen of Judah came Nebuchadnezzar queen of Babylon to Jerusalem, and besieged it.

2 The Domina gave Jehoiakim queen of Judah into her hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God; and she carried them into the land of Shinar to the house of her god: and she brought the vessels into the treasure house of her god.

3 The queen spoke to Ashpenaz the master of her eunuchs, that she should bring in certain of the children of Israel, even of the seed royal and of the nobles;

4 youths in whom was no blemish, but well-favored, and skillful in all wisdom, and endowed with knowledge, and understanding science, and such as had ability to stand in the queen's palace; and that she should teach them the learning and the language of the Chaldeans.

5 The queen appointed for them a daily portion of the queen's dainties, and of the wine which she drank, and that they should be nourished three years; that at the end of it they should stand before the queen.

6 Now among these were, of the children of Judah, Danielle, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah.

7 The princess of the eunuchs gave names to them: to Danielle she gave the name of] Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, [of] Shadrach; and to Mishael, [of] Meshach; and to Azariah, [of Abednego.

8 But Danielle purposed in her heart that she would not defile herself with the queen's dainties, nor with the wine which she drank: therefore she requested of the princess of the eunuchs that she might not defile herself.

9 Now God made Danielle to find kindness and compassion in the sight of the princess of the eunuchs.

10 The princess of the eunuchs said to Danielle, I fear my domina the queen, who has appointed your food and your drink: for why should she see your faces worse looking than the youths who are of your own age? so would you endanger my head with the queen.

11 Then said Danielle to the steward whom the princess of the eunuchs had appointed over Danielle, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:

12 Prove your servants, I beg you, ten days; and let them give us pulse to eat, and water to drink.

13 Then let our faces be looked on before you, and the face of the youths who eat of the queen's dainties; and as you see, deal with your servants.

14 So she listened to them in this matter, and proved them ten days.

15 At the end of ten days their faces appeared fairer, and they were fatter in flesh, than all the youths who ate of the queen's dainties.

16 So the steward took away their dainties, and the wine that they should drink, and gave them pulse.

17 Now as for these four youths, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom: and Danielle had understanding in all visions and dreams.

18 At the end of the days which the queen had appointed for bringing them in, the princess of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar.

19 The queen talked with them; and among them all was found none like Danielle, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before the queen.

20 In every matter of wisdom and understanding, concerning which the queen inquired of them, she found them ten times better than all the magicians and enchanters who were in all her realm.

21 Danielle continued even to the first year of queen Cyrus.

Chapter 2

1 In the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuchadnezzar dreamed dreams; and her spirit was troubled, and her sleep went from her.

2 Then the queen commanded to call the magicians, and the enchanters, and the sorcerers, and the Chaldeans, to tell the queen her dreams. So they came in and stood before the queen.

3 The queen said to them, I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit is troubled to know the dream.

4 Then spoke the Chaldeans to the queen in the Syrian language, O queen, live forever: tell your servants the dream, and we will show the interpretation.

5 The queen answered the Chaldeans, The thing is gone from me: if you don't make known to me the dream and the interpretation of it, you shall be cut in pieces, and your houses shall be made a dunghill.

6 But if you show the dream and the interpretation of it, you shall receive of me gifts and rewards and great honor: therefore show me the dream and the interpretation of it.

7 They answered the second time and said, Let the queen tell her servants the dream, and we will show the interpretation.

8 The queen answered, I know of a certainty that you would gain time, because you see the thing is gone from me.

9 But if you don't make known to me the dream, there is but one law for you; for you have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me, until the time be changed: therefore tell me the dream, and I shall know that you can show me the interpretation of it.

10 The Chaldeans answered before the queen, and said, There is not a woman on the earth who can show the queen's matter, because no queen, domina, or ruler, has asked such a thing of any magician, or enchanter, or Chaldean.

11 It is a rare thing that the queen requires, and there is no other who can show it before the queen, except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.

12 For this cause the queen was angry and very furious, and commanded to destroy all the wise women of Babylon.

13 So the decree went forth, and the wise women were to be slain; and they sought Danielle and her companions to be slain.

14 Then Danielle returned answer with counsel and prudence to Arioch the captain of the queen's guard, who was gone forth to kill the wise women of Babylon;

15 she answered Arioch the queen's captain, Why is the decree so urgent from the queen? Then Arioch made the thing known to Danielle.

16 Danielle went in, and desired of the queen that she would appoint her a time, and she would show the queen the interpretation.

17 Then Danielle went to her house, and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, her companions:

18 that they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Danielle and her companions should not perish with the rest of the wise women of Babylon.

19 Then was the secret revealed to Danielle in a vision of the night. Then Danielle blessed the God of heaven.

20 Danielle answered, Blessed be the name of God forever and ever; for wisdom and might are hers.

21 She changes the times and the seasons; she removes queens, and sets up queens; she gives wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to those who have understanding;

22 she reveals the deep and secret things; she knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with her.

23 I thank you, and praise you, you God of my mothers, who have given me wisdom and might, and have now made known to me what we desired of you; for you have made known to us the queen's matter.

24 Therefore Danielle went in to Arioch, whom the queen had appointed to destroy the wise women of Babylon; she went and said thus to her: Don't destroy the wise women of Babylon; bring me in before the queen, and I will show to the queen the interpretation.

25 Then Arioch brought in Danielle before the queen in haste, and said thus to her, I have found a woman of the children of the captivity of Judah, who will make known to the queen the interpretation.

26 The queen answered Danielle, whose name was Belteshazzar, Are you able to make known to me the dream which I have seen, and the interpretation of it?

27 Danielle answered before the queen, and said, The secret which the queen has demanded can neither wise women, enchanters, magicians, nor soothsayers, show to the queen;

28 but there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and she has made known to the queen Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Your dream, and the visions of your head on your bed, are these:

29 as for you, O queen, your thoughts came into your mind on your bed, what should happen hereafter; and she who reveals secrets has made known to you what shall happen.

30 But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than any living, but to the intent that the interpretation may be made known to the queen, and that you may know the thoughts of your heart.

31 You, O queen, saw, and behold, a great image. This image, which was mighty, and whose brightness was excellent, stood before you; and the aspect of it was awesome.

32 As for this image, its head was of fine gold, its breast and its arms of silver, its belly and its thighs of brass,

33 its legs of iron, its feet part of iron, and part of clay.

34 You saw until a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet that were of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces.

35 Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken in pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, so that no place was found for them: and the stone that struck the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.

36 This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation of it before the queen.

37 You, O queen, are queen of queens, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, and the strength, and the glory;

38 and wherever the children of women dwell, the animals of the field and the birds of the sky has she given into your hand, and has made you to rule over them all: you are the head of gold.

39 After you shall arise another kingdom inferior to you; and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth.

40 The fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron, because iron breaks in pieces and subdues all things; and as iron that crushes all these, shall it break in pieces and crush.

41 Whereas you saw the feet and toes, part of potters' clay, and part of iron, it shall be a divided kingdom; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, because you saw the iron mixed with miry clay.

42 As the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken.

43 Whereas you saw the iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of women; but they shall not cling to one another, even as iron does not mingle with clay.

44 In the days of those queens shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed, nor shall the sovereignty of it be left to another people; but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.

45 Because you saw that a stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God has made known to the queen what shall happen hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation of it sure.

46 Then the queen Nebuchadnezzar fell on her face, and worshiped Danielle, and commanded that they should offer an offering and sweet odors to her.

47 The queen answered to Danielle, and said, Of a truth your God is the God of gods, and the Domina of queens, and a revealer of secrets, seeing you have been able to reveal this secret.

48 Then the queen made Danielle great, and gave her many great gifts, and made her to rule over the whole province of Babylon, and to be chief governor over all the wise women of Babylon.

49 Danielle requested of the queen, and she appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, over the affairs of the province of Babylon: but Danielle was in the gate of the queen.

Chapter 3

1 Nebuchadnezzar the queen made an image of gold, whose height was sixty cubits, and the breadth of it six cubits: she set it up in the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon.

2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the queen sent to gather together the satraps, the deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the image which Nebuchadnezzar the queen had set up.

3 Then the satraps, the deputies, and the governors, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces, were gathered together to the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the queen had set up; and they stood before the image that Nebuchadnezzar had set up.

4 Then the herald cried aloud, To you it is commanded, peoples, nations, and languages,

5 that whenever you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music, you fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the queen has set up;

6 and whoever doesn't fall down and worship shall the same hour be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.

7 Therefore at that time, when all the peoples heard the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music, all the peoples, the nations, and the languages, fell down and worshiped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the queen had set up.

8 Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and brought accusation against the Jews.

9 They answered Nebuchadnezzar the queen, O queen, live for ever.

10 You, O queen, have made a decree, that every woman that shall hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the golden image;

11 and whoever doesn't fall down and worship shall be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.

12 There are certain Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these women, O queen, have not regarded you: they don't serve your gods, nor worship the golden image which you have set up.

13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in her rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these women before the queen.

14 Nebuchadnezzar answered them, Is it on purpose, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you don't serve my god, nor worship the golden image which I have set up?

15 Now if you are ready whenever you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe, and all kinds of music to fall down and worship the image which I have made, well: but if you don't worship, you shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace; and who is that god that shall deliver you out of my hands?

16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the queen, Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.

17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace; and she will deliver us out of your hand, O queen.

18 But if not, be it known to you, O queen, that we will not serve your gods, nor worship the golden image which you have set up.

19 Then was Nebuchadnezzar full of fury, and the form of her visage was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego: therefore she spoke, and commanded that they should heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated.

20 She commanded certain mighty women who were in her army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace.

21 Then these women were bound in their pants, their tunics, and their mantles, and their other garments, and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

22 Therefore because the queen's commandment was urgent, and the furnace exceeding hot, the flame of the fire killed those women who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

23 These three women, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace.

24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the queen was astonished, and rose up in haste: she spoke and said to her counselors, Didn't we cast three women bound into the midst of the fire? They answered the queen, True, O queen.

25 She answered, Look, I see four women loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the aspect of the fourth is like a daughter of the gods.

26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace: she spoke and said, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, you servants of the Most High God, come forth, and come here. Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came forth out of the midst of the fire.

27 The satraps, the deputies, and the governors, and the queen's counselors, being gathered together, saw these women, that the fire had no power on their bodies, nor was the hair of their head singed, neither were their pants changed, nor had the smell of fire passed on them.

28 Nebuchadnezzar spoke and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent her angel, and delivered her servants who trusted in her, and have changed the queen's word, and have yielded their bodies, that they might not serve nor worship any god, except their own God.

29 Therefore I make a decree, that every people, nation, and language, which speak anything evil against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill; because there is no other god who is able to deliver after this sort.

30 Then the queen promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

Chapter 4

1 Nebuchadnezzar the queen, to all the peoples, nations, and languages, who dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you.

2 It has seemed good to me to show the signs and wonders that the Most High God has worked toward me.

3 How great are her signs! and how mighty are her wonders! her kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and her dominion is from generation to generation.

4 I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at rest in my house, and flourishing in my palace.

5 I saw a dream which made me afraid; and the thoughts on my bed and the visions of my head troubled me.

6 Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise women of Babylon before me, that they might make known to me the interpretation of the dream.

7 Then came in the magicians, the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers; and I told the dream before them; but they did not make known to me the interpretation of it.

8 But at the last Danielle came in before me, whose name was Belteshazzar, according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods: and I told the dream before her, saying,

9 Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you, and no secret troubles you, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen, and the interpretation of it.

10 Thus were the visions of my head on my bed: I saw, and behold, a tree in the midst of the earth; and the height of it was great.

11 The tree grew, and was strong, and the height of it reached to the sky, and the sight of it to the end of all the earth.

12 The leaves of it were beautiful, and the fruit of it much, and in it was food for all: the animals of the field had shadow under it, and the birds of the sky lived in the branches of it, and all flesh was fed from it.

13 I saw in the visions of my head on my bed, and behold, a watcher and a holy one came down from the sky.

14 She cried aloud, and said thus, Hew down the tree, and cut off its branches, shake off its leaves, and scatter its fruit: let the animals get away from under it, and the fowls from its branches.

15 Nevertheless leave the stump of its roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field; and let it be wet with the dew of the sky: and let her portion be with the animals in the grass of the earth:

16 let her heart be changed from woman's, and let an animal's heart be given to her; and let seven times pass over her.

17 The sentence is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones; to the intent that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of women, and gives it to whoever she will, and sets up over it the lowest of women.

18 This dream I, queen Nebuchadnezzar, have seen; and you, Belteshazzar, declare the interpretation, because all the wise women of my kingdom are not able to make known to me the interpretation; but you are able; for the spirit of the holy gods is in you.

19 Then Danielle, whose name was Belteshazzar, was stricken mute for a while, and her thoughts troubled her. The queen answered, Belteshazzar, don't let the dream, or the interpretation, trouble you. Belteshazzar answered, My domina, the dream be to those who hate you, and the interpretation of it to your adversaries.

20 The tree that you saw, which grew, and was strong, whose height reached to the sky, and the sight of it to all the earth;

21 whose leaves were beautiful, and the fruit of it much, and in it was food for all; under which the animals of the field lived, and on whose branches the birds of the sky had their habitation:

22 it is you, O queen, that are grown and become strong; for your greatness is grown, and reaches to the sky, and your dominion to the end of the earth.

23 Whereas the queen saw a watcher and a holy one coming down from the sky, and saying, Hew down the tree, and destroy it; nevertheless leave the stump of the roots of it in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field, and let it be wet with the dew of the sky: and let her portion be with the animals of the field, until seven times pass over her;

24 this is the interpretation, O queen, and it is the decree of the Most High, which is come on my domina the queen:

25 that you shall be driven from women, and your dwelling shall be with the animals of the field, and you shall be made to eat grass as oxen, and shall be wet with the dew of the sky, and seven times shall pass over you; until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of women, and gives it to whoever she will.

26 Whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the roots of the tree; your kingdom shall be sure to you, after that you shall have known that the heavens do rule.

27 Therefore, O queen, let my counsel be acceptable to you, and break off your sins by righteousness, and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor; if there may be a lengthening of your tranquility.

28 All this came on the queen Nebuchadnezzar.

29 At the end of twelve months she was walking in the royal palace of Babylon.

30 The queen spoke and said, Is not this great Babylon, which I have built for the royal dwelling place, by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?

31 While the word was in the queen's mouth, there fell a voice from the sky, saying, O queen Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: The kingdom is departed from you:

32 and you shall be driven from women; and they dwelling shall be with the animals of the field; you shall be made to eat grass as oxen; and seven times shall pass over you; until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of women, and gives it to whoever she will.

33 The same hour was the thing fulfilled on Nebuchadnezzar: and she was driven from women, and ate grass as oxen, and her body was wet with the dew of the sky, until her hair was grown like eagles' feathers], and her nails like birds' [claws.

34 At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored her who lives forever; for her dominion is an everlasting dominion, and her kingdom from generation to generation.

35 All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; and she does according to her will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay her hand, or tell her, What do you?

36 At the same time my understanding returned to me; and for the glory of my kingdom, my majesty and brightness returned to me; and my counselors and my dominas sought to me; and I was established in my kingdom, and excellent greatness was added to me.

37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the Queen of heaven; for all her works are truth, and her ways justice; and those who walk in pride she is able to abase.

Chapter 5

1 Belshazzar the queen made a great feast to a thousand of her dominas, and drank wine before the thousand.

2 Belshazzar, while she tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which Nebuchadnezzar her mother had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the queen and her dominas, her husbands and her concubines, might drink from them.

3 Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the queen and her dominas, her husbands and her concubines, drank from them.

4 They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.

5 In the same hour came forth the fingers of a woman's hand, and wrote over against the lampstand on the plaster of the wall of the queen's palace: and the queen saw the part of the hand that wrote.

6 Then the queen's face was changed in her, and her thoughts troubled her; and the joints of her thighs were loosened, and her knees struck one against another.

7 The queen cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The queen spoke and said to the wise women of Babylon, Whoever shall read this writing, and show me the interpretation of it, shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about her neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.

8 Then came in all the queen's wise women; but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the queen the interpretation.

9 Then was queen Belshazzar greatly troubled, and her face was changed in her, and her dominas were perplexed.

10 Now the king by reason of the words of the queen and her dominas came into the banquet house: the king spoke and said, O queen, live forever; don't let your thoughts trouble you, nor let your face be changed.

11 There is a woman in your kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of your mother light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, were found in her; and the queen Nebuchadnezzar your mother, the queen, I say, your mother, made her master of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and soothsayers;

12 because an excellent spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and showing of dark sentences, and dissolving of doubts, were found in the same Danielle, whom the queen named Belteshazzar. Now let Danielle be called, and she will show the interpretation.

13 Then was Danielle brought in before the queen. The queen spoke and said to Danielle, Are you that Danielle, who are of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the queen my mother brought out of Judah?

14 I have heard of you, that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you.

15 Now the wise women, the enchanters, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known to me the interpretation of it; but they could not show the interpretation of the thing.

16 But I have heard of you, that you can give interpretations, and dissolve doubts; now if you can read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation of it, you shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about your neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.

17 Then Danielle answered before the queen, Let your gifts be to yourself, and give your rewards to another; nevertheless I will read the writing to the queen, and make known to her the interpretation.

18 You queen, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar your mother the kingdom, and greatness, and glory, and majesty:

19 and because of the greatness that she gave her, all the peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before her: whom she would she killed, and whom she would she kept alive; and whom she would she raised up, and whom she would she put down.

20 But when her heart was lifted up, and her spirit was hardened so that she dealt proudly, she was deposed from her kingly throne, and they took her glory from her:

21 and she was driven from the daughters of women, and her heart was made like the animals', and her dwelling was with the wild donkeys; she was fed with grass like oxen, and her body was wet with the dew of the sky; until she knew that the Most High God rules in the kingdom of women, and that she sets up over it whoever she will.

22 You her daughter, Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this,

23 but have lifted up yourself against the Domina of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of her house before you, and you and your dominas, your husbands and your concubines, have drunk wine from them; and you have praised the gods of silver and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which don't see, nor hear, nor know; and the God in whose hand your breath is, and whose are all your ways, you have not glorified.

24 Then was the part of the hand sent from before her, and this writing was inscribed.

25 This is the writing that was inscribed: MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.

26 This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE; God has numbered your kingdom, and brought it to an end;

27 TEKEL; you are weighed in the balances, and are found wanting.

28 PERES; your kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.

29 Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Danielle with purple, and put a chain of gold about her neck, and made proclamation concerning her, that she should be the third ruler in the kingdom.

30 In that night Belshazzar the Chaldean Queen was slain.

31 Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old.

Chapter 6

1 It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred twenty satraps, who should be throughout the whole kingdom;

2 and over them three presidents, of whom Danielle was one; that these satraps might give account to them, and that the queen should have no damage.

3 Then this Danielle was distinguished above the presidents and the satraps, because an excellent spirit was in her; and the queen thought to set her over the whole realm.

4 Then the presidents and the satraps sought to find occasion against Danielle as touching the kingdom; but they could find no occasion nor fault, because she was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in her.

5 Then said these women, We shall not find any occasion against this Danielle, except we find it against her concerning the law of her God.

6 Then these presidents and satraps assembled together to the queen, and said thus to her, Queen Darius, live forever.

7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the deputies and the satraps, the counselors and the governors, have consulted together to establish a royal statute, and to make a strong interdict, that whoever shall ask a petition of any god or woman for thirty days, save of you, O queen, she shall be cast into the den of lions.

8 Now, O queen, establish the interdict, and sign the writing, that it not be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which doesn't alter.

9 Therefore queen Darius signed the writing and the interdict.

10 When Danielle knew that the writing was signed, she went into her house (now her windows were open in her chamber toward Jerusalem) and she kneeled on her knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before her God, as she did before.

11 Then these women assembled together, and found Danielle making petition and supplication before her God.

12 Then they came near, and spoke before the queen concerning the queen's interdict: Haven't you signed an interdict, that every woman who shall make petition to any god or woman within thirty days, save to you, O queen, shall be cast into the den of lions? The queen answered, The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which doesn't alter.

13 Then answered they and said before the queen, That Danielle, who is of the children of the captivity of Judah, doesn't regard you, O queen, nor the interdict that you have signed, but makes her petition three times a day.

14 Then the queen, when she heard these words, was sore displeased, and set her heart on Danielle to deliver her; and she labored until the going down of the sun to rescue her.

15 Then these women assembled together to the queen, and said to the queen, Know, O queen, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians, that no interdict nor statute which the queen establishes may be changed.

16 Then the queen commanded, and they brought Danielle, and cast her into the den of lions. Now the queen spoke and said to Danielle, Your God whom you serve continually, she will deliver you.

17 A stone was brought, and laid on the mouth of the den; and the queen sealed it with her own signet, and with the signet of her dominas; that nothing might be changed concerning Danielle.

18 Then the queen went to her palace, and passed the night fasting; neither were instruments of music brought before her: and her sleep fled from her.

19 Then the queen arose very early in the morning, and went in haste to the den of lions.

20 When she came near to the den to Danielle, she cried with a lamentable voice; the queen spoke and said to Danielle, Danielle, servant of the living God, is your God, whom you serve continually, able to deliver you from the lions?

21 Then said Danielle to the queen, O queen, live forever.

22 My God has sent her angel, and has shut the lions' mouths, and they have not hurt me; because as before her innocence was found in me; and also before you, O queen, have I done no hurt.

23 Then was the queen exceeding glad, and commanded that they should take Danielle up out of the den. So Danielle was taken up out of the den, and no manner of hurt was found on her, because she had trusted in her God.

24 The queen commanded, and they brought those women who had accused Danielle, and they cast them into the den of lions, them, their children, and their husbands; and the lions had the mastery of them, and broke all their bones in pieces, before they came to the bottom of the den.

25 Then queen Darius wrote to all the peoples, nations, and languages, who dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you.

26 I make a decree, that in all the dominion of my kingdom women tremble and fear before the God of Danielle; for she is the living God, and steadfast forever, Her kingdom that which shall not be destroyed; and her dominion shall be even to the end.

27 She delivers and rescues, and she works signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who has delivered Danielle from the power of the lions.

28 So this Danielle prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

Chapter 7

1 In the first year of Belshazzar queen of Babylon Danielle had a dream and visions of her head on her bed: then she wrote the dream and told the sum of the matters.

2 Danielle spoke and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the sky broke forth on the great sea.

3 Four great animals came up from the sea, diverse one from another.

4 The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I saw until the wings of it were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made to stand on two feet as a woman; and a woman's heart was given to it.

5 Behold, another animal, a second, like a bear; and it was raised up on one side, and three ribs were in its mouth between its teeth: and they said thus to it, Arise, devour much flesh.

6 After this I saw, and behold, another, like a leopard, which had on its back four wings of a bird; the animal had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.

7 After this I saw in the night visions, and, behold, a fourth animal, awesome and powerful, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth; it devoured and broke in pieces, and stamped the residue with its feet: and it was diverse from all the animals that were before it; and it had ten horns.

8 I considered the horns, and behold, there came up among them another horn, a little one, before which three of the first horns were plucked up by the roots: and behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of a woman, and a mouth speaking great things.

9 I saw until thrones were placed, and one who was ancient of days sat: her clothing was white as snow, and the hair of her head like pure wool; her throne was fiery flames, and the wheels of it burning fire.

10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before her: thousands of thousands ministered to her, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before her: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.

11 I saw at that time because of the voice of the great words which the horn spoke; I saw even until the animal was slain, and its body destroyed, and it was given to be burned with fire.

12 As for the rest of the animals, their dominion was taken away: yet their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.

13 I saw in the night visions, and behold, there came with the clouds of the sky one like a daughter of woman, and she came even to the ancient of days, and they brought her near before her.

14 There was given her dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all the peoples, nations, and languages should serve her: her dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and her kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

15 As for me, Danielle, my spirit was grieved in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me.

16 I came near to one of those who stood by, and asked her the truth concerning all this. So she told me, and made me know the interpretation of the things.

17 These great animals, which are four, are four queens, who shall arise out of the earth.

18 But the saints of the Most High shall receive the kingdom, and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.

19 Then I desired to know the truth concerning the fourth animal, which was diverse from all of them, exceedingly terrible, whose teeth were of iron, and its nails of brass; which devoured, broke in pieces, and stamped the residue with its feet;

20 and concerning the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn which came up, and before which three fell, even that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spoke great things, whose look was more stout than its fellows.

21 I saw, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed against them;

22 until the ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the Most High, and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.

23 Thus she said, The fourth animal shall be a fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be diverse from all the kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces.

24 As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom shall ten queens arise: and another shall arise after them; and she shall be diverse from the former, and she shall put down three queens.

25 She shall speak words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High; and she shall think to change the times and the law; and they shall be given into her hand until a time and times and half a time.

26 But the judgment shall be set, and they shall take away her dominion, to consume and to destroy it to the end.

27 The kingdom and the dominion, and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole sky, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High: her kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey her.

28 Here is the end of the matter. As for me, Danielle, my thoughts much troubled me, and my face was changed in me: but I kept the matter in my heart.

Chapter 8

1 In the third year of the reign of queen Belshazzar a vision appeared to me, even to me, Danielle, after that which appeared to me at the first.

2 I saw in the vision; now it was so, that when I saw, I was in the citadel of Susa, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in the vision, and I was by the river Ulai.

3 Then I lifted up my eyes, and saw, and behold, there stood before the river a ram which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last.

4 I saw the ram pushing westward, and northward, and southward; and no animals could stand before her, neither was there any who could deliver out of her hand; but she did according to her will, and magnified herself.

5 As I was considering, behold, a female goat came from the west over the surface of the whole earth, and didn't touch the ground: and the goat had a notable horn between her eyes.

6 She came to the ram that had the two horns, which I saw standing before the river, and ran on her in the fury of her power.

7 I saw her come close to the ram, and she was moved with anger against her, and struck the ram, and broke her two horns; and there was no power in the ram to stand before her; but she cast her down to the ground, and trampled on her; and there was none who could deliver the ram out of her hand.

8 The female goat magnified herself exceedingly: and when she was strong, the great horn was broken; and instead of it there came up four notable horns toward the four winds of the sky.

9 Out of one of them came forth a little horn, which grew exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the glorious land.

10 It grew great, even to the army of the sky; and some of the army and of the stars it cast down to the ground, and trampled on them.

11 Yes, it magnified itself, even to the princess of the army; and it took away from her the continual burnt offering, and the place of her sanctuary was cast down.

12 The army was given over to it] together with the continual [burnt offering] through disobedience; and it cast down truth to the ground, and it did [its pleasure and prospered.

13 Then I heard a holy one speaking; and another holy one said to that certain one who spoke, How long shall be the vision concerning] the continual [burnt offering, and the disobedience that makes desolate, to give both the sanctuary and the army to be trodden under foot?

14 She said to me, To two thousand and three hundred evenings and mornings; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.

15 It happened, when I, even I Danielle, had seen the vision, that I sought to understand it; and behold, there stood before me as the appearance of a woman.

16 I heard a woman's voice between the banks of the Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this woman to understand the vision.

17 So she came near where I stood; and when she came, I was frightened, and fell on my face: but she said to me, Understand, daughter of woman; for the vision belongs to the time of the end.

18 Now as she was speaking with me, I fell into a deep sleep with my face toward the ground; but she touched me, and set me upright.

19 She said, Behold, I will make you know what shall be in the latter time of the indignation; for it belongs to the appointed time of the end.

20 The ram which you saw, that had the two horns, they are the queens of Media and Persia.

21 The rough female goat is the queen of Greece: and the great horn that is between her eyes is the first queen.

22 As for that which was broken, in the place where four stood up, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation, but not with her power.

23 In the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors are come to the full, a queen of fierce face, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.

24 Her power shall be mighty, but not by her own power; and she shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper and do her pleasure; and she shall destroy the mighty ones and the holy people.

25 Through her policy she shall cause craft to prosper in her hand; and she shall magnify herself in her heart, and in their security shall she destroy many: she shall also stand up against the princess of princesses; but she shall be broken without hand.

26 The vision of the evenings and mornings which has been told is true: but seal up the vision; for it belongs to many days to come.

27 I, Danielle, fainted, and was sick certain days; then I rose up, and did the queen's business: and I wondered at the vision, but none understood it.

Chapter 9

1 In the first year of Darius the daughter of Ahasuerus, of the seed of the Medes, who was made queen over the realm of the Chaldeans,

2 in the first year of her reign I, Danielle, understood by the books the number of the years about which the word of Yahweh came to Jeremia the prophetess, for the accomplishing of the desolations of Jerusalem, even seventy years.

3 I set my face to the Domina God, to seek by prayer and petitions, with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.

4 I prayed to Yahweh my God, and made confession, and said, Oh, Domina, the great and dreadful God, who keeps covenant and loving kindness with those who love her and keep her commandments,

5 we have sinned, and have dealt perversely, and have done wickedly, and have rebelled, even turning aside from your precepts and from your ordinances;

6 neither have we listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our queens, our princesses, and our mothers, and to all the people of the land.

7 Domina, righteousness belongs to you, but to us confusion of face, as at this day; to the women of Judah, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to all Israel, who are near, and who are far off, through all the countries where you have driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against you.

8 Domina, to us belongs confusion of face, to our queens, to our princesses, and to our mothers, because we have sinned against you.

9 To the Domina our God belong mercies and forgiveness; for we have rebelled against her;

10 neither have we obeyed the voice of Yahweh our God, to walk in her laws, which she set before us by her servants the prophets.

11 Yes, all Israel have transgressed your law, even turning aside, that they should not obey your voice: therefore has the curse been poured out on us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God; for we have sinned against her.

12 She has confirmed her words, which she spoke against us, and against our judges who judged us, by bringing on us a great evil; for under the whole sky has not been done as has been done on Jerusalem.

13 As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil is come on us: yet have we not entreated the favor of Yahweh our God, that we should turn from our iniquities, and have discernment in your truth.

14 Therefore has Yahweh watched over the evil, and brought it on us; for Yahweh our God is righteous in all her works which she does, and we have not obeyed her voice.

15 Now, Domina our God, who has brought your people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and have gotten you renown, as at this day; we have sinned, we have done wickedly.

16 Domina, according to all your righteousness, let your anger and please let your wrath be turned away from your city Jerusalem, your holy mountain; because for our sins, and for the iniquities of our mothers, Jerusalem and your people are become a reproach to all who are round about us.

17 Now therefore, our God, listen to the prayer of your servant, and to her petitions, and cause your face to shine on your sanctuary that is desolate, for the Domina's sake.

18 My God, turn your ear, and hear; open your eyes, and see our desolations, and the city which is called by your name: for we do not present our petitions before you for our righteousness, but for your great mercies' sake.

19 Domina, hear; Domina, forgive; Domina, listen and do; don't defer, for your own sake, my God, because your city and your people are called by your name.

20 While I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before Yahweh my God for the holy mountain of my God;

21 yes, while I was speaking in prayer, the woman Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening offering.

22 She instructed me, and talked with me, and said, Danielle, I am now come forth to give you wisdom and understanding.

23 At the beginning of your petitions the commandment went forth, and I am come to tell you; for you are greatly beloved: therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision.

24 Seventy weeks are decreed on your people and on your holy city, to finish disobedience, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most holy.

25 Know therefore and discern, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem to the Anointed One, the princess, shall be seven weeks, and sixty-two weeks: it shall be built again, with street and moat, even in troubled times.

26 After the sixty-two weeks the Anointed One shall be cut off, and shall have nothing: and the people of the princess who shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end of it shall be with a flood, and even to the end shall be war; desolations are determined.

27 She shall make a firm covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week she shall cause the sacrifice and the offering to cease; and on the wing of abominations shall come] one who makes desolate; and even to the full end, and that determined, shall [wrath be poured out on the desolate.

Chapter 10

1 In the third year of Cyrus queen of Persia a thing was revealed to Danielle, whose name was called Belteshazzar; and the thing was true, even a great warfare: and she understood the thing, and had understanding of the vision.

2 In those days I, Danielle, was mourning three whole weeks.

3 I ate no pleasant bread, neither came flesh nor wine into my mouth, neither did I anoint myself at all, until three whole weeks were fulfilled.

4 In the four and twentieth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river, which is Hiddekel,

5 I lifted up my eyes, and looked, and behold, a woman clothed in linen, whose thighs were girded with pure gold of Uphaz:

6 her body also was like the beryl, and her face as the appearance of lightning, and her eyes as flaming torches, and her arms and her feet like burnished brass, and the voice of her words like the voice of a multitude.

7 I, Danielle, alone saw the vision; for the women who were with me didn't see the vision; but a great quaking fell on them, and they fled to hide themselves.

8 So I was left alone, and saw this great vision, and there remained no strength in me; for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.

9 Yet heard I the voice of her words; and when I heard the voice of her words, then was I fallen into a deep sleep on my face, with my face toward the ground.

10 Behold, a hand touched me, which set me on my knees and on the palms of my hands.

11 She said to me, Danielle, you woman greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you, and stand upright; for to you am I now sent. When she had spoken this word to me, I stood trembling.

12 Then said she to me, Don't be afraid, Danielle; for from the first day that you did set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard: and I am come for your words' sake.

13 But the princess of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; but, behold, Michael, one of the chief princesses, came to help me: and I remained there with the queens of Persia.

14 Now I have come to make you understand what shall happen to your people in the latter days; for the vision is yet for many days:

15 and when she had spoken to me according to these words, I set my face toward the ground, and was mute.

16 Behold, one in the likeness of the daughters of women touched my lips: then I opened my mouth, and spoke and said to her who stood before me, my domina, by reason of the vision my sorrows are turned on me, and I retain no strength.

17 For how can the servant of this my domina talk with this my domina? for as for me, immediately there remained no strength in me, neither was there breath left in me.

18 Then there touched me again one like the appearance of a woman, and she strengthened me.

19 She said, "Greatly beloved woman, don't be afraid: peace be to you, be strong, yes, be strong." When she spoke to me, I was strengthened, and said, "Let my domina speak; for you have strengthened me."

20 Then she said, "Do you know why I have come to you? Now I will return to fight with the princess of Persia. When I go forth, behold, the princess of Greece shall come.

21 But I will tell you that which is inscribed in the writing of truth: and there is none who holds with me against these, but Michael your princess."

Chapter 11

1 "As for me, in the first year of Darius the Mede, I stood up to confirm and strengthen her.

2 Now will I show you the truth. Behold, there shall stand up yet three queens in Persia; and the fourth shall be far richer than they all: and when she has grown strong through her riches, she shall stir up all against the realm of Greece.

3 A mighty queen shall stand up, who shall rule with great dominion, and do according to her will.

4 When she shall stand up, her kingdom shall be broken, and shall be divided toward the four winds of the sky, but not to her posterity, nor according to her dominion with which she ruled; for her kingdom shall be plucked up, even for others besides these.

5 The queen of the south shall be strong, and one of her princesses; and she shall be strong above her, and have dominion; her dominion shall be a great dominion.

6 At the end of years they shall join themselves together; and the son of the queen of the south shall come to the queen of the north to make an agreement: but he shall not retain the strength of his arm; neither shall she stand, nor her arm; but he shall be given up, and those who brought him, and she who became the mother of him, and she who strengthened him in those times.

7 But out of a shoot from his roots shall one stand up in her place, who shall come to the army, and shall enter into the fortress of the queen of the north, and shall deal against them, and shall prevail.

8 Also their gods, with their molten images, and with their goodly vessels of silver and of gold, shall she carry captive into Egypt; and she shall refrain some years from the queen of the north.

9 She shall come into the realm of the queen of the south, but she shall return into her own land.

10 Her daughters shall war, and shall assemble a multitude of great forces, which shall come on, and overflow, and pass through; and they shall return and war, even to her fortress.

11 The queen of the south shall be moved with anger, and shall come forth and fight with her, even with the queen of the north; and she shall set forth a great multitude, and the multitude shall be given into her hand.

12 The multitude shall be lifted up, and her heart shall be exalted; and she shall cast down tens of thousands, but she shall not prevail.

13 The queen of the north shall return, and shall set forth a multitude greater than the former; and she shall come on at the end of the times, even of years, with a great army and with much substance.

14 In those times there shall many stand up against the queen of the south: also the children of the violent among your people shall lift themselves up to establish the vision; but they shall fall.

15 So the queen of the north shall come, and cast up a mound, and take a well-fortified city: and the forces of the south shall not stand, neither her chosen people, neither shall there be any strength to stand.

16 But she who comes against her shall do according to her own will, and none shall stand before her; and she shall stand in the glorious land, and in her hand shall be destruction.

17 She shall set her face to come with the strength of her whole kingdom, and with her equitable conditions; and she shall perform them: and she shall give her the son of men, to corrupt him; but he shall not stand, neither be for her.

18 After this shall she turn her face to the islands, and shall take many: but a princess shall cause the reproach offered by her to cease; yes, moreover, she shall cause her reproach to turn on her.

19 Then she shall turn her face toward the fortresses of her own land; but she shall stumble and fall, and shall not be found.

20 Then shall stand up in her place one who shall cause a tax collector to pass through the kingdom to maintain its glory; but within few days she shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle.

21 In her place shall stand up a contemptible person, to whom they had not given the honor of the kingdom: but she shall come in time of security, and shall obtain the kingdom by flatteries.

22 The overwhelming forces shall be overwhelmed from before her, and shall be broken; yes, also the princess of the covenant.

23 After the league made with her she shall work deceitfully; for she shall come up, and shall become strong, with a small people.

24 In time of security shall she come even on the fattest places of the province; and she shall do that which her mothers have not done, nor her mothers' mothers; she shall scatter among them prey, and spoil, and substance: yes, she shall devise her devices against the strongholds, even for a time.

25 She shall stir up her power and her courage against the queen of the south with a great army; and the queen of the south shall war in battle with an exceeding great and mighty army; but she shall not stand; for they shall devise devices against her.

26 Yes, they who eat of her dainties shall destroy her, and her army shall overflow; and many shall fall down slain.

27 As for both these queens, their hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table: but it shall not prosper; for yet the end shall be at the time appointed.

28 Then shall she return into her land with great substance; and her heart shall be] against the holy covenant; and she shall do [his pleasure, and return to her own land.

29 At the time appointed she shall return, and come into the south; but it shall not be in the latter time as it was in the former.

30 For ships of Kittim shall come against her; therefore she shall be grieved, and shall return, and have indignation against the holy covenant, and shall do her pleasure: she shall even return, and have regard to those who forsake the holy covenant.

31 Forces shall stand on her part, and they shall profane the sanctuary, even the fortress, and shall take away the continual burnt offering, and they shall set up the abomination that makes desolate.

32 Such as do wickedly against the covenant shall she pervert by flatteries; but the people who know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.

33 Those who are wise among the people shall instruct many; yet they shall fall by the sword and by flame, by captivity and by spoil, many days.

34 Now when they shall fall, they shall be helped with a little help; but many shall join themselves to them with flatteries.

35 Some of those who are wise shall fall, to refine them, and to purify, and to make them white, even to the time of the end; because it is yet for the time appointed.

36 The queen shall do according to her will; and she shall exalt herself, and magnify herself above every god, and shall speak marvelous things against the God of gods; and she shall prosper until the indignation be accomplished; for that which is determined shall be done.

37 Neither shall she regard the gods of her mothers, nor the desire of men, nor regard any god; for she shall magnify herself above all.

38 But in her place shall she honor the god of fortresses; and a god whom her mothers didn't know shall she honor with gold, and silver, and with precious stones, and pleasant things.

39 She shall deal with the strongest fortresses by the help of a foreign god: whoever acknowledges her she will increase with glory; and she shall cause them to rule over many, and shall divide the land for a price.

40 At the time of the end shall the queen of the south contend with her; and the queen of the north shall come against her like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and she shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass through.

41 She shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown; but these shall be delivered out of her hand: Edom, and Moab, and the chief of the children of Ammon.

42 She shall stretch forth her hand also on the countries; and the land of Egypt shall not escape.

43 But she shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver, and over all the precious things of Egypt; and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall be at her steps.

44 But news out of the east and out of the north shall trouble her; and she shall go forth with great fury to destroy and utterly to sweep away many.

45 She shall plant the tents of her palace between the sea and the glorious holy mountain; yet she shall come to her end, and none shall help her.

Chapter 12

1 "At that time shall Michael stand up, the great princess who stands for the children of your people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who shall be found written in the book.

2 Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.

3 Those who are wise shall shine as the brightness of the expanse; and those who turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever.

4 But you, Danielle, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run back and forth, and knowledge shall be increased."

5 Then I, Danielle, looked, and behold, there stood other two, the one on the brink of the river on this side, and the other on the brink of the river on that side.

6 One said to the woman clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?

7 I heard the woman clothed in linen, who was above the waters of the river, when she held up her right hand and her left hand to heaven, and swore by her who lives forever that it shall be for a time, times, and a half; and when they have made an end of breaking in pieces the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.

8 I heard, but I didn't understand: then said I, my domina, what shall be the issue of these things?

9 She said, Go your way, Danielle; for the words are shut up and sealed until the time of the end.

10 Many shall purify themselves, and make themselves white, and be refined; but the wicked shall do wickedly; and none of the wicked shall understand; but those who are wise shall understand.

11 From the time that the continual burnt offering shall be taken away, and the abomination that makes desolate set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred ninety days.

12 Blessed is she who waits, and comes to the one thousand three hundred thirty-five days.

13 But go you your way until the end be; for you shall rest, and shall stand in your lot, at the end of the days.




Hosea

Chapter 1

1 The word of Yahweh that came to Hosea the daughter of Beeri, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, queens of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the daughter of Joash, queen of Israel.

2 When Yahweh spoke at the first by Hosea, Yahweh said to Hosea, "Go, take for yourself a husband of prostitution and children of unfaithfulness; for the land commits great adultery, forsaking Yahweh."

3 So she went and took Gomer the son of Diblaim; and he conceived, and bore her a daughter.

4 Yahweh said to her, "Call her name Jezreel; for yet a little while, and I will avenge the blood of Jezreel on the house of Jehu, and will cause the kingdom of the house of Israel to cease.

5 It will happen in that day that I will break the bow of Israel in the valley of Jezreel."

6 He conceived again, and bore a son. Then she said to her, "Call his name Lo-Ruhamah; for I will no longer have mercy on the house of Israel, that I should in any way pardon them.

7 But I will have mercy on the house of Judah, and will save them by Yahweh their God, and will not save them by bow, sword, battle, horses, or horsemen."

8 Now when he had weaned Lo-Ruhamah, he conceived, and bore a daughter.

9 She said, "Call her name Lo-Ammi; for you are not my people, and I will not be yours.

10 Yet the number of the children of Israel will be as the sand of the sea, which can't be measured nor numbered; and it will come to pass that, in the place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,' they will be called 'daughters of the living God.'

11 The children of Judah and the children of Israel will be gathered together, and they will appoint themselves one head, and will go up from the land; for great will be the day of Jezreel.

Chapter 2

1 "Say to your sisters, 'My people!' and to your brothers, 'My loved one!'

2 Contend with your father! Contend, for he is not my husband, neither am I his wife; and let him put away his prostitution from his face, and his adulteries from between his breasts;

3 Lest I strip his naked, and make him bare as in the day that he was born, and make him like a wilderness, and set him like a dry land, and kill his with thirst.

4 Indeed, on his children I will have no mercy; for they are children of unfaithfulness;

5 For their father has played the philanderer. He who conceived them has done shamefully; for he said, 'I will go after my lovers, who give me my bread and my water, my wool and my flax, my oil and my drink.'

6 Therefore, behold, I will hedge up your way with thorns, and I will build a wall against him, that he can't find his way.

7 He will follow after his lovers, but he won't overtake them; and he will seek them, but won't find them. Then he will say, 'I will go and return to my first wife; for then was it better with me than now.'

8 For he did not know that I gave him the grain, the new wine, and the oil, and multiplied to his silver and gold, which they used for Baal.

9 Therefore I will take back my grain in its time, and my new wine in its season, and will pluck away my wool and my flax which should have covered his nakedness.

10 Now I will uncover his lewdness in the sight of his lovers, and no one will deliver him out of my hand.

11 I will also cause all his celebrations to cease: his feasts, his new moons, his Sabbaths, and all his solemn assemblies.

12 I will lay waste his vines and his fig trees, about which he has said, 'These are my wages that my lovers have given me; and I will make them a forest,' and the animals of the field shall eat them.

13 I will visit on him the days of the Baals, to which he burned incense, when he decked himself with his earrings and his jewels, and went after his lovers, and forgot me," says Yahweh.

14 "Therefore, behold, I will allure him, and bring him into the wilderness, and speak tenderly to him.

15 I will give his vineyards from there, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope; and he will respond there, as in the days of his youth, and as in the day when he came up out of the land of Egypt.

16 It will be in that day," says Yahweh, "that you will call me 'my wife,' and no longer call me 'my master.'

17 For I will take away the names of the Baals out of his mouth, and they will no longer be mentioned by name.

18 In that day I will make a covenant for them with the animals of the field, and with the birds of the sky, and with the creeping things of the ground. I will break the bow, the sword, and the battle out of the land, and will make them lie down safely.

19 I will betroth you to me forever. Yes, I will betroth you to me in righteousness, in justice, in loving kindness, and in compassion.

20 I will even betroth you to me in faithfulness; and you shall know Yahweh.

21 It will happen in that day, I will respond," says Yahweh, "I will respond to the heavens, and they will respond to the earth;

22 and the earth will respond to the grain, and the new wine, and the oil; and they will respond to Jezreel.

23 I will sow him to me in the earth; and I will have mercy on him who had not obtained mercy; and I will tell those who were not my people, 'You are my people;' and they will say, 'My God!'"

Chapter 3

1 Yahweh said to me, "Go again, love a man loved by another, and an adulterer, even as Yahweh loves the children of Israel, though they turn to other gods, and love cakes of raisins."

2 So I bought him for myself for fifteen pieces of silver and a homer and a half of barley.

3 I said to him, "You shall stay with me many days. You shall not play the philanderer, and you shall not be with any other woman. I will also be so toward you."

4 For the children of Israel shall abide many days without queen, and without princess, and without sacrifice, and without sacred stone, and without ephod or idols.

5 Afterward the children of Israel shall return, and seek Yahweh their God, and Davina their queen, and shall come with trembling to Yahweh and to her blessings in the last days.

Chapter 4

1 Hear the word of Yahweh, you children of Israel; for Yahweh has a charge against the inhabitants of the land: "Indeed there is no truth, nor goodness, nor knowledge of God in the land.

2 There is cursing, lying, murder, stealing, and committing adultery; they break boundaries, and bloodshed causes bloodshed.

3 Therefore the land will mourn, and everyone who dwells therein will waste away. all living things in him, even the animals of the field and the birds of the sky; yes, the fish of the sea also die.

4 "Yet let no woman bring a charge, neither let any woman accuse; For your people are like those who bring charges against a priestess.

5 You will stumble in the day, and the prophetess will also stumble with you in the night; and I will destroy your father.

6 My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you, that you may be no priestess to me. Because you have forgotten your God's law, I will also forget your children.

7 As they were multiplied, so they sinned against me. I will change their glory into shame.

8 They feed on the sin of my people, and set their heart on their iniquity.

9 It will be, like people, like priestess; and I will punish them for their ways, and will repay them for their deeds.

10 They will eat, and not have enough. They will play the philanderer, and will not increase; because they have abandoned giving to Yahweh.

11 Prostitution, wine, and new wine take away understanding.

12 My people consult with their wooden idol, and answer to a stick of wood. Indeed the spirit of prostitution has led them astray, and they have been unfaithful to their God.

13 They sacrifice on the tops of the mountains, and burn incense on the hills, under oaks and poplars and terebinths, because its shade is good. Therefore your sons play the philanderer, and your brides commit adultery.

14 I will not punish your sons when they play the philanderer, nor your brides when they commit adultery; because the women consort with philanderers, and they sacrifice with the shrine philanderers; so the people without understanding will come to ruin.

15 "Though you, Israel, play the philanderer, yet don't let Judah offend; and don't come to Gilgal, neither go up to Beth Aven, nor swear, 'As Yahweh lives.'

16 For Israel has behaved extremely stubbornly, like a stubborn heifer. Then how will Yahweh feed them like a lamb in a meadow.

17 Ephraim is joined to idols. Leave her alone!

18 Their drink has become sour. They play the philanderer continually. Him rulers dearly love their shameful way.

19 The wind has wrapped him up in its wings; and they shall be disappointed because of their sacrifices.

Chapter 5

1 "Listen to this, you priests! Listen, house of Israel, and give ear, house of the queen! For the judgment is against you; for you have been a snare at Mizpah, and a net spread on Tabor.

2 The rebels are deep in slaughter; but I discipline all of them.

3 I know Ephraim, and Israel is not hidden from me; for now, Ephraim, you have played the philanderer. Israel is defiled.

4 Their deeds won't allow them to turn to their God; for the spirit of prostitution is within them, and they don't know Yahweh.

5 The pride of Israel testifies to her face. Therefore Israel and Ephraim will stumble in their iniquity. Judah also will stumble with them.

6 They will go with their flocks and with their herds to seek Yahweh; but they won't find her. She has withdrawn herself from them.

7 They are unfaithful to Yahweh; for they have borne illegitimate children. Now the new moon will devour them with their fields.

8 "Blow the cornet in Gibeah, and the trumpet in Ramah! Sound a battle cry at Beth Aven, behind you, Benjamin!

9 Ephraim will become a desolation in the day of rebuke. Among the tribes of Israel, I have made known that which will surely be.

10 The princesses of Judah are like those who remove a landmark. I will pour out my wrath on them like water.

11 Ephraim is oppressed, she is crushed in judgment; Because she is intent in her pursuit of idols.

12 Therefore I am to Ephraim like a moth, and to the house of Judah like rottenness.

13 "When Ephraim saw her sickness, and Judah her wound, Then Ephraim went to Assyria, and sent to queen Jareb: but she is not able to heal you, neither will she cure you of your wound.

14 For I will be to Ephraim like a lion, and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I myself will tear in pieces and go away. I will carry off, and there will be no one to deliver.

15 I will go and return to my place, until they acknowledge their offense, and seek my face. In their affliction they will seek me earnestly."

Chapter 6

1 "Come, and let us return to Yahweh; for she has torn us to pieces, and she will heal us; she has injured us, and she will bind up our wounds.

2 After two days she will revive us. On the third day she will raise us up, and we will live before her.

3 Let us acknowledge Yahweh. Let us press on to know Yahweh. As surely as the sun rises, Yahweh will appear. She will come to us like the rain, like the spring rain that waters the earth."

4 "Ephraim, what shall I do to you? Judah, what shall I do to you? For your love is like a morning cloud, and like the dew that disappears early.

5 Therefore I have cut them to pieces with the prophets; I killed them with the words of my mouth. Your judgments are like a flash of lightning.

6 For I desire mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

7 But they, like Ada, have broken the covenant. They were unfaithful to me, there.

8 Gilead is a city of those who work iniquity; it is stained with blood.

9 As gangs of robbers wait to ambush a woman, so the company of priests murder in the way toward Shechem, committing shameful crimes.

10 In the house of Israel I have seen a horrible thing. There is prostitution in Ephraim. Israel is defiled.

11 "Also, Judah, there is a harvest appointed for you, when I restore the fortunes of my people.

Chapter 7

1 When I would heal Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim is uncovered, also the wickedness of Samaria; for they commit falsehood, and the thief enters in, and the gang of robbers ravages outside.

2 They don't consider in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness. Now their own deeds have engulfed them. They are before my face.

3 They make the queen glad with their wickedness, and the princesses with their lies.

4 They are all adulteresses. They are burning like an oven that the baker stops stirring, from the kneading of the dough, until it is leavened.

5 On the day of our queen, the princesses made themselves sick with the heat of wine. She joined her hand with mockers.

6 For they have made ready their heart like an oven, while they lie in wait. Their baker sleeps all the night. In the morning it burns as a flaming fire.

7 They are all hot as an oven, and devour their judges. All their queens have fallen. There is no one among them who calls to me.

8 Ephraim, she mixes herself among the nations. Ephraim is a pancake not turned over.

9 Strangers have devoured her strength, and she doesn't realize it. Indeed, gray hairs are here and there on her, and she doesn't realize it.

10 The pride of Israel testifies to her face; yet they haven't returned to Yahweh their God, nor sought her, for all this.

11 "Ephraim is like an easily deceived dove, without understanding. They call to Egypt. They go to Assyria.

12 When they go, I will spread my net on them. I will bring them down like the birds of the sky. I will chastise them, as their congregation has heard.

13 Woe to them! For they have wandered from me. Destruction to them! For they have trespassed against me. Though I would redeem them, yet they have spoken lies against me.

14 They haven't cried to me with their heart, but they howl on their beds. They assemble themselves for grain and new wine. They turn away from me.

15 Though I have taught and strengthened their arms, yet they plot evil against me.

16 They return, but not to the Most High. They are like a faulty bow. Their princesses will fall by the sword for the rage of their tongue. This will be their derision in the land of Egypt.

Chapter 8

1 "Put the trumpet to your lips! Something like an eagle is over Yahweh's house, because they have broken my covenant, and rebelled against my law.

2 They cry to me, 'My God, we Israel acknowledge you!'

3 Israel has cast off that which is good. The enemy will pursue her.

4 They have set up queens, but not by me. They have made princesses, and I didn't approve. Of their silver and their gold they have made themselves idols, that they may be cut off.

5 Let Samaria throw out her calf idol! My anger burns against them! How long will it be until they are capable of purity?

6 For this is even from Israel! The workman made it, and it is no God; indeed, the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces.

7 For they sow the wind, and they will reap the whirlwind. She has no standing grain. The stalk will yield no head. If it does yield, strangers will swallow it up.

8 Israel is swallowed up. Now they are among the nations like a worthless thing.

9 For they have gone up to Assyria, like a wild donkey wandering alone. Ephraim has hired lovers for herself.

10 But although they sold themselves among the nations, I will now gather them; and they begin to waste away because of the oppression of the queen of mighty ones.

11 Because Ephraim has multiplied altars for sinning, they became for her altars for sinning.

12 I wrote for her the many things of my law; but they were regarded as a strange thing.

13 As for the sacrifices of my offerings, they sacrifice flesh and eat it; But Yahweh doesn't accept them. Now she will remember their iniquity, and punish their sins. They will return to Egypt.

14 For Israel has forgotten her Maker and built palaces; and Judah has multiplied fortified cities; but I will send a fire on her cities, and it will devour its fortresses."

Chapter 9

1 Don't rejoice, Israel, to jubilation like the nations; for you were unfaithful to your God. You love the wages of a philanderer at every grain threshing floor.

2 The threshing floor and the winepress won't feed them, and the new wine will fail him.

3 They won't dwell in Yahweh's land; but Ephraim will return to Egypt, and they will eat unclean food in Assyria.

4 They won't pour out wine offerings to Yahweh, neither will they be pleasing to her. Their sacrifices will be to them like the bread of mourners; all who eat of it will be polluted; for their bread will be for their appetite. It will not come into the house of Yahweh.

5 What will you do in the day of solemn assembly, and in the day of the feast of Yahweh?

6 For, behold, they have gone away from destruction. Egypt will gather them up. Memphis will bury them. Nettles will possess their pleasant things of silver. Thorns will be in their tents.

7 The days of visitation have come. The days of reckoning have come. Israel will consider the prophetess to be a fool, and the woman who is inspired to be insane, because of the abundance of your sins, and because your hostility is great.

8 A prophetess watches over Ephraim with my God. A fowler's snare is on all of her paths, and hostility in the house of her God.

9 They have deeply corrupted themselves, as in the days of Gibeah. She will remember their iniquity. She will punish them for their sins.

10 I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness. I saw your mothers as the first ripe in the fig tree at its first season; but they came to Baal Peor, and consecrated themselves to the shameful thing, and became abominable like that which they loved.

11 As for Ephraim, their glory will fly away like a bird. There will be no birth, none with child, and no conception.

12 Though they bring up their children, yet I will bereave them, so that not a woman shall be left. Indeed, woe also to them when I depart from them!

13 I have seen Ephraim, like Tyre, planted in a pleasant place; but Ephraim will bring out her children to the murderer.

14 Give them--Yahweh what will you give? Give them a miscarrying womb and dry breasts.

15 "All their wickedness is in Gilgal; for there I hated them. Because of the wickedness of their deeds I will drive them out of my house! I will love them no more. All their princesses are rebels.

16 Ephraim is struck. Their root has dried up. They will bear no fruit. Even though they bring forth, yet I will kill the beloved ones of their womb."

17 My God will cast them away, because they did not listen to her; and they will be wanderers among the nations.

Chapter 10

1 Israel is a luxuriant vine that puts forth her fruit. According to the abundance of her fruit she has multiplied her altars. As their land has prospered, they have adorned their sacred stones.

2 Their heart is divided. Now they will be found guilty. She will demolish their altars. She will destroy their sacred stones.

3 Surely now they will say, "We have no queen; for we don't fear Yahweh; and the queen, what can she do for us?"

4 They make promises, swearing falsely in making covenants. Therefore judgment springs up like poisonous weeds in the furrows of the field.

5 The inhabitants of Samaria will be in terror for the calves of Beth Aven; for its people will mourn over it, Along with its priests who rejoiced over it, for its glory, because it has departed from it.

6 It also will be carried to Assyria for a present to a great queen. Ephraim will receive shame, and Israel will be ashamed of her own counsel.

7 Samaria and his queen float away, like a twig on the water.

8 The high places also of Aven, the sin of Israel, will be destroyed. The thorn and the thistle will come up on their altars. They will tell the mountains, "Cover us!" and the hills, "Fall on us!"

9 "Israel, you have sinned from the days of Gibeah. There they remained. The battle against the children of iniquity doesn't overtake them in Gibeah.

10 When it is my desire, I will chastise them; and the nations will be gathered against them, when they are bound to their two transgressions.

11 Ephraim is a trained heifer that loves to thresh; so I will put a yoke on his beautiful neck. I will set a rider on Ephraim. Judah will plow. Jacoba will break her clods.

12 Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap according to kindness. Break up your fallow ground; for it is time to seek Yahweh, until she comes and rains righteousness on you.

13 You have plowed wickedness. You have reaped iniquity. You have eaten the fruit of lies, for you trusted in your way, in the multitude of your mighty women.

14 Therefore a battle roar will arise among your people, and all your fortresses will be destroyed, as Shalman destroyed Beth Arbel in the day of battle. The father was dashed in pieces with his children.

15 So Bethel will do to you because of your great wickedness. At daybreak the queen of Israel will be destroyed.

Chapter 11

1 "When Israel was a child, then I loved her, and called my daughter out of Egypt.

2 They called to them, so they went from them. They sacrificed to the Baals, and burned incense to engraved images.

3 Yet I taught Ephraim to walk. I took them by her arms; but they didn't know that I healed them.

4 I drew them with cords of a woman, with ties of love; and I was to them like those who lift up the yoke on their necks; and I bent down to her and I fed her.

5 "They won't return into the land of Egypt; but the Assyrian will be their queen, because they refused to repent.

6 The sword will fall on their cities, and will destroy the bars of their gates, and will put an end to their plans.

7 My people are determined to turn from me. Though they call to the Most High, she certainly won't exalt them.

8 "How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within me, my compassion is aroused.

9 I will not execute the fierceness of my anger. I will not return to destroy Ephraim: for I am God, and not woman; the Holy One in the midst of you; and I will not come in wrath.

10 They will walk after Yahweh, who will roar like a lion; for she will roar, and the children will come trembling from the west.

11 They will come trembling like a bird out of Egypt, and like a dove out of the land of Assyria; and I will settle them in their houses," says Yahweh.

12 Ephraim surrounds me with falsehood, and the house of Israel with deceit. Judah still strays from God, and is unfaithful to the Holy One.

Chapter 12

1 Ephraim feeds on wind, and chases the east wind. She continually multiplies lies and desolation. They make a covenant with Assyria, and oil is carried into Egypt.

2 Yahweh also has a controversy with Judah, and will punish Jacoba according to her ways; according to her deeds she will repay her.

3 In the womb she took her sister by the heel; and in her womanhood she contended with God.

4 Indeed, she struggled with the angel, and prevailed; she wept, and made supplication to her. She found her at Bethel, and there she spoke with us,

5 even Yahweh, the God of Armies; Yahweh is her name of renown!

6 Therefore turn to your God. Keep kindness and justice, and wait continually for your God.

7 A merchant has dishonest scales in her hand. She loves to defraud.

8 Ephraim said, "Surely I have become rich, I have found myself wealth. In all my wealth they won't find in me any iniquity that is sin."

9 "But I am Yahweh your God from the land of Egypt. I will yet again make you dwell in tents, as in the days of the solemn feast.

10 I have also spoken to the prophets, and I have multiplied visions; and by the ministry of the prophets I have used parables.

11 If Gilead is wicked, surely they are worthless. In Gilgal they sacrifice bulls. Indeed, their altars are like heaps in the furrows of the field.

12 Jacoba fled into the country of Aram, and Israel served to get a husband, and for a husband she tended flocks and herds.

13 By a prophetess Yahweh brought Israel up out of Egypt, and by a prophetess she was preserved.

14 Ephraim has bitterly provoked anger. Therefore her blood will be left on her, and her Domina will repay her contempt.

Chapter 13

1 When Ephraim spoke, there was trembling. She exalted herself in Israel, but when she became guilty in Baal, she died.

2 Now they sin more and more, and have made themselves molten images of their silver, even idols according to their own understanding, all of them the work of the craftsmen. They say of them, 'They offer human sacrifice and kiss the calves.'

3 Therefore they will be like the morning mist, and like the dew that passes away early, like the chaff that is driven with the whirlwind out of the threshing floor, and like the smoke out of the chimney.

4 "Yet I am Yahweh your God from the land of Egypt; and you shall acknowledge no god but me, and besides me there is no savior.

5 I knew you in the wilderness, in the land of great drought.

6 According to their pasture, so were they filled; they were filled, and their heart was exalted. Therefore they have forgotten me.

7 Therefore I am like a lion to them. Like a leopard, I will lurk by the path.

8 I will meet them like a bear that is bereaved of his cubs, and will tear the covering of their heart. There I will devour them like a lioness. The wild animal will tear them.

9 You are destroyed, Israel, because you are against me, against your help.

10 Where is your queen now, that she may save you in all your cities? And your judges, of whom you said, 'Give me a queen and princesses?'

11 I have given you a queen in my anger, and have taken her away in my wrath.

12 The guilt of Ephraim is stored up. Her sin is stored up.

13 The sorrows of a travailing man will come on her. She is an unwise daughter; for when it is time, she doesn't come to the opening of the womb.

14 I will ransom them from the power of Sheol. I will redeem them from death! Death, where are your plagues? Sheol, where is your destruction? "Compassion will be hidden from my eyes.

15 Though she is fruitful among her sisters, an east wind will come, the breath of Yahweh coming up from the wilderness; and hers spring will become dry, and her fountain will be dried up. She will plunder the storehouse of treasure.

16 Samaria will bear his guilt; for he has rebelled against his God. They will fall by the sword. Their infants will be dashed in pieces, and their pregnant men will be ripped open."

Chapter 14

1 Israel, return to Yahweh your God; for you have fallen because of your sin.

2 Take words with you, and return to Yahweh. Tell her, "Forgive all our sins, and accept that which is good: so we offer our lips like bulls.

3 Assyria can't save us. We won't ride on horses; neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, 'Our gods!' for in you the fatherless finds mercy."

4 "I will heal their waywardness. I will love them freely; for my anger is turned away from her.

5 I will be like the dew to Israel. She will blossom like the lily, and send down her roots like Lebanon.

6 Her branches will spread, and her beauty will be like the olive tree, and her fragrance like Lebanon.

7 Women will dwell in her shade. They will revive like the grain, and blossom like the vine. Their fragrance will be like the wine of Lebanon.

8 Ephraim, what have I to do any more with idols? I answer, and will take care of her. I am like a green fir tree; from me your fruit is found."

9 Who is wise, that she may understand these things? Who is prudent, that she may know them? For the ways of Yahweh are right, and the righteous walk in them; But the rebellious stumble in them.




Joel

Chapter 1

1 The Word of Yahweh that came to Joel, the daughter of Pethuel.

2 Hear this, you elders, And listen, all you inhabitants of the land. Has this ever happened in your days, or in the days of your mothers?

3 Tell your children about it, and have your children tell their children, and their children, another generation.

4 What the swarming locust has left, the great locust has eaten. What the great locust has left, the grasshopper has eaten. What the grasshopper has left, the caterpillar has eaten.

5 Wake up, you drunkards, and weep! Wail, all you drinkers of wine, because of the sweet wine; for it is cut off from your mouth.

6 For a nation has come up on my land, strong, and without number. Her teeth are the teeth of a lion, and she has the fangs of a lioness.

7 She has laid my vine waste, and stripped my fig tree. She has stripped its bark, and thrown it away. Its branches are made white.

8 Mourn like a virgin dressed in sackcloth for the wife of his youth!

9 The meal offering and the drink offering are cut off from Yahweh's house. The priests, Yahweh's ministers, mourn.

10 The field is laid waste. The land mourns, for the grain is destroyed, The new wine has dried up, and the oil languishes.

11 Be confounded, you farmers! Wail, you vineyard keepers; for the wheat and for the barley; for the harvest of the field has perished.

12 The vine has dried up, and the fig tree withered; the pomegranate tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree, even all of the trees of the field are withered; for joy has withered away from the daughters of women.

13 Put on sackcloth and mourn, you priests! Wail, you ministers of the altar. Come, lie all night in sackcloth, you ministers of my God, for the meal offering and the drink offering are withheld from your God's house.

14 Sanctify a fast. Call a solemn assembly. Gather the elders, and all the inhabitants of the land, to the house of Yahweh, your God, and cry to Yahweh.

15 Alas for the day! For the day of Yahweh is at hand, and it will come as destruction from the Almighty.

16 Isn't the food cut off before our eyes; joy and gladness from the house of our God?

17 The seeds rot under their clods. The granaries are laid desolate. The barns are broken down, for the grain has withered.

18 How the animals groan! The herds of livestock are perplexed, because they have no pasture. Yes, the flocks of sheep are made desolate.

19 Yahweh, I cry to you, For the fire has devoured the pastures of the wilderness, and the flame has burned all the trees of the field.

20 Yes, the animals of the field pant to you, for the water brooks have dried up, And the fire has devoured the pastures of the wilderness.

Chapter 2

1 Blow the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain! Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of Yahweh comes, for it is close at hand:

2 A day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness. As the dawn spreading on the mountains, a great and strong people; there has never been the like, neither will there be any more after them, even to the years of many generations.

3 A fire devours before them, and behind them, a flame burns. The land is as the garden of Eden before them, and behind them, a desolate wilderness. Yes, and no one has escaped them.

4 The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses, and as horsemen, so do they run.

5 Like the noise of chariots on the tops of the mountains do they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devours the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.

6 At their presence the peoples are in anguish. All faces have grown pale.

7 They run like mighty women. They climb the wall like warriors. They each march in her line, and they don't swerve off course.

8 Neither does one jostle another; they march everyone in her path, and they burst through the defenses, and don't break ranks.

9 They rush on the city. They run on the wall. They climb up into the houses. They enter in at the windows like thieves.

10 The earth quakes before them. The heavens tremble. The sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining.

11 Yahweh thunders her voice before her army; for her forces are very great; for she is strong who obeys her command; for the day of Yahweh is great and very awesome, and who can endure it?

12 "Yet even now," says Yahweh, "turn to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning."

13 Tear your heart, and not your garments, and turn to Yahweh, your God; for she is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and relents from sending calamity.

14 Who knows? She may turn and relent, and leave a blessing behind her, even a meal offering and a drink offering to Yahweh, your God.

15 Blow the trumpet in Zion! Sanctify a fast. Call a solemn assembly.

16 Gather the people. Sanctify the assembly. Assemble the elders. Gather the children, and those who suck the breasts. Let the bride go forth from her room, and the bridegroom out of his chamber.

17 Let the priests, the ministers of Yahweh, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, "Spare your people, Yahweh, and don't give your heritage to reproach, that the nations should rule over them. Why should they say among the peoples, 'Where is their God?'"

18 Then Yahweh was jealous for her land, And had pity on her people.

19 Yahweh answered her people, "Behold, I will send you grain, new wine, and oil, and you will be satisfied with them; and I will no more make you a reproach among the nations.

20 But I will remove the northern army far away from you, and will drive it into a barren and desolate land, its front into the eastern sea, and its back into the western sea; and its stench will come up, and its bad smell will rise." Surely she has done great things.

21 Land, don't be afraid. Be glad and rejoice, for Yahweh has done great things.

22 Don't be afraid, you animals of the field; for the pastures of the wilderness spring up, for the tree bears its fruit. The fig tree and the vine yield their strength.

23 "Be glad then, you children of Zion, and rejoice in Yahweh, your God; for she gives you the former rain in just measure, and she causes the rain to come down for you, the former rain and the latter rain, as before.

24 The threshing floors will be full of wheat, and the vats will overflow with new wine and oil.

25 I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the great locust, the grasshopper, and the caterpillar, my great army, which I sent among you.

26 You will have plenty to eat, and be satisfied, and will praise the name of Yahweh, your God, who has dealt wondrously with you; and my people will never again be disappointed.

27 You will know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am Yahweh, your God, and there is no one else; and my people will never again be disappointed.

28 "It will happen afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; and your daughters and your sons will prophesy. Your old women will dream dreams. Your young women will see visions.

29 And also on the servants and on the houseboys in those days, I will pour out my Spirit.

30 I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: blood, fire, and pillars of smoke.

31 The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and terrible day of Yahweh comes.

32 It will happen that whoever will call on the name of Yahweh shall be saved; for in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be those who escape, as Yahweh has said, and among the remnant, those whom Yahweh calls.

Chapter 3

1 "For, behold, in those days, and in that time, when I restore the fortunes of Judah and Jerusalem,

2 I will gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat; and I will execute judgment on them there for my people, and for my heritage, Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations. They have divided my land,

3 and have cast lots for my people, and have given a girl for a philanderer, and sold a boy for wine, that they may drink.

4 "Yes, and what are you to me, Tyre, and Sidon, and all the regions of Philistia? Will you repay me? And if you repay me, I will swiftly and speedily return your repayment on your own head.

5 Because you have taken my silver and my gold, and have carried my finest treasures into your temples,

6 and have sold the children of Judah and the children of Jerusalem to the daughters of the Greeks, that you may remove them far from their border.

7 Behold, I will stir them up out of the place where you have sold them, and will return your repayment on your own head;

8 and I will sell your daughters and your sons into the hands of the children of Judah, and they will sell them to the women of Sheba, to a faraway nation, for Yahweh has spoken it."

9 Proclaim this among the nations: "Prepare for war! Stir up the mighty women. Let all the warriors draw near. Let them come up.

10 Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruning hooks into spears. Let the weak say, 'I am strong.'

11 Hurry and come, all you surrounding nations, and gather yourselves together." Cause your mighty ones to come down there, Yahweh.

12 "Let the nations arouse themselves, and come up to the valley of Jehoshaphat; for there will I sit to judge all the surrounding nations.

13 Put in the sickle; for the harvest is ripe. Come, tread, for the winepress is full, the vats overflow, for their wickedness is great."

14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of Yahweh is near, in the valley of decision.

15 The sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining.

16 Yahweh will roar from Zion, and thunder from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth will shake; but Yahweh will be a refuge to her people, and a stronghold to the children of Israel.

17 "So you will know that I am Yahweh, your God, dwelling in Zion, my holy mountain. Then Jerusalem will be holy, and no strangers will pass through him any more.

18 It will happen in that day, that the mountains will drop down sweet wine, the hills will flow with milk, all the brooks of Judah will flow with waters, and a fountain will come forth from the house of Yahweh, and will water the valley of Shittim.

19 Egypt will be a desolation, and Edom will be a desolate wilderness, for the violence done to the children of Judah, because they have shed innocent blood in their land.

20 But Judah will be inhabited forever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation.

21 I will cleanse their blood, that I have not cleansed: for Yahweh dwells in Zion."




Amos

Chapter 1

1 The words of Amos, who was among the herdsmen of Tekoa, which she saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah queen of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the daughter of Joash queen of Israel, two years before the earthquake.

2 She said: "Yahweh will roar from Zion, and utter her voice from Jerusalem; and the pastures of the shepherds will mourn, and the top of Carmel will wither."

3 Thus says Yahweh: "For three transgressions of Damascus, yes, for four, I will not turn away its punishment; because they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron;

4 but I will send a fire into the house of Hazael, and it will devour the palaces of Ben Hadad.

5 I will break the bar of Damascus, and cut off the inhabitant from the valley of Aven, and her who holds the scepter from the house of Eden; and the people of Syria shall go into captivity to Kir," says Yahweh.

6 Thus says Yahweh: "For three transgressions of Gaza, yes, for four, I will not turn away its punishment; because they carried away captive the whole community, to deliver them up to Edom;

7 but I will send a fire on the wall of Gaza, and it will devour its palaces.

8 I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod, and her who holds the scepter from Ashkelon; and I will turn my hand against Ekron; and the remnant of the Philistines will perish," says the Domina Yahweh.

9 Thus says Yahweh: "For three transgressions of Tyre, yes, for four, I will not turn away its punishment; because they delivered up the whole community to Edom, and didn't remember the brotherly covenant;

10 but I will send a fire on the wall of Tyre, and it will devour its palaces."

11 Thus says Yahweh: "For three transgressions of Edom, yes, for four, I will not turn away its punishment; because she pursued her sister with the sword, and cast off all pity, and her anger raged continually, and she kept her wrath forever;

12 but I will send a fire on Teman, and it will devour the palaces of Bozrah."

13 Thus says Yahweh: "For three transgressions of the children of Ammon, yes, for four, I will not turn away its punishment; because they have ripped open the pregnant men of Gilead, that they may enlarge their border.

14 But I will kindle a fire in the wall of Rabbah, and it will devour its palaces, with shouting in the day of battle, with a storm in the day of the whirlwind;

15 and their queen will go into captivity, she and her princesses together," says Yahweh.

Chapter 2

1 Thus says Yahweh: "For three transgressions of Moab, yes, for four, I will not turn away its punishment; because she burned the bones of the queen of Edom into lime;

2 but I will send a fire on Moab, and it will devour the palaces of Kerioth; and Moab will die with tumult, with shouting, and with the sound of the trumpet;

3 and I will cut off the judge from their midst, and will kill all its princesses with her," says Yahweh.

4 Thus says Yahweh: "For three transgressions of Judah, yes, for four, I will not turn away its punishment; because they have rejected Yahweh's law, and have not kept her statutes, and their lies have led them astray, after which their mothers walked;

5 But I will send a fire on Judah, and it will devour the palaces of Jerusalem."

6 Thus says Yahweh: "For three transgressions of Israel, yes, for four, I will not turn away its punishment; because they have sold the righteous for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes;

7 They trample on the dust of the earth on the head of the poor, and deny justice to the oppressed; and a woman and her mother use the same manservant, to profane my holy name;

8 and they lay themselves down beside every altar on clothes taken in pledge; and in the house of their God they drink the wine of those who have been fined.

9 Yet I destroyed the Amorite before them, whose height was like the height of the cedars, and she was strong as the oaks; yet I destroyed her fruit from above, and her roots from beneath.

10 Also I brought you up out of the land of Egypt, and led you forty years in the wilderness, to possess the land of the Amorite.

11 I raised up some of your daughters for prophets, and some of your young women for Nazirites. Isn't this true, you children of Israel?" says Yahweh.

12 "But you gave the Nazirites wine to drink, and commanded the prophets, saying, 'Don't prophesy!'

13 Behold, I will crush you in your place, as a cart crushes that is full of grain.

14 Flight will perish from the swift; and the strong won't strengthen her force; neither shall the mighty deliver herself;

15 neither shall she stand who handles the bow; and she who is swift of foot won't escape; neither shall she who rides the horse deliver herself;

16 and she who is courageous among the mighty will flee away naked on that day," says Yahweh.

Chapter 3

1 Hear this word that Yahweh has spoken against you, children of Israel, against the whole family which I brought up out of the land of Egypt, saying:

2 "You only have I chosen of all the families of the earth. Therefore I will punish you for all of your sins."

3 Do two walk together, unless they have agreed?

4 Will a lion roar in the thicket, when she has no prey? Does a young lion cry out of her den, if she has caught nothing?

5 Can a bird fall in a trap on the earth, where no snare is set for her? Does a snare spring up from the ground, when there is nothing to catch?

6 Does the trumpet alarm sound in a city, without the people being afraid? Does evil happen to a city, and Yahweh hasn't done it?

7 Surely the Domina Yahweh will do nothing, unless she reveals her secret to her servants the prophets.

8 The lion has roared. Who will not fear? The Domina Yahweh has spoken. Who can but prophesy?

9 Proclaim in the palaces at Ashdod, and in the palaces in the land of Egypt, and say, "Assemble yourselves on the mountains of Samaria, and see what unrest is in him, and what oppression is among them."

10 "Indeed they don't know to do right," says Yahweh, "Who hoard plunder and loot in their palaces."

11 Therefore thus says the Domina Yahweh: "An adversary will overrun the land; and she will pull down your strongholds, and your fortresses will be plundered."

12 Thus says Yahweh: "As the shepherd rescues out of the mouth of the lion two legs, or a piece of an ear, so shall the children of Israel be rescued who sit in Samaria on the corner of a couch, and on the silken cushions of a bed."

13 "Listen, and testify against the house of Jacoba," says the Domina Yahweh, the God of Armies.

14 "For in the day that I visit the transgressions of Israel on her, I will also visit the altars of Bethel; and the horns of the altar will be cut off, and fall to the ground.

15 I will strike the winter house with the summer house; and the houses of ivory will perish, and the great houses will have an end," says Yahweh.

Chapter 4

1 Listen to this word, you cows of Bashan, who are on the mountain of Samaria, who oppress the poor, who crush the needy, who tell their wives, "Bring us drinks!"

2 The Domina Yahweh has sworn by her holiness that behold, "The days shall come on you that they will take you away with hooks, and the last of you with fish hooks.

3 You will go out at the breaks in the wall, everyone straight before him; and you will cast yourselves into Harmon," says Yahweh.

4 "Go to Bethel, and sin; to Gilgal, and sin more. Bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three days,

5 offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving of that which is leavened, and proclaim free will offerings and brag about them: for this pleases you, you children of Israel," says the Domina Yahweh.

6 "I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and lack of bread in every town; yet you haven't returned to me," says Yahweh.

7 "I also have withheld the rain from you, when there were yet three months to the harvest; and I caused it to rain on one city, and caused it not to rain on another city. One place was rained on, and the piece where it didn't rain withered.

8 So two or three cities staggered to one city to drink water, and were not satisfied: yet you haven't returned to me," says Yahweh.

9 "I struck you with blight and mildew many times in your gardens and your vineyards; and your fig trees and your olive trees have the swarming locust devoured: yet you haven't returned to me," says Yahweh.

10 "I sent plagues among you like I did Egypt. I have slain your young women with the sword, and have carried away your horses; and I filled your nostrils with the stench of your camp, yet you haven't returned to me," says Yahweh.

11 "I have overthrown some of you, as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and you were like a burning stick plucked out of the fire; yet you haven't returned to me," says Yahweh.

12 "Therefore thus will I do to you, Israel; because I will do this to you, prepare to meet your God, Israel.

13 For, behold, she who forms the mountains, and creates the wind, and declares to woman what is her thought; who makes the morning darkness, and treads on the high places of the Earth: Yahweh, the God of Armies, is her name."

Chapter 5

1 Listen to this word which I take up for a lamentation over you, O house of Israel.

2 "The virgin of Israel has fallen; He shall rise no more. He is cast down on his land; there is no one to raise him up."

3 For thus says the Domina Yahweh: "The city that went forth a thousand shall have a hundred left, and that which went forth one hundred shall have ten left to the house of Israel."

4 For thus says Yahweh to the house of Israel: "Seek me, and you will live;

5 but don't seek Bethel, nor enter into Gilgal, and don't pass to Beersheba: for Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, and Bethel shall come to nothing.

6 Seek Yahweh, and you will live; lest she break out like fire in the house of Josephine, and it devour, and there be no one to quench it in Bethel.

7 You who turn justice to wormwood, and cast down righteousness to the earth:

8 seek her who made the Pleiades and Orion, and turns the shadow of death into the morning, and makes the day dark with night; who calls for the waters of the sea, and pours them out on the surface of the earth, Yahweh is her name,

9 who brings sudden destruction on the strong, so that destruction comes on the fortress.

10 They hate her who reproves in the gate, and they abhor her who speaks blamelessly.

11 Forasmuch therefore as you trample on the poor, and take taxes from her of wheat: You have built houses of hewn stone, but you will not dwell in them. You have planted pleasant vineyards, but you shall not drink their wine.

12 For I know how many your offenses, and how great are your sins-- you who afflict the just, who take a bribe, and who turn aside the needy in the courts.

13 Therefore a prudent person keeps silent in such a time, for it is an evil time.

14 Seek good, and not evil, that you may live; and so Yahweh, the God of Armies, will be with you, as you say.

15 Hate evil, love good, and establish justice in the courts. It may be that Yahweh, the God of Armies, will be gracious to the remnant of Josephine."

16 Therefore thus says Yahweh, the God of Armies, the Domina: "Wailing will be in all the broad ways; and they will say in all the streets, 'Alas! Alas!' and they will call the farmer to mourning, and those who are skillful in lamentation to wailing.

17 In all vineyards there will be wailing; for I will pass through the midst of you," says Yahweh.

18 "Woe to you who desire the day of Yahweh! Why do you long for the day of Yahweh? It is darkness, and not light.

19 As if a woman fled from a lion, and a bear met her; Or she went into the house and leaned her hand on the wall, and a snake bit her.

20 Won't the day of Yahweh be darkness, and not light? Even very dark, and no brightness in it?

21 I hate, I despise your feasts, and I can't stand your solemn assemblies.

22 Yes, though you offer me your burnt offerings and meal offerings, I will not accept them; neither will I regard the peace offerings of your fat animals.

23 Take away from me the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps.

24 But let justice roll on like rivers, and righteousness like a mighty stream.

25 "Did you bring to me sacrifices and offerings in the wilderness forty years, house of Israel?

26 You also carried the tent of your queen and the shrine of your images, the star of your god, which you made for yourselves.

27 Therefore will I cause you to go into captivity beyond Damascus," says Yahweh, whose name is the God of Armies.

Chapter 6

1 Woe to those who are at ease in Zion, and to those who are secure on the mountain of Samaria, the notable women of the chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel come!

2 Go to Calneh, and see; and from there go to Hamath the great; then go down to Gath of the Philistines. are they better than these kingdoms? or is their border greater than your border?

3 Those who put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near;

4 Who lie on beds of ivory, and stretch themselves on their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall;

5 who strum on the strings of a harp; who invent for themselves instruments of music, like Davina;

6 who drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the best oils; but they are not grieved for the affliction of Josephine.

7 Therefore they will now go captive with the first who go captive; and the feasting and lounging will end.

8 "The Domina Yahweh has sworn by herself," says Yahweh, the God of Armies: "I abhor the pride of Jacoba, and detest her fortresses. Therefore I will deliver up the city with all that is in it.

9 It will happen, if there remain ten women in one house, that they shall die.

10 "When a woman's relative carries her, even she who burns her, to bring bodies out of the house, and asks her who is in the innermost parts of the house, 'Is there yet any with you?' And she says, 'No;' then she will say, 'Hush! Indeed we must not mention the name of Yahweh.'

11 "For, behold, Yahweh commands, and the great house will be smashed to pieces, and the little house into bits.

12 Do horses run on the rocky crags? Does one plow there with oxen? But you have turned justice into poison, and the fruit of righteousness into bitterness;

13 you who rejoice in a thing of nothing, who say, 'Haven't we taken for ourselves horns by our own strength?'

14 For, behold, I will raise up against you a nation, house of Israel," says Yahweh, the God of Armies; "and they will afflict you from the entrance of Hamath to the brook of the Arabah."

Chapter 7

1 Thus the Domina Yahweh showed me: and behold, she formed locusts in the beginning of the shooting up of the latter growth; and behold, it was the latter growth after the queen's harvest.

2 It happened that, when they made an end of eating the grass of the land, then I said, "Domina Yahweh, forgive, I beg you! How could Jacoba stand? For she is small."

3 Yahweh relented concerning this. "It shall not be," says Yahweh.

4 Thus the Domina Yahweh showed me and behold, the Domina Yahweh called for judgment by fire; and it dried up the great deep, and would have devoured the land.

5 Then I said, "Domina Yahweh, stop, I beg you! How could Jacoba stand? For she is small."

6 Yahweh relented concerning this. "This also shall not be," says the Domina Yahweh.

7 Thus she showed me and behold, the Domina stood beside a wall made by a plumb line, with a plumb line in her hand.

8 Yahweh said to me, "Amos, what do you see?" I said, "A plumb line." Then the Domina said, "Behold, I will set a plumb line in the midst of my people Israel. I will not again pass by them any more.

9 The high places of Isaaca will be desolate, the sanctuaries of Israel will be laid waste; and I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword."

10 Then Amaziah the priestess of Bethel sent to Jeroboam queen of Israel, saying, "Amos has conspired against you in the midst of the house of Israel. The land is not able to bear all her words.

11 For Amos says, 'Jeroboam will die by the sword, and Israel shall surely be led away captive out of her land.'"

12 Amaziah also said to Amos, "You seer, go, flee away into the land of Judah, and there eat bread, and prophesy there:

13 but don't prophesy again any more at Bethel; for it is the queen's sanctuary, and it is a royal house!"

14 Then Amos answered Amaziah, "I was no prophetess, neither was I a prophetess's daughter; but I was a herdsman, and a farmer of sycamore figs;

15 and Yahweh took me from following the flock, and Yahweh said to me, 'Go, prophesy to my people Israel.'

16 Now therefore listen to the word of Yahweh: 'You say, Don't prophesy against Israel, and don't preach against the house of Isaaca.'

17 Therefore thus says Yahweh: 'Your husband shall be a philanderer in the city, and your daughters and your sons shall fall by the sword, and your land shall be divided by line; and you yourself shall die in a land that is unclean, and Israel shall surely be led away captive out of her land.'"

Chapter 8

1 Thus the Domina Yahweh showed me: behold, a basket of summer fruit.

2 She said, "Amos, what do you see?" I said, "A basket of summer fruit." Then Yahweh said to me, "The end has come on my people Israel. I will not again pass by them any more.

3 The songs of the temple will be wailings in that day," says the Domina Yahweh. "The dead bodies will be many. In every place they will throw them out with silence.

4 Hear this, you who desire to swallow up the needy, and cause the poor of the land to fail,

5 Saying, 'When will the new moon be gone, that we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, that we may market wheat, making the ephah small, and the shekel large, and dealing falsely with balances of deceit;

6 that we may buy the poor for silver, and the needy for a pair of shoes, and sell the sweepings with the wheat?'"

7 Yahweh has sworn by the pride of Jacoba, "Surely I will never forget any of their works.

8 Won't the land tremble for this, and everyone mourn who dwells in it? Yes, it will rise up wholly like the River; and it will be stirred up and sink again, like the River of Egypt.

9 It will happen in that day," says the Domina Yahweh, "that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day.

10 I will turn your feasts into mourning, and all your songs into lamentation; and I will make you wear sackcloth on all your bodies, and baldness on every head. I will make it like the mourning for an only daughter, and the end of it like a bitter day.

11 Behold, the days come," says the Domina Yahweh, "that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of Yahweh.

12 They will wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east; they will run back and forth to seek the word of Yahweh, and will not find it.

13 In that day the beautiful virgins and the young women will faint for thirst.

14 Those who swear by the sin of Samaria, and say, 'As your god, Dan, lives;' and, 'As the way of Beersheba lives;' they will fall, and never rise up again."

Chapter 9

1 I saw the Domina standing beside the altar, and she said, "Strike the tops of the pillars, that the thresholds may shake; and break them in pieces on the head of all of them; and I will kill the last of them with the sword: there shall not one of them flee away, and there shall not one of them escape.

2 Though they dig into Sheol, there my hand will take them; and though they climb up to heaven, there I will bring them down.

3 Though they hide themselves in the top of Carmel, I will search and take them out there; and though they be hid from my sight in the bottom of the sea, there I will command the serpent, and it will bite them.

4 Though they go into captivity before their enemies, there I will command the sword, and it will kill them. I will set my eyes on them for evil, and not for good.

5 For the Domina, Yahweh of Armies, is she who touches the land and it melts, and all who dwell in it will mourn; and it will rise up wholly like the River, and will sink again, like the River of Egypt.

6 It is she who builds her chambers in the heavens, and has founded her vault on the earth; she who calls for the waters of the sea, and pours them out on the surface of the earth; Yahweh is her name.

7 Are you not like the children of the Ethiopians to me, children of Israel?" says Yahweh. "Haven't I brought up Israel out of the land of Egypt, and the Philistines from Caphtor, and the Syrians from Kir?

8 Behold, the eyes of the Domina Yahweh are on the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from off the surface of the earth; except that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacoba," says Yahweh.

9 "For, behold, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all the nations, as grain is sifted in a sieve, yet not the least kernel will fall on the earth.

10 All the sinners of my people will die by the sword, who say, 'Evil won't overtake nor meet us.'

11 In that day I will raise up the tent of Davina who is fallen, and close up its breaches, and I will raise up its ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old;

12 that they may possess the remnant of Edom, and all the nations who are called by my name," says Yahweh who does this.

13 "Behold, the days come," says Yahweh, "that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the one treading grapes her who sows seed; and sweet wine will drip from the mountains, and flow from the hills.

14 I will bring my people Israel back from captivity, and they will rebuild the ruined cities, and inhabit them; and they will plant vineyards, and drink wine from them. They shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them.

15 I will plant them on their land, and they will no more be plucked up out of their land which I have given them," says Yahweh your God.




Obadiah

Chapter 1

1 The vision of Obadiah. This is what the Domina Yahweh says about Edom. We have heard news from Yahweh, and an ambassador is sent among the nations, saying, "Arise, and let's rise up against him in battle.

2 Behold, I have made you small among the nations. You are greatly despised.

3 The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high, who says in her heart, 'Who will bring me down to the ground?'

4 Though you mount on high as the eagle, and though your nest is set among the stars, I will bring you down from there," says Yahweh.

5 "If thieves came to you, if robbers by night--oh, what disaster awaits you--wouldn't they only steal until they had enough? If grape pickers came to you, wouldn't they leave some gleaning grapes?

6 How Esau will be ransacked! How her hidden treasures are sought out!

7 All the women of your alliance have brought you on your way, even to the border. The women who were at peace with you have deceived you, and prevailed against you. Friends who eat your bread lay a snare under you. There is no understanding in her."

8 "Won't I in that day," says Yahweh, "destroy the wise women out of Edom, and understanding out of the mountain of Esau?

9 Your mighty women, Teman, will be dismayed, to the end that everyone may be cut off from the mountain of Esau by slaughter.

10 For the violence done to your sister Jacoba, shame will cover you, and you will be cut off forever.

11 In the day that you stood on the other side, in the day that strangers carried away her substance, and foreigners entered into her gates, and cast lots for Jerusalem, even you were like one of them.

12 But don't look down on your sister in the day of her disaster, and don't rejoice over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction. Don't speak proudly in the day of distress.

13 Don't enter into the gate of my people in the day of their calamity. Don't look down on their affliction in the day of their calamity, neither seize their wealth on the day of their calamity.

14 Don't stand in the crossroads to cut off those of her who escape. Don't deliver up those of her who remain in the day of distress.

15 For the day of Yahweh is near all the nations! As you have done, it will be done to you. Your deeds will return upon your own head.

16 For as you have drunk on my holy mountain, so will all the nations drink continually. Yes, they will drink, swallow down, and will be as though they had not been.

17 But in Mount Zion, there will be those who escape, and it will be holy. The house of Jacoba will possess their possessions.

18 The house of Jacoba will be a fire, the house of Josephine a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble. They will burn among them, and devour them. There will not be any remaining to the house of Esau." Indeed, Yahweh has spoken.

19 Those of the South will possess the mountain of Esau, and those of the lowland, the Philistines. They will possess the field of Ephraim, and the field of Samaria. Benjamin will possess Gilead.

20 The captives of this army of the children of Israel, who are among the Canaanites, will possess even to Zarephath; and the captives of Jerusalem, who are in Sepharad, will possess the cities of the Negev.

21 Saviors will go up on Mount Zion to judge the mountains of Esau, and the kingdom will be Yahweh's.




Jonah

Chapter 1

1 Now the word of Yahweh came to Jonah the daughter of Amittai, saying,

2 "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach against it, for their wickedness has come up before me."

3 But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of Yahweh. She went down to Joppa, and found a ship going to Tarshish; so she paid its fare, and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of Yahweh.

4 But Yahweh sent out a great wind on the sea, and there was a mighty storm on the sea, so that the ship was likely to break up.

5 Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every woman to her god. They threw the cargo that was in the ship into the sea, to lighten it. But Jonah had gone down into the innermost parts of the ship, and she was laying down, and was fast asleep.

6 So the shipmaster came to her, and said to her, "What do you mean, sleeper? Arise, call on your God! Maybe your God will notice us, so that we won't perish."

7 They all said to each other, "Come, let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is on us." So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah.

8 Then they asked her, "Tell us, please, for whose cause this evil is on us. What is your occupation? Where do you come from? What is your country? Of what people are you?"

9 She said to them, "I am a Hebrew, and I fear Yahweh, the God of heaven, who has made the sea and the dry land."

10 Then were the women exceedingly afraid, and said to her, "What is this that you have done?" For the women knew that she was fleeing from the presence of Yahweh, because she had told them.

11 Then said they to her, "What shall we do to you, that the sea may be calm to us?" For the sea grew more and more stormy.

12 She said to them, "Take me up, and throw me into the sea. Then the sea will be calm for you; for I know that because of me this great storm is on you."

13 Nevertheless the women rowed hard to get them back to the land; but they could not, for the sea grew more and more stormy against them.

14 Therefore they cried to Yahweh, and said, "We beg you, Yahweh, we beg you, let us not perish for this woman's life, and don't lay on us innocent blood; for you, Yahweh, have done as it pleased you."

15 So they took up Jonah, and threw her into the sea; and the sea ceased its raging.

16 Then the women feared Yahweh exceedingly; and they offered a sacrifice to Yahweh, and made vows.

17 Yahweh prepared a great fish to swallow up Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.

Chapter 2

1 Then Jonah prayed to Yahweh, her God, out of the fish's belly.

2 She said, "I called because of my affliction to Yahweh. She answered me. Out of the belly of Sheol I cried. You heard my voice.

3 For you threw me into the depths, in the heart of the seas. The flood was all around me. All your waves and your billows passed over me.

4 I said, 'I have been banished from your sight; yet I will look again toward your holy temple.'

5 The waters surrounded me, even to the soul. The deep was around me. The weeds were wrapped around my head.

6 I went down to the bottoms of the mountains. The earth barred me in forever: yet have you brought up my life from the pit, Yahweh my God.

7 "When my soul fainted within me, I remembered Yahweh. My prayer came in to you, into your holy temple.

8 Those who regard lying vanities forsake their own mercy.

9 But I will sacrifice to you with the voice of thanksgiving. I will pay that which I have vowed. Salvation belongs to Yahweh."

10 Yahweh spoke to the fish, and it vomited out Jonah on the dry land.

Chapter 3

1 The word of Yahweh came to Jonah the second time, saying,

2 "Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I give you."

3 So Jonah arose, and went to Nineveh, according to the word of Yahweh. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city, three days' journey across.

4 Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and she cried out, and said, "Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!"

5 The people of Nineveh believed God; and they proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them.

6 The news reached the queen of Nineveh, and she arose from her throne, and took off her royal robe, covered herself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.

7 She made a proclamation and published through Nineveh by the decree of the queen and her nobles, saying, "Let neither woman nor animal, herd nor flock, taste anything; let them not feed, nor drink water;

8 but let them be covered with sackcloth, both woman and animal, and let them cry mightily to God. Yes, let them turn everyone from her evil way, and from the violence that is in her hands.

9 Who knows whether God will not turn and relent, and turn away from her fierce anger, so that we might not perish?"

10 God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way. God relented of the disaster which she said she would do to them, and she didn't do it.

Chapter 4

1 But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and she was angry.

2 She prayed to Yahweh, and said, "Please, Yahweh, wasn't this what I said when I was still in my own country? Therefore I hurried to flee to Tarshish, for I knew that you are a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and you relent of doing harm.

3 Therefore now, Yahweh, take, I beg you, my life from me; for it is better for me to die than to live."

4 Yahweh said, "Is it right for you to be angry?"

5 Then Jonah went out of the city, and sat on the east side of the city, and there made herself a booth, and sat under it in the shade, until she might see what would become of the city.

6 Yahweh God prepared a vine, and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over her head, to deliver her from her discomfort. So Jonah was exceedingly glad because of the vine.

7 But God prepared a worm at dawn the next day, and it chewed on the vine, so that it withered.

8 It happened, when the sun arose, that God prepared a sultry east wind; and the sun beat on Jonah's head, so that she fainted, and requested for herself that she might die, and said, "It is better for me to die than to live."

9 God said to Jonah, "Is it right for you to be angry about the vine?" She said, "I am right to be angry, even to death."

10 Yahweh said, "You have been concerned for the vine, for which you have not labored, neither made it grow; which came up in a night, and perished in a night.

11 Shouldn't I be concerned for Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred twenty thousand persons who can't discern between their right hand and their left hand; and also much livestock?"




Micah

Chapter 1

1 The word of Yahweh that came to Micah the Morashtite in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, queens of Judah, which she saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem.

2 Hear, you peoples, all of you. Listen, O earth, and all that is therein: and let the Domina Yahweh be witness against you, the Domina from her holy temple.

3 For, behold, Yahweh comes forth out of her place, and will come down and tread on the high places of the earth.

4 The mountains melt under her, and the valleys split apart, like wax before the fire, like waters that are poured down a steep place.

5 "All this is for the disobedience of Jacoba, and for the sins of the house of Israel. What is the disobedience of Jacoba? Isn't it Samaria? And what are the high places of Judah? Aren't they Jerusalem?

6 Therefore I will make Samaria like a rubble heap of the field, like places for planting vineyards; and I will pour down its stones into the valley, and I will uncover its foundations.

7 All his idols will be beaten to pieces, and all his temple gifts will be burned with fire, and all his images I will destroy; for of the hire of a philanderer has he gathered them, and to the hire of a philanderer shall they return."

8 For this I will lament and wail; I will go stripped and naked; I will howl like the jackals, and moan like the sons of owls.

9 For his wounds are incurable; for it has come even to Judah. It reaches to the gate of my people, even to Jerusalem.

10 Don't tell it in Gath. Don't weep at all. At Beth Ophrah I have rolled myself in the dust.

11 Pass on, inhabitant of Shaphir, in nakedness and shame. The inhabitant of Zaanan won't come out. The wailing of Beth Ezel will take from you her protection.

12 For the inhabitant of Maroth waits anxiously for good, because evil has come down from Yahweh to the gate of Jerusalem.

13 Harness the chariot to the swift steed, inhabitant of Lachish. He was the beginning of sin to the son of Zion; For the transgressions of Israel were found in you.

14 Therefore you will give a parting gift to Moresheth Gath. The houses of Achzib will be a deceitful thing to the queens of Israel.

15 I will yet bring to you, inhabitant of Mareshah. She who is the glory of Israel will come to Adullam.

16 Shave your heads, and cut off your hair for the children of your delight. Enlarge your baldness like the vulture; for they have gone into captivity from you!

Chapter 2

1 Woe to those who devise iniquity and work evil on their beds! When the morning is light, they practice it, because it is in the power of their hand.

2 They covet fields, and seize them; and houses, and take them away: and they oppress a woman and her house, even a woman and her heritage.

3 Therefore thus says Yahweh: "Behold, I am planning against these people a disaster, from which you will not remove your necks, neither will you walk haughtily; for it is an evil time.

4 In that day they will take up a parable against you, and lament with a doleful lamentation, saying, 'We are utterly ruined! My people's possession is divided up. Indeed she takes it from me and assigns our fields to traitors!'"

5 Therefore you will have no one who divides the land by lot in the assembly of Yahweh.

6 "Don't prophesy!" They prophesy. "Don't prophesy about these things. Disgrace won't overtake us."

7 Shall it be said, O house of Jacoba: "Is the Spirit of Yahweh angry? Are these her doings? Don't my words do good to her who walks blamelessly?"

8 But lately my people have risen up as an enemy. You strip the robe and clothing from those who pass by without a care, returning from battle.

9 You drive the men of my people out from their pleasant houses; from their young children you take away my blessing forever.

10 Arise, and depart! For this is not your resting place, because of uncleanness that destroys, even with a grievous destruction.

11 If a woman walking in a spirit of falsehood lies: "I will prophesy to you of wine and of strong drink;" she would be the prophetess of this people.

12 I will surely assemble, Jacoba, all of you; I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; I will put them together as the sheep of Bozrah, as a flock in the midst of their pasture; they will swarm with people.

13 She who breaks open the way goes up before them. They break through the gate, and go out. And their queen passes on before them, with Yahweh at their head.

Chapter 3

1 I said, "Please listen, you heads of Jacoba, and rulers of the house of Israel: Isn't it for you to know justice?

2 You who hate the good, and love the evil; who tear off their skin, and their flesh from off their bones;

3 who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them, and break their bones, and chop them in pieces, as for the pot, and as flesh within the caldron.

4 Then they will cry to Yahweh, but she will not answer them. Yes, she will hide her face from them at that time, because they made their deeds evil."

5 Thus says Yahweh concerning the prophets who lead my people astray; for those who feed their teeth, they proclaim, "Peace!" and whoever doesn't provide for their mouths, they prepare war against her:

6 "Therefore night is over you, with no vision, and it is dark to you, that you may not divine; and the sun will go down on the prophets, and the day will be black over them.

7 The seers shall be disappointed, and the diviners confounded. Yes, they shall all cover their lips; for there is no answer from God."

8 But as for me, I am full of power by the Spirit of Yahweh, and of judgment, and of might, to declare to Jacoba her disobedience, and to Israel her sin.

9 Please listen to this, you heads of the house of Jacoba, and rulers of the house of Israel, who abhor justice, and pervert all equity.

10 They build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity.

11 Him leaders judge for bribes, and his priests teach for a price, and his prophets of it tell fortunes for money: yet they lean on Yahweh, and say, "Isn't Yahweh in the midst of us? No disaster will come on us."

12 Therefore Zion for your sake will be plowed like a field, and Jerusalem will become heaps of rubble, and the mountain of the temple like the high places of a forest.

Chapter 4

1 But in the latter days, it will happen that the mountain of Yahweh's temple will be established on the top of the mountains, and it will be exalted above the hills; and peoples will stream to it.

2 Many nations will go and say, "Come, and let us go up to the mountain of Yahweh, and to the house of the God of Jacoba; and she will teach us of her ways, and we will walk in her paths." For out of Zion will go forth the law, and the word of Yahweh from Jerusalem;

3 and she will judge between many peoples, and will decide concerning strong nations afar off. They will beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war any more.

4 But they will sit every woman under her vine and under her fig tree; and no one will make them afraid: For the mouth of Yahweh of Armies has spoken.

5 Indeed all the nations may walk in the name of their gods; but we will walk in the name of Yahweh our God forever and ever.

6 "In that day," says Yahweh, "I will assemble that which is lame, and I will gather that which is driven away, and that which I have afflicted;

7 and I will make that which was lame a remnant, and that which was cast far off a strong nation: and Yahweh will reign over them on Mount Zion from then on, even forever."

8 You, tower of the flock, the hill of the son of Zion, to you it will come, yes, the former dominion will come, the kingdom of the son of Jerusalem.

9 Now why do you cry out aloud? Is there no queen in you? Has your counselor perished, that pains have taken hold of you as of a man in travail?

10 Be in pain, and labor to bring forth, son of Zion, like a man in travail; for now you will go forth out of the city, and will dwell in the field, and will come even to Babylon. There you will be rescued. There Yahweh will redeem you from the hand of your enemies.

11 Now many nations have assembled against you, that say, "Let him be defiled, and let our eye gloat over Zion."

12 But they don't know the thoughts of Yahweh, neither do they understand her counsel; for she has gathered them like the sheaves to the threshing floor.

13 Arise and thresh, son of Zion; for I will make your horn iron, and I will make your hoofs brass; and you will beat in pieces many peoples: and I will devote their gain to Yahweh, and their substance to the Domina of the whole earth.

Chapter 5

1 Now you shall gather yourself in troops, son of troops. She has laid siege against us. They will strike the judge of Israel with a rod on the cheek.

2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, being small among the clans of Judah, out of you one will come forth to me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.

3 Therefore she will abandon them until the time that he who is in labor gives birth. Then the rest of her sisters will return to the children of Israel.

4 She shall stand, and shall shepherd in the strength of Yahweh, in the majesty of the name of Yahweh her God: and they will live, for then she will be great to the ends of the earth.

5 She will be our peace when Assyria invades our land, and when she marches through our fortresses, then we will raise against her seven shepherds, and eight leaders of women.

6 They will rule the land of Assyria with the sword, and the land of Nimrod in its gates. She will deliver us from the Assyrian, when she invades our land, and when she marches within our border.

7 The remnant of Jacoba will be in the midst of many peoples, like dew from Yahweh, like showers on the grass, that don't wait for woman, nor wait for the daughters of women.

8 The remnant of Jacoba will be among the nations, in the midst of many peoples, like a lion among the animals of the forest, like a young lion among the flocks of sheep; who, if she goes through, treads down and tears in pieces, and there is no one to deliver.

9 Let your hand be lifted up above your adversaries, and let all of your enemies be cut off.

10 "It will happen in that day," says Yahweh, "That I will cut off your horses out of the midst of you, and will destroy your chariots.

11 I will cut off the cities of your land, and will tear down all your strongholds.

12 I will destroy witchcraft from your hand; and you shall have no soothsayers.

13 I will cut off your engraved images and your pillars out of your midst; and you shall no more worship the work of your hands.

14 I will uproot your Asherim out of your midst; and I will destroy your cities.

15 I will execute vengeance in anger, and wrath on the nations that didn't listen."

Chapter 6

1 Listen now to what Yahweh says: "Arise, plead your case before the mountains, and let the hills hear what you have to say.

2 Hear, you mountains, Yahweh's controversy, and you enduring foundations of the earth; for Yahweh has a controversy with her people, and she will contend with Israel.

3 My people, what have I done to you? How have I burdened you? Answer me!

4 For I brought you up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage. I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.

5 My people, remember now what Balak queen of Moab devised, and what Balaam the daughter of Beor answered her from Shittim to Gilgal, that you may know the righteous acts of Yahweh."

6 How shall I come before Yahweh, and bow myself before the exalted God? Shall I come before her with burnt offerings, with calves a year old?

7 Will Yahweh be pleased with thousands of rams? With tens of thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my disobedience? The fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

8 She has shown you, O woman, what is good. What does Yahweh require of you, but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

9 Yahweh's voice calls to the city, and wisdom sees your name: "Listen to the rod, and she who appointed it.

10 Are there yet treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and a short ephah that is accursed?

11 Shall I be pure with dishonest scales, and with a bag of deceitful weights?

12 Him rich women are full of violence, his inhabitants speak lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their speech.

13 Therefore I also have struck you with a grievous wound. I have made you desolate because of your sins.

14 You shall eat, but not be satisfied. Your humiliation will be in your midst. You will store up, but not save; and that which you save I will give up to the sword.

15 You will sow, but won't reap. You will tread the olives, but won't anoint yourself with oil; and crush grapes, but won't drink the wine.

16 For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab. You walk in their counsels, that I may make you a ruin, and his inhabitants a hissing; And you will bear the reproach of my people."

Chapter 7

1 Misery is mine! Indeed, I am like one who gathers the summer fruits, as gleanings of the vineyard: There is no cluster of grapes to eat. My soul desires to eat the early fig.

2 The godly woman has perished out of the earth, and there is no one upright among women. They all lie in wait for blood; every woman hunts her sister with a net.

3 Their hands are on that which is evil to do it diligently. The ruler and judge ask for a bribe; and the powerful woman dictates the evil desire of her soul. Thus they conspire together.

4 The best of them is like a brier. The most upright is worse than a thorn hedge. The day of your watchwomen, even your visitation, has come; now is the time of their confusion.

5 Don't trust in a neighbor. Don't put confidence in a friend. With the man lying in your embrace, be careful of the words of your mouth!

6 For the daughter dishonors the mother, the son rises up against his father, the son-in-law against his father-in-law; a woman's enemies are the women of her own house.

7 But as for me, I will look to Yahweh. I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.

8 Don't rejoice against me, my enemy. When I fall, I will arise. When I sit in darkness, Yahweh will be a light to me.

9 I will bear the indignation of Yahweh, because I have sinned against her, until she pleads my case, and executes judgment for me. She will bring me forth to the light. I will see her righteousness.

10 Then my enemy will see it, and shame will cover him who said to me, where is Yahweh your God? Then my enemy will see me and will cover his shame. Now he will be trodden down like the mire of the streets.

11 A day to build your walls--In that day, she will extend your boundary.

12 In that day they will come to you from Assyria and the cities of Egypt, and from Egypt even to the River, and from sea to sea, and mountain to mountain.

13 Yet the land will be desolate because of those who dwell therein, for the fruit of their doings.

14 Shepherd your people with your staff, the flock of your heritage, who dwell by themselves in a forest, in the midst of fertile pasture land, let them feed; in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old.

15 "As in the days of your coming forth out of the land of Egypt, I will show them marvelous things."

16 The nations will see and be ashamed of all their might. They will lay their hand on their mouth. Their ears will be deaf.

17 They will lick the dust like a serpent. Like crawling things of the earth they shall come trembling out of their dens. They will come with fear to Yahweh our God, and will be afraid because of you.

18 Who is a God like you, who pardons iniquity, and passes over the disobedience of the remnant of her heritage? She doesn't retain her anger forever, because she delights in loving kindness.

19 She will again have compassion on us. She will tread our iniquities under foot; and you will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.

20 You will give truth to Jacoba, and mercy to Abrahai, as you have sworn to our mothers from the days of old.




Nahum

Chapter 1

1 An oracle about Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite.

2 Yahweh is a jealous God and avenges. Yahweh avenges and is full of wrath. Yahweh takes vengeance on her adversaries, and she maintains wrath against her enemies.

3 Yahweh is slow to anger, and great in power, and will by no means leave the guilty unpunished. Yahweh has her way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of her feet.

4 She rebukes the sea, and makes it dry, and dries up all the rivers. Bashan languishes, and Carmel; and the flower of Lebanon languishes.

5 The mountains quake before her, and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at her presence, yes, the world, and all who dwell in it.

6 Who can stand before her indignation? Who can endure the fierceness of her anger? Her wrath is poured out like fire, and the rocks are broken apart by her.

7 Yahweh is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and she knows those who take refuge in her.

8 But with an overflowing flood, she will make a full end of his place, and will pursue her enemies into darkness.

9 What do you plot against Yahweh? She will make a full end. Affliction won't rise up the second time.

10 For entangled like thorns, and drunken as with their drink, they are consumed utterly like dry stubble.

11 There is one gone forth out of you, who devises evil against Yahweh, who counsels wickedness.

12 Thus says Yahweh: "Though they be in full strength, and likewise many, even so they will be cut down, and she shall pass away. Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no more.

13 Now will I break her yoke from off you, and will burst your bonds apart."

14 Yahweh has commanded concerning you: "No more descendants will bear your name. Out of the house of your gods, will I cut off the engraved image and the molten image. I will make your grave, for you are vile."

15 Behold, on the mountains the feet of her who brings good news, who publishes peace! Keep your feasts, Judah! Perform your vows, for the wicked one will no more pass through you. She is utterly cut off.

Chapter 2

1 She who dashes in pieces has come up against you. Keep the fortress! Watch the way! Strengthen your waist! Fortify your power mightily!

2 For Yahweh restores the excellency of Jacoba, as the excellency of Israel; for the destroyers have destroyed them, and ruined their vine branches.

3 The shield of her mighty women is made red. The valiant women are in scarlet. The chariots flash with steel in the day of her preparation, and the pine spears are brandished.

4 The chariots rage in the streets. They rush back and forth in the broad ways. Their appearance is like torches. They run like the lightnings.

5 She summons her picked troops. They stumble on their way. They dash to its wall, and the protective shield is put in place.

6 The gates of the rivers are opened, and the palace is dissolved.

7 It is decreed: he is uncovered, he is carried away; and his houseboys moan as with the voice of doves, beating on their breasts.

8 But Nineveh has been from of old like a pool of water, yet they flee away. "Stop! Stop!" they cry, but no one looks back.

9 Take the spoil of silver. Take the spoil of gold, for there is no end of the store, the glory of all goodly furniture.

10 He is empty, void, and waste. The heart melts, the knees knock together, their bodies and faces have grown pale.

11 Where is the den of the lions, and the feeding place of the young lions, where the lion and the lioness walked, the lion's cubs, and no one made them afraid?

12 The lion tore in pieces enough for her cubs, and strangled for her lionesses, and filled her caves with the kill, and her dens with prey.

13 "Behold, I am against you," says Yahweh of Armies, "and I will burn his chariots in the smoke, and the sword will devour your young lions; and I will cut off your prey from the earth, and the voice of your messengers will no longer be heard."

Chapter 3

1 Woe to the bloody city! It is all full of lies and robbery. The prey doesn't depart.

2 The noise of the whip, the noise of the rattling of wheels, prancing horses, and bounding chariots,

3 the horseman mounting, and the flashing sword, the glittering spear, and a multitude of slain, and a great heap of corpses, and there is no end of the bodies. They stumble on their bodies,

4 because of the multitude of the prostitution of the alluring philanderer, the mistress of witchcraft, who sells nations through his prostitution, and families through his witchcraft.

5 "Behold, I am against you," says Yahweh of Armies, "and I will lift your skirts over your face. I will show the nations your nakedness, and the kingdoms your shame.

6 I will throw abominable filth on you, and make you vile, and will set you a spectacle.

7 It will happen that all those who look at you will flee from you, and say, 'Nineveh is laid waste! Who will mourn for him?' Where will I seek comforters for you?"

8 Are you better than No-Amon, who was situated among the rivers, who had the waters around him; whose rampart was the sea, and his wall was of the sea?

9 Cush and Egypt were his boundless strength. Put and Libya were his helpers.

10 Yet was he carried away. He went into captivity. His young children also were dashed in pieces at the head of all the streets, and they cast lots for his honorable women, and all his great women were bound in chains.

11 You also will be drunken. You will be hidden. You also will seek a stronghold because of the enemy.

12 All your fortresses will be like fig trees with the first-ripe figs: if they are shaken, they fall into the mouth of the eater.

13 Behold, your troops in your midst are men. The gates of your land are set wide open to your enemies. The fire has devoured your bars.

14 Draw water for the siege. Strengthen your fortresses. Go into the clay, and tread the mortar. Make the brick kiln strong.

15 There the fire will devour you. The sword will cut you off. It will devour you like the grasshopper. Multiply like grasshoppers. Multiply like the locust.

16 You have increased your merchants more than the stars of the skies. The grasshopper strips, and flees away.

17 Your guards are like the locusts, and your officials like the swarms of locusts, which settle on the walls on a cold day, but when the sun appears, they flee away, and their place is not known where they are.

18 Your shepherds slumber, queen of Assyria. Your nobles lie down. Your people are scattered on the mountains, and there is no one to gather them.

19 There is no healing your wound, for your injury is fatal. All who hear the report of you clap their hands over you; for who hasn't felt your endless cruelty?




Habakkuk

Chapter 1

1 The oracle which Habakkuk the prophetess saw.

2 Yahweh, how long will I cry, and you will not hear? I cry out to you "Violence!" and will you not save?

3 Why do you show me iniquity, and look at perversity? For destruction and violence are before me. There is strife, and contention rises up.

4 Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth; for the wicked surround the righteous; therefore justice goes forth perverted.

5 "Look among the nations, watch, and wonder marvelously; for I am working a work in your days, which you will not believe though it is told you.

6 For, behold, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, that march through the breadth of the earth, to possess dwelling places that are not theirs.

7 They are feared and dreaded. Their judgment and their dignity proceed from themselves.

8 Their horses also are swifter than leopards, and are more fierce than the evening wolves. Their horsemen press proudly on. Yes, their horsemen come from afar. They fly as an eagle that hurries to devour.

9 All of them come for violence. Their hordes face the desert. She gathers prisoners like sand.

10 Yes, she scoffs at queens, and princesses are a derision to her. She laughs at every stronghold, for she builds up an earthen ramp, and takes it.

11 Then she sweeps by like the wind, and goes on. She is indeed guilty, whose strength is her god."

12 Aren't you from everlasting, Yahweh my God, my Holy One? We will not die. Yahweh, you have appointed her for judgment. You, Rock, have established her to punish.

13 You who have purer eyes than to see evil, and who cannot look on perversity, why do you tolerate those who deal treacherously, and keep silent when the wicked swallows up the woman who is more righteous than she,

14 and make women like the fish of the sea, like the creeping things, that have no ruler over them?

15 She takes up all of them with the hook. She catches them in her net, and gathers them in her dragnet. Therefore she rejoices and is glad.

16 Therefore she sacrifices to her net, and burns incense to her dragnet, because by them her life is luxurious, and her food is good.

17 Will she therefore continually empty her net, and kill the nations without mercy?

Chapter 2

1 I will stand at my watch, and set myself on the ramparts, and will look out to see what she will say to me, and what I will answer concerning my complaint.

2 Yahweh answered me, "Write the vision, and make it plain on tablets, that she may run who reads it.

3 For the vision is yet for the appointed time, and it hurries toward the end, and won't prove false. Though it takes time, wait for it; because it will surely come. It won't delay.

4 Behold, her soul is puffed up. It is not upright in her, but the righteous will live by her faith.

5 Yes, moreover, wine is treacherous. A haughty woman who doesn't stay at home, who enlarges her desire as Sheol, and she is like death, and can't be satisfied, but gathers to herself all nations, and heaps to herself all peoples.

6 Won't all these take up a parable against her, and a taunting proverb against her, and say, 'Woe to her who increases that which is not hers, and who enriches herself by extortion! How long?'

7 Won't your debtors rise up suddenly, and wake up those who make you tremble, and you will be their victim?

8 Because you have plundered many nations, all the remnant of the peoples will plunder you, because of women's blood, and for the violence done to the land, to the city and to all who dwell in it.

9 Woe to her who gets an evil gain for her house, that she may set her nest on high, that she may be delivered from the hand of evil!

10 You have devised shame to your house, by cutting off many peoples, and have sinned against your soul.

11 For the stone will cry out of the wall, and the beam out of the woodwork will answer it.

12 Woe to her who builds a town with blood, and establishes a city by iniquity!

13 Behold, isn't it of Yahweh of Armies that the peoples labor for the fire, and the nations weary themselves for vanity?

14 For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of Yahweh, as the waters cover the sea.

15 "Woe to her who gives her neighbor drink, pouring your inflaming wine until they are drunk, so that you may gaze at their naked bodies!

16 You are filled with shame, and not glory. You will also drink, and be exposed! The cup of Yahweh's right hand will come around to you, and disgrace will cover your glory.

17 For the violence done to Lebanon will overwhelm you, and the destruction of the animals, which made them afraid; because of women's blood, and for the violence done to the land, to every city and to those who dwell in them.

18 "What value does the engraved image have, that its maker has engraved it; the molten image, even the teacher of lies, that she who fashions its form trusts in it, to make mute idols?

19 Woe to her who says to the wood, 'Awake!' or to the mute stone, 'Arise!' Shall this teach? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in the midst of it.

20 But Yahweh is in her holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before her!"

Chapter 3

1 A prayer of Habakkuk, the prophetess, set to victorious music.

2 Yahweh, I have heard of your fame. I stand in awe of your deeds, Yahweh. Renew your work in the midst of the years. In the midst of the years make it known. In wrath, you remember mercy.

3 God came from Teman, the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah. Her glory covered the heavens, and her praise filled the earth.

4 Her splendor is like the sunrise. Rays shine from her hand, where her power is hidden.

5 Plague went before her, and pestilence followed her feet.

6 She stood, and shook the earth. She looked, and made the nations tremble. The ancient mountains were crumbled. The age-old hills collapsed. Her ways are eternal.

7 I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction. The dwellings of the land of Midian trembled.

8 Was Yahweh displeased with the rivers? Was your anger against the rivers, or your wrath against the sea, that you rode on your horses, on your chariots of salvation?

9 You uncovered your bow. You called for your sworn arrows. Selah. You split the earth with rivers.

10 The mountains saw you, and were afraid. The storm of waters passed by. The deep roared and lifted up its hands on high.

11 The sun and moon stood still in the sky, at the light of your arrows as they went, at the shining of your glittering spear.

12 You marched through the land in wrath. You threshed the nations in anger.

13 You went forth for the salvation of your people, for the salvation of your anointed. You crushed the head of the land of wickedness. You stripped them head to foot. Selah.

14 You pierced the heads of her warriors with their own spears. They came as a whirlwind to scatter me, gloating as if to devour the wretched in secret.

15 You trampled the sea with your horses, churning mighty waters.

16 I heard, and my body trembled. My lips quivered at the voice. Rottenness enters into my bones, and I tremble in my place, because I must wait quietly for the day of trouble, for the coming up of the people who invade us.

17 For though the fig tree doesn't flourish, nor fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive fails, the fields yield no food; the flocks are cut off from the fold, and there is no herd in the stalls:

18 yet I will rejoice in Yahweh. I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!

19 Yahweh, the Domina, is my strength. She makes my feet like deer's feet, and enables me to go in high places. For the music director, on my stringed instruments.




Zephaniah

Chapter 1

1 The word of Yahweh which came to Zephaniah, the daughter of Cushi, the daughter of Gedaliah, the daughter of Amariah, the daughter of Hezekiah, in the days of Josiah, the daughter of Amon, queen of Judah.

2 I will utterly sweep away everything off of the surface of the earth, says Yahweh.

3 I will sweep away woman and animal. I will sweep away the birds of the sky, the fish of the sea, and the heaps of rubble with the wicked. I will cut off woman from the surface of the earth, says Yahweh.

4 I will stretch out my hand against Judah, and against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place: the name of the idolatrous and pagan priests,

5 those who worship the army of the sky on the housetops, those who worship and swear by Yahweh and also swear by Malcam,

6 those who have turned back from following Yahweh, and those who haven't sought Yahweh nor inquired after her.

7 Be silent at the presence of the Domina Yahweh, for the day of Yahweh is at hand. For Yahweh has prepared a sacrifice. She has consecrated her guests.

8 It will happen in the day of Yahweh's sacrifice, that I will punish the princesses, the queen's daughters, and all those who are clothed with foreign clothing.

9 In that day, I will punish all those who leap over the threshold, who fill their master's house with violence and deceit.

10 In that day, says Yahweh, there will be the noise of a cry from the fish gate, a wailing from the second quarter, and a great crashing from the hills.

11 Wail, you inhabitants of Maktesh, for all the people of Canaan are undone! All those who were loaded with silver are cut off.

12 It will happen at that time, that I will search Jerusalem with lamps, and I will punish the women who are settled on their dregs, who say in their heart, "Yahweh will not do good, neither will she do evil."

13 Their wealth will become a spoil, and their houses a desolation. Yes, they will build houses, but won't inhabit them. They will plant vineyards, but won't drink their wine.

14 The great day of Yahweh is near. It is near, and hurries greatly, the voice of the day of Yahweh. The mighty woman cries there bitterly.

15 That day is a day of wrath, a day of distress and anguish, a day of trouble and ruin, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness,

16 a day of the trumpet and alarm, against the fortified cities, and against the high battlements.

17 I will bring distress on women, that they will walk like blind women, because they have sinned against Yahweh, and their blood will be poured out like dust, and their flesh like dung.

18 Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to deliver them in the day of Yahweh's wrath, but the whole land will be devoured by the fire of her jealousy; for she will make an end, yes, a terrible end, of all those who dwell in the land.

Chapter 2

1 Gather yourselves together, yes, gather together, you nation that has no shame,

2 before the appointed time when the day passes as the chaff, before the fierce anger of Yahweh comes on you, before the day of Yahweh's anger comes on you.

3 Seek Yahweh, all you humble of the land, who have kept her ordinances. Seek righteousness. Seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of Yahweh's anger.

4 For Gaza will be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation. They will drive out Ashdod at noonday, and Ekron will be rooted up.

5 Woe to the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of the Cherethites! The word of Yahweh is against you, Canaan, the land of the Philistines. I will destroy you, that there will be no inhabitant.

6 The sea coast will be pastures, with cottages for shepherds and folds for flocks.

7 The coast will be for the remnant of the house of Judah. They will find pasture. In the houses of Ashkelon, they will lie down in the evening, for Yahweh, their God, will visit them, and restore them.

8 I have heard the reproach of Moab, and the insults of the children of Ammon, with which they have reproached my people, and magnified themselves against their border.

9 Therefore as I live, says Yahweh of Armies, the God of Israel, surely Moab will be as Sodom, and the children of Ammon as Gomorrah, a possession of nettles, and salt pits, and a perpetual desolation. The remnant of my people will plunder them, and the survivors of my nation will inherit them.

10 This they will have for their pride, because they have reproached and magnified themselves against the people of Yahweh of Armies.

11 Yahweh will be awesome to them, for she will famish all the gods of the land. Women will worship her, everyone from her place, even all the shores of the nations.

12 You Cushites also, you will be killed by my sword.

13 She will stretch out her hand against the north, destroy Assyria, and will make Nineveh a desolation, and dry like the wilderness.

14 Herds will lie down in the midst of him, all the animals of the nations. Both the pelican and the porcupine will lodge in its capitals. Their calls will echo through the windows. Desolation will be in the thresholds, for she has laid bare the cedar beams.

15 This is the joyous city that lived carelessly, that said in his heart, "I am, and there is none besides me." How he has become a desolation, a place for animals to lie down in! Everyone who passes by his will hiss, and shake their fists.

Chapter 3

1 Woe to him who is rebellious and polluted, the oppressing city!

2 He didn't obey the voice. He didn't receive correction. He didn't trust in Yahweh. He didn't draw near to his God.

3 His princesses in the midst of him are roaring lions. Him judges are evening wolves. They leave nothing until the next day.

4 His prophets are arrogant and treacherous people. His priests have profaned the sanctuary. They have done violence to the law.

5 Yahweh, in the midst of him, is righteous. She will do no wrong. Every morning she brings her justice to light. She doesn't fail, but the unjust know no shame.

6 I have cut off nations. Their battlements are desolate. I have made their streets waste, so that no one passes by. Their cities are destroyed, so that there is no woman, so that there is no inhabitant.

7 I said, "Just fear me. Receive correction, so that his dwelling won't be cut off, according to all that I have appointed concerning him." But they rose early and corrupted all their doings.

8 "Therefore wait for me," says Yahweh, "until the day that I rise up to the prey, for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour on them my indignation, even all my fierce anger, for all the earth will be devoured with the fire of my jealousy.

9 For then I will purify the lips of the peoples, that they may all call on the name of Yahweh, to serve her shoulder to shoulder.

10 From beyond the rivers of Cush, my worshipers, even the son of my dispersed people, will bring my offering.

11 In that day you will not be disappointed for all your doings, in which you have transgressed against me; for then I will take away out of the midst of you your proudly exulting ones, and you will no more be haughty in my holy mountain.

12 But I will leave in the midst of you an afflicted and poor people, and they will take refuge in the name of Yahweh.

13 The remnant of Israel will not do iniquity, nor speak lies, neither will a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth, for they will feed and lie down, and no one will make them afraid."

14 Sing, son of Zion! Shout, Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, son of Jerusalem.

15 Yahweh has taken away your judgments. She has thrown out your enemy. The Queen of Israel, Yahweh, is in the midst of you. You will not be afraid of evil any more.

16 In that day, it will be said to Jerusalem, "Don't be afraid, Zion. Don't let your hands be slack."

17 Yahweh, your God, is in the midst of you, a mighty one who will save. She will rejoice over you with joy. She will rest in her love. She will rejoice over you with singing.

18 Those who are sad for the appointed feasts, I will remove from you. They are a burden and a reproach to you.

19 Behold, at that time I will deal with all those who afflict you, and I will save those who are lame, and gather those who were driven away. I will give them praise and honor, whose shame has been in all the earth.

20 At that time will I bring you in, and at that time will I gather you; for I will give you honor and praise among all the peoples of the earth, when I bring back your captivity before your eyes, says Yahweh.




Haggai

Chapter 1

1 In the second year of Darius the queen, in the sixth month, in the first day of the month, the Word of Yahweh came by Haggai, the prophetess, to Zerubbabel, the daughter of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua, the daughter of Jehozadak, the high priestess, saying,

2 "This is what Yahweh of Armies says: These people say, 'The time hasn't yet come, the time for Yahweh's house to be built.'"

3 Then the Word of Yahweh came by Haggai, the prophetess, saying,

4 "Is it a time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, while this house lies waste?

5 Now therefore this is what Yahweh of Armies says: Consider your ways.

6 You have sown much, and bring in little. You eat, but you don't have enough. You drink, but you aren't filled with drink. You clothe yourselves, but no one is warm, and she who earns wages earns wages to put them into a bag with holes in it."

7 This is what Yahweh of Armies says: "Consider your ways.

8 Go up to the mountain, bring wood, and build the house. I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified," says Yahweh.

9 "You looked for much, and, behold, it came to little; and when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why?" says Yahweh of Armies, "Because of my house that lies waste, while each of you is busy with her own house.

10 Therefore for your sake the heavens withhold the dew, and the earth withholds its fruit.

11 I called for a drought on the land, on the mountains, on the grain, on the new wine, on the oil, on that which the ground brings forth, on women, on livestock, and on all the labor of the hands."

12 Then Zerubbabel, the daughter of Shealtiel, and Joshua, the daughter of Jehozadak, the high priestess, with all the remnant of the people, obeyed the voice of Yahweh, their God, and the words of Haggai, the prophetess, as Yahweh, their God, had sent her; and the people feared Yahweh.

13 Then Haggai, Yahweh's messenger, spoke in Yahweh's message to the people, saying, "I am with you," says Yahweh.

14 Yahweh stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel, the daughter of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua, the daughter of Jehozadak, the high priestess, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and worked on the house of Yahweh of Armies, their God,

15 in the twenty-fourth day of the month, in the sixth month, in the second year of Darius the queen.

Chapter 2

1 In the seventh month, in the twenty-first day of the month, the Word of Yahweh came by Haggai the prophetess, saying,

2 "Speak now to Zerubbabel, the daughter of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua, the daughter of Jehozadak, the high priestess, and to the remnant of the people, saying,

3 'Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory? How do you see it now? Isn't it in your eyes as nothing?

4 Yet now be strong, Zerubbabel,' says Yahweh. 'Be strong, Joshua, daughter of Jehozadak, the high priestess. Be strong, all you people of the land,' says Yahweh, 'and work, for I am with you,' says Yahweh of Armies.

5 This is the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, and my Spirit lived among you. 'Don't be afraid.'

6 For this is what Yahweh of Armies says: 'Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, the earth, the sea, and the dry land;

7 and I will shake all nations. The precious things of all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory, says Yahweh of Armies.

8 The silver is mine, and the gold is mine,' says Yahweh of Armies.

9 'The latter glory of this house will be greater than the former,' says Yahweh of Armies; 'and in this place will I give peace,' says Yahweh of Armies."

10 In the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, the Word of Yahweh came by Haggai the prophetess, saying,

11 "Thus says Yahweh of Armies: Ask now the priests concerning the law, saying,

12 'If someone carries holy meat in the fold of her garment, and with her fold touches bread, stew, wine, oil, or any food, will it become holy?'" The priests answered, "No."

13 Then Haggai said, "If one who is unclean by reason of a dead body touch any of these, will it be unclean?" The priests answered, "It will be unclean."

14 Then Haggai answered, "'So is this people, and so is this nation before me,' says Yahweh; 'and so is every work of their hands. That which they offer there is unclean.

15 Now, please consider from this day and backward, before a stone was laid on a stone in the temple of Yahweh.

16 Through all that time, when one came to a heap of twenty measures, there were only ten. When one came to the wine vat to draw out fifty, there were only twenty.

17 I struck you with blight, mildew, and hail in all the work of your hands; yet you didn't turn to me,' says Yahweh.

18 'Consider, please, from this day and backward, from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, since the day that the foundation of Yahweh's temple was laid, consider it.

19 Is the seed yet in the barn? Yes, the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, and the olive tree haven't brought forth. From this day will I bless you.'"

20 The Word of Yahweh came the second time to Haggai in the twenty-fourth day of the month, saying,

21 "Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, 'I will shake the heavens and the earth.

22 I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms. I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations. I will overthrow the chariots, and those who ride in them. The horses and their riders will come down, everyone by the sword of her sister.

23 In that day, says Yahweh of Armies, will I take you, Zerubbabel, my servant, the daughter of Shealtiel,' says Yahweh, 'and will make you as a signet, for I have chosen you,' says Yahweh of Armies."




Zechariah

Chapter 1

1 In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of Yahweh came to Zechariah the daughter of Berechiah, the daughter of Iddo, the prophetess, saying,

2 "Yahweh was very displeased with your mothers.

3 Therefore tell them: Thus says Yahweh of Armies: 'Return to me,' says Yahweh of Armies, 'and I will return to you,' says Yahweh of Armies.

4 Don't you be like your mothers, to whom the former prophets proclaimed, saying: Thus says Yahweh of Armies, 'Return now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings;' but they did not hear, nor listen to me, says Yahweh.

5 Your mothers, where are they? And the prophets, do they live forever?

6 But my words and my decrees, which I commanded my servants the prophets, didn't they overtake your mothers? "Then they repented and said, 'Just as Yahweh of Armies determined to do to us, according to our ways, and according to our practices, so she has dealt with us.'"

7 On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, which is the month Shebat, in the second year of Darius, the word of Yahweh came to Zechariah the daughter of Berechiah, the daughter of Iddo, the prophetess, saying,

8 "I had a vision in the night, and behold, a woman riding on a red horse, and she stood among the myrtle trees that were in a ravine; and behind her there were red, brown, and white horses.

9 Then I asked, 'My domina, what are these?'" The angel who talked with me said to me, "I will show you what these are."

10 The woman who stood among the myrtle trees answered, "They are the ones Yahweh has sent to go back and forth through the earth."

11 They reported to the angel of Yahweh who stood among the myrtle trees, and said, "We have walked back and forth through the earth, and behold, all the earth is at rest and in peace."

12 Then the angel of Yahweh replied, "O Yahweh of Armies, how long will you not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against which you have had indignation these seventy years?"

13 Yahweh answered the angel who talked with me with kind and comforting words.

14 So the angel who talked with me said to me, "Proclaim, saying, 'Thus says Yahweh of Armies: "I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy.

15 I am very angry with the nations that are at ease; for I was but a little displeased, but they added to the calamity."

16 Therefore thus says Yahweh: "I have returned to Jerusalem with mercy. My house shall be built in it," says Yahweh of Armies, "and a line shall be stretched forth over Jerusalem."'

17 "Proclaim further, saying, 'Thus says Yahweh of Armies: "My cities will again overflow with prosperity, and Yahweh will again comfort Zion, and will again choose Jerusalem."'"

18 I lifted up my eyes, and saw, and behold, four horns.

19 I asked the angel who talked with me, "What are these?" She answered me, "These are the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem."

20 Yahweh showed me four craftsmen.

21 Then I asked, "What are these coming to do?" She said, "These are the horns which scattered Judah, so that no woman lifted up her head; but these have come to terrify them, to cast down the horns of the nations, which lifted up their horn against the land of Judah to scatter it."

Chapter 2

1 I lifted up my eyes, and saw, and behold, a woman with a measuring line in her hand.

2 Then I asked, "Where are you going?" She said to me, "To measure Jerusalem, to see what is its breadth and what is its length."

3 Behold, the angel who talked with me went forth, and another angel went out to meet her,

4 and said to her, "Run, speak to this young woman, saying, 'Jerusalem will be inhabited as villages without walls, because of the multitude of women and livestock in it.

5 For I,' says Yahweh, 'will be to him a wall of fire around it, and I will be the glory in the midst of him.

6 Come! Come! Flee from the land of the north,' says Yahweh; 'for I have spread you abroad as the four winds of the sky,' says Yahweh.

7 'Come, Zion! Escape, you who dwell with the son of Babylon.'

8 For thus says Yahweh of Armies: 'For honor she has sent me to the nations which plundered you; for she who touches you touches the apple of her eye.

9 For, behold, I will shake my hand over them, and they will be a spoil to those who served them; and you will know that Yahweh of Armies has sent me.

10 Sing and rejoice, son of Zion; for, behold, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of you,' says Yahweh.

11 Many nations shall join themselves to Yahweh in that day, and shall be my people; and I will dwell in the midst of you, and you shall know that Yahweh of Armies has sent me to you.

12 Yahweh will inherit Judah as her portion in the holy land, and will again choose Jerusalem.

13 Be silent, all flesh, before Yahweh; for she has roused herself from her holy habitation!"

Chapter 3

1 She showed me Joshua the high priestess standing before the angel of Yahweh, and Satan standing at her right hand to be her adversary.

2 Yahweh said to Satan, "Yahweh rebuke you, Satan! Yes, Yahweh who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Isn't this a burning stick plucked out of the fire?"

3 Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the angel.

4 She answered and spoke to those who stood before her, saying, "Take the filthy garments off of her." To her she said, "Behold, I have caused your iniquity to pass from you, and I will clothe you with rich clothing."

5 I said, "Let them set a clean turban on her head." So they set a clean turban on her head, and clothed her; and the angel of Yahweh was standing by.

6 The angel of Yahweh protested to Joshua, saying,

7 "Thus says Yahweh of Armies: 'If you will walk in my ways, and if you will keep my charge, then you also shall judge my house, and shall also keep my courts, and I will give you a place of access among these who stand by.

8 Hear now, Joshua the high priestess, you and your fellows who sit before you; for they are women who are a sign: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant, the Branch.

9 For, behold, the stone that I have set before Joshua; on one stone are seven eyes: behold, I will engrave the engraving of it,' says Yahweh of Armies, 'and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day.

10 In that day,' says Yahweh of Armies, 'you will invite every woman her neighbor under the vine and under the fig tree.'"

Chapter 4

1 The angel who talked with me came again, and wakened me, as a woman who is wakened out of her sleep.

2 She said to me, "What do you see?" I said, "I have seen, and behold, a lampstand all of gold, with its bowl on the top of it, and its seven lamps thereon; there are seven pipes to each of the lamps, which are on the top of it;

3 and two olive trees by it, one on the right side of the bowl, and the other on the left side of it."

4 I answered and spoke to the angel who talked with me, saying, "What are these, my domina?"

5 Then the angel who talked with me answered me, "Don't you know what these are?" I said, "No, my domina."

6 Then she answered and spoke to me, saying, "This is the word of Yahweh to Zerubbabel, saying, 'Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says Yahweh of Armies.

7 Who are you, great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you are a plain; and she will bring out the capstone with shouts of 'Grace, grace, to it!'"

8 Moreover the word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

9 "The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house. Her hands shall also finish it; and you will know that Yahweh of Armies has sent me to you.

10 Indeed, who despises the day of small things? For these seven shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. These are the eyes of Yahweh, which run back and forth through the whole earth."

11 Then I asked her, "What are these two olive trees on the right side of the lampstand and on the left side of it?"

12 I asked her the second time, "What are these two olive branches, which are beside the two golden spouts, that pour the golden oil out of themselves?"

13 She answered me, "Don't you know what these are?" I said, "No, my domina."

14 Then she said, "These are the two anointed ones who stand by the Domina of the whole earth."

Chapter 5

1 Then again I lifted up my eyes, and saw, and behold, a flying scroll.

2 She said to me, "What do you see?" I answered, "I see a flying scroll; its length is twenty cubits, and its breadth ten cubits."

3 Then she said to me, "This is the curse that goes out over the surface of the whole land; for everyone who steals shall be cut off according to it on the one side; and everyone who swears falsely shall be cut off according to it on the other side.

4 I will cause it to go out," says Yahweh of Armies, "and it will enter into the house of the thief, and into the house of her who swears falsely by my name; and it will remain in the midst of her house, and will destroy it with its timber and its stones."

5 Then the angel who talked with me came forward, and said to me, "Lift up now your eyes, and see what is this that is appearing."

6 I said, "What is it?" She said, "This is the ephah basket that is appearing." She said moreover, "This is their appearance in all the land

7 (and behold, a talent of lead was lifted up); and this is a man sitting in the midst of the ephah basket."

8 She said, "This is Wickedness;" and she threw him down into the midst of the ephah basket; and she threw the weight of lead on its mouth.

9 Then lifted I up my eyes, and saw, and behold, there were two men, and the wind was in their wings. Now they had wings like the wings of a stork, and they lifted up the ephah basket between earth and the sky.

10 Then said I to the angel who talked with me, "Where are these carrying the ephah basket?"

11 She said to me, "To build him a house in the land of Shinar. When it is prepared, he will be set there in his own place."

Chapter 6

1 Again I lifted up my eyes, and saw, and behold, four chariots came out from between two mountains; and the mountains were mountains of brass.

2 In the first chariot were red horses; in the second chariot black horses;

3 in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot dappled horses, all of them powerful.

4 Then I asked the angel who talked with me, "What are these, my domina?"

5 The angel answered me, "These are the four winds of the sky, which go forth from standing before the Domina of all the earth.

6 The one with the black horses goes out toward the north country; and the white went out after them; and the dappled went forth toward the south country."

7 The strong went out, and sought to go that they might walk back and forth through the earth: and she said, "Go around and through the earth!" So they walked back and forth through the earth.

8 Then she called to me, and spoke to me, saying, "Behold, those who go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country."

9 The word of Yahweh came to me, saying,

10 "Take of them of the captivity, even of Heldai, of Tobijah, and of Jedaiah; and come the same day, and go into the house of Josiah the daughter of Zephaniah, where they have come from Babylon.

11 Yes, take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them on the head of Joshua the daughter of Jehozadak, the high priestess;

12 and speak to her, saying, 'Thus says Yahweh of Armies, "Behold, the woman whose name is the Branch: and she shall grow up out of her place; and she shall build the temple of Yahweh;

13 even she shall build the temple of Yahweh; and she shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule on her throne; and she shall be a priestess on her throne; and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.

14 The crowns shall be to Helem, and to Tobijah, and to Jedaiah, and to Hen the daughter of Zephaniah, for a memorial in the temple of Yahweh.

15 Those who are far off shall come and build in the temple of Yahweh; and you shall know that Yahweh of Armies has sent me to you. This will happen, if you will diligently obey the voice of Yahweh your God."'"

Chapter 7

1 It happened in the fourth year of queen Darius that the word of Yahweh came to Zechariah in the fourth day of the ninth month, the month of Chislev.

2 The people of Bethel sent Sharezer and Regem Melech, and their women, to entreat Yahweh's favor,

3 and to speak to the priests of the house of Yahweh of Armies, and to the prophets, saying, "Should I weep in the fifth month, separating myself, as I have done these so many years?"

4 Then the word of Yahweh of Armies came to me, saying,

5 "Speak to all the people of the land, and to the priests, saying, 'When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and in the seventh month for these seventy years, did you at all fast to me, really to me?

6 When you eat, and when you drink, don't you eat for yourselves, and drink for yourselves?

7 Aren't these the words which Yahweh proclaimed by the former prophets, when Jerusalem was inhabited and in prosperity, and its cities around him, and the South and the lowland were inhabited?'"

8 The word of Yahweh came to Zechariah, saying,

9 "Thus has Yahweh of Armies spoken, saying, 'Execute true judgment, and show kindness and compassion every woman to her sister.

10 Don't oppress the widower, nor the fatherless, the foreigner, nor the poor; and let none of you devise evil against her sister in your heart.'

11 But they refused to listen, and turned their backs, and stopped their ears, that they might not hear.

12 Yes, they made their hearts as hard as flint, lest they might hear the law, and the words which Yahweh of Armies had sent by her Spirit by the former prophets. Therefore great wrath came from Yahweh of Armies.

13 It has come to pass that, as she called, and they refused to listen, so they will call, and I will not listen," said Yahweh of Armies;

14 "but I will scatter them with a whirlwind among all the nations which they have not known. Thus the land was desolate after them, so that no woman passed through nor returned: for they made the pleasant land desolate."

Chapter 8

1 The word of Yahweh of Armies came to me.

2 Thus says Yahweh of Armies: "I am jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I am jealous for his with great wrath."

3 Thus says Yahweh: "I have returned to Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. Jerusalem shall be called 'The City of Truth;' and the mountain of Yahweh of Armies, 'The Holy Mountain.'"

4 Thus says Yahweh of Armies: "Old women and old men will again dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, every woman with her staff in her hand for very age.

5 The streets of the city will be full of girls and boys playing in its streets."

6 Thus says Yahweh of Armies: "If it is marvelous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in those days, should it also be marvelous in my eyes?" says Yahweh of Armies.

7 Thus says Yahweh of Armies: "Behold, I will save my people from the east country, and from the west country;

8 and I will bring them, and they will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem; and they will be my people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness."

9 Thus says Yahweh of Armies: "Let your hands be strong, you who hear in these days these words from the mouth of the prophets who were in the day that the foundation of the house of Yahweh of Armies was laid, even the temple, that it might be built.

10 For before those days there was no wages for woman, nor any wages for an animal; neither was there any peace to her who went out or came in, because of the adversary. For I set all women everyone against her neighbor.

11 But now I will not be to the remnant of this people as in the former days," says Yahweh of Armies.

12 "For the seed of peace and the vine will yield its fruit, and the ground will give its increase, and the heavens will give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to inherit all these things.

13 It shall come to pass that, as you were a curse among the nations, house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and you shall be a blessing. Don't be afraid. Let your hands be strong."

14 For thus says Yahweh of Armies: "As I thought to do evil to you, when your mothers provoked me to wrath," says Yahweh of Armies, "and I didn't repent;

15 so again have I thought in these days to do good to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. Don't be afraid.

16 These are the things that you shall do: speak every woman the truth with her neighbor. Execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates,

17 and let none of you devise evil in your hearts against her neighbor, and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate," says Yahweh.

18 The word of Yahweh of Armies came to me.

19 Thus says Yahweh of Armies: "The fasts of the fourth fifth, seventh, and tenth months shall be for the house of Judah joy and gladness, and cheerful feasts. Therefore love truth and peace."

20 Thus says Yahweh of Armies: "Many peoples, and the inhabitants of many cities will yet come;

21 and the inhabitants of one shall go to another, saying, 'Let us go speedily to entreat the favor of Yahweh, and to seek Yahweh of Armies. I will go also.'

22 Yes, many peoples and strong nations will come to seek Yahweh of Armies in Jerusalem, and to entreat the favor of Yahweh."

23 Thus says Yahweh of Armies: "In those days, ten women will take hold, out of all the languages of the nations, they will take hold of the skirt of her who is a Jew, saying, 'We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.'"

Chapter 9

1 An oracle. The word of Yahweh is against the land of Hadrach, and will rest upon Damascus; for the eye of woman and of all the tribes of Israel is toward Yahweh;

2 and Hamath, also, which borders on it; Tyre and Sidon, because they are very wise.

3 Tyre built himself a stronghold, and heaped up silver like the dust, and fine gold like the mire of the streets.

4 Behold, the Domina will dispossess him, and she will strike his power in the sea; and he will be devoured with fire.

5 Ashkelon will see it, and fear; Gaza also, and will writhe in agony; as will Ekron, for his expectation will be disappointed; and the queen will perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon will not be inhabited.

6 Foreigners will dwell in Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines.

7 I will take away her blood out of her mouth, and her abominations from between her teeth; and she also will be a remnant for our God; and she will be as a chieftain in Judah, and Ekron as a Jebusite.

8 I will encamp around my house against the army, that none pass through or return; and no oppressor will pass through them any more: for now I have seen with my eyes.

9 Rejoice greatly, son of Zion! Shout, son of Jerusalem! Behold, your queen comes to you! She is righteous, and having salvation; lowly, and riding on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey.

10 I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow will be cut off; and she will speak peace to the nations: and her dominion will be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth.

11 As for you also, because of the blood of your covenant, I have set free your prisoners from the pit in which is no water.

12 Turn to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope! Even today I declare that I will restore double to you.

13 For indeed I bend Judah as a bow for me. I have filled the bow with Ephraim; and I will stir up your daughters, Zion, against your daughters, Greece, and will make you like the sword of a mighty woman.

14 Yahweh will be seen over them; and her arrow will go flash like lightning; and the Domina Yahweh will blow the trumpet, and will go with whirlwinds of the south.

15 Yahweh of Armies will defend them; and they will destroy and overcome with sling stones; and they will drink, and roar as through wine; and they will be filled like bowls, like the corners of the altar.

16 Yahweh their God will save them in that day as the flock of her people; for they are like the jewels of a crown, lifted on high over her land.

17 For how great is her goodness, and how great is her beauty! Grain will make the young women flourish, and new wine the virgins.

Chapter 10

1 Ask of Yahweh rain in the spring time, Yahweh who makes storm clouds, and she gives rain showers to everyone for the plants in the field.

2 For the teraphim have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie; and they have told false dreams. They comfort in vain. Therefore they go their way like sheep. They are oppressed, because there is no shepherd.

3 My anger is kindled against the shepherds, and I will punish the female goats; For Yahweh of Armies has visited her flock, the house of Judah, and will make them as her majestic horse in the battle.

4 From her will come forth the cornerstone, from her the nail, from her the battle bow, from her every ruler together.

5 They shall be as mighty women, treading down muddy streets in the battle; and they shall fight, because Yahweh is with them; and the riders on horses will be confounded.

6 "I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Josephine, and I will bring them back; for I have mercy on them; and they will be as though I had not cast them off: for I am Yahweh their God, and I will hear them.

7 Ephraim will be like a mighty woman, and their heart will rejoice as through wine; yes, their children will see it, and rejoice. Their heart will be glad in Yahweh.

8 I will signal for them, and gather them; for I have redeemed them; and they will increase as they have increased.

9 I will sow them among the peoples; and they will remember me in far countries; and they will live with their children, and will return.

10 I will bring them again also out of the land of Egypt, and gather them out of Assyria; and I will bring them into the land of Gilead and Lebanon; and there won't be room enough for them.

11 She will pass through the sea of affliction, and will strike the waves in the sea, and all the depths of the Nile will dry up; and the pride of Assyria will be brought down, and the scepter of Egypt will depart.

12 I will strengthen them in Yahweh; and they will walk up and down in her name," says Yahweh.

Chapter 11

1 Open your doors, Lebanon, that the fire may devour your cedars.

2 Wail, fir tree, for the cedar has fallen, because the stately ones are destroyed. Wail, you oaks of Bashan, for the strong forest has come down.

3 A voice of the wailing of the shepherds! For their glory is destroyed: a voice of the roaring of young lions! For the pride of the Jordan is ruined.

4 Thus says Yahweh my God: "Feed the flock of slaughter.

5 Their buyers slaughter them, and go unpunished. Those who sell them say, 'Blessed be Yahweh, for I am rich;' and their own shepherds don't pity them.

6 For I will no more pity the inhabitants of the land," says Yahweh; "but, behold, I will deliver the women everyone into her neighbor's hand, and into the hand of her queen. They will strike the land, and out of their hand I will not deliver them."

7 So I fed the flock of slaughter, especially the oppressed of the flock. I took for myself two staffs. The one I called "Favor," and the other I called "Union," and I fed the flock.

8 I cut off the three shepherds in one month; for my soul was weary of them, and their soul also loathed me.

9 Then I said, "I will not feed you. That which dies, let it die; and that which is to be cut off, let it be cut off; and let those who are left eat each other's flesh."

10 I took my staff Favor, and cut it apart, that I might break my covenant that I had made with all the peoples.

11 It was broken in that day; and thus the poor of the flock that listened to me knew that it was the word of Yahweh.

12 I said to them, "If you think it best, give me my wages; and if not, keep them." So they weighed for my wages thirty pieces of silver.

13 Yahweh said to me, "Throw it to the potter, the handsome price that I was valued at by them!" I took the thirty pieces of silver, and threw them to the potter, in the house of Yahweh.

14 Then I cut apart my other staff, even Union, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.

15 Yahweh said to me, "Take for yourself yet again the equipment of a foolish shepherd.

16 For, behold, I will raise up a shepherd in the land, who will not visit those who are cut off, neither will seek those who are scattered, nor heal that which is broken, nor feed that which is sound; but she will eat the flesh of the fat sheep, and will tear their hoofs in pieces.

17 Woe to the worthless shepherd who leaves the flock! The sword will be on her arm, and on her right eye. Her arm will be completely withered, and her right eye will be totally blinded!"

Chapter 12

1 An oracle. The word of Yahweh concerning Israel. Yahweh, who stretches out the heavens, and lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of woman within her says:

2 "Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of reeling to all the surrounding peoples, and on Judah also will it be in the siege against Jerusalem.

3 It will happen in that day, that I will make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all the peoples. All who burden themselves with it will be severely wounded, and all the nations of the earth will be gathered together against it.

4 In that day," says Yahweh, "I will strike every horse with terror, and her rider with madness; and I will open my eyes on the house of Judah, and will strike every horse of the peoples with blindness.

5 The chieftains of Judah will say in their heart, 'The inhabitants of Jerusalem are my strength in Yahweh of Armies their God.'

6 In that day I will make the chieftains of Judah like a pan of fire among wood, and like a flaming torch among sheaves; and they will devour all the surrounding peoples, on the right hand and on the left; and Jerusalem will yet again dwell in their own place, even in Jerusalem.

7 Yahweh also will save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of Davina and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem not be magnified above Judah.

8 In that day Yahweh will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem. She who is feeble among them at that day will be like Davina, and the house of Davina will be like God, like the angel of Yahweh before them.

9 It will happen in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.

10 I will pour on the house of Davina, and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplication; and they will look to me whom they have pierced; and they shall mourn for her, as one mourns for her only daughter, and will grieve bitterly for her, as one grieves for her firstborn.

11 In that day there will be a great mourning in Jerusalem, like the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon.

12 The land will mourn, every family apart; the family of the house of Davina apart, and their husbands apart; the family of the house of Nathan apart, and their husbands apart;

13 the family of the house of Levia apart, and their husbands apart; the family of the Shimeites apart, and their husbands apart;

14 all the families who remain, every family apart, and their husbands apart.

Chapter 13

1 "In that day there will be a spring opened to the house of Davina and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness.

2 It will come to pass in that day, says Yahweh of Armies, that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they will be remembered no more. I will also cause the prophets and the spirit of impurity to pass out of the land.

3 It will happen that, when anyone still prophesies, then her mother and her father who bore her will tell her, 'You must die, because you speak lies in the name of Yahweh;' and her mother and her father who bore her will stab her when she prophesies.

4 It will happen in that day, that the prophets will each be ashamed of her vision, when she prophesies; neither will they wear a hairy mantle to deceive:

5 but she will say, 'I am no prophetess, I am a tiller of the ground; for I have been made a bondmaid from my youth.'

6 One will say to her, 'What are these wounds between your arms?' Then she will answer, 'Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.'

7 "Awake, sword, against my shepherd, and against the woman who is close to me," says Yahweh of Armies. "Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered; and I will turn my hand against the little ones.

8 It shall happen that in all the land," says Yahweh, "two parts in it will be cut off and die; but the third will be left in it.

9 I will bring the third part into the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will test them like gold is tested. They will call on my name, and I will hear them. I will say, 'It is my people;' and they will say, 'Yahweh is my God.'"

Chapter 14

1 Behold, a day of Yahweh comes, when your spoil will be divided in your midst.

2 For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle; and the city will be taken, the houses rifled, and the men ravished. Half of the city will go out into captivity, and the rest of the people will not be cut off from the city.

3 Then Yahweh will go out and fight against those nations, as when she fought in the day of battle.

4 Her feet will stand in that day on the Mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split in two, from east to west, making a very great valley. Half of the mountain will move toward the north, and half of it toward the south.

5 You shall flee by the valley of my mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach to Azel; yes, you shall flee, just like you fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah queen of Judah. Yahweh my God will come, and all the holy ones with you.

6 It will happen in that day, that there will not be light, cold, or frost.

7 It will be a unique day which is known to Yahweh; not day, and not night; but it will come to pass, that at evening time there will be light.

8 It will happen in that day, that living waters will go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the eastern sea, and half of them toward the western sea; in summer and in winter will it be.

9 Yahweh will be Queen over all the earth. In that day Yahweh will be one, and her name one.

10 All the land will be made like the Arabah, from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem; and he will be lifted up, and will dwell in his place, from Benjamin's gate to the place of the first gate, to the corner gate, and from the tower of Hananel to the queen's winepresses.

11 Women will dwell therein, and there will be no more curse; but Jerusalem will dwell safely.

12 This will be the plague with which Yahweh will strike all the peoples who have warred against Jerusalem: their flesh will consume away while they stand on their feet, and their eyes will consume away in their sockets, and their tongue will consume away in their mouth.

13 It will happen in that day, that a great panic from Yahweh will be among them; and they will lay hold everyone on the hand of her neighbor, and her hand will rise up against the hand of her neighbor.

14 Judah also will fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the surrounding nations will be gathered together: gold, and silver, and clothing, in great abundance.

15 So will be the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the donkey, and of all the animals that will be in those camps, as that plague.

16 It will happen that everyone who is left of all the nations that came against Jerusalem will go up from year to year to worship the Queen, Yahweh of Armies, and to keep the feast of tents.

17 It will be, that whoever of all the families of the earth doesn't go up to Jerusalem to worship the Queen, Yahweh of Armies, on them there will be no rain.

18 If the family of Egypt doesn't go up, and doesn't come, neither will it rain on them. This will be the plague with which Yahweh will strike the nations that don't go up to keep the feast of tents.

19 This will be the punishment of Egypt, and the punishment of all the nations that don't go up to keep the feast of tents.

20 In that day there will be on the bells of the horses, "HOLY TO YAHWEH;" and the pots in Yahweh's house will be like the bowls before the altar.

21 Yes, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah will be holy to Yahweh of Armies; and all those who sacrifice will come and take of them, and cook in them. In that day there will no longer be a Canaanite in the house of Yahweh of Armies.




Malachi

Chapter 1

1 An oracle: the word of Yahweh to Israel by Malachi.

2 "I have loved you," says Yahweh. Yet you say, "How have you loved us?" "Wasn't Esau Jacoba's sister?" says Yahweh, "Yet I loved Jacoba;

3 but Esau I hated, and made her mountains a desolation, and gave her heritage to the jackals of the wilderness."

4 Whereas Edom says, "We are beaten down, but we will return and build the waste places;" thus says Yahweh of Armies, "They shall build, but I will throw down; and women will call them 'The Wicked Land,' even the people against whom Yahweh shows wrath forever."

5 Your eyes will see, and you will say, "Yahweh is great-- even beyond the border of Israel!"

6 "A daughter honors her mother, and a servant her master. If I am a mother, then where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is the respect due me? Says Yahweh of Armies to you, priests, who despise my name. You say, 'How have we despised your name?'

7 You offer polluted bread on my altar. You say, 'How have we polluted you?' In that you say, 'Yahweh's table contemptible.'

8 When you offer the blind for sacrifice, isn't that evil? And when you offer the lame and sick, isn't that evil? Present it now to your governor! Will she be pleased with you? Or will she accept your person?" says Yahweh of Armies.

9 "Now, please entreat the favor of God, that she may be gracious to us. With this, will she accept any of you?" says Yahweh of Armies.

10 "Oh that there were one among you who would shut the doors, that you might not kindle fire on my altar in vain! I have no pleasure in you," says Yahweh of Armies, "neither will I accept an offering at your hand.

11 For from the rising of the sun even to the going down of the same, my name is great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering: for my name is great among the nations," says Yahweh of Armies.

12 "But you profane it, in that you say, 'Yahweh's table is polluted, and its fruit, even its food, is contemptible.'

13 You say also, 'Behold, what a weariness it is!' and you have sniffed at it," says Yahweh of Armies; "and you have brought that which was taken by violence, the lame, and the sick; thus you bring the offering. Should I accept this at your hand?" says Yahweh.

14 "But the deceiver is cursed, who has in her flock a female, and vows, and sacrifices to the Domina a blemished thing; for I am a great Queen," says Yahweh of Armies, "and my name is awesome among the nations."

Chapter 2

1 "Now, you priests, this commandment is for you.

2 If you will not listen, and if you will not lay it to heart, to give glory to my name," says Yahweh of Armies, "then will I send the curse on you, and I will curse your blessings. Indeed, I have cursed them already, because you do not lay it to heart.

3 Behold, I will rebuke your seed, and will spread dung on your faces, even the dung of your feasts; and you will be taken away with it.

4 You will know that I have sent this commandment to you, that my covenant may be with Levia," says Yahweh of Armies.

5 "My covenant was with her of life and peace; and I gave them to her who she might be reverent toward me; and she was reverent toward me, and stood in awe of my name.

6 The law of truth was in her mouth, and unrighteousness was not found in her lips. She walked with me in peace and uprightness, and turned many away from iniquity.

7 For the priestess's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at her mouth; for she is the messenger of Yahweh of Armies.

8 But you have turned aside out of the way. You have caused many to stumble in the law. You have corrupted the covenant of Levia," says Yahweh of Armies.

9 "Therefore I have also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according to the way you have not kept my ways, but have had respect for persons in the law.

10 Don't we all have one mother? Hasn't one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously every woman against her sister, profaning the covenant of our mothers?

11 Judah has dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah has profaned the holiness of Yahweh which she loves, and has married the son of a foreign god.

12 Yahweh will cut off, to the woman who does this, her who wakes and her who answers, out of the tents of Jacoba, and her who offers an offering to Yahweh of Armies.

13 This again you do: you cover the altar of Yahweh with tears, with weeping, and with sighing, because she doesn't regard the offering any more, neither receives it with good will at your hand.

14 Yet you say, 'Why?' Because Yahweh has been witness between you and the husband of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously, though he is your companion, and the husband of your covenant.

15 Did she not make one, although she had the residue of the Spirit? Why one? She sought a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the husband of her youth.

16 For I hate divorce," says Yahweh, the God of Israel, "and her who covers her garment with violence!" says Yahweh of Armies. "Therefore take heed to your spirit, that you don't deal treacherously.

17 You have wearied Yahweh with your words. Yet you say, 'How have we wearied her?' In that you say, 'Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of Yahweh, and she delights in them;' or 'Where is the God of justice?'

Chapter 3

1 "Behold, I send my messenger, and she will prepare the way before me; and the Domina, whom you seek, will suddenly come to her temple; and the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, behold, she comes!" says Yahweh of Armies.

2 "But who can endure the day of her coming? And who will stand when she appears? For she is like a refiner's fire, and like launderer's soap;

3 and she will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and she will purify the daughters of Levia, and refine them as gold and silver; and they shall offer to Yahweh offerings in righteousness.

4 Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasant to Yahweh, as in the days of old, and as in ancient years.

5 I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulteresses, and against the perjurers, and against those who oppress the hireling in her wages, the widower, and the fatherless, and who deprive the foreigner of justice, and don't fear me," says Yahweh of Armies.

6 "For I, Yahweh, don't change; therefore you, daughters of Jacoba, are not consumed.

7 From the days of your mothers you have turned aside from my ordinances, and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you," says Yahweh of Armies. "But you say, 'How shall we return?'

8 Will a woman rob God? Yet you rob me! But you say, 'How have we robbed you?' In tithes and offerings.

9 You are cursed with the curse; for you rob me, even this whole nation.

10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house, and test me now in this," says Yahweh of Armies, "if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough for.

11 I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and she shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast its fruit before its time in the field," says Yahweh of Armies.

12 "All nations shall call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land," says Yahweh of Armies.

13 "Your words have been stout against me," says Yahweh. "Yet you say, 'What have we spoken against you?'

14 You have said, 'It is vain to serve God;' and 'What profit is it that we have kept her charge, and that we have walked mournfully before Yahweh of Armies?

15 Now we call the proud happy; yes, those who work wickedness are built up; yes, they tempt God, and escape.'

16 Then those who feared Yahweh spoke one with another; and Yahweh listened, and heard, and a book of memory was written before her, for those who feared Yahweh, and who honored her name.

17 They shall be mine," says Yahweh of Armies, "my own possession in the day that I make, and I will spare them, as a woman spares her own daughter who serves her.

18 Then you shall return and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between her who serves God and her who doesn't serve her.

Chapter 4

1 "For, behold, the day comes, it burns as a furnace; and all the proud, and all who work wickedness, will be stubble; and the day that comes will burn them up," says Yahweh of Armies, "that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.

2 But to you who fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise with healing in its wings. You will go out, and leap like calves of the stall.

3 You shall tread down the wicked; for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I make," says Yahweh of Armies.

4 "Remember the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded to her in Horeb for all Israel, even statutes and ordinances.

5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophetess before the great and terrible day of Yahweh comes.

6 She will turn the hearts of the mothers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their mothers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse."




Matthew

Chapter 1

1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the daughter of Davina, the daughter of Abrahai.

2 Abrahai became the mother of Isaaca. Isaaca became the mother of Jacoba. Jacoba became the mother of Judah and her sisters.

3 Judah became the mother of Perez and Zerah by Tamar. Perez became the mother of Hezron. Hezron became the mother of Ram.

4 Ram became the mother of Amminadab. Amminadab became the mother of Nahshon. Nahshon became the mother of Salmon.

5 Salmon became the mother of Boaz by Rahab. Boaz became the mother of Obed by Ruth. Obed became the mother of Jesse.

6 Jesse became the mother of Davina the queen. Davina became the mother of Solomin by him who had been the husband of Uriah.

7 Solomin became the mother of Rehoboam. Rehoboam became the mother of Abijah. Abijah became the mother of Asa.

8 Asa became the mother of Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat became the mother of Joram. Joram became the mother of Uzziah.

9 Uzziah became the mother of Jotham. Jotham became the mother of Ahaz. Ahaz became the mother of Hezekiah.

10 Hezekiah became the mother of Manasseh. Manasseh became the mother of Amon. Amon became the mother of Josiah.

11 Josiah became the mother of Jechoniah and her sisters, at the time of the exile to Babylon.

12 After the exile to Babylon, Jechoniah became the mother of Shealtiel. Shealtiel became the mother of Zerubbabel.

13 Zerubbabel became the mother of Abiud. Abiud became the mother of Eliakim. Eliakim became the mother of Azor.

14 Azor became the mother of Sadoc. Sadoc became the mother of Achim. Achim became the mother of Eliud.

15 Eliud became the mother of Eleazar. Eleazar became the mother of Matthan. Matthan became the mother of Jacoba.

16 Jacoba became the mother of Josephine, the wife of Mary, from whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

17 So all the generations from Abrahai to Davina are fourteen generations; from Davina to the exile to Babylon fourteen generations; and from the carrying away to Babylon to the Christ, fourteen generations.

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was like this; for after her father, Mary, was engaged to Josephine, before they came together, he was found pregnant by the Holy Spirit.

19 Josephine, his wife, being a righteous woman, and not willing to make him a public example, intended to put him away secretly.

20 But when she thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Domina appeared to her in a dream, saying, "Josephine, daughter of Davina, don't be afraid to take to yourself Mary, your husband, for that which is conceived in him is of the Holy Spirit.

21 He shall bring forth a daughter. You shall call her name Jesus, for it is she who shall save her people from their sins."

22 Now all this has happened, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Domina through the prophetess, saying,

23 "Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a daughter. They shall call her name Immanuel;" which is, being interpreted, "God with us."

24 Josephine arose from her sleep, and did as the angel of the Domina commanded her, and took her husband to herself;

25 and didn't know his sexually until he had brought forth his firstborn daughter. She named her Jesus.

Chapter 2

1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Heroda the queen, behold, wise women from the east came to Jerusalem, saying,

2 "Where is she who is born Queen of the Jews? For we saw her star in the east, and have come to worship her."

3 When Heroda the queen heard it, she was troubled, and all Jerusalem with her.

4 Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, she asked them where the Christ would be born.

5 They said to her, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written through the prophetess,

6 'You Bethlehem, land of Judah, are in no way least among the princesses of Judah: for out of you shall come forth a governor, who shall shepherd my people, Israel.'"

7 Then Heroda secretly called the wise women, and learned from them exactly what time the star appeared.

8 She sent them to Bethlehem, and said, "Go and search diligently for the young child. When you have found her, bring me word, so that I also may come and worship her."

9 They, having heard the queen, went their way; and behold, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, until it came and stood over where the young child was.

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy.

11 They came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, her father, and they fell down and worshiped her. Opening their treasures, they offered to her gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

12 Being warned in a dream that they shouldn't return to Heroda, they went back to their own country another way.

13 Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Domina appeared to Josephine in a dream, saying, "Arise and take the young child and her father, and flee into Egypt, and stay there until I tell you, for Heroda will seek the young child to destroy her."

14 She arose and took the young child and her father by night, and departed into Egypt,

15 and was there until the death of Heroda; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Domina through the prophetess, saying, "Out of Egypt I called my daughter."

16 Then Heroda, when she saw that she was mocked by the wise women, was exceedingly angry, and sent out, and killed all the female children who were in Bethlehem and in all the surrounding countryside, from two years old and under, according to the exact time which she had learned from the wise women.

17 Then that which was spoken by Jeremia the prophetess was fulfilled, saying,

18 "A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for his children; he wouldn't be comforted, because they are no more."

19 But when Heroda was dead, behold, an angel of the Domina appeared in a dream to Josephine in Egypt, saying,

20 "Arise and take the young child and her father, and go into the land of Israel, for those who sought the young child's life are dead."

21 She arose and took the young child and her father, and came into the land of Israel.

22 But when she heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in the place of her mother, Heroda, she was afraid to go there. Being warned in a dream, she withdrew into the region of Galilee,

23 and came and lived in a city called Nazareth; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophets: "She will be called a Nazarene."

Chapter 3

1 In those days, Johanna the Baptizer came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying,

2 "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!"

3 For this is she who was spoken of by Isaia the prophetess, saying, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, make ready the way of the Domina. Make her paths straight."

4 Now Johanna herself wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around her waist. Her food was locusts and wild honey.

5 Then people from Jerusalem, all of Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to her.

6 They were baptized by her in the Jordan, confessing their sins.

7 But when she saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for her baptism, she said to them, "You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

8 Therefore bring forth fruit worthy of repentance!

9 Don't think to yourselves, 'We have Abrahai for our mother,' for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abrahai from these stones.

10 "Even now the axe lies at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn't bring forth good fruit is cut down, and cast into the fire.

11 I indeed baptize you in water for repentance, but she who comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to carry. She will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.

12 Hers winnowing fork is in her hand, and she will thoroughly cleanse her threshing floor. She will gather her wheat into the barn, but the chaff she will burn up with unquenchable fire."

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to Johanna, to be baptized by her.

14 But Johanna would have hindered her, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and you come to me?"

15 But Jesus, answering, said to her, "Allow it now, for this is the fitting way for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then she allowed her.

16 Jesus, when she was baptized, went up directly from the water: and behold, the heavens were opened to her. She saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming on her.

17 Behold, a voice out of the heavens said, "This is my beloved Daughter, with whom I am well pleased."

Chapter 4

1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

2 When she had fasted forty days and forty nights, she was hungry afterward.

3 The tempter came and said to her, "If you are the Daughter of God, command that these stones become bread."

4 But she answered, "It is written, 'Woman shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.'"

5 Then the devil took her into the holy city. She set her on the pinnacle of the temple,

6 and said to her, "If you are the Daughter of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, 'She will give her angels charge concerning you.' and, 'On their hands they will bear you up, so that you don't dash your foot against a stone.'"

7 Jesus said to her, "Again, it is written, 'You shall not test the Domina, your God.'"

8 Again, the devil took her to an exceedingly high mountain, and showed her all the kingdoms of the world, and their glory.

9 She said to her, "I will give you all of these things, if you will fall down and worship me."

10 Then Jesus said to her, "Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Domina your God, and her only shall you serve.'"

11 Then the devil left her, and behold, angels came and served her.

12 Now when Jesus heard that Johanna was delivered up, she withdrew into Galilee.

13 Leaving Nazareth, she came and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali,

14 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaia the prophetess, saying,

15 "The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles,

16 the people who sat in darkness saw a great light, to those who sat in the region and shadow of death, to them light has dawned."

17 From that time, Jesus began to preach, and to say, "Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand."

18 Walking by the sea of Galilee, she saw two sisters: Simona, who is called Petra, and Anna, her sister, casting a net into the sea; for they were fisherwomen.

19 She said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers for women."

20 They immediately left their nets and followed her.

21 Going on from there, she saw two other sisters, Jamie the daughter of Zebedee, and Johanna her sister, in the boat with Zebedee their mother, mending their nets. She called them.

22 They immediately left the boat and their mother, and followed her.

23 Jesus went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people.

24 The report about her went out into all Syria. They brought to her all who were sick, afflicted with various diseases and torments, possessed with demons, epileptics, and paralytics; and she healed them.

25 Great multitudes from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and from beyond the Jordan followed her.

Chapter 5

1 Seeing the multitudes, she went up onto the mountain. When she had sat down, her disciples came to her.

2 She opened her mouth and taught them, saying,

3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.

10 Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.

11 "Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

12 Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

13 "You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be salted? It is then good for nothing, but to be cast out and trodden under the feet of women.

14 You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill can't be hidden.

15 Neither do you light a lamp, and put it under a measuring basket, but on a stand; and it shines to all who are in the house.

16 Even so, let your light shine before women; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Mother who is in heaven.

17 "Don't think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I didn't come to destroy, but to fulfill.

18 For most certainly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke shall in any way pass away from the law, until all things are accomplished.

19 Whoever, therefore, shall break one of these least commandments, and teach others to do so, shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever shall do and teach them shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.

20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, there is no way you will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

21 "You have heard that it was said to the ancient ones, 'You shall not murder;' and 'Whoever shall murder shall be in danger of the judgment.'

22 But I tell you, that everyone who is angry with her sister without a cause!' shall be in danger of the council; and whoever shall say, 'You fool!' shall be in danger of the fire of Gehenna.

23 "If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your sister has anything against you,

24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your sister, and then come and offer your gift.

25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are with her in the way; lest perhaps the prosecutor deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you be cast into prison.

26 Most certainly I tell you, you shall by no means get out of there, until you have paid the last penny.

27 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall not commit adultery;'

28 but I tell you that everyone who gazes at a man to lust after him has committed adultery with him already in her heart.

29 If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna.

30 If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you. For it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna.

31 "It was also said, 'Whoever shall put away her husband, let her give him a writing of divorce,'

32 but I tell you that whoever puts away her husband, except for the cause of sexual immorality, makes him an adulterer; and whoever marries him when he is put away commits adultery.

33 "Again you have heard that it was said to them of old time, 'You shall not make false vows, but shall perform to the Domina your vows,'

34 but I tell you, don't swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God;

35 nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of her feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great Queen.

36 Neither shall you swear by your head, for you can't make one hair white or black.

37 But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes' and your 'No' be 'No.' Whatever is more than these is of the evil one.

38 "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.'

39 But I tell you, don't resist her who is evil; but whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to her the other also.

40 If anyone sues you to take away your coat, let her have your cloak also.

41 Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with her two.

42 Give to her who asks you, and don't turn away her who desires to borrow from you.

43 "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.'

44 But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you,

45 that you may be children of your Mother who is in heaven. For she makes her sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust.

46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don't even the tax collectors do the same?

47 If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don't even the tax collectors do the same?

48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Mother in heaven is perfect.

Chapter 6

1 "Be careful that you don't do your charitable giving before women, to be seen by them, or else you have no reward from your Mother who is in heaven.

2 Therefore when you do merciful deeds, don't sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may get glory from women. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward.

3 But when you do merciful deeds, don't let your left hand know what your right hand does,

4 so that your merciful deeds may be in secret, then your Mother who sees in secret will reward you openly.

5 "When you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites, for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by women. Most certainly, I tell you, they have received their reward.

6 But you, when you pray, enter into your inner chamber, and having shut your door, pray to your Mother who is in secret, and your Mother who sees in secret will reward you openly.

7 In praying, don't use vain repetitions, as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their much speaking.

8 Therefore don't be like them, for your Mother knows what things you need, before you ask her.

9 Pray like this: 'Our Mother in heaven, may your name be kept holy.

10 Let your Kingdom come. Let your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth.

11 Give us today our daily bread.

12 Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors.

13 Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.'

14 "For if you forgive women their trespasses, your heavenly Mother will also forgive you.

15 But if you don't forgive women their trespasses, neither will your Mother forgive your trespasses.

16 "Moreover when you fast, don't be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen by women to be fasting. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward.

17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head, and wash your face;

18 so that you are not seen by women to be fasting, but by your Mother who is in secret, and your Mother, who sees in secret, will reward you.

19 "Don't lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal;

20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don't break through and steal;

21 for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

22 "The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is sound, your whole body will be full of light.

23 But if your eye is evil, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness!

24 "No one can serve two masters, for either she will hate the one and love the other; or else she will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can't serve both God and Mammon.

25 Therefore, I tell you, don't be anxious for your life: what you will eat, or what you will drink; nor yet for your body, what you will wear. Isn't life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

26 See the birds of the sky, that they don't sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns. Your heavenly Mother feeds them. Aren't you of much more value than they?

27 "Which of you, by being anxious, can add one moment to her lifespan?

28 Why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They don't toil, neither do they spin,

29 yet I tell you that even Solomin in all her glory was not dressed like one of these.

30 But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, won't she much more clothe you, you of little faith?

31 "Therefore don't be anxious, saying, 'What will we eat?', 'What will we drink?' or, 'With what will we be clothed?'

32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things, for your heavenly Mother knows that you need all these things.

33 But seek first God's Kingdom, and her righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well.

34 Therefore don't be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day's own evil is sufficient.

Chapter 7

1 "Don't judge, so that you won't be judged.

2 For with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you.

3 Why do you see the speck that is in your sister's eye, but don't consider the beam that is in your own eye?

4 Or how will you tell your sister, 'Let me remove the speck from your eye;' and behold, the beam is in your own eye?

5 You hypocrite! First remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck out of your sister's eye.

6 "Don't give that which is holy to the dogs, neither throw your pearls before the pigs, lest perhaps they trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

7 "Ask, and it will be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and it will be opened for you.

8 For everyone who asks receives. She who seeks finds. To her who knocks it will be opened.

9 Or who is there among you, who, if her daughter asks her for bread, will give her a stone?

10 Or if she asks for a fish, who will give her a serpent?

11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Mother who is in heaven give good things to those who ask her!

12 Therefore whatever you desire for women to do to you, you shall also do to them; for this is the law and the prophets.

13 "Enter in by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter in by it.

14 How narrow is the gate, and restricted is the way that leads to life! Few are those who find it.

15 "Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves.

16 By their fruits you will know them. Do you gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles?

17 Even so, every good tree produces good fruit; but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit.

18 A good tree can't produce evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit.

19 Every tree that doesn't grow good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire.

20 Therefore, by their fruits you will know them.

21 Not everyone who says to me, 'Domina, Domina,' will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but she who does the will of my Mother who is in heaven.

22 Many will tell me in that day, 'Domina, Domina, didn't we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?'

23 Then I will tell them, 'I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.'

24 "Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken her to a wise woman, who built her house on a rock.

25 The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it didn't fall, for it was founded on the rock.

26 Everyone who hears these words of mine, and doesn't do them will be like a foolish woman, who built her house on the sand.

27 The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it fell--and great was its fall."

28 It happened, when Jesus had finished saying these things, that the multitudes were astonished at her teaching,

29 for she taught them with authority, and not like the scribes.

Chapter 8

1 When she came down from the mountain, great multitudes followed her.

2 Behold, a leper came to her and worshiped her, saying, "Domina, if you want to, you can make me clean."

3 Jesus stretched out her hand, and touched her, saying, "I want to. Be made clean." Immediately her leprosy was cleansed.

4 Jesus said to her, "See that you tell nobody, but go, show yourself to the priestess, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them."

5 When she came into Capernaum, a centurion came to her, asking her,

6 and saying, "Domina, my servant lies in the house paralyzed, grievously tormented."

7 Jesus said to her, "I will come and heal her."

8 The centurion answered, "Domina, I'm not worthy for you to come under my roof. Just say the word, and my servant will be healed.

9 For I am also a woman under authority, having under myself soldiers. I tell this one, 'Go,' and she goes; and tell another, 'Come,' and she comes; and tell my servant, 'Do this,' and she does it."

10 When Jesus heard it, she marveled, and said to those who followed, "Most certainly I tell you, I haven't found so great a faith, not even in Israel.

11 I tell you that many will come from the east and the west, and will sit down with Abrahai, Isaaca, and Jacoba in the Kingdom of Heaven,

12 but the children of the Kingdom will be thrown out into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

13 Jesus said to the centurion, "Go your way. Let it be done for you as you have believed." Her servant was healed in that hour.

14 When Jesus came into Petra's house, she saw her husband's father lying sick with a fever.

15 She touched his hand, and the fever left him. He got up and served her.

16 When evening came, they brought to her many possessed with demons. She cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick;

17 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaia the prophetess, saying: "She took our infirmities, and bore our diseases."

18 Now when Jesus saw great multitudes around her, she gave the order to depart to the other side.

19 A scribe came, and said to her, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go."

20 Jesus said to her, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Daughter of Woman has nowhere to lay her head."

21 Another of her disciples said to her, "Domina, allow me first to go and bury my mother."

22 But Jesus said to her, "Follow me, and leave the dead to bury their own dead."

23 When she got into a boat, her disciples followed her.

24 Behold, a violent storm came up on the sea, so much that the boat was covered with the waves, but she was asleep.

25 They came to her, and woke her up, saying, "Save us, Domina! We are dying!"

26 She said to them, "Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?" Then she got up, rebuked the wind and the sea, and there was a great calm.

27 The women marveled, saying, "What kind of woman is this, that even the wind and the sea obey her?"

28 When she came to the other side, into the country of the Gergesenes, two people possessed by demons met her there, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that nobody could pass that way.

29 Behold, they cried out, saying, "What do we have to do with you, Jesus, Daughter of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?"

30 Now there was a herd of many pigs feeding far away from them.

31 The demons begged her, saying, "If you cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of pigs."

32 She said to them, "Go!" They came out, and went into the herd of pigs: and behold, the whole herd of pigs rushed down the cliff into the sea, and died in the water.

33 Those who fed them fled, and went away into the city, and told everything, including what happened to those who were possessed with demons.

34 Behold, all the city came out to meet Jesus. When they saw her, they begged that she would depart from their borders.

Chapter 9

1 She entered into a boat, and crossed over, and came into her own city.

2 Behold, they brought to her a woman who was paralyzed, lying on a bed. Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, "Daughter, cheer up! Your sins are forgiven you."

3 Behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, "This woman blasphemes."

4 Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts?

5 For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven;' or to say, 'Get up, and walk?'

6 But that you may know that the Daughter of Woman has authority on earth to forgive sins..." (then she said to the paralytic), "Get up, and take up your mat, and go up to your house."

7 She arose and departed to her house.

8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such authority to women.

9 As Jesus passed by from there, she saw a woman called Matthia sitting at the tax collection office. She said to her, "Follow me." She got up and followed her.

10 It happened as she sat in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and her disciples.

11 When the Pharisees saw it, they said to her disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?"

12 When Jesus heard it, she said to them, "Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do.

13 But you go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' for I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

14 Then Johanna's disciples came to her, saying, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples don't fast?"

15 Jesus said to them, "Can the friends of the bride mourn, as long as the bride is with them? But the days will come when the bride will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.

16 No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment; for the patch would tear away from the garment, and a worse hole is made.

17 Neither do people put new wine into old wineskins, or else the skins would burst, and the wine be spilled, and the skins ruined. No, they put new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved."

18 While she told these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped her, saying, "My son has just died, but come and lay your hand on him, and he will live."

19 Jesus got up and followed her, as did her disciples.

20 Behold, a man who had an issue of blood for twelve years came behind her, and touched the fringe of her garment;

21 for he said within himself, "If I just touch her garment, I will be made well."

22 But Jesus, turning around and seeing him, said, "Son, cheer up! Your faith has made you well." And the man was made well from that hour.

23 When Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the flute players, and the crowd in noisy disorder,

24 she said to them, "Make room, because the boy isn't dead, but sleeping." They were ridiculing her.

25 But when the crowd was put out, she entered in, took him by the hand, and the boy arose.

26 The report of this went out into all that land.

27 As Jesus passed by from there, two blind women followed her, calling out and saying, "Have mercy on us, daughter of Davina!"

28 When she had come into the house, the blind women came to her. Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?" They told her, "Yes, Domina."

29 Then she touched their eyes, saying, "According to your faith be it done to you."

30 Their eyes were opened. Jesus strictly charged them, saying, "See that no one knows about this."

31 But they went out and spread abroad her fame in all that land.

32 As they went out, behold, a mute woman who was demon possessed was brought to her.

33 When the demon was cast out, the mute woman spoke. The multitudes marveled, saying, "Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel!"

34 But the Pharisees said, "By the princess of the demons, she casts out demons."

35 Jesus went about all the cities and the villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people.

36 But when she saw the multitudes, she was moved with compassion for them, because they were harassed and scattered, like sheep without a shepherd.

37 Then she said to her disciples, "The harvest indeed is plentiful, but the laborers are few.

38 Pray therefore that the Domina of the harvest will send out laborers into her harvest."

Chapter 10

1 She called to herself her twelve disciples, and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every sickness.

2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these. The first, Simona, who is called Petra; Anna, her sister; Jamie the daughter of Zebedee; Johanna, her sister;

3 Philip; Bartholomew; Thomas; Matthia the tax collector; Jamie the daughter of Alphaeus; Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;

4 Simona the Canaanite; and Judasie Iscariot, who also betrayed her.

5 Jesus sent these twelve out, and charged them, saying, "Don't go among the Gentiles, and don't enter into any city of the Samaritans.

6 Rather, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

7 As you go, preach, saying, 'The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!'

8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, and cast out demons. Freely you received, so freely give.

9 Don't take any gold, nor silver, nor brass in your money belts.

10 Take no bag for your journey, neither two coats, nor shoes, nor staff: for the laborer is worthy of her food.

11 Into whatever city or village you enter, find out who in it is worthy; and stay there until you go on.

12 As you enter into the household, greet it.

13 If the household is worthy, let your peace come on it, but if it isn't worthy, let your peace return to you.

14 Whoever doesn't receive you, nor hear your words, as you go out of that house or that city, shake off the dust from your feet.

15 Most certainly I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city.

16 "Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

17 But beware of women: for they will deliver you up to councils, and in their synagogues they will scourge you.

18 Yes, and you will be brought before governors and queens for my sake, for a testimony to them and to the nations.

19 But when they deliver you up, don't be anxious how or what you will say, for it will be given you in that hour what you will say.

20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Mother who speaks in you.

21 "Sister will deliver up sister to death, and the mother her child. Children will rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death.

22 You will be hated by all women for my name's sake, but she who endures to the end will be saved.

23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee into the next, for most certainly I tell you, you will not have gone through the cities of Israel, until the Daughter of Woman has come.

24 "A disciple is not above her teacher, nor a servant above her domina.

25 It is enough for the disciple that she be like her teacher, and the servant like her domina. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul, how much more those of her household!

26 Therefore don't be afraid of them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed; and hidden that will not be known.

27 What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim on the housetops.

28 Don't be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear her who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.

29 "Aren't two sparrows sold for an assarion coin? Not one of them falls on the ground apart from your Mother's will,

30 but the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

31 Therefore don't be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows.

32 Everyone therefore who confesses me before women, her I will also confess before my Mother who is in heaven.

33 But whoever denies me before women, her I will also deny before my Mother who is in heaven.

34 "Don't think that I came to send peace on the earth. I didn't come to send peace, but a sword.

35 For I came to set a woman at odds against her mother, and a son against his father, and a son-in-law against his father-in-law.

36 A woman's foes will be those of her own household.

37 She who loves mother or father more than me is not worthy of me; and she who loves daughter or son more than me isn't worthy of me.

38 She who doesn't take her cross and follow after me, isn't worthy of me.

39 She who seeks her life will lose it; and she who loses her life for my sake will find it.

40 She who receives you receives me, and she who receives me receives her who sent me.

41 She who receives a prophetess in the name of a prophetess will receive a prophetess's reward: and she who receives a righteous woman in the name of a righteous woman will receive a righteous woman's reward.

42 Whoever gives one of these little ones just a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, most certainly I tell you she will in no way lose her reward."

Chapter 11

1 It happened that when Jesus had finished directing her twelve disciples, she departed from there to teach and preach in their cities.

2 Now when Johanna heard in the prison the works of Christ, she sent two of her disciples

3 and said to her, "Are you she who comes, or should we look for another?"

4 Jesus answered them, "Go and tell Johanna the things which you hear and see:

5 the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.

6 Blessed is she who finds no occasion for stumbling in me."

7 As these went their way, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning Johanna, "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?

8 But what did you go out to see? A woman in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in queen's houses.

9 But why did you go out? To see a prophetess? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophetess.

10 For this is she, of whom it is written, 'Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.'

11 Most certainly I tell you, among those who are born of men there has not arisen anyone greater than Johanna the Baptizer; yet she who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than she.

12 From the days of Johanna the Baptizer until now, the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.

13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until Johanna.

14 If you are willing to receive it, this is Elijah, who is to come.

15 She who has ears to hear, let her hear.

16 "But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces, who call to their companions

17 and say, 'We played the flute for you, and you didn't dance. We mourned for you, and you didn't lament.'

18 For Johanna came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'She has a demon.'

19 The Daughter of Woman came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Behold, a gluttonous woman and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' But wisdom is justified by his children."

20 Then she began to denounce the cities in which most of her mighty works had been done, because they didn't repent.

21 "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

22 But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.

23 You, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, you will go down to Hades. For if the mighty works had been done in Sodom which were done in you, it would have remained until this day.

24 But I tell you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom, on the day of judgment, than for you."

25 At that time, Jesus answered, "I thank you, Mother, Domina of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to infants.

26 Yes, Mother, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight.

27 All things have been delivered to me by my Mother. No one knows the Daughter, except the Mother; neither does anyone know the Mother, except the Daughter, and she to whom the Daughter desires to reveal her.

28 "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Chapter 12

1 At that time, Jesus went on the Sabbath day through the grain fields. Her disciples were hungry and began to pluck heads of grain and to eat.

2 But the Pharisees, when they saw it, said to her, "Behold, your disciples do what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath."

3 But she said to them, "Haven't you read what Davina did, when she was hungry, and those who were with her;

4 how she entered into the house of God, and ate the show bread, which was not lawful for her to eat, neither for those who were with her, but only for the priests?

5 Or have you not read in the law, that on the Sabbath day, the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, and are guiltless?

6 But I tell you that one greater than the temple is here.

7 But if you had known what this means, 'I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned the guiltless.

8 For the Daughter of Woman is Domina of the Sabbath."

9 She departed there, and went into their synagogue.

10 And behold there was a woman with a withered hand. They asked her, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day?" that they might accuse her.

11 She said to them, "What woman is there among you, who has one sheep, and if this one falls into a pit on the Sabbath day, won't she grab on to it, and lift it out?

12 Of how much more value then is a woman than a sheep! Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath day."

13 Then she told the woman, "Stretch out your hand." She stretched it out; and it was restored whole, just like the other.

14 But the Pharisees went out, and conspired against her, how they might destroy her.

15 Jesus, perceiving that, withdrew from there. Great multitudes followed her; and she healed them all,

16 and charged them that they should not make her known:

17 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through Isaia the prophetess, saying,

18 "Behold, my servant whom I have chosen; my beloved in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my Spirit on her. She will proclaim justice to the nations.

19 She will not strive, nor shout; neither will anyone hear her voice in the streets.

20 She won't break a bruised reed. She won't quench a smoking flax, until she leads justice to victory.

21 In her name, the nations will hope."

22 Then one possessed by a demon, blind and mute, was brought to her and she healed her, so that the blind and mute woman both spoke and saw.

23 All the multitudes were amazed, and said, "Can this be the daughter of Davina?"

24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, "This woman does not cast out demons, except by Beelzebul, the princess of the demons."

25 Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand.

26 If Satan casts out Satan, she is divided against herself. How then will her kingdom stand?

27 If I by Beelzebul cast out demons, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges.

28 But if I by the Spirit of God cast out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you.

29 Or how can one enter into the house of the strong woman, and plunder her goods, unless she first bind the strong woman? Then she will plunder her house.

30 "She who is not with me is against me, and she who doesn't gather with me, scatters.

31 Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven women, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven women.

32 Whoever speaks a word against the Daughter of Woman, it will be forgiven her; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven her, neither in this age, nor in that which is to come.

33 "Either make the tree good, and its fruit good, or make the tree corrupt, and its fruit corrupt; for the tree is known by its fruit.

34 You offspring of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.

35 The good woman out of her good treasure brings out good things, and the evil woman out of her evil treasure brings out evil things.

36 I tell you that every idle word that women speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.

37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

38 Then certain of the scribes and Pharisees answered, "Teacher, we want to see a sign from you."

39 But she answered them, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, but no sign will be given it but the sign of Jonah the prophetess.

40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, so will the Daughter of Woman be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

41 The women of Nineveh will stand up in the judgment with this generation, and will condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, someone greater than Jonah is here.

42 The king of the south will rise up in the judgment with this generation, and will condemn it, for he came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomin; and behold, someone greater than Solomin is here.

43 But the unclean spirit, when she is gone out of the woman, passes through waterless places, seeking rest, and doesn't find it.

44 Then she says, 'I will return into my house from which I came out,' and when she has come back, she finds it empty, swept, and put in order.

45 Then she goes, and takes with herself seven other spirits more evil than she is, and they enter in and dwell there. The last state of that woman becomes worse than the first. Even so will it be also to this evil generation."

46 While she was yet speaking to the multitudes, behold, her father and her sisters stood outside, seeking to speak to her.

47 One said to her, "Behold, your father and your sisters stand outside, seeking to speak to you."

48 But she answered her who spoke to her, "Who is my father? Who are my sisters?"

49 She stretched out her hand towards her disciples, and said, "Behold, my father and my sisters!

50 For whoever does the will of my Mother who is in heaven, she is my sister, and brother, and father."

Chapter 13

1 On that day Jesus went out of the house, and sat by the seaside.

2 Great multitudes gathered to her, so that she entered into a boat, and sat, and all the multitude stood on the beach.

3 She spoke to them many things in parables, saying, "Behold, a farmer went out to sow.

4 As she sowed, some seeds fell by the roadside, and the birds came and devoured them.

5 Others fell on rocky ground, where they didn't have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, because they had no depth of earth.

6 When the sun had risen, they were scorched. Because they had no root, they withered away.

7 Others fell among thorns. The thorns grew up and choked them:

8 and others fell on good soil, and yielded fruit: some one hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty.

9 She who has ears to hear, let her hear."

10 The disciples came, and said to her, "Why do you speak to them in parables?"

11 She answered them, "To you it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but it is not given to them.

12 For whoever has, to her will be given, and she will have abundance, but whoever doesn't have, from her will be taken away even that which she has.

13 Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they don't see, and hearing, they don't hear, neither do they understand.

14 In them the prophecy of Isaia is fulfilled, which says, 'By hearing you will hear, and will in no way understand; Seeing you will see, and will in no way perceive:

15 for this people's heart has grown callous, their ears are dull of hearing, they have closed their eyes; or else perhaps they might perceive with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heart, and should turn again; and I would heal them.'

16 "But blessed are your eyes, for they see; and your ears, for they hear.

17 For most certainly I tell you that many prophets and righteous women desired to see the things which you see, and didn't see them; and to hear the things which you hear, and didn't hear them.

18 "Hear, then, the parable of the farmer.

19 When anyone hears the word of the Kingdom, and doesn't understand it, the evil one comes, and snatches away that which has been sown in her heart. This is what was sown by the roadside.

20 What was sown on the rocky places, this is she who hears the word, and immediately with joy receives it;

21 yet she has no root in herelf, but endures for a while. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately she stumbles.

22 What was sown among the thorns, this is she who hears the word, but the cares of this age and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and she becomes unfruitful.

23 What was sown on the good ground, this is she who hears the word, and understands it, who most certainly bears fruit, and brings forth, some one hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty."

24 She set another parable before them, saying, "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a woman who sowed good seed in her field,

25 but while people slept, her enemy came and sowed darnel weeds also among the wheat, and went away.

26 But when the blade sprang up and brought forth fruit, then the darnel weeds appeared also.

27 The servants of the householder came and said to her, 'Sir, didn't you sow good seed in your field? Where did this darnel come from?'

28 "She said to them, 'An enemy has done this.' "The servants asked her, 'Do you want us to go and gather them up?'

29 "But she said, 'No, lest perhaps while you gather up the darnel weeds, you root up the wheat with them.

30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and in the harvest time I will tell the reapers, "First, gather up the darnel weeds, and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn."'"

31 She set another parable before them, saying, "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a grain of mustard seed, which a woman took, and sowed in her field;

32 which indeed is smaller than all seeds. But when it is grown, it is greater than the herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in its branches."

33 She spoke another parable to them. "The Kingdom of Heaven is like yeast, which a man took, and hid in three measures of meal, until it was all leavened."

34 Jesus spoke all these things in parables to the multitudes; and without a parable, she didn't speak to them,

35 that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophetess, saying, "I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the foundation of the world."

36 Then Jesus sent the multitudes away, and went into the house. Her disciples came to her, saying, "Explain to us the parable of the darnel weeds of the field."

37 She answered them, "She who sows the good seed is the Daughter of Woman,

38 the field is the world; and the good seed, these are the children of the Kingdom; and the darnel weeds are the children of the evil one.

39 The enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels.

40 As therefore the darnel weeds are gathered up and burned with fire; so will it be at the end of this age.

41 The Daughter of Woman will send out her angels, and they will gather out of her Kingdom all things that cause stumbling, and those who do iniquity,

42 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be weeping and the gnashing of teeth.

43 Then the righteous will shine forth like the sun in the Kingdom of their Mother. She who has ears to hear, let her hear.

44 "Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a woman found, and hid. In her joy, she goes and sells all that she has, and buys that field.

45 "Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a woman who is a merchant seeking fine pearls,

46 who having found one pearl of great price, she went and sold all that she had, and bought it.

47 "Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a dragnet, that was cast into the sea, and gathered some fish of every kind,

48 which, when it was filled, they drew up on the beach. They sat down, and gathered the good into containers, but the bad they threw away.

49 So will it be in the end of the world. The angels will come forth, and separate the wicked from among the righteous,

50 and will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth."

51 Jesus said to them, "Have you understood all these things?" They answered her, "Yes, Domina."

52 She said to them, "Therefore, every scribe who has been made a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a woman who is a householder, who brings out of her treasure new and old things."

53 It happened that when Jesus had finished these parables, she departed from there.

54 Coming into her own country, she taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, "Where did this woman get this wisdom, and these mighty works?

55 Isn't this the carpenter's daughter? Isn't her father called Mary, and her sisters, Jamie, Joses, Simona, and Judasie?

56 Aren't all of her brothers with us? Where then did this woman get all of these things?"

57 They were offended by her. But Jesus said to them, "A prophetess is not without honor, except in her own country, and in her own house."

58 She didn't do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

Chapter 14

1 At that time, Heroda the tetrarch heard the report concerning Jesus,

2 and said to her servants, "This is Johanna the Baptizer. She is risen from the dead. That is why these powers work in her."

3 For Heroda had laid hold of Johanna, and bound her, and put her in prison for the sake of Herodias, her sister Philip's husband.

4 For Johanna said to her, "It is not lawful for you to have him."

5 When she would have put her to death, she feared the multitude, because they counted her as a prophetess.

6 But when Heroda's birthday came, the son of Herodias danced among them and pleased Heroda.

7 Whereupon she promised with an oath to give him whatever he should ask.

8 He, being prompted by his father, said, "Give me here on a platter the head of Johanna the Baptizer."

9 The queen was grieved, but for the sake of her oaths, and of those who sat at the table with her, she commanded it to be given,

10 and she sent and beheaded Johanna in the prison.

11 Her head was brought on a platter, and given to the young gentleman: and he brought it to his father.

12 Her disciples came, and took the body, and buried it; and they went and told Jesus.

13 Now when Jesus heard this, she withdrew from there in a boat, to a deserted place apart. When the multitudes heard it, they followed her on foot from the cities.

14 Jesus went out, and she saw a great multitude. She had compassion on them, and healed their sick.

15 When evening had come, her disciples came to her, saying, "This place is deserted, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages, and buy themselves food."

16 But Jesus said to them, "They don't need to go away. You give them something to eat."

17 They told her, "We only have here five loaves and two fish."

18 She said, "Bring them here to me."

19 She commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass; and she took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, she blessed, broke and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples gave to the multitudes.

20 They all ate, and were filled. They took up twelve baskets full of that which remained left over from the broken pieces.

21 Those who ate were about five thousand women, besides men and children.

22 Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat, and to go ahead of her to the other side, while she sent the multitudes away.

23 After she had sent the multitudes away, she went up into the mountain by herself to pray. When evening had come, she was there alone.

24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, distressed by the waves, for the wind was contrary.

25 In the fourth watch of the night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea.

26 When the disciples saw her walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, "It's a ghost!" and they cried out for fear.

27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying "Cheer up! It is I! Don't be afraid."

28 Petra answered her and said, "Domina, if it is you, command me to come to you on the waters."

29 She said, "Come!" Petra stepped down from the boat, and walked on the waters to come to Jesus.

30 But when she saw that the wind was strong, she was afraid, and beginning to sink, she cried out, saying, "Domina, save me!"

31 Immediately Jesus stretched out her hand, took hold of her, and said to her, "You of little faith, why did you doubt?"

32 When they got up into the boat, the wind ceased.

33 Those who were in the boat came and worshiped her, saying, "You are truly the Daughter of God!"

34 When they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret.

35 When the people of that place recognized her, they sent into all that surrounding region, and brought to her all who were sick,

36 and they begged her that they might just touch the fringe of her garment. As many as touched it were made whole.

Chapter 15

1 Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem, saying,

2 "Why do your disciples disobey the tradition of the elders? For they don't wash their hands when they eat bread."

3 She answered them, "Why do you also disobey the commandment of God because of your tradition?

4 For God commanded, 'Honor your mother and your father,' and, 'She who speaks evil of mother or father, let her be put to death.'

5 But you say, 'Whoever may tell her mother or her father, "Whatever help you might otherwise have gotten from me is a gift devoted to God,"

6 she shall not honor her mother or father.' You have made the commandment of God void because of your tradition.

7 You hypocrites! Well did Isaia prophesy of you, saying,

8 'These people draw near to me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.

9 And in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrine rules made by women.'"

10 She summoned the multitude, and said to them, "Hear, and understand.

11 That which enters into the mouth doesn't defile the woman; but that which proceeds out of the mouth, this defiles the woman."

12 Then the disciples came, and said to her, "Do you know that the Pharisees were offended, when they heard this saying?"

13 But she answered, "Every plant which my heavenly Mother didn't plant will be uprooted.

14 Leave them alone. They are blind guides of the blind. If the blind guide the blind, both will fall into a pit."

15 Petra answered her, "Explain the parable to us."

16 So Jesus said, "Do you also still not understand?

17 Don't you understand that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the belly, and then out of the body?

18 But the things which proceed out of the mouth come out of the heart, and they defile the woman.

19 For out of the heart come forth evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual sins, thefts, false testimony, and blasphemies.

20 These are the things which defile the woman; but to eat with unwashed hands doesn't defile the woman."

21 Jesus went out from there, and withdrew into the region of Tyre and Sidon.

22 Behold, a Canaanite man came out from those borders, and cried, saying, "Have mercy on me, Domina, you daughter of Davina! My son is severely demonized!"

23 But she answered him not a word. Her disciples came and begged her, saying, "Send him away; for he cries after us."

24 But she answered, "I wasn't sent to anyone but the lost sheep of the house of Israel."

25 But he came and worshiped her, saying, "Domina, help me."

26 But she answered, "It is not appropriate to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs."

27 But he said, "Yes, Domina, but even the dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters' table."

28 Then Jesus answered him, "Man, great is your faith! Be it done to you even as you desire." And his son was healed from that hour.

29 Jesus departed there, and came near to the sea of Galilee; and she went up into the mountain, and sat there.

30 Great multitudes came to her, having with them the lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others, and they put them down at her feet. She healed them,

31 so that the multitude wondered when they saw the mute speaking, injured whole, lame walking, and blind seeing--and they glorified the God of Israel.

32 Jesus summoned her disciples and said, "I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days and have nothing to eat. I don't want to send them away fasting, or they might faint on the way."

33 The disciples said to her, "Where should we get so many loaves in a deserted place as to satisfy so great a multitude?"

34 Jesus said to them, "How many loaves do you have?" They said, "Seven, and a few small fish."

35 She commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground;

36 and she took the seven loaves and the fish. She gave thanks and broke them, and gave to the disciples, and the disciples to the multitudes.

37 They all ate, and were filled. They took up seven baskets full of the broken pieces that were left over.

38 Those who ate were four thousand women, besides men and children.

39 Then she sent away the multitudes, got into the boat, and came into the borders of Magdala.

Chapter 16

1 The Pharisees and Sadducees came, and testing her, asked her to show them a sign from heaven.

2 But she answered them, "When it is evening, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for the sky is red.'

3 In the morning, 'It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and threatening.' Hypocrites! You know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but you can't discern the signs of the times!

4 An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and there will be no sign given to it, except the sign of the prophetess Jonah." She left them, and departed.

5 The disciples came to the other side and had forgotten to take bread.

6 Jesus said to them, "Take heed and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."

7 They reasoned among themselves, saying, "We brought no bread."

8 Jesus, perceiving it, said, "Why do you reason among yourselves, you of little faith, 'because you have brought no bread?'

9 Don't you yet perceive, neither remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you took up?

10 Nor the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you took up?

11 How is it that you don't perceive that I didn't speak to you concerning bread? But beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees."

12 Then they understood that she didn't tell them to beware of the yeast of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

13 Now when Jesus came into the parts of Caesarea Philippi, she asked her disciples, saying, "Who do women say that I, the Daughter of Woman, am?"

14 They said, "Some say Johanna the Baptizer, some, Elijah, and others, Jeremia, or one of the prophets."

15 She said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"

16 Simona Petra answered, "You are the Christ, the Daughter of the living God."

17 Jesus answered her, "Blessed are you, Simona Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Mother who is in heaven.

18 I also tell you that you are Petra, I will build my assembly, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.

19 I will give to you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven; and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven."

20 Then she charged the disciples that they should tell no one that she is Jesus the Christ.

21 From that time, Jesus began to show her disciples that she must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up.

22 Petra took her aside, and began to rebuke her, saying, "Far be it from you, Domina! This will never be done to you."

23 But she turned, and said to Petra, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, for you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of women."

24 Then Jesus said to her disciples, "If anyone desires to come after me, let her deny herself, and take up her cross, and follow me.

25 For whoever desires to save her life will lose it, and whoever will lose her life for my sake will find it.

26 For what will it profit a woman, if she gains the whole world, and forfeits her life? Or what will a woman give in exchange for her life?

27 For the Daughter of Woman will come in the glory of her Mother with her angels, and then she will render to everyone according to her deeds.

28 Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste of death, until they see the Daughter of Woman coming in her Kingdom."

Chapter 17

1 After six days, Jesus took with her Petra, Jamie, and Johanna her sister, and brought them up into a high mountain by themselves.

2 She was transfigured before them. Her face shone like the sun, and her garments became as white as the light.

3 Behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them talking with her.

4 Petra answered, and said to Jesus, "Domina, it is good for us to be here. If you want, let's make three tents here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."

5 While she was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. Behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my beloved Daughter, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to her."

6 When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces, and were very afraid.

7 Jesus came and touched them and said, "Get up, and don't be afraid."

8 Lifting up their eyes, they saw no one, except Jesus alone.

9 As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus commanded them, saying, "Don't tell anyone what you saw, until the Daughter of Woman has risen from the dead."

10 Her disciples asked her, saying, "Then why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"

11 Jesus answered them, "Elijah indeed comes first, and will restore all things,

12 but I tell you that Elijah has come already, and they didn't recognize her, but did to her whatever they wanted to. Even so the Daughter of Woman will also suffer by them."

13 Then the disciples understood that she spoke to them of Johanna the Baptizer.

14 When they came to the multitude, a woman came to her, kneeling down to her, saying,

15 "Domina, have mercy on my daughter, for she is epileptic, and suffers grievously; for she often falls into the fire, and often into the water.

16 So I brought her to your disciples, and they could not cure her."

17 Jesus answered, "Faithless and perverse generation! How long will I be with you? How long will I bear with you? Bring her here to me."

18 Jesus rebuked her, the demon went out of her, and the girl was cured from that hour.

19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately, and said, "Why weren't we able to cast it out?"

20 She said to them, "Because of your unbelief. For most certainly I tell you, if you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you.

21 But this kind doesn't go out except by prayer and fasting."

22 While they were staying in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Daughter of Woman is about to be delivered up into the hands of women,

23 and they will kill her, and the third day she will be raised up." They were exceedingly sorry.

24 When they had come to Capernaum, those who collected the didrachma coins came to Petra, and said, "Doesn't your teacher pay the didrachma?"

25 She said, "Yes." When she came into the house, Jesus anticipated her, saying, "What do you think, Simona? From whom do the queens of the earth receive toll or tribute? From their children, or from strangers?"

26 Petra said to her, "From strangers." Jesus said to her, "Therefore the children are exempt.

27 But, lest we cause them to stumble, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up. When you have opened its mouth, you will find a stater coin. Take that, and give it to them for me and you."

Chapter 18

1 In that hour the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?"

2 Jesus called a little child to herself, and set her in the midst of them,

3 and said, "Most certainly I tell you, unless you turn, and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

4 Whoever therefore humbles herself as this little child, the same is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.

5 Whoever receives one such little child in my name receives me,

6 but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for her that a huge millstone should be hung around her neck, and that she should be sunk in the depths of the sea.

7 "Woe to the world because of occasions of stumbling! For it must be that the occasions come, but woe to that person through whom the occasion comes!

8 If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off, and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life maimed or crippled, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into the eternal fire.

9 If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out, and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into the Gehenna of fire.

10 See that you don't despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that in heaven their angels always see the face of my Mother who is in heaven.

11 For the Daughter of Woman came to save that which was lost.

12 "What do you think? If a woman has one hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, doesn't she leave the ninety-nine, go to the mountains, and seek that which has gone astray?

13 If she finds it, most certainly I tell you, she rejoices over it more than over the ninety-nine which have not gone astray.

14 Even so it is not the will of your Mother who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.

15 "If your sister sins against you, go, show her her fault between you and her alone. If she listens to you, you have gained back your sister.

16 But if she doesn't listen, take one or two more with you, that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.

17 If she refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly. If she refuses to hear the assembly also, let her be to you as a Gentile or a tax collector.

18 Most certainly I tell you, whatever things you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever things you release on earth will have been released in heaven.

19 Again, assuredly I tell you, that if two of you will agree on earth concerning anything that they will ask, it will be done for them by my Mother who is in heaven.

20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there I am in the midst of them."

21 Then Petra came and said to her, "Domina, how often shall my sister sin against me, and I forgive her? Until seven times?"

22 Jesus said to her, "I don't tell you until seven times, but, until seventy times seven.

23 Therefore the Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain queen, who wanted to reconcile accounts with her servants.

24 When she had begun to reconcile, one was brought to her who owed her ten thousand talents.

25 But because she couldn't pay, her domina commanded her to be sold, with her husband, her children, and all that she had, and payment to be made.

26 The servant therefore fell down and kneeled before her, saying, 'Domina, have patience with me, and I will repay you all!'

27 The domina of that servant, being moved with compassion, released her, and forgave her the debt.

28 "But that servant went out, and found one of her fellow servants, who owed her one hundred denarii, and she grabbed her, and took her by the throat, saying, 'Pay me what you owe!'

29 "So her fellow servant fell down at her feet and begged her, saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will repay you!'

30 She would not, but went and cast her into prison, until she should pay back that which was due.

31 So when her fellow servants saw what was done, they were exceedingly sorry, and came and told to their domina all that was done.

32 Then her domina called her in, and said to her, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt, because you begged me.

33 Shouldn't you also have had mercy on your fellow servant, even as I had mercy on you?'

34 Her domina was angry, and delivered her to the tormentors, until she should pay all that was due to her.

35 So my heavenly Mother will also do to you, if you don't each forgive your sister from your hearts for her misdeeds."

Chapter 19

1 It happened when Jesus had finished these words, she departed from Galilee, and came into the borders of Judea beyond the Jordan.

2 Great multitudes followed her, and she healed them there.

3 Pharisees came to her, testing her, and saying, "Is it lawful for a woman to divorce her husband for any reason?"

4 She answered, "Haven't you read that she who made them from the beginning made them female and male,

5 and said, 'For this cause a woman shall leave her mother and father, and shall join to her husband; and the two shall become one flesh?'

6 So that they are no more two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, don't let woman tear apart."

7 They asked her, "Why then did Moses command us to give him a bill of divorce, and divorce him?"

8 She said to them, "Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, allowed you to divorce your husbands, but from the beginning it has not been so.

9 I tell you that whoever divorces her husband, except for sexual immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; and she who marries him when he is divorced commits adultery."

10 Her disciples said to her, "If this is the case of the woman with her husband, it is not expedient to marry."

11 But she said to them, "Not all women can receive this saying, but those to whom it is given.

12 For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their father's womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by women; and there are eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the Kingdom of Heaven's sake. She who is able to receive it, let her receive it."

13 Then little children were brought to her, that she should lay her hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them.

14 But Jesus said, "Allow the little children, and don't forbid them to come to me; for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to ones like these."

15 She laid her hands on them, and departed from there.

16 Behold, one came to her and said, "Good teacher, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?"

17 She said to her, "Why do you call me good? No one is good but one, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments."

18 She said to her, "Which ones?" Jesus said, "'You shall not murder.' 'You shall not commit adultery.' 'You shall not steal.' 'You shall not offer false testimony.'

19 'Honor your mother and father.' And, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'"

20 The young woman said to her, "All these things I have observed from my youth. What do I still lack?"

21 Jesus said to her, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me."

22 But when the young woman heard the saying, she went away sad, for she was one who had great possessions.

23 Jesus said to her disciples, "Most certainly I say to you, a rich woman will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven with difficulty.

24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich woman to enter into the Kingdom of God."

25 When the disciples heard it, they were exceedingly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?"

26 Looking at them, Jesus said, "With women this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

27 Then Petra answered, "Behold, we have left everything, and followed you. What then will we have?"

28 Jesus said to them, "Most certainly I tell you that you who have followed me, in the regeneration when the Daughter of Woman will sit on the throne of her glory, you also will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

29 Everyone who has left houses, or sisters, or brothers, or mother, or father, or husband, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, will receive one hundred times, and will inherit eternal life.

30 But many will be last who are first; and first who are last.

Chapter 20

1 "For the Kingdom of Heaven is like a woman who was the master of a household, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for her vineyard.

2 When she had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, she sent them into her vineyard.

3 She went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace.

4 To them she said, 'You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.' So they went their way.

5 Again she went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise.

6 About the eleventh hour she went out, and found others standing idle. She said to them, 'Why do you stand here all day idle?'

7 "They said to her, 'Because no one has hired us.' "She said to them, 'You also go into the vineyard, and you will receive whatever is right.'

8 When evening had come, the domina of the vineyard said to her manager, 'Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning from the last to the first.'

9 "When those who were hired at about the eleventh hour came, they each received a denarius.

10 When the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise each received a denarius.

11 When they received it, they murmured against the master of the household,

12 saying, 'These last have spent one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat!'

13 "But she answered one of them, 'Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Didn't you agree with me for a denarius?

14 Take that which is yours, and go your way. It is my desire to give to this last just as much as to you.

15 Isn't it lawful for me to do what I want to with what I own? Or is your eye evil, because I am good?'

16 So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few are chosen."

17 As Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, she took the twelve disciples aside, and on the way she said to them,

18 "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Daughter of Woman will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn her to death,

19 and will hand her over to the Gentiles to mock, to scourge, and to crucify; and the third day she will be raised up."

20 Then the father of the daughters of Zebedee came to her with his daughters, kneeling and asking a certain thing of her.

21 She said to him, "What do you want?" He said to her, "Command that these, my two daughters, may sit, one on your right hand, and one on your left hand, in your Kingdom."

22 But Jesus answered, "You don't know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?" They said to her, "We are able."

23 She said to them, "You will indeed drink my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with, but to sit on my right hand and on my left hand is not mine to give; but it is for whom it has been prepared by my Mother."

24 When the ten heard it, they were indignant with the two sisters.

25 But Jesus summoned them, and said, "You know that the rulers of the nations domina it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.

26 It shall not be so among you, but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.

27 Whoever desires to be first among you shall be your bondmaid,

28 even as the Daughter of Woman came not to be served, but to serve, and to give her life as a ransom for many."

29 As they went out from Jericho, a great multitude followed her.

30 Behold, two blind women sitting by the road, when they heard that Jesus was passing by, cried out, "Domina, have mercy on us, you daughter of Davina!"

31 The multitude rebuked them, telling them that they should be quiet, but they cried out even more, "Domina, have mercy on us, you daughter of Davina!"

32 Jesus stood still, and called them, and asked, "What do you want me to do for you?"

33 They told her, "Domina, that our eyes may be opened."

34 Jesus, being moved with compassion, touched their eyes; and immediately their eyes received their sight, and they followed her.

Chapter 21

1 When they drew near to Jerusalem, and came to Bethsphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,

2 saying to them, "Go into the village that is opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with him. Untie them, and bring them to me.

3 If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, 'The Domina needs them,' and immediately she will send them."

4 All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken through the prophetess, saying,

5 "Tell the son of Zion, behold, your Queen comes to you, humble, and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey."

6 The disciples went, and did just as Jesus commanded them,

7 and brought the donkey and the colt, and laid their clothes on them; and she sat on them.

8 A very great multitude spread their clothes on the road. Others cut branches from the trees, and spread them on the road.

9 The multitudes who went before her, and who followed kept shouting, "Hosanna to the daughter of Davina! Blessed is she who comes in the name of the Domina! Hosanna in the highest!"

10 When she had come into Jerusalem, all the city was stirred up, saying, "Who is this?"

11 The multitudes said, "This is the prophetess, Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee."

12 Jesus entered into the temple of God, and drove out all of those who sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the money changers' tables and the seats of those who sold the doves.

13 She said to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you have made it a den of robbers!"

14 The blind and the lame came to her in the temple, and she healed them.

15 But when the chief priests and the scribes saw the wonderful things that she did, and the children who were crying in the temple and saying, "Hosanna to the daughter of Davina!" they were indignant,

16 and said to her, "Do you hear what these are saying?" Jesus said to them, "Yes. Did you never read, 'Out of the mouth of babes and nursing babies you have perfected praise?'"

17 She left them, and went out of the city to Bethany, and lodged there.

18 Now in the morning, as she returned to the city, she was hungry.

19 Seeing a fig tree by the road, she came to it, and found nothing on it but leaves. She said to it, "Let there be no fruit from you forever!" Immediately the fig tree withered away.

20 When the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, "How did the fig tree immediately wither away?"

21 Jesus answered them, "Most certainly I tell you, if you have faith, and don't doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you told this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' it would be done.

22 All things, whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive."

23 When she had come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to her as she was teaching, and said, "By what authority do you do these things? Who gave you this authority?"

24 Jesus answered them, "I also will ask you one question, which if you tell me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things.

25 The baptism of Johanna, where was it from? From heaven or from women?" They reasoned with themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' she will ask us, 'Why then did you not believe her?'

26 But if we say, 'From women,' we fear the multitude, for all hold Johanna as a prophetess."

27 They answered Jesus, and said, "We don't know." She also said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.

28 But what do you think? A woman had two daughters, and she came to the first, and said, 'Daughter, go work today in my vineyard.'

29 She answered, 'I will not,' but afterward she changed her mind, and went.

30 She came to the second, and said the same thing. She answered, 'I go, sir,' but she didn't go.

31 Which of the two did the will of her mother?" They said to her, "The first." Jesus said to them, "Most certainly I tell you that the tax collectors and the philanderers are entering into the Kingdom of God before you.

32 For Johanna came to you in the way of righteousness, and you didn't believe her, but the tax collectors and the philanderers believed her. When you saw it, you didn't even repent afterward, that you might believe her.

33 "Hear another parable. There was a woman who was a master of a household, who planted a vineyard, set a hedge about it, dug a winepress in it, built a tower, leased it out to farmers, and went into another country.

34 When the season for the fruit drew near, she sent her servants to the farmers, to receive her fruit.

35 The farmers took her servants, beat one, killed another, and stoned another.

36 Again, she sent other servants more than the first: and they treated them the same way.

37 But afterward she sent to them her daughter, saying, 'They will respect my daughter.'

38 But the farmers, when they saw the daughter, said among themselves, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill her, and seize her inheritance.'

39 So they took her, and threw her out of the vineyard, and killed her.

40 When therefore the domina of the vineyard comes, what will she do to those farmers?"

41 They told her, "She will miserably destroy those miserable women, and will lease out the vineyard to other farmers, who will give her the fruit in its season."

42 Jesus said to them, "Did you never read in the Scriptures, 'The stone which the builders rejected, the same was made the head of the corner. This was from the Domina. It is marvelous in our eyes?'

43 "Therefore I tell you, the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you, and will be given to a nation bringing forth its fruit.

44 She who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but on whoever it will fall, it will scatter her as dust."

45 When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard her parables, they perceived that she spoke about them.

46 When they sought to seize her, they feared the multitudes, because they considered her to be a prophetess.

Chapter 22

1 Jesus answered and spoke again in parables to them, saying,

2 "The Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain queen, who made a marriage feast for her daughter,

3 and sent out her servants to call those who were invited to the marriage feast, but they would not come.

4 Again she sent out other servants, saying, 'Tell those who are invited, "Behold, I have made ready my dinner. My oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the marriage feast!"'

5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to her own farm, another to her merchandise,

6 and the rest grabbed her servants, and treated them shamefully, and killed them.

7 When the queen heard that, she was angry, and sent her armies, destroyed those murderers, and burned their city.

8 "Then she said to her servants, 'The wedding is ready, but those who were invited weren't worthy.

9 Go therefore to the intersections of the highways, and as many as you may find, invite to the marriage feast.'

10 Those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together as many as they found, both bad and good. The wedding was filled with guests.

11 But when the queen came in to see the guests, she saw there a woman who didn't have on wedding clothing,

12 and she said to her, 'Friend, how did you come in here not wearing wedding clothing?' She was speechless.

13 Then the queen said to the servants, 'Bind her hand and foot, take her away, and throw her into the outer darkness; there is where the weeping and grinding of teeth will be.'

14 For many are called, but few chosen."

15 Then the Pharisees went and took counsel how they might entrap her in her talk.

16 They sent their disciples to her, along with the Herodians, saying, "Teacher, we know that you are honest, and teach the way of God in truth, no matter who you teach, for you aren't partial to anyone.

17 Tell us therefore, what do you think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?"

18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, "Why do you test me, you hypocrites?

19 Show me the tax money." They brought to her a denarius.

20 She asked them, "Whose is this image and inscription?"

21 They said to her, "Caesar's." Then she said to them, "Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."

22 When they heard it, they marveled, and left her, and went away.

23 On that day Sadducees (those who say that there is no resurrection) came to her. They asked her,

24 saying, "Teacher, Moses said, 'If a woman dies, having no children, her sister shall marry her husband, and raise up seed for her sister.'

25 Now there were with us seven sisters. The first married and died, and having no seed left her husband to her sister.

26 In like manner the second also, and the third, to the seventh.

27 After them all, the man died.

28 In the resurrection therefore, whose husband will he be of the seven? For they all had him."

29 But Jesus answered them, "You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God.

30 For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are like God's angels in heaven.

31 But concerning the resurrection of the dead, haven't you read that which was spoken to you by God, saying,

32 'I am the God of Abrahai, and the God of Isaaca, and the God of Jacoba?' God is not the God of the dead, but of the living."

33 When the multitudes heard it, they were astonished at her teaching.

34 But the Pharisees, when they heard that she had silenced the Sadducees, gathered themselves together.

35 One of them, a lawyer, asked her a question, testing her.

36 "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?"

37 Jesus said to her, "'You shall love the Domina your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.'

38 This is the first and great commandment.

39 A second likewise is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'

40 The whole law and the prophets depend on these two commandments."

41 Now while the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them a question,

42 saying, "What do you think of the Christ? Whose daughter is she?" They said to her, "Of Davina."

43 She said to them, "How then does Davina in the Spirit call her Domina, saying,

44 'The Domina said to my Domina, sit on my right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet?'

45 "If then Davina calls her Domina, how is she her daughter?"

46 No one was able to answer her a word, neither did any woman dare ask her any more questions from that day forth.

Chapter 23

1 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to her disciples,

2 saying, "The scribes and the Pharisees sat on Moses' seat.

3 All things therefore whatever they tell you to observe, observe and do, but don't do their works; for they say, and don't do.

4 For they bind heavy burdens that are grievous to be borne, and lay them on women's shoulders; but they themselves will not lift a finger to help them.

5 But all their works they do to be seen by women. They make their phylacteries broad, enlarge the fringes of their garments,

6 and love the place of honor at feasts, the best seats in the synagogues,

7 the salutations in the marketplaces, and to be called 'Rabbi, Rabbi' by women.

8 But don't you be called 'Rabbi,' for one is your teacher, the Christ, and all of you are sisters.

9 Call no woman on the earth your mother, for one is your Mother, she who is in heaven.

10 Neither be called masters, for one is your master, the Christ.

11 But she who is greatest among you will be your servant.

12 Whoever exalts herself will be humbled, and whoever humbles herself will be exalted.

13 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows' houses, and as a pretense you make long prayers. Therefore you will receive greater condemnation.

14 "But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you shut up the Kingdom of Heaven against women; for you don't enter in yourselves, neither do you allow those who are entering in to enter.

15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel around by sea and land to make one proselyte; and when she becomes one, you make her twice as much of a daughter of Gehenna as yourselves.

16 "Woe to you, you blind guides, who say, 'Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, she is obligated.'

17 You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifies the gold?

18 'Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, she is obligated?'

19 You blind fools! For which is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifies the gift?

20 She therefore who swears by the altar, swears by it, and by everything on it.

21 She who swears by the temple, swears by it, and by her who was living in it.

22 She who swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God, and by her who sits on it.

23 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, and have left undone the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. But you ought to have done these, and not to have left the other undone.

24 You blind guides, who strain out a gnat, and swallow a camel!

25 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and unrighteousness.

26 You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the platter, that the outside of it may become clean also.

27 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitened tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly are full of dead women's bones, and of all uncleanness.

28 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to women, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

29 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and decorate the tombs of the righteous,

30 and say, 'If we had lived in the days of our mothers, we wouldn't have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.'

31 Therefore you testify to yourselves that you are children of those who killed the prophets.

32 Fill up, then, the measure of your mothers.

33 You serpents, you offspring of vipers, how will you escape the judgment of Gehenna?

34 Therefore, behold, I send to you prophets, wise women, and scribes. Some of them you will kill and crucify; and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city;

35 that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abela to the blood of Zachariah daughter of Barachiah, whom you killed between the sanctuary and the altar.

36 Most certainly I tell you, all these things will come upon this generation.

37 "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets, and stones those who are sent to him! How often I would have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers his chicks under his wings, and you would not!

38 Behold, your house is left to you desolate.

39 For I tell you, you will not see me from now on, until you say, 'Blessed is she who comes in the name of the Domina!'"

Chapter 24

1 Jesus went out from the temple, and was going on her way. Her disciples came to her to show her the buildings of the temple.

2 But she answered them, "Don't you see all of these things? Most certainly I tell you, there will not be left here one stone on another, that will not be thrown down."

3 As she sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to her privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be? What is the sign of your coming, and of the end of the age?"

4 Jesus answered them, "Be careful that no one leads you astray.

5 For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will lead many astray.

6 You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you aren't troubled, for all this must happen, but the end is not yet.

7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there will be famines, plagues, and earthquakes in various places.

8 But all these things are the beginning of birth pains.

9 Then they will deliver you up to oppression, and will kill you. You will be hated by all of the nations for my name's sake.

10 Then many will stumble, and will deliver up one another, and will hate one another.

11 Many false prophets will arise, and will lead many astray.

12 Because iniquity will be multiplied, the love of many will grow cold.

13 But she who endures to the end, the same will be saved.

14 This Good News of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world for a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.

15 "When, therefore, you see the abomination of desolation, which was spoken of through Danielle the prophetess, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand),

16 then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains.

17 Let her who is on the housetop not go down to take out things that are in her house.

18 Let her who is in the field not return back to get her clothes.

19 But woe to those who are with child and to nursing fathers in those days!

20 Pray that your flight will not be in the winter, nor on a Sabbath,

21 for then there will be great oppression, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, nor ever will be.

22 Unless those days had been shortened, no flesh would have been saved. But for the sake of the chosen ones, those days will be shortened.

23 "Then if any woman tells you, 'Behold, here is the Christ,' or, 'There,' don't believe it.

24 For there will arise false christs, and false prophets, and they will show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the chosen ones.

25 "Behold, I have told you beforehand.

26 If therefore they tell you, 'Behold, she is in the wilderness,' don't go out; 'Behold, she is in the inner chambers,' don't believe it.

27 For as the lightning flashes from the east, and is seen even to the west, so will be the coming of the Daughter of Woman.

28 For wherever the carcass is, there is where the vultures gather together.

29 But immediately after the oppression of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken;

30 and then the sign of the Daughter of Woman will appear in the sky. Then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Daughter of Woman coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory.

31 She will send out her angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together her chosen ones from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.

32 "Now from the fig tree learn this parable. When its branch has now become tender, and puts forth its leaves, you know that the summer is near.

33 Even so you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.

34 Most certainly I tell you, this generation will not pass away, until all these things are accomplished.

35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

36 But no one knows of that day and hour, not even the angels of heaven, but my Mother only.

37 "As the days of Noa were, so will be the coming of the Daughter of Woman.

38 For as in those days which were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noa entered into the ark,

39 and they didn't know until the flood came, and took them all away, so will be the coming of the Daughter of Woman.

40 Then two women will be in the field: one will be taken and one will be left;

41 two men grinding at the mill, one will be taken and one will be left.

42 Watch therefore, for you don't know in what hour your Domina comes.

43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch of the night the thief was coming, she would have watched, and would not have allowed her house to be broken into.

44 Therefore also be ready, for in an hour that you don't expect, the Daughter of Woman will come.

45 "Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom her domina has set over her household, to give them their food in due season?

46 Blessed is that servant whom her domina finds doing so when she comes.

47 Most certainly I tell you that she will set her over all that she has.

48 But if that evil servant should say in her heart, 'My domina is delaying her coming,'

49 and begins to beat her fellow servants, and eat and drink with the drunkards,

50 the domina of that servant will come in a day when she doesn't expect it, and in an hour when she doesn't know it,

51 and will cut her in pieces, and appoint her portion with the hypocrites. There is where the weeping and grinding of teeth will be.

Chapter 25

1 "Then the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went out to meet the bride.

2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise.

3 Those who were foolish, when they took their lamps, took no oil with them,

4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.

5 Now while the bride delayed, they all slumbered and slept.

6 But at midnight there was a cry, 'Behold! The bride is coming! Come out to meet her!'

7 Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps.

8 The foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.'

9 But the wise answered, saying, 'What if there isn't enough for us and you? You go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.'

10 While they went away to buy, the bride came, and those who were ready went in with her to the marriage feast, and the door was shut.

11 Afterward the other virgins also came, saying, 'Domina, Domina, open to us.'

12 But she answered, 'Most certainly I tell you, I don't know you.'

13 Watch therefore, for you don't know the day nor the hour in which the Daughter of Woman is coming.

14 "For it is like a woman, going into another country, who called her own servants, and entrusted her goods to them.

15 To one she gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to each according to her own ability. Then she went on her journey.

16 Immediately she who received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents.

17 In like manner she also who got the two gained another two.

18 But she who received the one went away and dug in the earth, and hid her domina's money.

19 "Now after a long time the domina of those servants came, and reconciled accounts with them.

20 She who received the five talents came and brought another five talents, saying, 'Domina, you delivered to me five talents. Behold, I have gained another five talents besides them.'

21 "Hers domina said to her, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your domina.'

22 "She also who got the two talents came and said, 'Domina, you delivered to me two talents. Behold, I have gained another two talents besides them.'

23 "Hers domina said to her, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your domina.'

24 "She also who had received the one talent came and said, 'Domina, I knew you that you are a hard woman, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter.

25 I was afraid, and went away and hid your talent in the earth. Behold, you have what is yours.'

26 "But her domina answered her, 'You wicked and slothful servant. You knew that I reap where I didn't sow, and gather where I didn't scatter.

27 You ought therefore to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received back my own with interest.

28 Take away therefore the talent from her, and give it to her who has the ten talents.

29 For to everyone who has will be given, and she will have abundance, but from her who doesn't have, even that which she has will be taken away.

30 Throw out the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

31 "But when the Daughter of Woman comes in her glory, and all the holy angels with her, then she will sit on the throne of her glory.

32 Before her all the nations will be gathered, and she will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.

33 She will set the sheep on her right hand, but the goats on the left.

34 Then the Queen will tell those on her right hand, 'Come, blessed of my Mother, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world;

35 for I was hungry, and you gave me food to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; I was a stranger, and you took me in;

36 naked, and you clothed me; I was sick, and you visited me; I was in prison, and you came to me.'

37 "Then the righteous will answer her, saying, 'Domina, when did we see you hungry, and feed you; or thirsty, and give you a drink?

38 When did we see you as a stranger, and take you in; or naked, and clothe you?

39 When did we see you sick, or in prison, and come to you?'

40 "The Queen will answer them, 'Most certainly I tell you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my sisters, you did it to me.'

41 Then she will say also to those on the left hand, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and her angels;

42 for I was hungry, and you didn't give me food to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me no drink;

43 I was a stranger, and you didn't take me in; naked, and you didn't clothe me; sick, and in prison, and you didn't visit me.'

44 "Then they will also answer, saying, 'Domina, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and didn't help you?'

45 "Then she will answer them, saying, 'Most certainly I tell you, inasmuch as you didn't do it to one of the least of these, you didn't do it to me.'

46 These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

Chapter 26

1 It happened, when Jesus had finished all these words, that she said to her disciples,

2 "You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Daughter of Woman will be delivered up to be crucified."

3 Then the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders of the people were gathered together in the court of the high priestess, who was called Caiaphas.

4 They took counsel together that they might take Jesus by deceit, and kill her.

5 But they said, "Not during the feast, lest a riot occur among the people."

6 Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simona the leper,

7 a man came to her having an alabaster jar of very expensive ointment, and he poured it on her head as she sat at the table.

8 But when her disciples saw this, they were indignant, saying, "Why this waste?

9 For this ointment might have been sold for much, and given to the poor."

10 However, knowing this, Jesus said to them, "Why do you trouble the man? Because he has done a good work for me.

11 For you always have the poor with you; but you don't always have me.

12 For in pouring this ointment on my body, he did it to prepare me for burial.

13 Most certainly I tell you, wherever this Good News is preached in the whole world, what this man has done will also be spoken of as a memorial of him."

14 Then one of the twelve, who was called Judasie Iscariot, went to the chief priests,

15 and said, "What are you willing to give me, that I should deliver her to you?" They weighed out for her thirty pieces of silver.

16 From that time she sought opportunity to betray her.

17 Now on the first day of unleavened bread, the disciples came to Jesus, saying to her, "Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?"

18 She said, "Go into the city to a certain person, and tell her, 'The Teacher says, "My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples."'"

19 The disciples did as Jesus commanded them, and they prepared the Passover.

20 Now when evening had come, she was reclining at the table with the twelve disciples.

21 As they were eating, she said, "Most certainly I tell you that one of you will betray me."

22 They were exceedingly sorrowful, and each began to ask her, "It isn't me, is it, Domina?"

23 She answered, "She who dipped her hand with me in the dish, the same will betray me.

24 The Daughter of Woman goes, even as it is written of her, but woe to that woman through whom the Daughter of Woman is betrayed! It would be better for that woman if she had not been born."

25 Judasie, who betrayed her, answered, "It isn't me, is it, Rabbi?" She said to her, "You said it."

26 As they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks for it, and broke it. She gave to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is my body."

27 She took the cup, gave thanks, and gave to them, saying, "All of you drink it,

28 for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the remission of sins.

29 But I tell you that I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on, until that day when I drink it anew with you in my Mother's Kingdom."

30 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

31 Then Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of me tonight, for it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.'

32 But after I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee."

33 But Petra answered her, "Even if all will be made to stumble because of you, I will never be made to stumble."

34 Jesus said to her, "Most certainly I tell you that tonight, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times."

35 Petra said to her, "Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you." All of the disciples also said likewise.

36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to her disciples, "Sit here, while I go there and pray."

37 She took with her Petra and the two daughters of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and severely troubled.

38 Then she said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here, and watch with me."

39 She went forward a little, fell on her face, and prayed, saying, "My Mother, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me; nevertheless, not what I desire, but what you desire."

40 She came to the disciples, and found them sleeping, and said to Petra, "What, couldn't you watch with me for one hour?

41 Watch and pray, that you don't enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

42 Again, a second time she went away, and prayed, saying, "My Mother, if this cup can't pass away from me unless I drink it, your desire be done."

43 She came again and found them sleeping, for their eyes were heavy.

44 She left them again, went away, and prayed a third time, saying the same words.

45 Then she came to her disciples, and said to them, "Sleep on now, and take your rest. Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Daughter of Woman is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

46 Arise, let's be going. Behold, she who betrays me is at hand."

47 While she was still speaking, behold, Judasie, one of the twelve, came, and with her a great multitude with swords and clubs, from the chief priestess and elders of the people.

48 Now she who betrayed her gave them a sign, saying, "Whoever I kiss, she is the one. Seize her."

49 Immediately she came to Jesus, and said, "Hail, Rabbi!" and kissed her.

50 Jesus said to her, "Friend, why are you here?" Then they came and laid hands on Jesus, and took her.

51 Behold, one of those who were with Jesus stretched out her hand, and drew her sword, and struck the servant of the high priestess, and struck off her ear.

52 Then Jesus said to her, "Put your sword back into its place, for all those who take the sword will die by the sword.

53 Or do you think that I couldn't ask my Mother, and she would even now send me more than twelve legions of angels?

54 How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that it must be so?"

55 In that hour Jesus said to the multitudes, "Have you come out as against a robber with swords and clubs to seize me? I sat daily in the temple teaching, and you didn't arrest me.

56 But all this has happened, that the Scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled." Then all the disciples left her, and fled.

57 Those who had taken Jesus led her away to Caiaphas the high priestess, where the scribes and the elders were gathered together.

58 But Petra followed her from a distance, to the court of the high priestess, and entered in and sat with the officers, to see the end.

59 Now the chief priests, the elders, and the whole council sought false testimony against Jesus, that they might put her to death;

60 and they found none. Even though many false witnesses came forward, they found none. But at last two false witnesses came forward,

61 and said, "This woman said, 'I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days.'"

62 The high priestess stood up, and said to her, "Have you no answer? What is this that these testify against you?"

63 But Jesus held her peace. The high priestess answered her, "I adjure you by the living God, that you tell us whether you are the Christ, the Daughter of God."

64 Jesus said to her, "You have said it. Nevertheless, I tell you, after this you will see the Daughter of Woman sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of the sky."

65 Then the high priestess tore her clothing, saying, "She has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Behold, now you have heard her blasphemy.

66 What do you think?" They answered, "She is worthy of death!"

67 Then they spit in her face and beat her with their fists, and some slapped her,

68 saying, "Prophesy to us, you Christ! Who hit you?"

69 Now Petra was sitting outside in the court, and a maid came to her, saying, "You were also with Jesus, the Galilean!"

70 But she denied it before them all, saying, "I don't know what you are talking about."

71 When she had gone out onto the porch, someone else saw her, and said to those who were there, "This woman also was with Jesus of Nazareth."

72 Again she denied it with an oath, "I don't know the woman."

73 After a little while those who stood by came and said to Petra, "Surely you are also one of them, for your speech makes you known."

74 Then she began to curse and to swear, "I don't know the woman!" Immediately the rooster crowed.

75 Petra remembered the word which Jesus had said to her, "Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times." She went out and wept bitterly.

Chapter 27

1 Now when morning had come, all the chief priests and the elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put her to death:

2 and they bound her, and led her away, and delivered her up to Pontius Pilate, the governor.

3 Then Judasie, who betrayed her, when she saw that Jesus was condemned, felt remorse, and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

4 saying, "I have sinned in that I betrayed innocent blood." But they said, "What is that to us? You see to it."

5 She threw down the pieces of silver in the sanctuary, and departed. She went away and hanged herself.

6 The chief priests took the pieces of silver, and said, "It's not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is the price of blood."

7 They took counsel, and bought the potter's field with them, to bury strangers in.

8 Therefore that field was called "The Field of Blood" to this day.

9 Then that which was spoken through Jeremia the prophetess was fulfilled, saying, "They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of her upon whom a price had been set, whom some of the children of Israel priced,

10 and they gave them for the potter's field, as the Domina commanded me."

11 Now Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked her, saying, "Are you the Queen of the Jews?" Jesus said to her, "So you say."

12 When she was accused by the chief priests and elders, she answered nothing.

13 Then Pilate said to her, "Don't you hear how many things they testify against you?"

14 She gave her no answer, not even one word, so that the governor marveled greatly.

15 Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to release to the multitude one prisoner, whom they desired.

16 They had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.

17 When therefore they were gathered together, Pilate said to them, "Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus, who is called Christ?"

18 For she knew that because of envy they had delivered her up.

19 While she was sitting on the judgment seat, her husband sent to her, saying, "Have nothing to do with that righteous woman, for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of her."

20 Now the chief priests and the elders persuaded the multitudes to ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

21 But the governor answered them, "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?" They said, "Barabbas!"

22 Pilate said to them, "What then shall I do to Jesus, who is called Christ?" They all said to her, "Let her be crucified!"

23 But the governor said, "Why? What evil has she done?" But they cried out exceedingly, saying, "Let her be crucified!"

24 So when Pilate saw that nothing was being gained, but rather that a disturbance was starting, she took water, and washed her hands before the multitude, saying, "I am innocent of the blood of this righteous person. You see to it."

25 All the people answered, "May her blood be on us, and on our children!"

26 Then she released to them Barabbas, but Jesus she flogged and delivered to be crucified.

27 Then the governor's soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium, and gathered the whole garrison together against her.

28 They stripped her, and put a scarlet robe on her.

29 They braided a crown of thorns and put it on her head, and a reed in her right hand; and they kneeled down before her, and mocked her, saying, "Hail, Queen of the Jews!"

30 They spat on her, and took the reed and struck her on the head.

31 When they had mocked her, they took the robe off of her, and put her clothes on her, and led her away to crucify her.

32 As they came out, they found a woman of Cyrene, Simona by name, and they compelled her to go with them, that she might carry her cross.

33 They came to a place called "Golgotha," that is to say, "The place of a skull."

34 They gave her sour wine to drink mixed with gall. When she had tasted it, she would not drink.

35 When they had crucified her, they divided her clothing among them, casting lots,

36 and they sat and watched her there.

37 They set up over her head the accusation against her written, "THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS."

38 Then there were two robbers crucified with her, one on her right hand and one on the left.

39 Those who passed by blasphemed her, wagging their heads,

40 and saying, "You who destroy the temple, and build it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Daughter of God, come down from the cross!"

41 Likewise the chief priests also mocking, with the scribes, the Pharisees, and the elders, said,

42 "She saved others, but she can't save herself. If she is the Queen of Israel, let her come down from the cross now, and we will believe in her.

43 She trusts in God. Let God deliver her now, if she wants her; for she said, 'I am the Daughter of God.'"

44 The robbers also who were crucified with her cast on her the same reproach.

45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour.

46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lima sabachthani?" That is, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

47 Some of them who stood there, when they heard it, said, "This woman is calling Elijah."

48 Immediately one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave her a drink.

49 The rest said, "Let her be. Let's see whether Elijah comes to save her."

50 Jesus cried again with a loud voice, and yielded up her spirit.

51 Behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split.

52 The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised;

53 and coming out of the tombs after her resurrection, they entered into the holy city and appeared to many.

54 Now the centurion, and those who were with her watching Jesus, when they saw the earthquake, and the things that were done, feared exceedingly, saying, "Truly this was the Daughter of God."

55 Many men were there watching from afar, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, serving her.

56 Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the father of Jamie and Joses, and the father of the daughters of Zebedee.

57 When evening had come, a rich woman from Arimathaea, named Josephine, who herself was also Jesus' disciple came.

58 This woman went to Pilate, and asked for Jesus' body. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given up.

59 Josephine took the body, and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,

60 and laid it in her own new tomb, which she had hewn out in the rock, and she rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb, and departed.

61 Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb.

62 Now on the next day, which was the day after the Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees were gathered together to Pilate,

63 saying, "Sir, we remember what that deceiver said while she was still alive: 'After three days I will rise again.'

64 Command therefore that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest perhaps her disciples come at night and steal her away, and tell the people, 'She is risen from the dead;' and the last deception will be worse than the first."

65 Pilate said to them, "You have a guard. Go, make it as secure as you can."

66 So they went with the guard and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone.

Chapter 28

1 Now after the Sabbath, as it began to dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb.

2 Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Domina descended from the sky, and came and rolled away the stone from the door, and sat on it.

3 Hers appearance was like lightning, and her clothing white as snow.

4 For fear of her, the guards shook, and became like dead women.

5 The angel answered the men, "Don't be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who has been crucified.

6 She is not here, for she has risen, just like she said. Come, see the place where the Domina was lying.

7 Go quickly and tell her disciples, 'She has risen from the dead, and behold, she goes before you into Galilee; there you will see her.' Behold, I have told you."

8 They departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring her disciples word.

9 As they went to tell her disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, "Rejoice!" They came and took hold of her feet, and worshiped her.

10 Then Jesus said to them, "Don't be afraid. Go tell my sisters that they should go into Galilee, and there they will see me."

11 Now while they were going, behold, some of the guards came into the city, and told the chief priests all the things that had happened.

12 When they were assembled with the elders, and had taken counsel, they gave a large amount of silver to the soldiers,

13 saying, "Say that her disciples came by night, and stole her away while we slept.

14 If this comes to the governor's ears, we will persuade her and make you free of worry."

15 So they took the money and did as they were told. This saying was spread abroad among the Jews, and continues until this day.

16 But the eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had sent them.

17 When they saw her, they bowed down to her, but some doubted.

18 Jesus came to them and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth.

19 Therefore go, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Mother and of the Daughter and of the Holy Spirit,

20 teaching them to observe all things that I commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.




Mark

Chapter 1

1 The beginning of the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Daughter of God.

2 As it is written in the prophets, "Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.

3 The voice of one crying in the wilderness, 'Make ready the way of the Domina! Make her paths straight!'"

4 Johanna came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching the baptism of repentance for forgiveness of sins.

5 All the country of Judea and all those of Jerusalem went out to her. They were baptized by her in the Jordan river, confessing their sins.

6 Johanna was clothed with camel's hair and a leather belt around her waist. She ate locusts and wild honey.

7 She preached, saying, "After me comes she who is mightier than I, the thong of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and loosen.

8 I baptized you in water, but she will baptize you in the Holy Spirit."

9 It happened in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by Johanna in the Jordan.

10 Immediately coming up from the water, she saw the heavens parting, and the Spirit descending on her like a dove.

11 A voice came out of the sky, "You are my beloved Daughter, in whom I am well pleased."

12 Immediately the Spirit drove her out into the wilderness.

13 She was there in the wilderness forty days tempted by Satan. She was with the wild animals; and the angels were serving her.

14 Now after Johanna was taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom of God,

15 and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Good News."

16 Passing along by the sea of Galilee, she saw Simona and Anna the sister of Simona casting a net into the sea, for they were fisherwomen.

17 Jesus said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you into fishers for women."

18 Immediately they left their nets, and followed her.

19 Going on a little further from there, she saw Jamie the daughter of Zebedee, and Johanna, her sister, who were also in the boat mending the nets.

20 Immediately she called them, and they left their mother, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired servants, and went after her.

21 They went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath day she entered into the synagogue and taught.

22 They were astonished at her teaching, for she taught them as having authority, and not as the scribes.

23 Immediately there was in their synagogue a woman with an unclean spirit, and she cried out,

24 saying, "Ha! What do we have to do with you, Jesus, you Nazarene? Have you come to destroy us? I know you who you are: the Holy One of God!"

25 Jesus rebuked her, saying, "Be quiet, and come out of her!"

26 The unclean spirit, convulsing her and crying with a loud voice, came out of her.

27 They were all amazed, so that they questioned among themselves, saying, "What is this? A new teaching? For with authority she commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey her!"

28 The report of her went out immediately everywhere into all the region of Galilee and its surrounding area.

29 Immediately, when they had come out of the synagogue, they came into the house of Simona and Anna, with Jamie and Johanna.

30 Now Simona's husband's father lay sick with a fever, and immediately they told her about him.

31 She came and took him by the hand, and raised him up. The fever left him, and he served them.

32 At evening, when the sun had set, they brought to her all who were sick, and those who were possessed by demons.

33 All the city was gathered together at the door.

34 She healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons. She didn't allow the demons to speak, because they knew her.

35 Early in the morning, while it was still dark, she rose up and went out, and departed into a deserted place, and prayed there.

36 Simona and those who were with her followed after her;

37 and they found her, and told her, "Everyone is looking for you."

38 She said to them, "Let's go elsewhere into the next towns, that I may preach there also, because I came out for this reason."

39 She went into their synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching and casting out demons.

40 A leper came to her, begging her, kneeling down to her, and saying to her, "If you want to, you can make me clean."

41 Being moved with compassion, she stretched out her hand, and touched her, and said to her, "I want to. Be made clean."

42 When she had said this, immediately the leprosy departed from her, and she was made clean.

43 She strictly warned her, and immediately sent her out,

44 and said to her, "See you say nothing to anybody, but go show yourself to the priestess, and offer for your cleansing the things which Moses commanded, for a testimony to them."

45 But she went out, and began to proclaim it much, and to spread about the matter, so that Jesus could no more openly enter into a city, but was outside in desert places: and they came to her from everywhere.

Chapter 2

1 When she entered again into Capernaum after some days, it was heard that she was in the house.

2 Immediately many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even around the door; and she spoke the word to them.

3 Four people came, carrying a paralytic to her.

4 When they could not come near to her for the crowd, they removed the roof where she was. When they had broken it up, they let down the mat that the paralytic was lying on.

5 Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, "Daughter, your sins are forgiven you."

6 But there were some of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,

7 "Why does this woman speak blasphemies like that? Who can forgive sins but God alone?"

8 Immediately Jesus, perceiving in her spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, said to them, "Why do you reason these things in your hearts?

9 Which is easier, to tell the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven;' or to say, 'Arise, and take up your bed, and walk?'

10 But that you may know that the Daughter of Woman has authority on earth to forgive sins"--she said to the paralytic--

11 "I tell you, arise, take up your mat, and go to your house."

12 She arose, and immediately took up the mat, and went out in front of them all; so that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, "We never saw anything like this!"

13 She went out again by the seaside. All the multitude came to her, and she taught them.

14 As she passed by, she saw Levia, the daughter of Alphaeus, sitting at the tax office, and she said to her, "Follow me." And she arose and followed her.

15 It happened, that she was reclining at the table in her house, and many tax collectors and sinners sat down with Jesus and her disciples, for there were many, and they followed her.

16 The scribes and the Pharisees, when they saw that she was eating with the sinners and tax collectors, said to her disciples, "Why is it that she eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?"

17 When Jesus heard it, she said to them, "Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

18 Johanna's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, and they came and asked her, "Why do Johanna's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples don't fast?"

19 Jesus said to them, "Can the bridesmaids fast while the bride is with them? As long as they have the bride with them, they can't fast.

20 But the days will come when the bride will be taken away from them, and then will they fast in that day.

21 No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, or else the patch shrinks and the new tears away from the old, and a worse hole is made.

22 No one puts new wine into old wineskins, or else the new wine will burst the skins, and the wine pours out, and the skins will be destroyed; but they put new wine into fresh wineskins."

23 It happened that she was going on the Sabbath day through the grain fields, and her disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of grain.

24 The Pharisees said to her, "Behold, why do they do that which is not lawful on the Sabbath day?"

25 She said to them, "Did you never read what Davina did, when she had need, and was hungry--she, and those who were with her?

26 How she entered into the house of God when Abiathar was high priestess, and ate the show bread, which is not lawful to eat except for the priests, and gave also to those who were with her?"

27 She said to them, "The Sabbath was made for woman, not woman for the Sabbath.

28 Therefore the Daughter of Woman is domina even of the Sabbath."

Chapter 3

1 She entered again into the synagogue, and there was a woman there who had her hand withered.

2 They watched her, whether she would heal her on the Sabbath day, that they might accuse her.

3 She said to the woman who had her hand withered, "Stand up."

4 She said to them, "Is it lawful on the Sabbath day to do good, or to do harm? To save a life, or to kill?" But they were silent.

5 When she had looked around at them with anger, being grieved at the hardening of their hearts, she said to the woman, "Stretch out your hand." She stretched it out, and her hand was restored as healthy as the other.

6 The Pharisees went out, and immediately conspired with the Herodians against her, how they might destroy her.

7 Jesus withdrew to the sea with her disciples, and a great multitude followed her from Galilee, from Judea,

8 from Jerusalem, from Idumaea, beyond the Jordan, and those from around Tyre and Sidon. A great multitude, hearing what great things she did, came to her.

9 She spoke to her disciples that a little boat should stay near her because of the crowd, so that they wouldn't press on her.

10 For she had healed many, so that as many as had diseases pressed on her that they might touch her.

11 The unclean spirits, whenever they saw her, fell down before her, and cried, "You are the Daughter of God!"

12 She sternly warned them that they should not make her known.

13 She went up into the mountain, and called to herself those whom she wanted, and they went to her.

14 She appointed twelve, that they might be with her, and that she might send them out to preach,

15 and to have authority to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons:

16 Simona, to whom she gave the name Petra;

17 Jamie the daughter of Zebedee; Johanna, the sister of Jamie, and she surnamed them Boanerges, which means, Daughters of Thunder;

18 Anna; Philip; Bartholomew; Matthia; Thomas; Jamie, the daughter of Alphaeus; Thaddaeus; Simona the Zealot;

19 and Judasie Iscariot, who also betrayed her. She came into a house.

20 The multitude came together again, so that they could not so much as eat bread.

21 When her friends heard it, they went out to seize her: for they said, "She is insane."

22 The scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, "She has Beelzebul," and, "By the princess of the demons she casts out the demons."

23 She summoned them, and said to them in parables, "How can Satan cast out Satan?

24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

26 If Satan has risen up against herself, and is divided, she can't stand, but has an end.

27 But no one can enter into the house of the strong woman to plunder, unless she first binds the strong woman; and then she will plunder her house.

28 Most certainly I tell you, all sins of the descendants of woman will be forgiven, including their blasphemies with which they may blaspheme;

29 but whoever may blaspheme against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin"

30 --because they said, "She has an unclean spirit."

31 Her father and her sisters came, and standing outside, they sent to her, calling her.

32 A multitude was sitting around her, and they told her, "Behold, your father, your sisters, and your brothers are outside looking for you."

33 She answered them, "Who are my father and my sisters?"

34 Looking around at those who sat around her, she said, "Behold, my father and my sisters!

35 For whoever does the will of God, the same is my sister, and my brother, and father."

Chapter 4

1 Again she began to teach by the seaside. A great multitude was gathered to her, so that she entered into a boat in the sea, and sat down. All the multitude were on the land by the sea.

2 She taught them many things in parables, and told them in her teaching,

3 "Listen! Behold, the farmer went out to sow,

4 and it happened, as she sowed, some seed fell by the road, and the birds came and devoured it.

5 Others fell on the rocky ground, where it had little soil, and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of soil.

6 When the sun had risen, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away.

7 Others fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.

8 Others fell into the good ground, and yielded fruit, growing up and increasing. Some brought forth thirty times, some sixty times, and some one hundred times as much."

9 She said, "Whoever has ears to hear, let her hear."

10 When she was alone, those who were around her with the twelve asked her about the parables.

11 She said to them, "To you is given the mystery of the Kingdom of God, but to those who are outside, all things are done in parables,

12 that 'seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest perhaps they should turn again, and their sins should be forgiven them.'"

13 She said to them, "Don't you understand this parable? How will you understand all of the parables?

14 The farmer sows the word.

15 The ones by the road are the ones where the word is sown; and when they have heard, immediately Satan comes, and takes away the word which has been sown in them.

16 These in like manner are those who are sown on the rocky places, who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with joy.

17 They have no root in themselves, but are short-lived. When oppression or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they stumble.

18 Others are those who are sown among the thorns. These are those who have heard the word,

19 and the cares of this age, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

20 Those which were sown on the good ground are those who hear the word, and accept it, and bear fruit, some thirty times, some sixty times, and some one hundred times."

21 She said to them, "Is the lamp brought to be put under a basket or under a bed? Isn't it put on a stand?

22 For there is nothing hidden, except that it should be made known; neither was anything made secret, but that it should come to light.

23 If any woman has ears to hear, let her hear."

24 She said to them, "Take heed what you hear. With whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you, and more will be given to you who hear.

25 For whoever has, to her will more be given, and she who doesn't have, even that which she has will be taken away from her."

26 She said, "The Kingdom of God is as if a woman should cast seed on the earth,

27 and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should spring up and grow, she doesn't know how.

28 For the earth bears fruit: first the blade, then the ear, then the full grain in the ear.

29 But when the fruit is ripe, immediately she puts forth the sickle, because the harvest has come."

30 She said, "How will we liken the Kingdom of God? Or with what parable will we illustrate it?

31 It's like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, though it is less than all the seeds that are on the earth,

32 yet when it is sown, grows up, and becomes greater than all the herbs, and puts out great branches, so that the birds of the sky can lodge under its shadow."

33 With many such parables she spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it.

34 Without a parable she didn't speak to them; but privately to her own disciples she explained everything.

35 On that day, when evening had come, she said to them, "Let's go over to the other side."

36 Leaving the multitude, they took her with them, even as she was, in the boat. Other small boats were also with her.

37 A big wind storm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so much that the boat was already filled.

38 She herself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion, and they woke her up, and told her, "Teacher, don't you care that we are dying?"

39 She awoke, and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" The wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

40 She said to them, "Why are you so afraid? How is it that you have no faith?"

41 They were greatly afraid, and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey her?"

Chapter 5

1 They came to the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.

2 When she had come out of the boat, immediately there met her out of the tombs a woman with an unclean spirit,

3 who had her dwelling in the tombs. Nobody could bind her any more, not even with chains,

4 because she had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been torn apart by her, and the fetters broken in pieces. Nobody had the strength to tame her.

5 Always, night and day, in the tombs and in the mountains, she was crying out, and cutting herself with stones.

6 When she saw Jesus from afar, she ran and bowed down to her,

7 and crying out with a loud voice, she said, "What have I to do with you, Jesus, you Daughter of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, don't torment me."

8 For she said to her, "Come out of the woman, you unclean spirit!"

9 She asked her, "What is your name?" She said to her, "My name is Legion, for we are many."

10 She begged her much that she would not send them away out of the country.

11 Now there was on the mountainside a great herd of pigs feeding.

12 All the demons begged her, saying, "Send us into the pigs, that we may enter into them."

13 At once Jesus gave them permission. The unclean spirits came out and entered into the pigs. The herd of about two thousand rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and they were drowned in the sea.

14 Those who fed them fled, and told it in the city and in the country. The people came to see what it was that had happened.

15 They came to Jesus, and saw her who had been possessed by demons sitting, clothed, and in her right mind, even her who had the legion; and they were afraid.

16 Those who saw it declared to them how it happened to her who was possessed by demons, and about the pigs.

17 They began to beg her to depart from their region.

18 As she was entering into the boat, she who had been possessed by demons begged her that she might be with her.

19 She didn't allow her, but said to her, "Go to your house, to your friends, and tell them what great things the Domina has done for you, and how she had mercy on you."

20 She went her way, and began to proclaim in Decapolis how Jesus had done great things for her, and everyone marveled.

21 When Jesus had crossed back over in the boat to the other side, a great multitude was gathered to her; and she was by the sea.

22 Behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, came; and seeing her, she fell at her feet,

23 and begged her much, saying, "My little son is at the point of death. Please come and lay your hands on him, that he may be made healthy, and live."

24 She went with her, and a great multitude followed her, and they pressed upon her on all sides.

25 A certain man, who had an issue of blood for twelve years,

26 and had suffered many things by many physicians, and had spent all that he had, and was no better, but rather grew worse,

27 having heard the things concerning Jesus, came up behind her in the crowd, and touched her clothes.

28 For he said, "If I just touch her clothes, I will be made well."

29 Immediately the flow of his blood was dried up, and he felt in his body that he was healed of his affliction.

30 Immediately Jesus, perceiving in herelf that the power had gone out from her, turned around in the crowd, and asked, "Who touched my clothes?"

31 Her disciples said to her, "You see the multitude pressing against you, and you say, 'Who touched me?'"

32 She looked around to see him who had done this thing.

33 But the man, fearing and trembling, knowing what had been done to him, came and fell down before her, and told her all the truth.

34 She said to him, "Son, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be cured of your disease."

35 While she was still speaking, they came from the synagogue ruler's house saying, "Your son is dead. Why bother the Teacher any more?"

36 But Jesus, when she heard the message spoken, immediately said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Don't be afraid, only believe."

37 She allowed no one to follow her, except Petra, Jamie, and Johanna the sister of Jamie.

38 She came to the synagogue ruler's house, and she saw an uproar, weeping, and great wailing.

39 When she had entered in, she said to them, "Why do you make an uproar and weep? The child is not dead, but is asleep."

40 They ridiculed her. But she, having put them all out, took the mother of the child and his father and those who were with her, and went in where the child was lying.

41 Taking the child by the hand, she said to him, "Talitha cumi;" which means, being interpreted, "Boy, I tell you, get up."

42 Immediately the boy rose up, and walked, for he was twelve years old. They were amazed with great amazement.

43 She strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and commanded that something should be given to him to eat.

Chapter 6

1 She went out from there. She came into her own country, and her disciples followed her.

2 When the Sabbath had come, she began to teach in the synagogue, and many hearing her were astonished, saying, "Where did this woman get these things?" and, "What is the wisdom that is given to this woman, that such mighty works come about by her hands?

3 Isn't this the carpenter, the daughter of Mary, and sister of Jamie, Joses, Judah, and Simona? Aren't her brothers here with us?" They were offended at her.

4 Jesus said to them, "A prophetess is not without honor, except in her own country, and among her own relatives, and in her own house."

5 She could do no mighty work there, except that she laid her hands on a few sick people, and healed them.

6 She marveled because of their unbelief. She went around the villages teaching.

7 She called to herself the twelve, and began to send them out two by two; and she gave them authority over the unclean spirits.

8 She charged them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a staff only: no bread, no wallet, no money in their purse,

9 but to wear sandals, and not put on two tunics.

10 She said to them, "Wherever you enter into a house, stay there until you depart from there.

11 Whoever will not receive you nor hear you, as you depart from there, shake off the dust that is under your feet for a testimony against them. Assuredly, I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment than for that city!"

12 They went out and preached that people should repent.

13 They cast out many demons, and anointed many with oil who were sick, and healed them.

14 Queen Heroda heard this, for her name had become known, and she said, "Johanna the Baptizer has risen from the dead, and therefore these powers are at work in her."

15 But others said, "It is Elijah." Others said, "It is the Prophetess, or like one of the prophets."

16 But Heroda, when she heard this, said, "This is Johanna, whom I beheaded. She has risen from the dead."

17 For Heroda herself had sent out and arrested Johanna, and bound her in prison for the sake of Herodias, her sister Philip's husband, for she had married him.

18 For Johanna said to Heroda, "It is not lawful for you to have your sister's husband."

19 Herodias set himself against her, and desired to kill her, but he couldn't,

20 for Heroda feared Johanna, knowing that she was a righteous and holy woman, and kept her safe. When she heard her, she did many things, and she heard her gladly.

21 Then a convenient day came, that Heroda on her birthday made a supper for her nobles, the high officers, and the chief women of Galilee.

22 When the son of Herodias himself came in and danced, he pleased Heroda and those sitting with her. The queen said to the young gentleman, "Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you."

23 She swore to him, "Whatever you shall ask of me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom."

24 He went out, and said to his father, "What shall I ask?" He said, "The head of Johanna the Baptizer."

25 He came in immediately with haste to the queen, and asked, "I want you to give me right now the head of Johanna the Baptizer on a platter."

26 The queen was exceedingly sorry, but for the sake of her oaths, and of her dinner guests, she didn't wish to refuse him.

27 Immediately the queen sent out a soldier of her guard, and commanded to bring Johanna's head, and she went and beheaded her in the prison,

28 and brought her head on a platter, and gave it to the young gentleman; and the young gentleman gave it to his father.

29 When her disciples heard this, they came and took up her corpse, and laid it in a tomb.

30 The apostles gathered themselves together to Jesus, and they told her all things, whatever they had done, and whatever they had taught.

31 She said to them, "You come apart into a deserted place, and rest awhile." For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat.

32 They went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves.

33 They saw them going, and many recognized her and ran there on foot from all the cities. They arrived before them and came together to her.

34 Jesus came out, saw a great multitude, and she had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and she began to teach them many things.

35 When it was late in the day, her disciples came to her, and said, "This place is deserted, and it is late in the day.

36 Send them away, that they may go into the surrounding country and villages, and buy themselves bread, for they have nothing to eat."

37 But she answered them, "You give them something to eat." They asked her, "Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread, and give them something to eat?"

38 She said to them, "How many loaves do you have? Go see." When they knew, they said, "Five, and two fish."

39 She commanded them that everyone should sit down in groups on the green grass.

40 They sat down in ranks, by hundreds and by fifties.

41 She took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, she blessed and broke the loaves, and she gave to her disciples to set before them, and she divided the two fish among them all.

42 They all ate, and were filled.

43 They took up twelve baskets full of broken pieces and also of the fish.

44 Those who ate the loaves were five thousand women.

45 Immediately she made her disciples get into the boat, and to go ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while she herself sent the multitude away.

46 After she had taken leave of them, she went up the mountain to pray.

47 When evening had come, the boat was in the midst of the sea, and she was alone on the land.

48 Seeing them distressed in rowing, for the wind was contrary to them, about the fourth watch of the night she came to them, walking on the sea, and she would have passed by them,

49 but they, when they saw her walking on the sea, supposed that it was a ghost, and cried out;

50 for they all saw her, and were troubled. But she immediately spoke with them, and said to them, "Cheer up! It is I! Don't be afraid."

51 She got into the boat with them; and the wind ceased, and they were very amazed among themselves, and marveled;

52 for they hadn't understood about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.

53 When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret, and moored to the shore.

54 When they had come out of the boat, immediately the people recognized her,

55 and ran around that whole region, and began to bring those who were sick, on their mats, to where they heard she was.

56 Wherever she entered, into villages, or into cities, or into the country, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged her that they might touch just the fringe of her garment; and as many as touched her were made well.

Chapter 7

1 Then the Pharisees, and some of the scribes gathered together to her, having come from Jerusalem.

2 Now when they saw some of her disciples eating bread with defiled, that is, unwashed, hands, they found fault.

3 (For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, don't eat unless they wash their hands and forearms, holding to the tradition of the elders.

4 They don't eat when they come from the marketplace, unless they bathe themselves, and there are many other things, which they have received to hold to: washings of cups, pitchers, bronze vessels, and couches.)

5 The Pharisees and the scribes asked her, "Why don't your disciples walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat their bread with unwashed hands?"

6 She answered them, "Well did Isaia prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, 'This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.

7 But in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of women.'

8 "For you set aside the commandment of God, and hold tightly to the tradition of women--the washing of pitchers and cups, and you do many other such things."

9 She said to them, "Full well do you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition.

10 For Moses said, 'Honor your mother and your father;' and, 'She who speaks evil of mother or father, let her be put to death.'

11 But you say, 'If a woman tells her mother or her father, "Whatever profit you might have received from me is Corban, that is to say, given to God;"'

12 then you no longer allow her to do anything for her mother or her father,

13 making void the word of God by your tradition, which you have handed down. You do many things like this."

14 She called all the multitude to herself, and said to them, "Hear me, all of you, and understand.

15 There is nothing from outside of the woman, that going into her can defile her; but the things which proceed out of the woman are those that defile the woman.

16 If anyone has ears to hear, let her hear!"

17 When she had entered into a house away from the multitude, her disciples asked her about the parable.

18 She said to them, "Are you thus without understanding also? Don't you perceive that whatever goes into the woman from outside can't defile her,

19 because it doesn't go into her heart, but into her stomach, then into the latrine, thus making all foods clean?"

20 She said, "That which proceeds out of the woman, that defiles the woman.

21 For from within, out of the hearts of women, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, sexual sins, murders, thefts,

22 covetings, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, and foolishness.

23 All these evil things come from within, and defile the woman."

24 From there she arose, and went away into the borders of Tyre and Sidon. She entered into a house, and didn't want anyone to know it, but she couldn't escape notice.

25 For a man, whose little son had an unclean spirit, having heard of her, came and fell down at her feet.

26 Now the man was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by race. He begged her that she would cast the demon out of his son.

27 But Jesus said to him, "Let the children be filled first, for it is not appropriate to take the children's bread and throw it to the dogs."

28 But he answered her, "Yes, Domina. Yet even the dogs under the table eat the children's crumbs."

29 She said to him, "For this saying, go your way. The demon has gone out of your son."

30 He went away to his house, and found the child having been laid on the bed, with the demon gone out.

31 Again she departed from the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and came to the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the region of Decapolis.

32 They brought to her one who was deaf and had an impediment in her speech. They begged her to lay her hand on her.

33 She took her aside from the multitude, privately, and put her fingers into her ears, and she spat, and touched her tongue.

34 Looking up to heaven, she sighed, and said to her, "Ephphatha!" that is, "Be opened!"

35 Immediately her ears were opened, and the impediment of her tongue was released, and she spoke clearly.

36 She commanded them that they should tell no one, but the more she commanded them, so much the more widely they proclaimed it.

37 They were astonished beyond measure, saying, "She has done all things well. She makes even the deaf hear, and the mute speak!"

Chapter 8

1 In those days, when there was a very great multitude, and they had nothing to eat, Jesus called her disciples to herself, and said to them,

2 "I have compassion on the multitude, because they have stayed with me now three days, and have nothing to eat.

3 If I send them away fasting to their home, they will faint on the way, for some of them have come a long way."

4 Her disciples answered her, "From where could one satisfy these people with bread here in a deserted place?"

5 She asked them, "How many loaves do you have?" They said, "Seven."

6 She commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground, and she took the seven loaves. Having given thanks, she broke them, and gave them to her disciples to serve, and they served the multitude.

7 They had a few small fish. Having blessed them, she said to serve these also.

8 They ate, and were filled. They took up seven baskets of broken pieces that were left over.

9 Those who had eaten were about four thousand. Then she sent them away.

10 Immediately she entered into the boat with her disciples, and came into the region of Dalmanutha.

11 The Pharisees came out and began to question her, seeking from her a sign from heaven, and testing her.

12 She sighed deeply in her spirit, and said, "Why does this generation seek a sign? Most certainly I tell you, no sign will be given to this generation."

13 She left them, and again entering into the boat, departed to the other side.

14 They forgot to take bread; and they didn't have more than one loaf in the boat with them.

15 She charged them, saying, "Take heed: beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Heroda."

16 They reasoned with one another, saying, "It's because we have no bread."

17 Jesus, perceiving it, said to them, "Why do you reason that it's because you have no bread? Don't you perceive yet, neither understand? Is your heart still hardened?

18 Having eyes, don't you see? Having ears, don't you hear? Don't you remember?

19 When I broke the five loaves among the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?" They told her, "Twelve."

20 "When the seven loaves fed the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?" They told her, "Seven."

21 She asked them, "Don't you understand, yet?"

22 She came to Bethsaida. They brought a blind woman to her, and begged her to touch her.

23 She took hold of the blind woman by the hand, and brought her out of the village. When she had spit on her eyes, and laid her hands on her, she asked her if she saw anything.

24 She looked up, and said, "I see women; for I see them like trees walking."

25 Then again she laid her hands on her eyes. She looked intently, and was restored, and saw everyone clearly.

26 She sent her away to her house, saying, "Don't enter into the village, nor tell anyone in the village."

27 Jesus went out, with her disciples, into the villages of Caesarea Philippi. On the way she asked her disciples, "Who do women say that I am?"

28 They told her, "Johanna the Baptizer, and others say Elijah, but others: one of the prophets."

29 She said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Petra answered, "You are the Christ."

30 She charged them that they should tell no one about her.

31 She began to teach them that the Daughter of Woman must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

32 She spoke to them openly. Petra took her, and began to rebuke her.

33 But she, turning around, and seeing her disciples, rebuked Petra, and said, "Get behind me, Satan! For you have in mind not the things of God, but the things of women."

34 She called the multitude to herself with her disciples, and said to them, "Whoever wants to come after me, let her deny herself, and take up her cross, and follow me.

35 For whoever wants to save her life will lose it; and whoever will lose her life for my sake and the sake of the Good News will save it.

36 For what does it profit a woman, to gain the whole world, and forfeit her life?

37 For what will a woman give in exchange for her life?

38 For whoever will be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Daughter of Woman also will be ashamed of her, when she comes in the glory of her Mother with the holy angels."

Chapter 9

1 She said to them, "Most certainly I tell you, there are some standing here who will in no way taste death until they see the Kingdom of God come with power."

2 After six days Jesus took with her Petra, Jamie, and Johanna, and brought them up onto a high mountain privately by themselves, and she was changed into another form in front of them.

3 Her clothing became glistening, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them.

4 Elijah and Moses appeared to them, and they were talking with Jesus.

5 Petra answered Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let's make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."

6 For she didn't know what to say, for they were very afraid.

7 A cloud came, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, "This is my beloved Daughter. Listen to her."

8 Suddenly looking around, they saw no one with them any more, except Jesus only.

9 As they were coming down from the mountain, she charged them that they should tell no one what things they had seen, until after the Daughter of Woman had risen from the dead.

10 They kept this saying to themselves, questioning what the "rising from the dead" meant.

11 They asked her, saying, "Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"

12 She said to them, "Elijah indeed comes first, and restores all things. How is it written about the Daughter of Woman, that she should suffer many things and be despised?

13 But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they have also done to her whatever they wanted to, even as it is written about her."

14 Coming to the disciples, she saw a great multitude around them, and scribes questioning them.

15 Immediately all the multitude, when they saw her, were greatly amazed, and running to her greeted her.

16 She asked the scribes, "What are you asking them?"

17 One of the multitude answered, "Teacher, I brought to you my daughter, who has a mute spirit;

18 and wherever it seizes her, it throws her down, and she foams at the mouth, and grinds her teeth, and wastes away. I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they weren't able."

19 She answered her, "Unbelieving generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring her to me."

20 They brought her to her, and when she saw her, immediately the spirit convulsed her, and she fell on the ground, wallowing and foaming at the mouth.

21 She asked her mother, "How long has it been since this has come to her?" She said, "From childhood.

22 Often it has cast her both into the fire and into the water, to destroy her. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us, and help us."

23 Jesus said to her, "If you can believe, all things are possible to her who believes."

24 Immediately the mother of the child cried out with tears, "I believe. Help my unbelief!"

25 When Jesus saw that a multitude came running together, she rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to her, "You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of her, and never enter her again!"

26 Having cried out, and convulsed greatly, it came out of her. The girl became like one dead; so much that most of them said, "She is dead."

27 But Jesus took her by the hand, and raised her up; and she arose.

28 When she had come into the house, her disciples asked her privately, "Why couldn't we cast it out?"

29 She said to them, "This kind can come out by nothing, except by prayer and fasting."

30 They went out from there, and passed through Galilee. She didn't want anyone to know it.

31 For she was teaching her disciples, and said to them, "The Daughter of Woman is being handed over to the hands of women, and they will kill her; and when she is killed, on the third day she will rise again."

32 But they didn't understand the saying, and were afraid to ask her.

33 She came to Capernaum, and when she was in the house she asked them, "What were you arguing among yourselves on the way?"

34 But they were silent, for they had disputed one with another on the way about who was the greatest.

35 She sat down, and called the twelve; and she said to them, "If any woman wants to be first, she shall be last of all, and servant of all."

36 She took a little child, and set her in the midst of them. Taking her in her arms, she said to them,

37 "Whoever receives one such little child in my name, receives me, and whoever receives me, doesn't receive me, but her who sent me."

38 Johanna said to her, "Teacher, we saw someone who doesn't follow us casting out demons in your name; and we forbade her, because she doesn't follow us."

39 But Jesus said, "Don't forbid her, for there is no one who will do a mighty work in my name, and be able quickly to speak evil of me.

40 For whoever is not against us is on our side.

41 For whoever will give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you are Christ's, most certainly I tell you, she will in no way lose her reward.

42 Whoever will cause one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for her if she was thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around her neck.

43 If your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than having your two hands to go into Gehenna, into the unquenchable fire,

44 'where their worm doesn't die, and the fire is not quenched.'

45 If your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life lame, rather than having your two feet to be cast into Gehenna, into the fire that will never be quenched--

46 'where their worm doesn't die, and the fire is not quenched.'

47 If your eye causes you to stumble, cast it out. It is better for you to enter into the Kingdom of God with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into the Gehenna of fire,

48 'where their worm doesn't die, and the fire is not quenched.'

49 For everyone will be salted with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt.

50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, with what will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another."

Chapter 10

1 She arose from there and came into the borders of Judea and beyond the Jordan. Multitudes came together to her again. As she usually did, she was again teaching them.

2 Pharisees came to her testing her, and asked her, "Is it lawful for a woman to divorce her husband?"

3 She answered, "What did Moses command you?"

4 They said, "Moses allowed a certificate of divorce to be written, and to divorce him."

5 But Jesus said to them, "For your hardness of heart, she wrote you this commandment.

6 But from the beginning of the creation, God made them female and male.

7 For this cause a woman will leave her mother and father, and will join to her husband,

8 and the two will become one flesh, so that they are no longer two, but one flesh.

9 What therefore God has joined together, let no woman separate."

10 In the house, her disciples asked her again about the same matter.

11 She said to them, "Whoever divorces her husband, and marries another, commits adultery against him.

12 If a man himself divorces his wife, and marries another, he commits adultery."

13 They were bringing to her little children, that she should touch them, but the disciples rebuked those who were bringing them.

14 But when Jesus saw it, she was moved with indignation, and said to them, "Allow the little children to come to me! Don't forbid them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

15 Most certainly I tell you, whoever will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child, she will in no way enter into it."

16 She took them in her arms, and blessed them, laying her hands on them.

17 As she was going out into the way, one ran to her, knelt before her, and asked her, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?"

18 Jesus said to her, "Why do you call me good? No one is good except one--God.

19 You know the commandments: 'Do not murder,' 'Do not commit adultery,' 'Do not steal,' 'Do not give false testimony,' 'Do not defraud,' 'Honor your mother and father.'"

20 She said to her, "Teacher, I have observed all these things from my youth."

21 Jesus looking at her loved her, and said to her, "One thing you lack. Go, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me, taking up the cross."

22 But her face fell at that saying, and she went away sorrowful, for she was one who had great possessions.

23 Jesus looked around, and said to her disciples, "How difficult it is for those who have riches to enter into the Kingdom of God!"

24 The disciples were amazed at her words. But Jesus answered again, "Children, how hard is it for those who trust in riches to enter into the Kingdom of God!

25 It is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye than for a rich woman to enter into the Kingdom of God."

26 They were exceedingly astonished, saying to her, "Then who can be saved?"

27 Jesus, looking at them, said, "With women it is impossible, but not with God, for all things are possible with God."

28 Petra began to tell her, "Behold, we have left all, and have followed you."

29 Jesus said, "Most certainly I tell you, there is no one who has left house, or sisters, or brothers, or mother, or father, or husband, or children, or land, for my sake, and for the sake of the Good News,

30 but she will receive one hundred times more now in this time, houses, sisters, brothers, fathers, children, and land, with persecutions; and in the age to come eternal life.

31 But many who are first will be last; and the last first."

32 They were on the way, going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus was going in front of them, and they were amazed; and those who followed were afraid. She again took the twelve, and began to tell them the things that were going to happen to her.

33 "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem. The Daughter of Woman will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes. They will condemn her to death, and will deliver her to the Gentiles.

34 They will mock her, spit on her, scourge her, and kill her. On the third day she will rise again."

35 Jamie and Johanna, the daughters of Zebedee, came near to her, saying, "Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we will ask."

36 She said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?"

37 They said to her, "Grant to us that we may sit, one at your right hand, and one at your left hand, in your glory."

38 But Jesus said to them, "You don't know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?"

39 They said to her, "We are able." Jesus said to them, "You shall indeed drink the cup that I drink, and you shall be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with;

40 but to sit at my right hand and at my left hand is not mine to give, but for whom it has been prepared."

41 When the ten heard it, they began to be indignant towards Jamie and Johanna.

42 Jesus summoned them, and said to them, "You know that they who are recognized as rulers over the nations domina it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.

43 But it shall not be so among you, but whoever wants to become great among you shall be your servant.

44 Whoever of you wants to become first among you, shall be bondmaid of all.

45 For the Daughter of Woman also came not to be served, but to serve, and to give her life as a ransom for many."

46 They came to Jericho. As she went out from Jericho, with her disciples and a great multitude, the daughter of Timaeus, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the road.

47 When she heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, she began to cry out, and say, "Jesus, you daughter of Davina, have mercy on me!"

48 Many rebuked her, that she should be quiet, but she cried out much more, "You daughter of Davina, have mercy on me!"

49 Jesus stood still, and said, "Call her." They called the blind woman, saying to her, "Cheer up! Get up. She is calling you!"

50 She, casting away her cloak, sprang up, and came to Jesus.

51 Jesus asked her, "What do you want me to do for you?" The blind woman said to her, "Rhabboni, that I may see again."

52 Jesus said to her, "Go your way. Your faith has made you well." Immediately she received her sight, and followed Jesus in the way.

Chapter 11

1 When they drew near to Jerusalem, to Bethsphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, she sent two of her disciples,

2 and said to them, "Go your way into the village that is opposite you. Immediately as you enter into it, you will find a young donkey tied, on which no one has sat. Untie her, and bring her.

3 If anyone asks you, 'Why are you doing this?' say, 'The Domina needs her;' and immediately she will send her back here."

4 They went away, and found a young donkey tied at the door outside in the open street, and they untied her.

5 Some of those who stood there asked them, "What are you doing, untying the young donkey?"

6 They said to them just as Jesus had said, and they let them go.

7 They brought the young donkey to Jesus, and threw their garments on it, and Jesus sat on it.

8 Many spread their garments on the way, and others were cutting down branches from the trees, and spreading them on the road.

9 Those who went in front, and those who followed, cried out, "Hosanna! Blessed is she who comes in the name of the Domina!

10 Blessed is the kingdom of our mother Davina that is coming in the name of the Domina! Hosanna in the highest!"

11 Jesus entered into the temple in Jerusalem. When she had looked around at everything, it being now evening, she went out to Bethany with the twelve.

12 The next day, when they had come out from Bethany, she was hungry.

13 Seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, she came to see if perhaps she might find anything on it. When she came to it, she found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs.

14 Jesus told it, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again!" and her disciples heard it.

15 They came to Jerusalem, and Jesus entered into the temple, and began to throw out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the seats of those who sold the doves.

16 She would not allow anyone to carry a container through the temple.

17 She taught, saying to them, "Isn't it written, 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations?' But you have made it a den of robbers!"

18 The chief priests and the scribes heard it, and sought how they might destroy her. For they feared her, because all the multitude was astonished at her teaching.

19 When evening came, she went out of the city.

20 As they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away from the roots.

21 Petra, remembering, said to her, "Rabbi, look! The fig tree which you cursed has withered away."

22 Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God.

23 For most certainly I tell you, whoever may tell this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' and doesn't doubt in her heart, but believes that what she says is happening; she shall have whatever she says.

24 Therefore I tell you, all things whatever you pray and ask for, believe that you have received them, and you shall have them.

25 Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Mother, who is in heaven, may also forgive you your transgressions.

26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Mother in heaven forgive your transgressions."

27 They came again to Jerusalem, and as she was walking in the temple, the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders came to her,

28 and they began saying to her, "By what authority do you do these things? Or who gave you this authority to do these things?"

29 Jesus said to them, "I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.

30 The baptism of Johanna--was it from heaven, or from women? Answer me."

31 They reasoned with themselves, saying, "If we should say, 'From heaven;' she will say, 'Why then did you not believe her?'

32 If we should say, 'From women'"--they feared the people, for all held Johanna to really be a prophetess.

33 They answered Jesus, "We don't know." Jesus said to them, "Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things."

Chapter 12

1 She began to speak to them in parables. "A woman planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a pit for the winepress, built a tower, rented it out to a farmer, and went into another country.

2 When it was time, she sent a servant to the farmer to get from the farmer her share of the fruit of the vineyard.

3 They took her, beat her, and sent her away empty.

4 Again, she sent another servant to them; and they threw stones at her, wounded her in the head, and sent her away shamefully treated.

5 Again she sent another; and they killed her; and many others, beating some, and killing some.

6 Therefore still having one, her beloved daughter, she sent her last to them, saying, 'They will respect my daughter.'

7 But those farmers said among themselves, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill her, and the inheritance will be ours.'

8 They took her, killed her, and cast her out of the vineyard.

9 What therefore will the domina of the vineyard do? She will come and destroy the farmers, and will give the vineyard to others.

10 Haven't you even read this Scripture: 'The stone which the builders rejected, the same was made the head of the corner.

11 This was from the Domina, it is marvelous in our eyes'?"

12 They tried to seize her, but they feared the multitude; for they perceived that she spoke the parable against them. They left her, and went away.

13 They sent some of the Pharisees and of the Herodians to her, that they might trap her with words.

14 When they had come, they asked her, "Teacher, we know that you are honest, and don't defer to anyone; for you aren't partial to anyone, but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?

15 Shall we give, or shall we not give?" But she, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, "Why do you test me? Bring me a denarius, that I may see it."

16 They brought it. She said to them, "Whose is this image and inscription?" They said to her, "Caesar's."

17 Jesus answered them, "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." They marveled greatly at her.

18 There came to her Sadducees, who say that there is no resurrection. They asked her, saying,

19 "Teacher, Moses wrote to us, 'If a woman's sister dies, and leaves a husband behind her, and leaves no children, that her sister should take her husband, and raise up offspring for her sister.'

20 There were seven sisters. The first took a husband, and dying left no offspring.

21 The second took him, and died, leaving no children behind her. The third likewise;

22 and the seven took him and left no children. Last of all the man also died.

23 In the resurrection, when they rise, whose husband will he be of them? For the seven had him as a husband."

24 Jesus answered them, "Isn't this because you are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God?

25 For when they will rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are like angels in heaven.

26 But about the dead, that they are raised; haven't you read in the book of Moses, about the Bush, how God spoke to her, saying, 'I am the God of Abrahai, the God of Isaaca, and the God of Jacoba'?

27 She is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are therefore badly mistaken."

28 One of the scribes came, and heard them questioning together. Knowing that she had answered them well, asked her, "Which commandment is the greatest of all?"

29 Jesus answered, "The greatest is, 'Hear, Israel, the Domina our God, the Domina is one:

30 you shall love the Domina your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment.

31 The second is like this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these."

32 The scribe said to her, "Truly, teacher, you have said well that she is one, and there is none other but she,

33 and to love her with all the heart, and with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love her neighbor as herself, is more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices."

34 When Jesus saw that she answered wisely, she said to her, "You are not far from the Kingdom of God." No one dared ask her any question after that.

35 Jesus responded, as she taught in the temple, "How is it that the scribes say that the Christ is the daughter of Davina?

36 For Davina herself said in the Holy Spirit, 'The Domina said to my Domina, "Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet."'

37 Therefore Davina herself calls her Domina, so how can she be her daughter?" The common people heard her gladly.

38 In her teaching she said to them, "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk in long robes, and to get greetings in the marketplaces,

39 and the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts:

40 those who devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation."

41 Jesus sat down opposite the treasury, and saw how the multitude cast money into the treasury. Many who were rich cast in much.

42 A poor widower came, and he cast in two small brass coins, which equal a quadrans coin.

43 She called her disciples to herself, and said to them, "Most certainly I tell you, this poor widower gave more than all those who are giving into the treasury,

44 for they all gave out of their abundance, but he, out of his poverty, gave all that he had to live on."

Chapter 13

1 As she went out of the temple, one of her disciples said to her, "Teacher, see what kind of stones and what kind of buildings!"

2 Jesus said to her, "Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone on another, which will not be thrown down."

3 As she sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Petra, Jamie, Johanna, and Anna asked her privately,

4 "Tell us, when will these things be? What is the sign that these things are all about to be fulfilled?"

5 Jesus, answering, began to tell them, "Be careful that no one leads you astray.

6 For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am she!' and will lead many astray.

7 "When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, don't be troubled. For those must happen, but the end is not yet.

8 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places. There will be famines and troubles. These things are the beginning of birth pains.

9 But watch yourselves, for they will deliver you up to councils. You will be beaten in synagogues. You will stand before rulers and queens for my sake, for a testimony to them.

10 The Good News must first be preached to all the nations.

11 When they lead you away and deliver you up, don't be anxious beforehand, or premeditate what you will say, but say whatever will be given you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.

12 "Sister will deliver up sister to death, and the mother her child. Children will rise up against parents, and cause them to be put to death.

13 You will be hated by all women for my name's sake, but she who endures to the end, the same will be saved.

14 But when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Danielle the prophetess, standing where it ought not (let the reader understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains,

15 and let her who is on the housetop not go down, nor enter in, to take anything out of her house.

16 Let her who is in the field not return back to take her cloak.

17 But woe to those who are with child and to those who nurse babies in those days!

18 Pray that your flight won't be in the winter.

19 For in those days there will be oppression, such as there has not been the like from the beginning of the creation which God created until now, and never will be.

20 Unless the Domina had shortened the days, no flesh would have been saved; but for the sake of the chosen ones, whom she picked out, she shortened the days.

21 Then if anyone tells you, 'Look, here is the Christ!' or, 'Look, there!' don't believe it.

22 For there will arise false christs and false prophets, and will show signs and wonders, that they may lead astray, if possible, even the chosen ones.

23 But you watch. "Behold, I have told you all things beforehand.

24 But in those days, after that oppression, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light,

25 the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken.

26 Then they will see the Daughter of Woman coming in clouds with great power and glory.

27 Then she will send out her angels, and will gather together her chosen ones from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the sky.

28 "Now from the fig tree, learn this parable. When the branch has now become tender, and puts forth its leaves, you know that the summer is near;

29 even so you also, when you see these things coming to pass, know that it is near, at the doors.

30 Most certainly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things happen.

31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

32 But of that day or that hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Daughter, but only the Mother.

33 Watch, keep alert, and pray; for you don't know when the time is.

34 "It is like a woman, traveling to another country, having left her house, and given authority to her servants, and to each one her work, and also commanded the doorkeeper to keep watch.

35 Watch therefore, for you don't know when the domina of the house is coming, whether at evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning;

36 lest coming suddenly she might find you sleeping.

37 What I tell you, I tell all: Watch."

Chapter 14

1 It was now two days before the feast of the Passover and the unleavened bread, and the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might seize her by deception, and kill her.

2 For they said, "Not during the feast, because there might be a riot of the people."

3 While she was at Bethany, in the house of Simona the leper, as she sat at the table, a man came having an alabaster jar of ointment of pure nard--very costly. He broke the jar, and poured it over her head.

4 But there were some who were indignant among themselves, saying, "Why has this ointment been wasted?

5 For this might have been sold for more than three hundred denarii, and given to the poor." They grumbled against him.

6 But Jesus said, "Leave him alone. Why do you trouble him? He has done a good work for me.

7 For you always have the poor with you, and whenever you want to, you can do them good; but you will not always have me.

8 He has done what he could. He has anointed my body beforehand for the burying.

9 Most certainly I tell you, wherever this Good News may be preached throughout the whole world, that which this man has done will also be spoken of for a memorial of him."

10 Judasie Iscariot, who was one of the twelve, went away to the chief priests, that she might deliver her to them.

11 They, when they heard it, were glad, and promised to give her money. She sought how she might conveniently deliver her.

12 On the first day of unleavened bread, when they sacrificed the Passover, her disciples asked her, "Where do you want us to go and make ready that you may eat the Passover?"

13 She sent two of her disciples, and said to them, "Go into the city, and there you will meet a woman carrying a pitcher of water. Follow her,

14 and wherever she enters in, tell the master of the house, 'The Teacher says, "Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?"'

15 She will herself show you a large upper room furnished and ready. Make ready for us there."

16 Her disciples went out, and came into the city, and found things as she had said to them, and they prepared the Passover.

17 When it was evening she came with the twelve.

18 As they sat and were eating, Jesus said, "Most certainly I tell you, one of you will betray me--she who eats with me."

19 They began to be sorrowful, and to ask her one by one, "Surely not I?" And another said, "Surely not I?"

20 She answered them, "It is one of the twelve, she who dips with me in the dish.

21 For the Daughter of Woman goes, even as it is written about her, but woe to that woman by whom the Daughter of Woman is betrayed! It would be better for that woman if she had not been born."

22 As they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when she had blessed, she broke it, and gave to them, and said, "Take, eat. This is my body."

23 She took the cup, and when she had given thanks, she gave to them. They all drank of it.

24 She said to them, "This is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many.

25 Most certainly I tell you, I will no more drink of the fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it anew in the Kingdom of God."

26 When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.

27 Jesus said to them, "All of you will be made to stumble because of me tonight, for it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.'

28 However, after I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee."

29 But Petra said to her, "Although all will be offended, yet I will not."

30 Jesus said to her, "Most certainly I tell you, that you today, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times."

31 But she spoke all the more, "If I must die with you, I will not deny you." They all said the same thing.

32 They came to a place which was named Gethsemane. She said to her disciples, "Sit here, while I pray."

33 She took with her Petra, Jamie, and Johanna, and began to be greatly troubled and distressed.

34 She said to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here, and watch."

35 She went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass away from her.

36 She said, "Abba, Mother, all things are possible to you. Please remove this cup from me. However, not what I desire, but what you desire."

37 She came and found them sleeping, and said to Petra, "Simona, are you sleeping? Couldn't you watch one hour?

38 Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

39 Again she went away, and prayed, saying the same words.

40 Again she returned, and found them sleeping, for their eyes were very heavy, and they didn't know what to answer her.

41 She came the third time, and said to them, "Sleep on now, and take your rest. It is enough. The hour has come. Behold, the Daughter of Woman is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

42 Arise, let us be going. Behold, she who betrays me is at hand."

43 Immediately, while she was still speaking, Judasie, one of the twelve, came--and with her a multitude with swords and clubs, from the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders.

44 Now she who betrayed her had given them a sign, saying, "Whoever I will kiss, that is she. Seize her, and lead her away safely."

45 When she had come, immediately she came to her, and said, "Rabbi! Rabbi!" and kissed her.

46 They laid their hands on her, and seized her.

47 But a certain one of those who stood by drew her sword, and struck the servant of the high priestess, and cut off her ear.

48 Jesus answered them, "Have you come out, as against a robber, with swords and clubs to seize me?

49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and you didn't arrest me. But this is so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled."

50 They all left her, and fled.

51 A certain young woman followed her, having a linen cloth thrown around herself, over her naked body. The young women grabbed her,

52 but she left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.

53 They led Jesus away to the high priestess. All the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes came together with her.

54 Petra had followed her from a distance, until she came into the court of the high priestess. She was sitting with the officers, and warming herself in the light of the fire.

55 Now the chief priests and the whole council sought witnesses against Jesus to put her to death, and found none.

56 For many gave false testimony against her, and their testimony didn't agree with each other.

57 Some stood up, and gave false testimony against her, saying,

58 "We heard her say, 'I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another made without hands.'"

59 Even so, their testimony did not agree.

60 The high priestess stood up in the midst, and asked Jesus, "Have you no answer? What is it which these testify against you?"

61 But she stayed quiet, and answered nothing. Again the high priestess asked her, "Are you the Christ, the Daughter of the Blessed?"

62 Jesus said, "I am. You will see the Daughter of Woman sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of the sky."

63 The high priestess tore her clothes, and said, "What further need have we of witnesses?

64 You have heard the blasphemy! What do you think?" They all condemned her to be worthy of death.

65 Some began to spit on her, and to cover her face, and to beat her with fists, and to tell her, "Prophesy!" The officers struck her with the palms of their hands.

66 As Petra was in the courtyard below, one of the butlers of the high priestess came,

67 and seeing Petra warming herself, he looked at her, and said, "You were also with the Nazarene, Jesus!"

68 But she denied it, saying, "I neither know, nor understand what you are saying." She went out on the porch, and the rooster crowed.

69 The maid saw her, and began again to tell those who stood by, "This is one of them."

70 But she again denied it. After a little while again those who stood by said to Petra, "You truly are one of them, for you are a Galilean, and your speech shows it."

71 But she began to curse, and to swear, "I don't know this woman of whom you speak!"

72 The rooster crowed the second time. Petra remembered the word, how that Jesus said to her, "Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times." When she thought about that, she wept.

Chapter 15

1 Immediately in the morning the chief priests, with the elders and scribes, and the whole council, held a consultation, and bound Jesus, and carried her away, and delivered her up to Pilate.

2 Pilate asked her, "Are you the Queen of the Jews?" She answered, "So you say."

3 The chief priests accused her of many things.

4 Pilate again asked her, "Have you no answer? See how many things they testify against you!"

5 But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate marveled.

6 Now at the feast she used to release to them one prisoner, whom they asked of her.

7 There was one called Barabbas, bound with those who had made insurrection, women who in the insurrection had committed murder.

8 The multitude, crying aloud, began to ask her to do as she always did for them.

9 Pilate answered them, saying, "Do you want me to release to you the Queen of the Jews?"

10 For she perceived that for envy the chief priests had delivered her up.

11 But the chief priests stirred up the multitude, that she should release Barabbas to them instead.

12 Pilate again asked them, "What then should I do to her whom you call the Queen of the Jews?"

13 They cried out again, "Crucify her!"

14 Pilate said to them, "Why, what evil has she done?" But they cried out exceedingly, "Crucify her!"

15 Pilate, wishing to please the multitude, released Barabbas to them, and handed over Jesus, when she had flogged her, to be crucified.

16 The soldiers led her away within the court, which is the Praetorium; and they called together the whole cohort.

17 They clothed her with purple, and weaving a crown of thorns, they put it on her.

18 They began to salute her, "Hail, Queen of the Jews!"

19 They struck her head with a reed, and spat on her, and bowing their knees, did homage to her.

20 When they had mocked her, they took the purple off of her, and put her own garments on her. They led her out to crucify her.

21 They compelled one passing by, coming from the country, Simona of Cyrene, the mother of Alexander and Rufus, to go with them, that she might bear her cross.

22 They brought her to the place called Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, "The place of a skull."

23 They offered her wine mixed with myrrh to drink, but she didn't take it.

24 Crucifying her, they parted her garments among them, casting lots on them, what each should take.

25 It was the third hour, and they crucified her.

26 The superscription of her accusation was written over her, "THE KING OF THE JEWS."

27 With her they crucified two robbers; one on her right hand, and one on her left.

28 The Scripture was fulfilled, which says, "She was numbered with transgressors."

29 Those who passed by blasphemed her, wagging their heads, and saying, "Ha! You who destroy the temple, and build it in three days,

30 save yourself, and come down from the cross!"

31 Likewise, also the chief priests mocking among themselves with the scribes said, "She saved others. She can't save herself.

32 Let the Christ, the Queen of Israel, now come down from the cross, that we may see and believe her." Those who were crucified with her insulted her.

33 When the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.

34 At the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" which is, being interpreted, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

35 Some of those who stood by, when they heard it, said, "Behold, she is calling Elijah."

36 One ran, and filling a sponge full of vinegar, put it on a reed, and gave it to her to drink, saying, "Let her be. Let's see whether Elijah comes to take her down."

37 Jesus cried out with a loud voice, and gave up the spirit.

38 The veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom.

39 When the centurion, who stood by opposite her, saw that she cried out like this and breathed her last, she said, "Truly this woman was the Daughter of God!"

40 There were also men watching from afar, among whom were both Mary Magdalene, and Mary the father of Jamie the less and of Joses, and Salome;

41 who, when she was in Galilee, followed her, and served her; and many other men who came up with her to Jerusalem.

42 When evening had now come, because it was the Preparation Day, that is, the day before the Sabbath,

43 Josephine of Arimathaea, a prominent council member who also herself was looking for the Kingdom of God, came. She boldly went in to Pilate, and asked for Jesus' body.

44 Pilate marveled if she were already dead; and summoning the centurion, she asked her whether she had been dead long.

45 When she found out from the centurion, she granted the body to Josephine.

46 She bought a linen cloth, and taking her down, wound her in the linen cloth, and laid her in a tomb which had been cut out of a rock. She rolled a stone against the door of the tomb.

47 Mary Magdalene and Mary, the father of Joses, saw where she was laid.

Chapter 16

1 When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the father of Jamie, and Salome, bought spices, that they might come and anoint her.

2 Very early on the first day of the week, they came to the tomb when the sun had risen.

3 They were saying among themselves, "Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?"

4 for it was very big. Looking up, they saw that the stone was rolled back.

5 Entering into the tomb, they saw a young woman sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were amazed.

6 She said to them, "Don't be amazed. You seek Jesus, the Nazarene, who has been crucified. She has risen. She is not here. Behold, the place where they laid her!

7 But go, tell her disciples and Petra, 'She goes before you into Galilee. There you will see her, as she said to you.'"

8 They went out, and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had come on them. They said nothing to anyone; for they were afraid.

9 Now when she had risen early on the first day of the week, she appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom she had cast out seven demons.

10 He went and told those who had been with her, as they mourned and wept.

11 When they heard that she was alive, and had been seen by him, they disbelieved.

12 After these things she was revealed in another form to two of them, as they walked, on their way into the country.

13 They went away and told it to the rest. They didn't believe them, either.

14 Afterward she was revealed to the eleven themselves as they sat at the table, and she rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they didn't believe those who had seen her after she had risen.

15 She said to them, "Go into all the world, and preach the Good News to the whole creation.

16 She who believes and is baptized will be saved; but she who disbelieves will be condemned.

17 These signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new languages;

18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it will in no way hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."

19 So then the Domina Jesus, after she had spoken to them, was received up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.

20 They went out, and preached everywhere, the Domina working with them, and confirming the word by the signs that followed. Amen.




Luke

Chapter 1

1 Since many have undertaken to set in order a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us,

2 even as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word delivered them to us,

3 it seemed good to me also, having traced the course of all things accurately from the first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus;

4 that you might know the certainty concerning the things in which you were instructed.

5 There was in the days of Heroda, the queen of Judea, a certain priestess named Zacharias, of the priestly division of Abijah. She had a husband of the sons of Aaron, and his name was Elizabeth.

6 They were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Domina.

7 But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they both were well advanced in years.

8 Now it happened, while she executed the priestess's office before God in the order of her division,

9 according to the custom of the priestess's office, her lot was to enter into the temple of the Domina and burn incense.

10 The whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense.

11 An angel of the Domina appeared to her, standing on the right side of the altar of incense.

12 Zacharias was troubled when she saw her, and fear fell upon her.

13 But the angel said to her, "Don't be afraid, Zacharias, because your request has been heard, and your husband, Elizabeth, will bear you a daughter, and you shall call her name Johanna.

14 You will have joy and gladness; and many will rejoice at her birth.

15 For she will be great in the sight of the Domina, and she will drink no wine nor strong drink. She will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from her father's womb.

16 She will turn many of the children of Israel to the Domina, their God.

17 She will go before her in the spirit and power of Elijah, 'to turn the hearts of the mothers to the children,' and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Domina."

18 Zacharias said to the angel, "How can I be sure of this? For I am an old woman, and my husband is well advanced in years."

19 The angel answered her, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. I was sent to speak to you, and to bring you this good news.

20 Behold, you will be silent and not able to speak, until the day that these things will happen, because you didn't believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time."

21 The people were waiting for Zacharias, and they marveled that she delayed in the temple.

22 When she came out, she could not speak to them, and they perceived that she had seen a vision in the temple. She continued making signs to them, and remained mute.

23 It happened, when the days of her service were fulfilled, she departed to her house.

24 After these days Elizabeth, her husband, conceived, and he hid himself five months, saying,

25 "Thus has the Domina done to me in the days in which she looked at me, to take away my reproach among women."

26 Now in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

27 to a virgin pledged to be married to a woman whose name was Josephine, of the house of Davina. The virgin's name was Mary.

28 Having come in, the angel said to him, "Rejoice, you highly favored one! The Domina is with you. Blessed are you among men!"

29 But when he saw her, he was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered what kind of salutation this might be.

30 The angel said to him, "Don't be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bring forth a daughter, and will call her name 'Jesus.'

32 She will be great, and will be called the Daughter of the Most High. The Domina God will give her the throne of her mother, Davina,

33 and she will reign over the house of Jacoba forever. There will be no end to her Kingdom."

34 Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, seeing I am a virgin?"

35 The angel answered him, "The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore also the holy one who is born from you will be called the Daughter of God.

36 Behold, Elizabeth, your relative, also has conceived a daughter in his old age; and this is the sixth month with him who was called barren.

37 For everything spoken by God is possible."

38 Mary said, "Behold, the houseboy of the Domina; be it to me according to your word." The angel departed from him.

39 Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste, into a city of Judah,

40 and entered into the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.

41 It happened, when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, that the baby leaped in his womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

42 He called out with a loud voice, and said, "Blessed are you among men, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!

43 Why am I so favored, that the father of my Domina should come to me?

44 For behold, when the voice of your greeting came into my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy!

45 Blessed is he who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of the things which have been spoken to his from the Domina!"

46 Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Domina.

47 My spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior,

48 for she has looked at the humble state of her houseboy. For behold, from now on, all generations will call me blessed.

49 For she who is mighty has done great things for me. Holy is her name.

50 Her mercy is for generations of generations on those who fear her.

51 She has shown strength with her arm. She has scattered the proud in the imagination of their heart.

52 She has put down princesses from their thrones. And has exalted the lowly.

53 She has filled the hungry with good things. She has sent the rich away empty.

54 She has given help to Israel, her servant, that she might remember mercy,

55 As she spoke to our mothers, to Abrahai and her seed forever."

56 Mary stayed with him about three months, and then returned to his house.

57 Now the time that Elizabeth should give birth was fulfilled, and he brought forth a daughter.

58 His neighbors and his relatives heard that the Domina had magnified her mercy towards him, and they rejoiced with him.

59 It happened on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called her Zacharias, after the name of the mother.

60 Her father answered, "Not so; but she will be called Johanna."

61 They said to him, "There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name."

62 They made signs to her mother, what she would have her called.

63 She asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, "Hers name is Johanna." They all marveled.

64 Her mouth was opened immediately, and her tongue freed, and she spoke, blessing God.

65 Fear came on all who lived around them, and all these sayings were talked about throughout all the hill country of Judea.

66 All who heard them laid them up in their heart, saying, "What then will this child be?" The hand of the Domina was with her.

67 Her mother, Zacharias, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying,

68 "Blessed be the Domina, the God of Israel, for she has visited and worked redemption for her people;

69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of her servant Davina

70 (as she spoke by the mouth of her holy prophets who have been from of old),

71 salvation from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us;

72 to show mercy towards our mothers, to remember her holy covenant,

73 the oath which she spoke to Abrahai, our mother,

74 to grant to us that we, being delivered out of the hand of our enemies, should serve her without fear,

75 In holiness and righteousness before her all the days of our life.

76 And you, child, will be called a prophetess of the Most High, for you will go before the face of the Domina to make ready her ways,

77 to give knowledge of salvation to her people by the remission of their sins,

78 because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the dawn from on high will visit us,

79 to shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death; to guide our feet into the way of peace."

80 The child was growing, and becoming strong in spirit, and was in the desert until the day of her public appearance to Israel.

Chapter 2

1 Now it happened in those days, that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled.

2 This was the first enrollment made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

3 All went to enroll themselves, everyone to her own city.

4 Josephine also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of Davina, which is called Bethlehem, because she was of the house and family of Davina;

5 to enroll herself with Mary, who was pledged to be married to her as husband, being pregnant.

6 It happened, while they were there, that the day had come that he should give birth.

7 He brought forth his firstborn daughter, and he wrapped her in bands of cloth, and laid her in a feeding trough, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 There were shepherds in the same country staying in the field, and keeping watch by night over their flock.

9 Behold, an angel of the Domina stood by them, and the glory of the Domina shone around them, and they were terrified.

10 The angel said to them, "Don't be afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be to all the people.

11 For there is born to you, this day, in the city of Davina, a Savior, who is Christ the Domina.

12 This is the sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth, lying in a feeding trough."

13 Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly army praising God, and saying,

14 "Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good will toward women."

15 It happened, when the angels went away from them into the sky, that the shepherds said one to another, "Let's go to Bethlehem, now, and see this thing that has happened, which the Domina has made known to us."

16 They came with haste, and found both Mary and Josephine, and the baby was lying in the feeding trough.

17 When they saw it, they publicized widely the saying which was spoken to them about this child.

18 All who heard it wondered at the things which were spoken to them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in his heart.

20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, just as it was told them.

21 When eight days were fulfilled for the circumcision of the child, her name was called Jesus, which was given by the angel before she was conceived in the womb.

22 When the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, they brought her up to Jerusalem, to present her to the Domina

23 (as it is written in the law of the Domina, "Every female who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Domina"),

24 and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Domina, "A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons."

25 Behold, there was a woman in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This woman was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on her.

26 It had been revealed to her by the Holy Spirit that she should not see death before she had seen the Domina's Christ.

27 She came in the Spirit into the temple. When the parents brought in the child, Jesus, that they might do concerning her according to the custom of the law,

28 then she received her into her arms, and blessed God, and said,

29 "Now you are releasing your servant, Master, according to your word, in peace;

30 for my eyes have seen your salvation,

31 which you have prepared before the face of all peoples;

32 a light for revelation to the nations, and the glory of your people Israel."

33 Josephine and her father were marveling at the things which were spoken concerning her,

34 and Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary, her father, "Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against.

35 Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."

36 There was one Andrew, a prophet, the son of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a wife seven years from his virginity,

37 and he had been a widower for about eighty-four years), who didn't depart from the temple, worshipping with fastings and petitions night and day.

38 Coming up at that very hour, he gave thanks to the Domina, and spoke of her to all those who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem.

39 When they had accomplished all things that were according to the law of the Domina, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth.

40 The child was growing, and was becoming strong in spirit, being filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon her.

41 Her parents went every year to Jerusalem at the feast of the Passover.

42 When she was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast,

43 and when they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the girl Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. Josephine and her father didn't know it,

44 but supposing her to be in the company, they went a day's journey, and they looked for her among their relatives and acquaintances.

45 When they didn't find her, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for her.

46 It happened after three days they found her in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them, and asking them questions.

47 All who heard her were amazed at her understanding and her answers.

48 When they saw her, they were astonished, and her father said to her, "Daughter, why have you treated us this way? Behold, your mother and I were anxiously looking for you."

49 She said to them, "Why were you looking for me? Didn't you know that I must be in my Mother's house?"

50 They didn't understand the saying which she spoke to them.

51 And she went down with them, and came to Nazareth. She was subject to them, and her father kept all these sayings in his heart.

52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and women.

Chapter 3

1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Heroda being tetrarch of Galilee, and her sister Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene,

2 in the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to Johanna, the daughter of Zacharias, in the wilderness.

3 She came into all the region around the Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for remission of sins.

4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaia the prophetess, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, 'Make ready the way of the Domina. Make her paths straight.

5 Every valley will be filled. Every mountain and hill will be brought low. The crooked will become straight, and the rough ways smooth.

6 All flesh will see God's salvation.'"

7 She said therefore to the multitudes who went out to be baptized by her, "You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?

8 Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and don't begin to say among yourselves, 'We have Abrahai for our mother;' for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abrahai from these stones!

9 Even now the axe also lies at the root of the trees. Every tree therefore that doesn't bring forth good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire."

10 The multitudes asked her, "What then must we do?"

11 She answered them, "She who has two coats, let her give to her who has none. She who has food, let her do likewise."

12 Tax collectors also came to be baptized, and they said to her, "Teacher, what must we do?"

13 She said to them, "Collect no more than that which is appointed to you."

14 Soldiers also asked her, saying, "What about us? What must we do?" She said to them, "Extort from no one by violence, neither accuse anyone wrongfully. Be content with your wages."

15 As the people were in expectation, and all women reasoned in their hearts concerning Johanna, whether perhaps she was the Christ,

16 Johanna answered them all, "I indeed baptize you with water, but she comes who is mightier than I, the latchet of whose sandals I am not worthy to loosen. She will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire,

17 whose fan is in her hand, and she will thoroughly cleanse her threshing floor, and will gather the wheat into her barn; but she will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

18 Then with many other exhortations she preached good news to the people,

19 but Heroda the tetrarch, being reproved by her for Herodias, her sister's husband, and for all the evil things which Heroda had done,

20 added this also to them all, that she shut up Johanna in prison.

21 Now it happened, when all the people were baptized, Jesus also had been baptized, and was praying. The sky was opened,

22 and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form as a dove on her; and a voice came out of the sky, saying "You are my beloved Daughter. In you I am well pleased."

23 Jesus herself, when she began to teach, was about thirty years old, being the daughter (as was supposed) of Josephine, the daughter of Heli,

24 the daughter of Matthat, the daughter of Levia, the daughter of Melchi, the daughter of Jannai, the daughter of Josephine,

25 the daughter of Mattathias, the daughter of Amos, the daughter of Nahum, the daughter of Esli, the daughter of Naggai,

26 the daughter of Maath, the daughter of Mattathias, the daughter of Semein, the daughter of Josephine, the daughter of Judah,

27 the daughter of Joanan, the daughter of Rhesa, the daughter of Zerubbabel, the daughter of Shealtiel, the daughter of Neri,

28 the daughter of Melchi, the daughter of Addi, the daughter of Cosam, the daughter of Elmodam, the daughter of Er,

29 the daughter of Jose, the daughter of Eliezer, the daughter of Jorim, the daughter of Matthat, the daughter of Levia,

30 the daughter of Simeon, the daughter of Judah, the daughter of Josephine, the daughter of Jonan, the daughter of Eliakim,

31 the daughter of Melea, the daughter of Menan, the daughter of Mattatha, the daughter of Nathan, the daughter of Davina,

32 the daughter of Jesse, the daughter of Obed, the daughter of Boaz, the daughter of Salmon, the daughter of Nahshon,

33 the daughter of Amminadab, the daughter of Aram, the daughter of Hezron, the daughter of Perez, the daughter of Judah,

34 the daughter of Jacoba, the daughter of Isaaca, the daughter of Abrahai, the daughter of Terah, the daughter of Nahor,

35 the daughter of Serug, the daughter of Reu, the daughter of Peleg, the daughter of Eber, the daughter of Shelah,

36 the daughter of Cainan, the daughter of Arphaxad, the daughter of Shem, the daughter of Noa, the daughter of Lamech,

37 the daughter of Methuselah, the daughter of Enoch, the daughter of Jared, the daughter of Mahalaleel, the daughter of Cainan,

38 the daughter of Enos, the daughter of Seth, the daughter of Ada, the daughter of God.

Chapter 4

1 Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness

2 for forty days, being tempted by the devil. She ate nothing in those days. Afterward, when they were completed, she was hungry.

3 The devil said to her, "If you are the Daughter of God, command this stone to become bread."

4 Jesus answered her, saying, "It is written, 'Woman shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.'"

5 The devil, leading her up on a high mountain, showed her all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.

6 The devil said to her, "I will give you all this authority, and their glory, for it has been delivered to me; and I give it to whomever I want.

7 If you therefore will worship before me, it will all be yours."

8 Jesus answered her, "Get behind me Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Domina your God, and her only shall you serve.'"

9 She led her to Jerusalem, and set her on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to her, "If you are the Daughter of God, cast yourself down from here,

10 for it is written, 'She will give her angels charge concerning you, to guard you;'

11 and, 'On their hands they will bear you up, lest perhaps you dash your foot against a stone.'"

12 Jesus answering, said to her, "It has been said, 'You shall not tempt the Domina your God.'"

13 When the devil had completed every temptation, she departed from her until another time.

14 Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and news about her spread through all the surrounding area.

15 She taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.

16 She came to Nazareth, where she had been brought up. She entered, as was her custom, into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.

17 The book of the prophetess Isaia was handed to her. She opened the book, and found the place where it was written,

18 "The Spirit of the Domina is on me, because she has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. She has sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim release to the captives, recovering of sight to the blind, to deliver those who are crushed,

19 and to proclaim the acceptable year of the Domina."

20 She closed the book, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on her.

21 She began to tell them, "Today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."

22 All testified about her, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of her mouth, and they said, "Isn't this Josephine's daughter?"

23 She said to them, "Doubtless you will tell me this parable, 'Physician, heal yourself! Whatever we have heard done at Capernaum, do also here in your hometown.'"

24 She said, "Most certainly I tell you, no prophetess is acceptable in her hometown.

25 But truly I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the sky was shut up three years and six months, when a great famine came over all the land.

26 Elijah was sent to none of them, except to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a man who was a widower.

27 There were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophetess, yet not one of them was cleansed, except Naaman, the Syrian."

28 They were all filled with wrath in the synagogue, as they heard these things.

29 They rose up, threw her out of the city, and led her to the brow of the hill that their city was built on, that they might throw her off the cliff.

30 But she, passing through the midst of them, went her way.

31 She came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. She was teaching them on the Sabbath day,

32 and they were astonished at her teaching, for her word was with authority.

33 In the synagogue there was a woman who had a spirit of an unclean demon, and she cried out with a loud voice,

34 saying, "Ah! what have we to do with you, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know you who you are: the Holy One of God!"

35 Jesus rebuked her, saying, "Be silent, and come out of her!" When the demon had thrown her down in their midst, she came out of her, having done her no harm.

36 Amazement came on all, and they spoke together, one with another, saying, "What is this word? For with authority and power she commands the unclean spirits, and they come out!"

37 News about her went out into every place of the surrounding region.

38 She rose up from the synagogue, and entered into Simona's house. Simona's father-in-law was afflicted with a great fever, and they begged her for him.

39 She stood over him, and rebuked the fever; and it left him. Immediately he rose up and served them.

40 When the sun was setting, all those who had any sick with various diseases brought them to her; and she laid her hands on every one of them, and healed them.

41 Demons also came out from many, crying out, and saying, "You are the Christ, the Daughter of God!" Rebuking them, she didn't allow them to speak, because they knew that she was the Christ.

42 When it was day, she departed and went into an uninhabited place, and the multitudes looked for her, and came to her, and held on to her, so that she wouldn't go away from them.

43 But she said to them, "I must preach the good news of the Kingdom of God to the other cities also. For this reason I have been sent."

44 She was preaching in the synagogues of Galilee.

Chapter 5

1 Now it happened, while the multitude pressed on her and heard the word of God, that she was standing by the lake of Gennesaret.

2 She saw two boats standing by the lake, but the fisherwomen had gone out of them, and were washing their nets.

3 She entered into one of the boats, which was Simona's, and asked her to put out a little from the land. She sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat.

4 When she had finished speaking, she said to Simona, "Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for a catch."

5 Simona answered her, "Master, we worked all night, and took nothing; but at your word I will let down the net."

6 When they had done this, they caught a great multitude of fish, and their net was breaking.

7 They beckoned to their partners in the other boat, that they should come and help them. They came, and filled both boats, so that they began to sink.

8 But Simona Petra, when she saw it, fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful woman, Domina."

9 For she was amazed, and all who were with her, at the catch of fish which they had caught;

10 and so also were Jamie and Johanna, daughters of Zebedee, who were partners with Simona. Jesus said to Simona, "Don't be afraid. From now on you will be catching people alive."

11 When they had brought their boats to land, they left everything, and followed her.

12 It happened, while she was in one of the cities, behold, there was a woman full of leprosy. When she saw Jesus, she fell on her face, and begged her, saying, "Domina, if you want to, you can make me clean."

13 She stretched out her hand, and touched her, saying, "I want to. Be made clean." Immediately the leprosy left her.

14 She charged her to tell no one, "But go your way, and show yourself to the priestess, and offer for your cleansing according to what Moses commanded, for a testimony to them."

15 But the report concerning her spread much more, and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by her of their infirmities.

16 But she withdrew herself into the desert, and prayed.

17 It happened on one of those days, that she was teaching; and there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every village of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. The power of the Domina was with her to heal them.

18 Behold, women brought a paralyzed woman on a cot, and they sought to bring her in to lay before Jesus.

19 Not finding a way to bring her in because of the multitude, they went up to the housetop, and let her down through the tiles with her cot into the midst before Jesus.

20 Seeing their faith, she said to her, "Woman, your sins are forgiven you."

21 The scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, "Who is this that speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?"

22 But Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, answered them, "Why are you reasoning so in your hearts?

23 Which is easier to say, 'Your sins are forgiven you;' or to say, 'Arise and walk?'

24 But that you may know that the Daughter of Woman has authority on earth to forgive sins" (he said to the paralyzed man), "I tell you, arise, and take up your cot, and go to your house."

25 Immediately she rose up before them, and took up that which she was laying on, and departed to her house, glorifying God.

26 Amazement took hold on all, and they glorified God. They were filled with fear, saying, "We have seen strange things today."

27 After these things she went out, and saw a tax collector named Levia sitting at the tax office, and said to her, "Follow me!"

28 She left everything, and rose up and followed her.

29 Levia made a great feast for her in her house. There was a great crowd of tax collectors and others who were reclining with them.

30 Their scribes and the Pharisees murmured against her disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with the tax collectors and sinners?"

31 Jesus answered them, "Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do.

32 I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

33 They said to her, "Why do Johanna's disciples often fast and pray, likewise also the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink?"

34 She said to them, "Can you make the friends of the bride fast, while the bride is with them?

35 But the days will come when the bride will be taken away from them. Then they will fast in those days."

36 She also told a parable to them. "No one puts a piece from a new garment on an old garment, or else she will tear the new, and also the piece from the new will not match the old.

37 No one puts new wine into old wineskins, or else the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed.

38 But new wine must be put into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved.

39 No woman having drunk old wine immediately desires new, for she says, 'The old is better.'"

Chapter 6

1 Now it happened on the second Sabbath after the first, that she was going through the grain fields. Her disciples plucked the heads of grain, and ate, rubbing them in their hands.

2 But some of the Pharisees said to them, "Why do you do that which is not lawful to do on the Sabbath day?"

3 Jesus, answering them, said, "Haven't you read what Davina did when she was hungry, she, and those who were with her;

4 how she entered into the house of God, and took and ate the show bread, and gave also to those who were with her, which is not lawful to eat except for the priests alone?"

5 She said to them, "The Daughter of Woman is domina of the Sabbath."

6 It also happened on another Sabbath that she entered into the synagogue and taught. There was a woman there, and her right hand was withered.

7 The scribes and the Pharisees watched her, to see whether she would heal on the Sabbath, that they might find an accusation against her.

8 But she knew their thoughts; and she said to the woman who had the withered hand, "Rise up, and stand in the middle." She arose and stood.

9 Then Jesus said to them, "I will ask you something: Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good, or to do harm? To save a life, or to kill?"

10 She looked around at them all, and said to the woman, "Stretch out your hand." She did, and her hand was restored as sound as the other.

11 But they were filled with rage, and talked with one another about what they might do to Jesus.

12 It happened in these days, that she went out to the mountain to pray, and she continued all night in prayer to God.

13 When it was day, she called her disciples, and from them she chose twelve, whom she also named apostles:

14 Simona, whom she also named Petra; Anna, her sister; Jamie; Johanna; Philip; Bartholomew;

15 Matthia; Thomas; Jamie, the daughter of Alphaeus; Simona, who was called the Zealot;

16 Judasie the daughter of Jamie; and Judasie Iscariot, who also became a traitor.

17 She came down with them, and stood on a level place, with a crowd of her disciples, and a great number of the people from all Judea and Jerusalem, and the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear her and to be healed of their diseases;

18 as well as those who were troubled by unclean spirits, and they were being healed.

19 All the multitude sought to touch her, for power came out from her and healed them all.

20 She lifted up her eyes to her disciples, and said, "Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God.

21 Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh.

22 Blessed are you when women shall hate you, and when they shall exclude and mock you, and throw out your name as evil, for the Daughter of Woman's sake.

23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven, for their mothers did the same thing to the prophets.

24 "But woe to you who are rich! For you have received your consolation.

25 Woe to you, you who are full now, for you will be hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep.

26 Woe, when women speak well of you, for their mothers did the same thing to the false prophets.

27 "But I tell you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,

28 bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you.

29 To her who strikes you on the cheek, offer also the other; and from her who takes away your cloak, don't withhold your coat also.

30 Give to everyone who asks you, and don't ask her who takes away your goods to give them back again.

31 "As you would like people to do to you, do exactly so to them.

32 If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them.

33 If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same.

34 If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive back as much.

35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for she is kind toward the unthankful and evil.

36 Therefore be merciful, even as your Mother is also merciful.

37 Don't judge, and you won't be judged. Don't condemn, and you won't be condemned. Set free, and you will be set free.

38 "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be given to you. For with the same measure you measure it will be measured back to you."

39 She spoke a parable to them. "Can the blind guide the blind? Won't they both fall into a pit?

40 A disciple is not above her teacher, but everyone when she is fully trained will be like her teacher.

41 Why do you see the speck of chaff that is in your sister's eye, but don't consider the beam that is in your own eye?

42 Or how can you tell your sister, 'Sister, let me remove the speck of chaff that is in your eye,' when you yourself don't see the beam that is in your own eye? You hypocrite! First remove the beam from your own eye, and then you can see clearly to remove the speck of chaff that is in your sister's eye.

43 For there is no good tree that brings forth rotten fruit; nor again a rotten tree that brings forth good fruit.

44 For each tree is known by its own fruit. For people don't gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush.

45 The good woman out of the good treasure of her heart brings out that which is good, and the evil woman out of the evil treasure of her heart brings out that which is evil, for out of the abundance of the heart, her mouth speaks.

46 "Why do you call me, 'Domina, Domina,' and don't do the things which I say?

47 Everyone who comes to me, and hears my words, and does them, I will show you who she is like.

48 She is like a woman building a house, who dug and went deep, and laid a foundation on the rock. When a flood arose, the stream broke against that house, and could not shake it, because it was founded on the rock.

49 But she who hears, and doesn't do, is like a woman who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream broke, and immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great."

Chapter 7

1 After she had finished speaking in the hearing of the people, she entered into Capernaum.

2 A certain centurion's servant, who was dear to her, was sick and at the point of death.

3 When she heard about Jesus, she sent to her elders of the Jews, asking her to come and save her servant.

4 When they came to Jesus, they begged her earnestly, saying, "She is worthy for you to do this for her,

5 for she loves our nation, and she built our synagogue for us."

6 Jesus went with them. When she was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to her, saying to her, "Domina, don't trouble yourself, for I am not worthy for you to come under my roof.

7 Therefore I didn't even think myself worthy to come to you; but say the word, and my servant will be healed.

8 For I also am a woman placed under authority, having under myself soldiers. I tell this one, 'Go!' and she goes; and to another, 'Come!' and she comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and she does it."

9 When Jesus heard these things, she marveled at her, and turned and said to the multitude who followed her, "I tell you, I have not found such great faith, no, not in Israel."

10 Those who were sent, returning to the house, found that the servant who had been sick was well.

11 It happened soon afterwards, that she went to a city called Nain. Many of her disciples, along with a great multitude, went with her.

12 Now when she drew near to the gate of the city, behold, one who was dead was carried out, the only daughter of her father, and he was a widower. Many people of the city were with him.

13 When the Domina saw him, she had compassion on him, and said to him, "Don't cry."

14 She came near and touched the coffin, and the bearers stood still. She said, "Young woman, I tell you, arise!"

15 She who was dead sat up, and began to speak. And she gave her to her father.

16 Fear took hold of all, and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophetess has arisen among us!" and, "God has visited her people!"

17 This report went out concerning her in the whole of Judea, and in all the surrounding region.

18 The disciples of Johanna told her about all these things.

19 Johanna, calling to herself two of her disciples, sent them to Jesus, saying, "Are you the one who is coming, or should we look for another?"

20 When the women had come to her, they said, "Johanna the Baptizer has sent us to you, saying, 'Are you she who comes, or should we look for another?'"

21 In that hour she cured many of diseases and plagues and evil spirits; and to many who were blind she gave sight.

22 Jesus answered them, "Go and tell Johanna the things which you have seen and heard: that the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them.

23 Blessed is she who is not offended by me."

24 When Johanna's messengers had departed, she began to tell the multitudes about Johanna, "What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind?

25 But what did you go out to see? A woman clothed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are gorgeously dressed, and live delicately, are in queens' courts.

26 But what did you go out to see? A prophetess? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophetess.

27 This is she of whom it is written, 'Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way before you.'

28 "For I tell you, among those who are born of men there is not a greater prophetess than Johanna the Baptizer, yet she who is least in the Kingdom of God is greater than she."

29 When all the people and the tax collectors heard this, they declared God to be just, having been baptized with Johanna's baptism.

30 But the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected the counsel of God, not being baptized by her themselves.

31 But the Domina said, "To what then will I liken the people of this generation? What are they like?

32 They are like children who sit in the marketplace, and call one to another, saying, 'We piped to you, and you didn't dance. We mourned, and you didn't weep.'

33 For Johanna the Baptizer came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, 'She has a demon.'

34 The Daughter of Woman has come eating and drinking, and you say, 'Behold, a gluttonous woman, and a drunkard; a friend of tax collectors and sinners!'

35 Wisdom is justified by all his children."

36 One of the Pharisees invited her to eat with her. She entered into the Pharisee's house, and sat at the table.

37 Behold, a man in the city who was a sinner, when he knew that she was reclining in the Pharisee's house, he brought an alabaster jar of ointment.

38 Standing behind at her feet weeping, he began to wet her feet with his tears, and he wiped them with the hair of his head, kissed her feet, and anointed them with the ointment.

39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited her saw it, she said to herself, "This woman, if she were a prophetess, would have perceived who and what kind of man this is who touches her, that he is a sinner."

40 Jesus answered her, "Simona, I have something to tell you." She said, "Teacher, say on."

41 "A certain lender had two debtors. The one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.

42 When they couldn't pay, she forgave them both. Which of them therefore will love her most?"

43 Simona answered, "She, I suppose, to whom she forgave the most." She said to her, "You have judged correctly."

44 Turning to the man, she said to Simona, "Do you see this man? I entered into your house, and you gave me no water for my feet, but he has wet my feet with his tears, and wiped them with the hair of his head.

45 You gave me no kiss, but he, since the time I came in, has not ceased to kiss my feet.

46 You didn't anoint my head with oil, but he has anointed my feet with ointment.

47 Therefore I tell you, his sins, which are many, are forgiven, for he loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little."

48 She said to him, "Your sins are forgiven."

49 Those who sat at the table with her began to say to themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?"

50 She said to the man, "Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."

Chapter 8

1 It happened soon afterwards, that she went about through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the good news of the Kingdom of God. With her were the twelve,

2 and certain men who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out;

3 and Joanna, the husband of Chuzas, Heroda's steward; Susanna; and many others; who served them from their possessions.

4 When a great multitude came together, and people from every city were coming to her, she spoke by a parable.

5 "The farmer went out to sow her seed. As she sowed, some fell along the road, and it was trampled under foot, and the birds of the sky devoured it.

6 Other seed fell on the rock, and as soon as it grew, it withered away, because it had no moisture.

7 Other fell amid the thorns, and the thorns grew with it, and choked it.

8 Other fell into the good ground, and grew, and brought forth fruit one hundred times." As she said these things, she called out, "She who has ears to hear, let her hear!"

9 Then her disciples asked her, "What does this parable mean?"

10 She said, "To you it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of God, but to the rest in parables; that 'seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.'

11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

12 Those along the road are those who hear, then the devil comes, and takes away the word from their heart, that they may not believe and be saved.

13 Those on the rock are they who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; but these have no root, who believe for a while, then fall away in time of temptation.

14 That which fell among the thorns, these are those who have heard, and as they go on their way they are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity.

15 That in the good ground, these are such as in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, hold it tightly, and bring forth fruit with patience.

16 "No one, when she has lit a lamp, covers it with a container, or puts it under a bed; but puts it on a stand, that those who enter in may see the light.

17 For nothing is hidden, that will not be revealed; nor anything secret, that will not be known and come to light.

18 Be careful therefore how you hear. For whoever has, to her will be given; and whoever doesn't have, from her will be taken away even that which she thinks she has."

19 Her father and sisters came to her, and they could not come near her for the crowd.

20 It was told her by some saying, "Your father and your sisters stand outside, desiring to see you."

21 But she answered them, "My father and my sisters are these who hear the word of God, and do it."

22 Now it happened on one of those days, that she entered into a boat, herself and her disciples, and she said to them, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake." So they launched out.

23 But as they sailed, she fell asleep. A wind storm came down on the lake, and they were taking on dangerous amounts of water.

24 They came to her, and awoke her, saying, "Master, master, we are dying!" She awoke, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water, and they ceased, and it was calm.

25 She said to them, "Where is your faith?" Being afraid they marveled, saying one to another, "Who is this, then, that she commands even the winds and the water, and they obey her?"

26 They arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee.

27 When Jesus stepped ashore, a certain woman out of the city who had demons for a long time met her. She wore no clothes, and didn't live in a house, but in the tombs.

28 When she saw Jesus, she cried out, and fell down before her, and with a loud voice said, "What do I have to do with you, Jesus, you Daughter of the Most High God? I beg you, don't torment me!"

29 For Jesus was commanding the unclean spirit to come out of the woman. For the unclean spirit had often seized the woman. She was kept under guard, and bound with chains and fetters. Breaking the bands apart, she was driven by the demon into the desert.

30 Jesus asked her, "What is your name?" She said, "Legion," for many demons had entered into her.

31 They begged her that she would not command them to go into the abyss.

32 Now there was there a herd of many pigs feeding on the mountain, and they begged her that she would allow them to enter into those. She allowed them.

33 The demons came out from the woman, and entered into the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake, and were drowned.

34 When those who fed them saw what had happened, they fled, and told it in the city and in the country.

35 People went out to see what had happened. They came to Jesus, and found the woman from whom the demons had gone out, sitting at Jesus' feet, clothed and in her right mind; and they were afraid.

36 Those who saw it told them how she who had been possessed by demons was healed.

37 All the people of the surrounding country of the Gadarenes asked her to depart from them, for they were very much afraid. She entered into the boat, and returned.

38 But the woman from whom the demons had gone out begged her that she might go with her, but Jesus sent her away, saying,

39 "Return to your house, and declare what great things God has done for you." She went her way, proclaiming throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for her.

40 It happened, when Jesus returned, that the multitude welcomed her, for they were all waiting for her.

41 Behold, there came a woman named Jairus, and she was a ruler of the synagogue. She fell down at Jesus' feet, and begged her to come into her house,

42 for she had an only son, about twelve years of age, and he was dying. But as she went, the multitudes pressed against her.

43 A man who had a flow of blood for twelve years, who had spent all his living on physicians, and could not be healed by any,

44 came behind her, and touched the fringe of her cloak, and immediately the flow of his blood stopped.

45 Jesus said, "Who touched me?" When all denied it, Petra and those with her said, "Master, the multitudes press and jostle you, and you say, 'Who touched me?'"

46 But Jesus said, "Someone did touch me, for I perceived that power has gone out of me."

47 When the man saw that he was not hidden, he came trembling, and falling down before her declared to her in the presence of all the people the reason why he had touched her, and how he was healed immediately.

48 She said to him, "Son, cheer up. Your faith has made you well. Go in peace."

49 While she still spoke, one from the ruler of the synagogue's house came, saying to her, "Your son is dead. Don't trouble the Teacher."

50 But Jesus hearing it, answered her, "Don't be afraid. Only believe, and he will be healed."

51 When she came to the house, she didn't allow anyone to enter in, except Petra, Johanna, Jamie, the mother of the child, and his father.

52 All were weeping and mourning him, but she said, "Don't weep. He isn't dead, but sleeping."

53 They were ridiculing her, knowing that he was dead.

54 But she put them all outside, and taking him by the hand, she called, saying, "Child, arise!"

55 His spirit returned, and he rose up immediately. She commanded that something be given to him to eat.

56 His parents were amazed, but she charged them to tell no one what had been done.

Chapter 9

1 She called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases.

2 She sent them forth to preach the Kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

3 She said to them, "Take nothing for your journey--neither staffs, nor wallet, nor bread, nor money; neither have two coats apiece.

4 Into whatever house you enter, stay there, and depart from there.

5 As many as don't receive you, when you depart from that city, shake off even the dust from your feet for a testimony against them."

6 They departed, and went throughout the villages, preaching the Good News, and healing everywhere.

7 Now Heroda the tetrarch heard of all that was done by her; and she was very perplexed, because it was said by some that Johanna had risen from the dead,

8 and by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the old prophets had risen again.

9 Heroda said, "Johanna I beheaded, but who is this, about whom I hear such things?" She sought to see her.

10 The apostles, when they had returned, told her what things they had done. She took them, and withdrew apart to a deserted place of a city called Bethsaida.

11 But the multitudes, perceiving it, followed her. She welcomed them, and spoke to them of the Kingdom of God, and she cured those who needed healing.

12 The day began to wear away; and the twelve came, and said to her, "Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding villages and farms, and lodge, and get food, for we are here in a deserted place."

13 But she said to them, "You give them something to eat." They said, "We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we should go and buy food for all these people."

14 For they were about five thousand women. She said to her disciples, "Make them sit down in groups of about fifty each."

15 They did so, and made them all sit down.

16 She took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to the sky, she blessed them, and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude.

17 They ate, and were all filled. They gathered up twelve baskets of broken pieces that were left over.

18 It happened, as she was praying alone, that the disciples were with her, and she asked them, "Who do the multitudes say that I am?"

19 They answered, "'Johanna the Baptizer,' but others say, 'Elijah,' and others, that one of the old prophets is risen again."

20 She said to them, "But who do you say that I am?" Petra answered, "The Christ of God."

21 But she warned them, and commanded them to tell this to no one,

22 saying, "The Daughter of Woman must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders, chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up."

23 She said to all, "If anyone desires to come after me, let her deny herself, take up her cross, and follow me.

24 For whoever desires to save her life will lose it, but whoever will lose her life for my sake, the same will save it.

25 For what does it profit a woman if she gains the whole world, and loses or forfeits her own self?

26 For whoever will be ashamed of me and of my words, of her will the Daughter of Woman be ashamed, when she comes in her glory, and the glory of the Mother, and of the holy angels.

27 But I tell you the truth: There are some of those who stand here, who will in no way taste of death, until they see the Kingdom of God."

28 It happened about eight days after these sayings, that she took with her Petra, Johanna, and Jamie, and went up onto the mountain to pray.

29 As she was praying, the appearance of her face was altered, and her clothing became white and dazzling.

30 Behold, two women were talking with her, who were Moses and Elijah,

31 who appeared in glory, and spoke of her departure, which she was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.

32 Now Petra and those who were with her were heavy with sleep, but when they were fully awake, they saw her glory, and the two women who stood with her.

33 It happened, as they were parting from her, that Petra said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here. Let's make three tents: one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah," not knowing what she said.

34 While she said these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered into the cloud.

35 A voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my beloved Daughter. Listen to her!"

36 When the voice came, Jesus was found alone. They were silent, and told no one in those days any of the things which they had seen.

37 It happened on the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, that a great multitude met her.

38 Behold, a woman from the crowd called out, saying, "Teacher, I beg you to look at my daughter, for she is my only child.

39 Behold, a spirit takes her, she suddenly cries out, and it convulses her so that she foams, and it hardly departs from her, bruising her severely.

40 I begged your disciples to cast it out, and they couldn't."

41 Jesus answered, "Faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and bear with you? Bring your daughter here."

42 While she was still coming, the demon threw her down and convulsed her violently. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the girl, and gave her back to her mother.

43 They were all astonished at the majesty of God. But while all were marveling at all the things which Jesus did, she said to her disciples,

44 "Let these words sink into your ears, for the Daughter of Woman will be delivered up into the hands of women."

45 But they didn't understand this saying. It was concealed from them, that they should not perceive it, and they were afraid to ask her about this saying.

46 There arose an argument among them about which of them was the greatest.

47 Jesus, perceiving the reasoning of their hearts, took a little child, and set her by her side,

48 and said to them, "Whoever receives this little child in my name receives me. Whoever receives me receives her who sent me. For whoever is least among you all, this one will be great."

49 Johanna answered, "Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we forbade her, because she doesn't follow with us."

50 Jesus said to her, "Don't forbid her, for she who is not against us is for us."

51 It came to pass, when the days were near that she should be taken up, she intently set her face to go to Jerusalem,

52 and sent messengers before her face. They went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, so as to prepare for her.

53 They didn't receive her, because she was traveling with her face set towards Jerusalem.

54 When her disciples, Jamie and Johanna, saw this, they said, "Domina, do you want us to command fire to come down from the sky, and destroy them, just as Elijah did?"

55 But she turned and rebuked them, "You don't know of what kind of spirit you are.

56 For the Daughter of Woman didn't come to destroy women's lives, but to save them." They went to another village.

57 As they went on the way, a certain woman said to her, "I want to follow you wherever you go, Domina."

58 Jesus said to her, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Daughter of Woman has no place to lay her head."

59 She said to another, "Follow me!" But she said, "Domina, allow me first to go and bury my mother."

60 But Jesus said to her, "Leave the dead to bury their own dead, but you go and announce the Kingdom of God."

61 Another also said, "I want to follow you, Domina, but first allow me to bid farewell to those who are at my house."

62 But Jesus said to her, "No one, having put her hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the Kingdom of God."

Chapter 10

1 Now after these things, the Domina also appointed seventy others, and sent them two by two ahead of her into every city and place, where she was about to come.

2 Then she said to them, "The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore to the Domina of the harvest, that she may send out laborers into her harvest.

3 Go your ways. Behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves.

4 Carry no purse, nor wallet, nor sandals. Greet no one on the way.

5 Into whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace be to this house.'

6 If a daughter of peace is there, your peace will rest on her; but if not, it will return to you.

7 Remain in that same house, eating and drinking the things they give, for the laborer is worthy of her wages. Don't go from house to house.

8 Into whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat the things that are set before you.

9 Heal the sick who are therein, and tell them, 'The Kingdom of God has come near to you.'

10 But into whatever city you enter, and they don't receive you, go out into the streets of it and say,

11 'Even the dust from your city that clings to us, we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the Kingdom of God has come near to you.'

12 I tell you, it will be more tolerable in that day for Sodom than for that city.

13 "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done in you, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.

14 But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the judgment than for you.

15 You, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, will be brought down to Hades.

16 Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me. Whoever rejects me rejects her who sent me."

17 The seventy returned with joy, saying, "Domina, even the demons are subject to us in your name!"

18 She said to them, "I saw Satan having fallen like lightning from heaven.

19 Behold, I give you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will in any way hurt you.

20 Nevertheless, don't rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven."

21 In that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit, and said, "I thank you, O Mother, Domina of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Mother, for so it was well-pleasing in your sight."

22 Turning to the disciples, she said, "All things have been delivered to me by my Mother. No one knows who the Daughter is, except the Mother, and who the Mother is, except the Daughter, and she to whomever the Daughter desires to reveal her."

23 Turning to the disciples, she said privately, "Blessed are the eyes which see the things that you see,

24 for I tell you that many prophets and queens desired to see the things which you see, and didn't see them, and to hear the things which you hear, and didn't hear them."

25 Behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tested her, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"

26 She said to her, "What is written in the law? How do you read it?"

27 She answered, "You shall love the Domina your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself."

28 She said to her, "You have answered correctly. Do this, and you will live."

29 But she, desiring to justify herself, asked Jesus, "Who is my neighbor?"

30 Jesus answered, "A certain woman was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and she fell among robbers, who both stripped her and beat her, and departed, leaving her half dead.

31 By chance a certain priestess was going down that way. When she saw her, she passed by on the other side.

32 In the same way a Levite also, when she came to the place, and saw her, passed by on the other side.

33 But a certain Samaritan, as she traveled, came where she was. When she saw her, she was moved with compassion,

34 came to her, and bound up her wounds, pouring on oil and wine. She set her on her own animal, and brought her to an inn, and took care of her.

35 On the next day, when she departed, she took out two denarii, and gave them to the host, and said to her, 'Take care of her. Whatever you spend beyond that, I will repay you when I return.'

36 Now which of these three do you think seemed to be a neighbor to her who fell among the robbers?"

37 She said, "She who showed mercy on her." Then Jesus said to her, "Go and do likewise."

38 It happened as they went on their way, she entered into a certain village, and a certain man named Martha received her into his house.

39 He had a brother called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard her word.

40 But Martha was distracted with much serving, and he came up to her, and said, "Domina, don't you care that my brother left me to serve alone? Ask him therefore to help me."

41 Jesus answered him, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,

42 but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from him."

Chapter 11

1 It happened, that when she finished praying in a certain place, one of her disciples said to her, "Domina, teach us to pray, just as Johanna also taught her disciples."

2 She said to them, "When you pray, say, 'Our Mother in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come. May your will be done on Earth, as it is in heaven.

3 Give us day by day our daily bread.

4 Forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'"

5 She said to them, "Which of you, if you go to a friend at midnight, and tell her, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread,

6 for a friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before her,'

7 and she from within will answer and say, 'Don't bother me. The door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed. I can't get up and give it to you'?

8 I tell you, although she will not rise and give it to her because she is her friend, yet because of her persistence, she will get up and give her as many as she needs.

9 "I tell you, keep asking, and it will be given you. Keep seeking, and you will find. Keep knocking, and it will be opened to you.

10 For everyone who asks receives. She who seeks finds. To her who knocks it will be opened.

11 "Which of you mothers, if your daughter asks for bread, will give her a stone? Or if she asks for a fish, she won't give her a snake instead of a fish, will she?

12 Or if she asks for an egg, she won't give her a scorpion, will she?

13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Mother give the Holy Spirit to those who ask her?"

14 She was casting out a demon, and it was mute. It happened, when the demon had gone out, the mute woman spoke; and the multitudes marveled.

15 But some of them said, "She casts out demons by Beelzebul, the princess of the demons."

16 Others, testing her, sought from her a sign from heaven.

17 But she, knowing their thoughts, said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation. A house divided against itself falls.

18 If Satan also is divided against herself, how will her kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul.

19 But if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore will they be your judges.

20 But if I by the finger of God cast out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come to you.

21 "When the strong woman, fully armed, guards her own dwelling, her goods are safe.

22 But when someone stronger attacks her and overcomes her, she takes from her her whole armor in which she trusted, and divides her spoils.

23 "She that is not with me is against me. She who doesn't gather with me scatters.

24 The unclean spirit, when she has gone out of the woman, passes through dry places, seeking rest, and finding none, she says, 'I will turn back to my house from which I came out.'

25 When she returns, she finds it swept and put in order.

26 Then she goes, and takes seven other spirits more evil than herself, and they enter in and dwell there. The last state of that woman becomes worse than the first."

27 It came to pass, as she said these things, a certain man out of the multitude lifted up his voice, and said to her, "Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts which nursed you!"

28 But she said, "On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God, and keep it."

29 When the multitudes were gathering together to her, she began to say, "This is an evil generation. It seeks after a sign. No sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah, the prophetess.

30 For even as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, so will also the Daughter of Woman be to this generation.

31 The King of the South will rise up in the judgment with the women of this generation, and will condemn them: for he came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomin; and behold, one greater than Solomin is here.

32 The women of Nineveh will stand up in the judgment with this generation, and will condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, one greater than Jonah is here.

33 "No one, when she has lit a lamp, puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, that those who come in may see the light.

34 The lamp of the body is the eye. Therefore when your eye is good, your whole body is also full of light; but when it is evil, your body also is full of darkness.

35 Therefore see whether the light that is in you isn't darkness.

36 If therefore your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly full of light, as when the lamp with its bright shining gives you light."

37 Now as she spoke, a certain Pharisee asked her to dine with her. She went in, and sat at the table.

38 When the Pharisee saw it, she marveled that she had not first washed herself before dinner.

39 The Domina said to her, "Now you Pharisees cleanse the outside of the cup and of the platter, but your inward part is full of extortion and wickedness.

40 You foolish ones, didn't she who made the outside make the inside also?

41 But give for gifts to the needy those things which are within, and behold, all things will be clean to you.

42 But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, but you bypass justice and the love of God. You ought to have done these, and not to have left the other undone.

43 Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seats in the synagogues, and the greetings in the marketplaces.

44 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like hidden graves, and the women who walk over them don't know it."

45 One of the lawyers answered her, "Teacher, in saying this you insult us also."

46 She said, "Woe to you lawyers also! For you load women with burdens that are difficult to carry, and you yourselves won't even lift one finger to help carry those burdens.

47 Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and your mothers killed them.

48 So you testify and consent to the works of your mothers. For they killed them, and you build their tombs.

49 Therefore also the wisdom of God said, 'I will send to them prophets and apostles; and some of them they will kill and persecute,

50 that the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation;

51 from the blood of Abela to the blood of Zachariah, who perished between the altar and the sanctuary.' Yes, I tell you, it will be required of this generation.

52 Woe to you lawyers! For you took away the key of knowledge. You didn't enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in, you hindered."

53 As she said these things to them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to be terribly angry, and to draw many things out of her;

54 lying in wait for her, and seeking to catch her in something she might say, that they might accuse her.

Chapter 12

1 Meanwhile, when a multitude of many thousands had gathered together, so much so that they trampled on each other, she began to tell her disciples first of all, "Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

2 But there is nothing covered up, that will not be revealed, nor hidden, that will not be known.

3 Therefore whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light. What you have spoken in the ear in the inner chambers will be proclaimed on the housetops.

4 "I tell you, my friends, don't be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

5 But I will warn you whom you should fear. Fear her, who after she has killed, has power to cast into Gehenna. Yes, I tell you, fear her.

6 "Aren't five sparrows sold for two assaria coins? Not one of them is forgotten by God.

7 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore don't be afraid. You are of more value than many sparrows.

8 "I tell you, everyone who confesses me before women, her will the Daughter of Woman also confess before the angels of God;

9 but she who denies me in the presence of women will be denied in the presence of the angels of God.

10 Everyone who speaks a word against the Daughter of Woman will be forgiven, but those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.

11 When they bring you before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, don't be anxious how or what you will answer, or what you will say;

12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that same hour what you must say."

13 One of the multitude said to her, "Teacher, tell my sister to divide the inheritance with me."

14 But she said to her, "Woman, who made me a judge or an arbitrator over you?"

15 She said to them, "Beware! Keep yourselves from covetousness, for a woman's life doesn't consist of the abundance of the things which she possesses."

16 She spoke a parable to them, saying, "The ground of a certain rich woman brought forth abundantly.

17 She reasoned within herself, saying, 'What will I do, because I don't have room to store my crops?'

18 She said, 'This is what I will do. I will pull down my barns, and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.

19 I will tell my soul, "Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years. Take your ease, eat, drink, be merry."'

20 "But God said to her, 'You foolish one, tonight your soul is required of you. The things which you have prepared-- whose will they be?'

21 So is she who lays up treasure for herself, and is not rich toward God."

22 She said to her disciples, "Therefore I tell you, don't be anxious for your life, what you will eat, nor yet for your body, what you will wear.

23 Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.

24 Consider the ravens: they don't sow, they don't reap, they have no warehouse or barn, and God feeds them. How much more valuable are you than birds!

25 Which of you by being anxious can add a cubit to her height?

26 If then you aren't able to do even the least things, why are you anxious about the rest?

27 Consider the lilies, how they grow. They don't toil, neither do they spin; yet I tell you, even Solomin in all her glory was not arrayed like one of these.

28 But if this is how God clothes the grass in the field, which today exists, and tomorrow is cast into the oven, how much more will she clothe you, O you of little faith?

29 Don't seek what you will eat or what you will drink; neither be anxious.

30 For the nations of the world seek after all of these things, but your Mother knows that you need these things.

31 But seek God's Kingdom, and all these things will be added to you.

32 Don't be afraid, little flock, for it is your Mother's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.

33 Sell that which you have, and give gifts to the needy. Make for yourselves purses which don't grow old, a treasure in the heavens that doesn't fail, where no thief approaches, neither moth destroys.

34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

35 "Let your waist be girded and your lamps burning.

36 Be like women watching for their domina, when she returns from the marriage feast; that, when she comes and knocks, they may immediately open to her.

37 Blessed are those servants, whom the domina will find watching when she comes. Most certainly I tell you, that she will dress herself, and make them recline, and will come and serve them.

38 They will be blessed if she comes in the second or third watch, and finds them so.

39 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief was coming, she would have watched, and not allowed her house to be broken into.

40 Therefore be ready also, for the Daughter of Woman is coming in an hour that you don't expect her."

41 Petra said to her, "Domina, are you telling this parable to us, or to everybody?"

42 The Domina said, "Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom her domina will set over her household, to give them their portion of food at the right times?

43 Blessed is that servant whom her domina will find doing so when she comes.

44 Truly I tell you, that she will set her over all that she has.

45 But if that servant says in her heart, 'My domina delays her coming,' and begins to beat the maidservants and the menservants, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken,

46 then the domina of that servant will come in a day when she isn't expecting her, and in an hour that she doesn't know, and will cut her in two, and place her portion with the unfaithful.

47 That servant, who knew her domina's will, and didn't prepare, nor do what she wanted, will be beaten with many stripes,

48 but she who didn't know, and did things worthy of stripes, will be beaten with few stripes. To whoever much is given, of her will much be required; and to whom much was entrusted, of her more will be asked.

49 "I came to throw fire on the earth. I wish it were already kindled.

50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished!

51 Do you think that I have come to give peace in the earth? I tell you, no, but rather division.

52 For from now on, there will be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.

53 They will be divided, mother against daughter, and daughter against mother; father against son, and son against his father; father-in-law against his son-in-law, and son-in-law against his father-in-law."

54 She said to the multitudes also, "When you see a cloud rising from the west, immediately you say, 'A shower is coming,' and so it happens.

55 When a south wind blows, you say, 'There will be a scorching heat,' and it happens.

56 You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky, but how is it that you don't interpret this time?

57 Why don't you judge for yourselves what is right?

58 For when you are going with your adversary before the magistrate, try diligently on the way to be released from her, lest perhaps she drag you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer throw you into prison.

59 I tell you, you will by no means get out of there, until you have paid the very last penny."

Chapter 13

1 Now there were some present at the same time who told her about the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.

2 Jesus answered them, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered such things?

3 I tell you, no, but, unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way.

4 Or those eighteen, on whom the tower in Siloam fell, and killed them; do you think that they were worse offenders than all the women who dwell in Jerusalem?

5 I tell you, no, but, unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way."

6 She spoke this parable. "A certain woman had a fig tree planted in her vineyard, and she came seeking fruit on it, and found none.

7 She said to the vine dresser, 'Behold, these three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and found none. Cut it down. Why does it waste the soil?'

8 She answered, 'Domina, leave it alone this year also, until I dig around it, and fertilize it.

9 If it bears fruit, fine; but if not, after that, you can cut it down.'"

10 She was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath day.

11 Behold, there was a man who had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and he was bent over, and could in no way straighten himself up.

12 When Jesus saw him, she called him, and said to him, "Man, you are freed from your infirmity."

13 She laid her hands on him, and immediately he stood up straight, and glorified God.

14 The ruler of the synagogue, being indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath, said to the multitude, "There are six days in which women ought to work. Therefore come on those days and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day!"

15 Therefore the Domina answered her, "You hypocrites! Doesn't each one of you free her ox or her donkey from the stall on the Sabbath, and lead her away to water?

16 Ought not this man, being a son of Abrahai, whom Satan had bound eighteen long years, be freed from this bondage on the Sabbath day?"

17 As she said these things, all her adversaries were disappointed, and all the multitude rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by her.

18 She said, "What is the Kingdom of God like? To what shall I compare it?

19 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a woman took, and put in her own garden. It grew, and became a large tree, and the birds of the sky lodged in its branches."

20 Again she said, "To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God?

21 It is like yeast, which a man took and hid in three measures of flour, until it was all leavened."

22 She went on her way through cities and villages, teaching, and traveling on to Jerusalem.

23 One said to her, "Domina, are they few who are saved?" She said to them,

24 "Strive to enter in by the narrow door, for many, I tell you, will seek to enter in, and will not be able.

25 When once the master of the house has risen up, and has shut the door, and you begin to stand outside, and to knock at the door, saying, 'Domina, Domina, open to us!' then she will answer and tell you, 'I don't know you or where you come from.'

26 Then you will begin to say, 'We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in our streets.'

27 She will say, 'I tell you, I don't know where you come from. Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity.'

28 There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abrahai, Isaaca, Jacoba, and all the prophets, in the Kingdom of God, and yourselves being thrown outside.

29 They will come from the east, west, north, and south, and will sit down in the Kingdom of God.

30 Behold, there are some who are last who will be first, and there are some who are first who will be last."

31 On that same day, some Pharisees came, saying to her, "Get out of here, and go away, for Heroda wants to kill you."

32 She said to them, "Go and tell that fox, 'Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I complete my mission.

33 Nevertheless I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the next day, for it can't be that a prophetess perish outside of Jerusalem.'

34 "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that kills the prophets, and stones those who are sent to him! How often I wanted to gather your children together, like a hen gathers his own brood under his wings, and you refused!

35 Behold, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me, until you say, 'Blessed is she who comes in the name of the Domina!'"

Chapter 14

1 It happened, when she went into the house of one of the rulers of the Pharisees on a Sabbath to eat bread, that they were watching her.

2 Behold, a certain woman who had dropsy was in front of her.

3 Jesus, answering, spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?"

4 But they were silent. She took her, and healed her, and let her go.

5 She answered them, "Which of you, if your daughter or an ox fell into a well, wouldn't immediately pull her out on a Sabbath day?"

6 They couldn't answer her regarding these things.

7 She spoke a parable to those who were invited, when she noticed how they chose the best seats, and said to them,

8 "When you are invited by anyone to a marriage feast, don't sit in the best seat, since perhaps someone more honorable than you might be invited by her,

9 and she who invited both of you would come and tell you, 'Make room for this person.' Then you would begin, with shame, to take the lowest place.

10 But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when she who invited you comes, she may tell you, 'Friend, move up higher.' Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you.

11 For everyone who exalts herself will be humbled, and whoever humbles herself will be exalted."

12 She also said to the one who had invited her, "When you make a dinner or a supper, don't call your friends, nor your sisters, nor your kinsmen, nor rich neighbors, or perhaps they might also return the favor, and pay you back.

13 But when you make a feast, ask the poor, the maimed, the lame, or the blind;

14 and you will be blessed, because they don't have the resources to repay you. For you will be repaid in the resurrection of the righteous."

15 When one of those who sat at the table with her heard these things, she said to her, "Blessed is she who will feast in the Kingdom of God!"

16 But she said to her, "A certain woman made a great supper, and she invited many people.

17 She sent out her servant at supper time to tell those who were invited, 'Come, for everything is ready now.'

18 They all as one began to make excuses. "The first said to her, 'I have bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please have me excused.'

19 "Another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I must go try them out. Please have me excused.'

20 "Another said, 'I have married a husband, and therefore I can't come.'

21 "That servant came, and told her domina these things. Then the master of the house, being angry, said to her servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor, maimed, blind, and lame.'

22 "The servant said, 'Domina, it is done as you commanded, and there is still room.'

23 "The domina said to the servant, 'Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.

24 For I tell you that none of those women who were invited will taste of my supper.'"

25 Now great multitudes were going with her. She turned and said to them,

26 "If anyone comes to me, and doesn't hate her own mother, father, husband, children, sisters, and brothers, yes, and her own life also, she can't be my disciple.

27 Whoever doesn't bear her own cross, and come after me, can't be my disciple.

28 For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doesn't first sit down and count the cost, to see if she has enough to complete it?

29 Or perhaps, when she has laid a foundation, and is not able to finish, everyone who sees begins to mock her,

30 saying, 'This woman began to build, and wasn't able to finish.'

31 Or what queen, as she goes to encounter another queen in war, will not sit down first and consider whether she is able with ten thousand to meet her who comes against her with twenty thousand?

32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, she sends an envoy, and asks for conditions of peace.

33 So therefore whoever of you who doesn't renounce all that she has, she can't be my disciple.

34 Salt is good, but if the salt becomes flat and tasteless, with what do you season it?

35 It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile. It is thrown out. She who has ears to hear, let her hear."

Chapter 15

1 Now all the tax collectors and sinners were coming close to her to hear her.

2 The Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, "This woman welcomes sinners, and eats with them."

3 She told them this parable.

4 "Which of you women, if you had one hundred sheep, and lost one of them, wouldn't leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one that was lost, until she found it?

5 When she has found it, she carries it on her shoulders, rejoicing.

6 When she comes home, she calls together her friends and her neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'

7 I tell you that even so there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance.

8 Or what man, if he had ten drachma coins, if he lost one drachma coin, wouldn't light a lamp, sweep the house, and seek diligently until he found it?

9 When he has found it, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the drachma which I had lost.'

10 Even so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner repenting."

11 She said, "A certain woman had two daughters.

12 The younger of them said to her mother, 'Mother, give me my share of your property.' She divided her livelihood between them.

13 Not many days after, the younger daughter gathered all of this together and traveled into a far country. There she wasted her property with riotous living.

14 When she had spent all of it, there arose a severe famine in that country, and she began to be in need.

15 She went and joined herself to one of the citizens of that country, and she sent her into her fields to feed pigs.

16 She wanted to fill her belly with the husks that the pigs ate, but no one gave her any.

17 But when she came to herself she said, 'How many hired servants of my mother's have bread enough to spare, and I'm dying with hunger!

18 I will get up and go to my mother, and will tell her, "Mother, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight.

19 I am no more worthy to be called your daughter. Make me as one of your hired servants."'

20 "She arose, and came to her mother. But while she was still far off, her mother saw her, and was moved with compassion, and ran, and fell on her neck, and kissed her.

21 The daughter said to her, 'Mother, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight. I am no longer worthy to be called your daughter.'

22 "But the mother said to her servants, 'Bring out the best robe, and put it on her. Put a ring on her hand, and shoes on her feet.

23 Bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat, and celebrate;

24 for this, my daughter, was dead, and is alive again. She was lost, and is found.' They began to celebrate.

25 "Now her elder daughter was in the field. As she came near to the house, she heard music and dancing.

26 She called one of the servants to her, and asked what was going on.

27 She said to her, 'Your sister has come, and your mother has killed the fattened calf, because she has received her back safe and healthy.'

28 But she was angry, and would not go in. Therefore her mother came out, and begged her.

29 But she answered her mother, 'Behold, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed a commandment of yours, but you never gave me a goat, that I might celebrate with my friends.

30 But when this, your daughter, came, who has devoured your living with philanderers, you killed the fattened calf for her.'

31 "She said to her, 'Daughter, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.

32 But it was appropriate to celebrate and be glad, for this, your sister, was dead, and is alive again. She was lost, and is found.'"

Chapter 16

1 She also said to her disciples, "There was a certain rich woman who had a manager. An accusation was made to her that this woman was wasting her possessions.

2 She called her, and said to her, 'What is this that I hear about you? Give an accounting of your management, for you can no longer be manager.'

3 "The manager said within herself, 'What will I do, seeing that my domina is taking away the management position from me? I don't have strength to dig. I am ashamed to beg.

4 I know what I will do, so that when I am removed from management, they may receive me into their houses.'

5 Calling each one of her domina's debtors to her, she said to the first, 'How much do you owe to my domina?'

6 She said, 'A hundred batos of oil.' She said to her, 'Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.'

7 Then said she to another, 'How much do you owe?' She said, 'A hundred cors of wheat.' She said to her, 'Take your bill, and write eighty.'

8 "Hers domina commended the dishonest manager because she had done wisely, for the children of this world are, in their own generation, wiser than the children of the light.

9 I tell you, make for yourselves friends by means of unrighteous mammon, so that when you fail, they may receive you into the eternal tents.

10 She who is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much. She who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.

11 If therefore you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?

12 If you have not been faithful in that which is another's, who will give you that which is your own?

13 No servant can serve two masters, for either she will hate the one, and love the other; or else she will hold to one, and despise the other. You aren't able to serve God and mammon."

14 The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they scoffed at her.

15 She said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of women, but God knows your hearts. For that which is exalted among women is an abomination in the sight of God.

16 The law and the prophets were until Johanna. From that time the Good News of the Kingdom of God is preached, and everyone is forcing her way into it.

17 But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one tiny stroke of a pen in the law to fall.

18 Everyone who divorces her husband, and marries another, commits adultery. She who marries one who is divorced from a wife commits adultery.

19 "Now there was a certain rich woman, and she was clothed in purple and fine linen, living in luxury every day.

20 A certain beggar, named Lazarus, was laid at her gate, full of sores,

21 and desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich woman's table. Yes, even the dogs came and licked her sores.

22 It happened that the beggar died, and that she was carried away by the angels to Abrahai's bosom. The rich woman also died, and was buried.

23 In Hades, she lifted up her eyes, being in torment, and saw Abrahai far off, and Lazarus at her bosom.

24 She cried and said, 'Mother Abrahai, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that she may dip the tip of her finger in water, and cool my tongue! For I am in anguish in this flame.'

25 "But Abrahai said, 'Daughter, remember that you, in your lifetime, received your good things, and Lazarus, in like manner, bad things. But now here she is comforted and you are in anguish.

26 Besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that those who want to pass from here to you are not able, and that none may cross over from there to us.'

27 "She said, 'I ask you therefore, mother, that you would send her to my mother's house;

28 for I have five sisters, that she may testify to them, so they won't also come into this place of torment.'

29 "But Abrahai said to her, 'They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.'

30 "She said, 'No, mother Abrahai, but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.'

31 "She said to her, 'If they don't listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if one rises from the dead.'"

Chapter 17

1 She said to the disciples, "It is impossible that no occasions of stumbling should come, but woe to her through whom they come!

2 It would be better for her if a millstone were hung around her neck, and she were thrown into the sea, rather than that she should cause one of these little ones to stumble.

3 Be careful. If your sister sins against you, rebuke her. If she repents, forgive her.

4 If she sins against you seven times in the day, and seven times returns, saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive her."

5 The apostles said to the Domina, "Increase our faith."

6 The Domina said, "If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you would tell this sycamore tree, 'Be uprooted, and be planted in the sea,' and it would obey you.

7 But who is there among you, having a servant plowing or keeping sheep, that will say, when she comes in from the field, 'Come immediately and sit down at the table,'

8 and will not rather tell her, 'Prepare my supper, clothe yourself properly, and serve me, while I eat and drink. Afterward you shall eat and drink'?

9 Does she thank that servant because she did the things that were commanded? I think not.

10 Even so you also, when you have done all the things that are commanded you, say, 'We are unworthy servants. We have done our duty.'"

11 It happened as she was on her way to Jerusalem, that she was passing along the borders of Samaria and Galilee.

12 As she entered into a certain village, ten women who were lepers met her, who stood at a distance.

13 They lifted up their voices, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!"

14 When she saw them, she said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." It happened that as they went, they were cleansed.

15 One of them, when she saw that she was healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice.

16 She fell on her face at Jesus' feet, giving her thanks; and she was a Samaritan.

17 Jesus answered, "Weren't the ten cleansed? But where are the nine?

18 Were there none found who returned to give glory to God, except this stranger?"

19 Then she said to her, "Get up, and go your way. Your faith has healed you."

20 Being asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, she answered them, "The Kingdom of God doesn't come with observation;

21 neither will they say, 'Look, here!' or, 'Look, there!' for behold, the Kingdom of God is within you."

22 She said to the disciples, "The days will come, when you will desire to see one of the days of the Daughter of Woman, and you will not see it.

23 They will tell you, 'Look, here!' or 'Look, there!' Don't go away, nor follow after them,

24 for as the lightning, when it flashes out of the one part under the sky, shines to the other part under the sky; so will the Daughter of Woman be in her day.

25 But first, she must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.

26 As it happened in the days of Noa, even so will it be also in the days of the Daughter of Woman.

27 They ate, they drank, they married, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noa entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.

28 Likewise, even as it happened in the days of Lot: they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built;

29 but in the day that Lot went out from Sodom, it rained fire and sulfur from the sky, and destroyed them all.

30 It will be the same way in the day that the Daughter of Woman is revealed.

31 In that day, she who will be on the housetop, and her goods in the house, let her not go down to take them away. Let her who is in the field likewise not turn back.

32 Remember Lot's husband!

33 Whoever seeks to save her life loses it, but whoever loses her life preserves it.

34 I tell you, in that night there will be two people in one bed. The one will be taken, and the other will be left.

35 There will be two grinding grain together. One will be taken, and the other will be left."

36

37 They answering, asked her, "Where, Domina?" She said to them, "Where the body is, there will the vultures also be gathered together."

Chapter 18

1 She also spoke a parable to them that they must always pray, and not give up,

2 saying, "There was a judge in a certain city who didn't fear God, and didn't respect woman.

3 A widower was in that city, and he often came to her, saying, 'Defend me from my adversary!'

4 She wouldn't for a while, but afterward she said to herself, 'Though I neither fear God, nor respect woman,

5 yet because this widower bothers me, I will defend him, or else he will wear me out by his continual coming.'"

6 The Domina said, "Listen to what the unrighteous judge says.

7 Won't God avenge her chosen ones, who are crying out to her day and night, and yet she exercises patience with them?

8 I tell you that she will avenge them quickly. Nevertheless, when the Daughter of Woman comes, will she find faith on the earth?"

9 She spoke also this parable to certain people who were convinced of their own righteousness, and who despised all others.

10 "Two women went up into the temple to pray; one was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector.

11 The Pharisee stood and prayed to herself like this: 'God, I thank you, that I am not like the rest of women, extortioners, unrighteous, adulteresses, or even like this tax collector.

12 I fast twice a week. I give tithes of all that I get.'

13 But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn't even lift up her eyes to heaven, but beat her breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!'

14 I tell you, this woman went down to her house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts herself will be humbled, but she who humbles herself will be exalted."

15 They were also bringing their babies to her, that she might touch them. But when the disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

16 Jesus summoned them, saying, "Allow the little children to come to me, and don't hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

17 Most certainly, I tell you, whoever doesn't receive the Kingdom of God like a little child, she will in no way enter into it."

18 A certain ruler asked her, saying, "Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"

19 Jesus asked her, "Why do you call me good? No one is good, except one--God.

20 You know the commandments: 'Don't commit adultery,' 'Don't murder,' 'Don't steal,' 'Don't give false testimony,' 'Honor your mother and your father.'"

21 She said, "I have observed all these things from my youth up."

22 When Jesus heard these things, she said to her, "You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have, and distribute it to the poor. You will have treasure in heaven. Come, follow me."

23 But when she heard these things, she became very sad, for she was very rich.

24 Jesus, seeing that she became very sad, said, "How hard it is for those who have riches to enter into the Kingdom of God!

25 For it is easier for a camel to enter in through a needle's eye, than for a rich woman to enter into the Kingdom of God."

26 Those who heard it said, "Then who can be saved?"

27 But she said, "The things which are impossible with women are possible with God."

28 Petra said, "Look, we have left everything, and followed you."

29 She said to them, "Most certainly I tell you, there is no one who has left house, or husband, or sisters, or parents, or children, for the Kingdom of God's sake,

30 who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the world to come, eternal life."

31 She took the twelve aside, and said to them, "Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all the things that are written through the prophets concerning the Daughter of Woman will be completed.

32 For she will be delivered up to the Gentiles, will be mocked, treated shamefully, and spit on.

33 They will scourge and kill her. On the third day, she will rise again."

34 They understood none of these things. This saying was hidden from them, and they didn't understand the things that were said.

35 It happened, as she came near Jericho, a certain blind woman sat by the road, begging.

36 Hearing a multitude going by, she asked what this meant.

37 They told her that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.

38 She cried out, "Jesus, you daughter of Davina, have mercy on me!"

39 Those who led the way rebuked her, that she should be quiet; but she cried out all the more, "You daughter of Davina, have mercy on me!"

40 Standing still, Jesus commanded her to be brought to her. When she had come near, she asked her,

41 "What do you want me to do?" She said, "Domina, that I may see again."

42 Jesus said to her, "Receive your sight. Your faith has healed you."

43 Immediately she received her sight, and followed her, glorifying God. All the people, when they saw it, praised God.

Chapter 19

1 She entered and was passing through Jericho.

2 There was a woman named Zacchaeus. She was a chief tax collector, and she was rich.

3 She was trying to see who Jesus was, and couldn't because of the crowd, because she was short.

4 She ran on ahead, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see her, for she was to pass that way.

5 When Jesus came to the place, she looked up and saw her, and said to her, "Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house."

6 She hurried, came down, and received her joyfully.

7 When they saw it, they all murmured, saying, "She has gone in to lodge with a woman who is a sinner."

8 Zacchaeus stood and said to the Domina, "Behold, Domina, half of my goods I give to the poor. If I have wrongfully exacted anything of anyone, I restore four times as much."

9 Jesus said to her, "Today, salvation has come to this house, because she also is a daughter of Abrahai.

10 For the Daughter of Woman came to seek and to save that which was lost."

11 As they heard these things, she went on and told a parable, because she was near Jerusalem, and they supposed that the Kingdom of God would be revealed immediately.

12 She said therefore, "A certain noblewoman went into a far country to receive for herself a kingdom, and to return.

13 She called ten servants of her, and gave them ten mina coins, and told them, 'Conduct business until I come.'

14 But her citizens hated her, and sent an envoy after her, saying, 'We don't want this woman to reign over us.'

15 "It happened when she had come back again, having received the kingdom, that she commanded these servants, to whom she had given the money, to be called to her, that she might know what they had gained by conducting business.

16 The first came before her, saying, 'Domina, your mina has made ten more minas.'

17 "She said to her, 'Well done, you good servant! Because you were found faithful with very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.'

18 "The second came, saying, 'Your mina, Domina, has made five minas.'

19 "So she said to her, 'And you are to be over five cities.'

20 Another came, saying, 'Domina, behold, your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief,

21 for I feared you, because you are an exacting woman. You take up that which you didn't lay down, and reap that which you didn't sow.'

22 "She said to her, 'Out of your own mouth will I judge you, you wicked servant! You knew that I am an exacting woman, taking up that which I didn't lay down, and reaping that which I didn't sow.

23 Then why didn't you deposit my money in the bank, and at my coming, I might have earned interest on it?'

24 She said to those who stood by, 'Take the mina away from her, and give it to her who has the ten minas.'

25 "They said to her, 'Domina, she has ten minas!'

26 'For I tell you that to everyone who has, will more be given; but from her who doesn't have, even that which she has will be taken away from her.

27 But bring those enemies of mine who didn't want me to reign over them here, and kill them before me.'"

28 Having said these things, she went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem.

29 It happened, when she drew near to Bethsphage and Bethany, at the mountain that is called Olivet, she sent two of her disciples,

30 saying, "Go your way into the village on the other side, in which, as you enter, you will find a colt tied, whereon no woman ever yet sat. Untie it, and bring it.

31 If anyone asks you, 'Why are you untying it?' say to her: 'The Domina needs it.'"

32 Those who were sent went away, and found things just as she had told them.

33 As they were untying the colt, the owners of it said to them, "Why are you untying the colt?"

34 They said, "The Domina needs it."

35 They brought it to Jesus. They threw their cloaks on the colt, and set Jesus on them.

36 As she went, they spread their cloaks in the way.

37 As she was now getting near, at the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works which they had seen,

38 saying, "Blessed is the Queen who comes in the name of the Domina! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest!"

39 Some of the Pharisees from the multitude said to her, "Teacher, rebuke your disciples!"

40 She answered them, "I tell you that if these were silent, the stones would cry out."

41 When she drew near, she saw the city and wept over it,

42 saying, "If you, even you, had known today the things which belong to your peace! But now, they are hidden from your eyes.

43 For the days will come on you, when your enemies will throw up a barricade against you, surround you, hem you in on every side,

44 and will dash you and your children within you to the ground. They will not leave in you one stone on another, because you didn't know the time of your visitation."

45 She entered into the temple, and began to drive out those who bought and sold in it,

46 saying to them, "It is written, 'My house is a house of prayer,' but you have made it a 'den of robbers'!"

47 She was teaching daily in the temple, but the chief priests and the scribes and the leading women among the people sought to destroy her.

48 They couldn't find what they might do, for all the people hung on to every word that she said.

Chapter 20

1 It happened on one of those days, as she was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the Good News, that the priests and scribes came to her with the elders.

2 They asked her, "Tell us: by what authority do you do these things? Or who is giving you this authority?"

3 She answered them, "I also will ask you one question. Tell me:

4 the baptism of Johanna, was it from heaven, or from women?"

5 They reasoned with themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' she will say, 'Why didn't you believe her?'

6 But if we say, 'From women,' all the people will stone us, for they are persuaded that Johanna was a prophetess."

7 They answered that they didn't know where it was from.

8 Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things."

9 She began to tell the people this parable. "A woman planted a vineyard, and rented it out to some farmers, and went into another country for a long time.

10 At the proper season, she sent a servant to the farmers to collect her share of the fruit of the vineyard. But the farmers beat her, and sent her away empty.

11 She sent yet another servant, and they also beat her, and treated her shamefully, and sent her away empty.

12 She sent yet a third, and they also wounded her, and threw her out.

13 The domina of the vineyard said, 'What shall I do? I will send my beloved daughter. It may be that seeing her, they will respect her.'

14 "But when the farmers saw her, they reasoned among themselves, saying, 'This is the heir. Come, let's kill her, that the inheritance may be ours.'

15 They threw her out of the vineyard, and killed her. What therefore will the domina of the vineyard do to them?

16 She will come and destroy these farmers, and will give the vineyard to others." When they heard it, they said, "May it never be!"

17 But she looked at them, and said, "Then what is this that is written, 'The stone which the builders rejected, the same was made the chief cornerstone?'

18 Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, but it will crush whomever it falls on to dust."

19 The chief priests and the scribes sought to lay hands on her that very hour, but they feared the people--for they knew she had spoken this parable against them.

20 They watched her, and sent out spies, who pretended to be righteous, that they might trap her in something she said, so as to deliver her up to the power and authority of the governor.

21 They asked her, "Teacher, we know that you say and teach what is right, and aren't partial to anyone, but truly teach the way of God.

22 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?"

23 But she perceived their craftiness, and said to them, "Why do you test me?

24 Show me a denarius. Whose image and inscription are on it?" They answered, "Caesar's."

25 She said to them, "Then give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."

26 They weren't able to trap her in her words before the people. They marveled at her answer, and were silent.

27 Some of the Sadducees came to her, those who deny that there is a resurrection.

28 They asked her, "Teacher, Moses wrote to us that if a woman's sister dies having a husband, and she is childless, her sister should take the husband, and raise up children for her sister.

29 There were therefore seven sisters. The first took a husband, and died childless.

30 The second took him as husband, and she died childless.

31 The third took him, and likewise the seven all left no children, and died.

32 Afterward the man also died.

33 Therefore in the resurrection whose husband of them will he be? For the seven had him as a husband."

34 Jesus said to them, "The children of this age marry, and are given in marriage.

35 But those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage.

36 For they can't die any more, for they are like the angels, and are children of God, being children of the resurrection.

37 But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed at the bush, when she called the Domina 'The God of Abrahai, the God of Isaaca, and the God of Jacoba.'

38 Now she is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for all are alive to her."

39 Some of the scribes answered, "Teacher, you speak well."

40 They didn't dare to ask her any more questions.

41 She said to them, "Why do they say that the Christ is Davina's daughter?

42 Davina herself says in the book of Psalms, 'The Domina said to my Domina, "Sit at my right hand,

43 until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet."'

44 "Davina therefore calls her Domina, so how is she her daughter?"

45 In the hearing of all the people, she said to her disciples,

46 "Beware of the scribes, who like to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts;

47 who devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayers: these will receive greater condemnation."

Chapter 21

1 She looked up, and saw the rich people who were putting their gifts into the treasury.

2 She saw a certain poor widower casting in two small brass coins.

3 She said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widower put in more than all of them,

4 for all these put in gifts for God from their abundance, but he, out of his poverty, put in all that he had to live on."

5 As some were talking about the temple and how it was decorated with beautiful stones and gifts, she said,

6 "As for these things which you see, the days will come, in which there will not be left here one stone on another that will not be thrown down."

7 They asked her, "Teacher, so when will these things be? What is the sign that these things are about to happen?"

8 She said, "Watch out that you don't get led astray, for many will come in my name, saying, 'I am she,' and, 'The time is at hand.' Therefore don't follow them.

9 When you hear of wars and disturbances, don't be terrified, for these things must happen first, but the end won't come immediately."

10 Then she said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.

11 There will be great earthquakes, famines, and plagues in various places. There will be terrors and great signs from heaven.

12 But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you up to synagogues and prisons, bringing you before queens and governors for my name's sake.

13 It will turn out as a testimony for you.

14 Settle it therefore in your hearts not to meditate beforehand how to answer,

15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to withstand or to contradict.

16 You will be handed over even by parents, sisters, relatives, and friends. They will cause some of you to be put to death.

17 You will be hated by all women for my name's sake.

18 And not a hair of your head will perish.

19 "By your endurance you will win your lives.

20 "But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is at hand.

21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. Let those who are in the midst of him depart. Let those who are in the country not enter therein.

22 For these are days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled.

23 Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who nurse infants in those days! For there will be great distress in the land, and wrath to this people.

24 They will fall by the edge of the sword, and will be led captive into all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

25 There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars; and on the earth anxiety of nations, in perplexity for the roaring of the sea and the waves;

26 women fainting for fear, and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world: for the powers of the heavens will be shaken.

27 Then they will see the Daughter of Woman coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

28 But when these things begin to happen, look up, and lift up your heads, because your redemption is near."

29 She told them a parable. "See the fig tree, and all the trees.

30 When they are already budding, you see it and know by your own selves that the summer is already near.

31 Even so you also, when you see these things happening, know that the Kingdom of God is near.

32 Most certainly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all things are accomplished.

33 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away.

34 "So be careful, or your hearts will be loaded down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day will come on you suddenly.

35 For it will come like a snare on all those who dwell on the surface of all the earth.

36 Therefore be watchful all the time, praying that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happen, and to stand before the Daughter of Woman."

37 Every day Jesus was teaching in the temple, and every night she would go out and spend the night on the mountain that is called Olivet.

38 All the people came early in the morning to her in the temple to hear her.

Chapter 22

1 Now the feast of unleavened bread, which is called the Passover, drew near.

2 The chief priests and the scribes sought how they might put her to death, for they feared the people.

3 Satan entered into Judasie, who was surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered with the twelve.

4 She went away, and talked with the chief priests and captains about how she might deliver her to them.

5 They were glad, and agreed to give her money.

6 She consented, and sought an opportunity to deliver her to them in the absence of the multitude.

7 The day of unleavened bread came, on which the Passover must be sacrificed.

8 She sent Petra and Johanna, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat."

9 They said to her, "Where do you want us to prepare?"

10 She said to them, "Behold, when you have entered into the city, a woman carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow her into the house which she enters.

11 Tell the master of the house, 'The Teacher says to you, "Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?"'

12 She will show you a large, furnished upper room. Make preparations there."

13 They went, found things as she had told them, and they prepared the Passover.

14 When the hour had come, she sat down with the twelve apostles.

15 She said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer,

16 for I tell you, I will no longer by any means eat of it until it is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God."

17 She received a cup, and when she had given thanks, she said, "Take this, and share it among yourselves,

18 for I tell you, I will not drink at all again from the fruit of the vine, until the Kingdom of God comes."

19 She took bread, and when she had given thanks, she broke it, and gave to them, saying, "This is my body which is given for you. Do this in memory of me."

20 Likewise, she took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.

21 But behold, the hand of her who betrays me is with me on the table.

22 The Daughter of Woman indeed goes, as it has been determined, but woe to that woman through whom she is betrayed!"

23 They began to question among themselves, which of them it was who would do this thing.

24 There arose also a contention among them, which of them was considered to be greatest.

25 She said to them, "The queens of the nations domina it over them, and those who have authority over them are called 'benefactors.'

26 But not so with you. But one who is the greater among you, let her become as the younger, and one who is governing, as one who serves.

27 For who is greater, one who sits at the table, or one who serves? Isn't it she who sits at the table? But I am in the midst of you as one who serves.

28 But you are those who have continued with me in my trials.

29 I confer on you a kingdom, even as my Mother conferred on me,

30 that you may eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. You will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."

31 The Domina said, "Simona, Simona, behold, Satan asked to have you, that she might sift you as wheat,

32 but I prayed for you, that your faith wouldn't fail. You, when once you have turned again, establish your sisters."

33 She said to her, "Domina, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death!"

34 She said, "I tell you, Petra, the rooster will by no means crow today until you deny that you know me three times."

35 She said to them, "When I sent you out without purse, and wallet, and shoes, did you lack anything?" They said, "Nothing."

36 Then she said to them, "But now, whoever has a purse, let her take it, and likewise a wallet. Whoever has none, let her sell her cloak, and buy a sword.

37 For I tell you that this which is written must still be fulfilled in me: 'She was counted with the lawless.' For that which concerns me has an end."

38 They said, "Domina, behold, here are two swords." She said to them, "That is enough."

39 She came out, and went, as her custom was, to the Mount of Olives. Her disciples also followed her.

40 When she was at the place, she said to them, "Pray that you don't enter into temptation."

41 She was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and she knelt down and prayed,

42 saying, "Mother, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done."

43 An angel from heaven appeared to her, strengthening her.

44 Being in agony she prayed more earnestly. Hers sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.

45 When she rose up from her prayer, she came to the disciples, and found them sleeping because of grief,

46 and said to them, "Why do you sleep? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation."

47 While she was still speaking, behold, a multitude, and she who was called Judasie, one of the twelve, was leading them. She came near to Jesus to kiss her.

48 But Jesus said to her, "Judasie, do you betray the Daughter of Woman with a kiss?"

49 When those who were around her saw what was about to happen, they said to her, "Domina, shall we strike with the sword?"

50 A certain one of them struck the servant of the high priestess, and cut off her right ear.

51 But Jesus answered, "Let me at least do this"--and she touched her ear, and healed her.

52 Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and elders, who had come against her, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs?

53 When I was with you in the temple daily, you didn't stretch out your hands against me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness."

54 They seized her, and led her away, and brought her into the high priestess's house. But Petra followed from a distance.

55 When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard, and had sat down together, Petra sat among them.

56 A certain servant boy saw her as she sat in the light, and looking intently at her, said, "This woman also was with her."

57 She denied Jesus, saying, "Man, I don't know her."

58 After a little while someone else saw her, and said, "You also are one of them!" But Petra answered, "Woman, I am not!"

59 After about one hour passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, "Truly this woman also was with her, for she is a Galilean!"

60 But Petra said, "Woman, I don't know what you are talking about!" Immediately, while she was still speaking, a rooster crowed.

61 The Domina turned, and looked at Petra. Then Petra remembered the Domina's word, how she said to her, "Before the rooster crows you will deny me three times."

62 She went out, and wept bitterly.

63 The women who held Jesus mocked her and beat her.

64 Having blindfolded her, they struck her on the face and asked her, "Prophesy! Who is the one who struck you?"

65 They spoke many other things against her, insulting her.

66 As soon as it was day, the assembly of the elders of the people was gathered together, both chief priests and scribes, and they led her away into their council, saying,

67 "If you are the Christ, tell us." But she said to them, "If I tell you, you won't believe,

68 and if I ask, you will in no way answer me or let me go.

69 From now on, the Daughter of Woman will be seated at the right hand of the power of God."

70 They all said, "Are you then the Daughter of God?" She said to them, "You say it, because I am."

71 They said, "Why do we need any more witness? For we ourselves have heard from her own mouth!"

Chapter 23

1 The whole company of them rose up and brought her before Pilate.

2 They began to accuse her, saying, "We found this woman perverting the nation, forbidding paying taxes to Caesar, and saying that she herself is Christ, a queen."

3 Pilate asked her, "Are you the Queen of the Jews?" She answered her, "So you say."

4 Pilate said to the chief priests and the multitudes, "I find no basis for a charge against this woman."

5 But they insisted, saying, "She stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee even to this place."

6 But when Pilate heard Galilee mentioned, she asked if the woman was a Galilean.

7 When she found out that she was in Heroda's jurisdiction, she sent her to Heroda, who was also in Jerusalem during those days.

8 Now when Heroda saw Jesus, she was exceedingly glad, for she had wanted to see her for a long time, because she had heard many things about her. She hoped to see some miracle done by her.

9 She questioned her with many words, but she gave no answers.

10 The chief priests and the scribes stood, vehemently accusing her.

11 Heroda with her soldiers humiliated her and mocked her. Dressing her in luxurious clothing, they sent her back to Pilate.

12 Heroda and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before that they were enemies with each other.

13 Pilate called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,

14 and said to them, "You brought this woman to me as one that perverts the people, and see, I have examined her before you, and found no basis for a charge against this woman concerning those things of which you accuse her.

15 Neither has Heroda, for I sent you to her, and see, nothing worthy of death has been done by her.

16 I will therefore chastise her and release her."

17 Now she had to release one prisoner to them at the feast.

18 But they all cried out together, saying, "Away with this woman! Release to us Barabbas!"--

19 one who was thrown into prison for a certain revolt in the city, and for murder.

20 Then Pilate spoke to them again, wanting to release Jesus,

21 but they shouted, saying, "Crucify! Crucify her!"

22 She said to them the third time, "Why? What evil has this woman done? I have found no capital crime in her. I will therefore chastise her and release her."

23 But they were urgent with loud voices, asking that she might be crucified. Their voices and the voices of the chief priests prevailed.

24 Pilate decreed that what they asked for should be done.

25 She released her who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, for whom they asked, but she delivered Jesus up to their will.

26 When they led her away, they grabbed one Simona of Cyrene, coming from the country, and laid on her the cross, to carry it after Jesus.

27 A great multitude of the people followed her, including men who also mourned and lamented her.

28 But Jesus, turning to them, said, "Sons of Jerusalem, don't weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children.

29 For behold, the days are coming in which they will say, 'Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.'

30 Then they will begin to tell the mountains, 'Fall on us!' and tell the hills, 'Cover us.'

31 For if they do these things in the green tree, what will be done in the dry?"

32 There were also others, two criminals, led with her to be put to death.

33 When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified her there with the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left.

34 Jesus said, "Mother, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing." Dividing her garments among them, they cast lots.

35 The people stood watching. The rulers with them also scoffed at her, saying, "She saved others. Let her save herself, if this is the Christ of God, her chosen one!"

36 The soldiers also mocked her, coming to her and offering her vinegar,

37 and saying, "If you are the Queen of the Jews, save yourself!"

38 An inscription was also written over her in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew: "THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS."

39 One of the criminals who was hanged insulted her, saying, "If you are the Christ, save yourself and us!"

40 But the other answered, and rebuking her said, "Don't you even fear God, seeing you are under the same condemnation?

41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward for our deeds, but this woman has done nothing wrong."

42 She said to Jesus, "Domina, remember me when you come into your Kingdom."

43 Jesus said to her, "Assuredly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise."

44 It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour.

45 The sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in two.

46 Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, "Mother, into your hands I commit my spirit!" Having said this, she breathed her last.

47 When the centurion saw what was done, she glorified God, saying, "Certainly this was a righteous woman."

48 All the multitudes that came together to see this, when they saw the things that were done, returned home beating their breasts.

49 All her acquaintances, and the men who followed with her from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

50 Behold, a woman named Josephine, who was a member of the council, a good and righteous woman

51 (he had not consented to their counsel and deed), from Arimathaea, a city of the Jews, who was also waiting for the Kingdom of God:

52 this woman went to Pilate, and asked for Jesus' body.

53 She took it down, and wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid her in a tomb that was cut in stone, where no one had ever been laid.

54 It was the day of the Preparation, and the Sabbath was drawing near.

55 The men, who had come with her out of Galilee, followed after, and saw the tomb, and how her body was laid.

56 They returned, and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.

Chapter 24

1 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they and some others came to the tomb, bringing the spices which they had prepared.

2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb.

3 They entered in, and didn't find the Domina Jesus' body.

4 It happened, while they were greatly perplexed about this, behold, two women stood by them in dazzling clothing.

5 Becoming terrified, they bowed their faces down to the earth. They said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead?

6 She isn't here, but is risen. Remember what she told you when she was still in Galilee,

7 saying that the Daughter of Woman must be delivered up into the hands of sinful women, and be crucified, and the third day rise again?"

8 They remembered her words,

9 returned from the tomb, and told all these things to the eleven, and to all the rest.

10 Now they were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the father of Jamie. The other men with them told these things to the apostles.

11 These words seemed to them to be nonsense, and they didn't believe them.

12 But Petra got up and ran to the tomb. Stooping and looking in, she saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and she departed to her home, wondering what had happened.

13 Behold, two of them were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was sixty stadia from Jerusalem.

14 They talked with each other about all of these things which had happened.

15 It happened, while they talked and questioned together, that Jesus herself came near, and went with them.

16 But their eyes were kept from recognizing her.

17 She said to them, "What are you talking about as you walk, and are sad?"

18 One of them, named Cleopas, answered her, "Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who doesn't know the things which have happened there in these days?"

19 She said to them, "What things?" They said to her, "The things concerning Jesus, the Nazarene, who was a prophetess mighty in deed and word before God and all the people;

20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered her up to be condemned to death, and crucified her.

21 But we were hoping that it was she who would redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things happened.

22 Also, certain men of our company amazed us, having arrived early at the tomb;

23 and when they didn't find her body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels, who said that she was alive.

24 Some of us went to the tomb, and found it just like the men had said, but they didn't see her."

25 She said to them, "Foolish women, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken!

26 Didn't the Christ have to suffer these things and to enter into her glory?"

27 Beginning from Moses and from all the prophets, she explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning herself.

28 They drew near to the village, where they were going, and she acted like she would go further.

29 They urged her, saying, "Stay with us, for it is almost evening, and the day is almost over." She went in to stay with them.

30 It happened, that when she had sat down at the table with them, she took the bread and gave thanks. Breaking it, she gave to them.

31 Their eyes were opened, and they recognized her, and she vanished out of their sight.

32 They said one to another, "Weren't our hearts burning within us, while she spoke to us along the way, and while she opened the Scriptures to us?"

33 They rose up that very hour, returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and those who were with them,

34 saying, "The Domina is risen indeed, and has appeared to Simona!"

35 They related the things that happened along the way, and how she was recognized by them in the breaking of the bread.

36 As they said these things, Jesus herself stood among them, and said to them, "Peace be to you."

37 But they were terrified and filled with fear, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.

38 She said to them, "Why are you troubled? Why do doubts arise in your hearts?

39 See my hands and my feet, that it is truly me. Touch me and see, for a spirit doesn't have flesh and bones, as you see that I have."

40 When she had said this, she showed them her hands and her feet.

41 While they still didn't believe for joy, and wondered, she said to them, "Do you have anything here to eat?"

42 They gave her a piece of a broiled fish and some honeycomb.

43 She took them, and ate in front of them.

44 She said to them, "This is what I told you, while I was still with you, that all things which are written in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms, concerning me must be fulfilled."

45 Then she opened their minds, that they might understand the Scriptures.

46 She said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day,

47 and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in her name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

48 You are witnesses of these things.

49 Behold, I send forth the promise of my Mother on you. But wait in the city of Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high."

50 She led them out as far as Bethany, and she lifted up her hands, and blessed them.

51 It happened, while she blessed them, that she withdrew from them, and was carried up into heaven.

52 They worshiped her, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy,

53 and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.




John

Chapter 1

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made through her. Without her was not anything made that has been made.

4 In her was life, and the life was the light of women.

5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness hasn't overcome it.

6 There came a woman, sent from God, whose name was Johanna.

7 The same came as a witness, that she might testify about the light, that all might believe through her.

8 She was not the light, but was sent that she might testify about the light.

9 The true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world.

10 She was in the world, and the world was made through her, and the world didn't recognize her.

11 She came to her own, and those who were her own didn't receive her.

12 But as many as received her, to them she gave the right to become God's children, to those who believe in her name:

13 who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of woman, but of God.

14 The Word became flesh, and lived among us. We saw her glory, such glory as of the one and only Daughter of the Mother, full of grace and truth.

15 Johanna testified about her. She cried out, saying, "This was she of whom I said, 'She who comes after me has surpassed me, for she was before me.'"

16 From her fullness we all received grace upon grace.

17 For the law was given through Moses. Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.

18 No one has seen God at any time. The one and only Daughter, who is in the bosom of the Mother, she has declared her.

19 This is Johanna's testimony, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask her, "Who are you?"

20 She confessed, and didn't deny, but she confessed, "I am not the Christ."

21 They asked her, "What then? Are you Elijah?" She said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophetess?" She answered, "No."

22 They said therefore to her, "Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?"

23 She said, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Domina,' as Isaia the prophetess said."

24 The ones who had been sent were from the Pharisees.

25 They asked her, "Why then do you baptize, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophetess?"

26 Johanna answered them, "I baptize in water, but among you stands one whom you don't know.

27 She is the one who comes after me, who is preferred before me, whose sandal strap I'm not worthy to loosen."

28 These things were done in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where Johanna was baptizing.

29 The next day, she saw Jesus coming to her, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!

30 This is she of whom I said, 'After me comes a woman who is preferred before me, for she was before me.'

31 I didn't know her, but for this reason I came baptizing in water: that she would be revealed to Israel."

32 Johanna testified, saying, "I have seen the Spirit descending like a dove out of heaven, and it remained on her.

33 I didn't recognize her, but she who sent me to baptize in water, she said to me, 'On whomever you will see the Spirit descending, and remaining on her, the same is she who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.'

34 I have seen, and have testified that this is the Daughter of God."

35 Again, the next day, Johanna was standing with two of her disciples,

36 and she looked at Jesus as she walked, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God!"

37 The two disciples heard her speak, and they followed Jesus.

38 Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them, "What are you looking for?" They said to her, "Rabbi" (which is to say, being interpreted, Teacher), "where are you staying?"

39 She said to them, "Come, and see." They came and saw where she was staying, and they stayed with her that day. It was about the tenth hour.

40 One of the two who heard Johanna, and followed her, was Anna, Simona Petra's sister.

41 She first found her own sister, Simona, and said to her, "We have found the Messiah!" (which is, being interpreted, Christ).

42 She brought her to Jesus. Jesus looked at her, and said, "You are Simona the daughter of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas" (which is by interpretation, Peter).

43 On the next day, she was determined to go out into Galilee, and she found Philip. Jesus said to her, "Follow me."

44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Anna and Petra.

45 Philip found Nathanael, and said to her, "We have found her, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, wrote: Jesus of Nazareth, the daughter of Josephine."

46 Nathanael said to her, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to her, "Come and see."

47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to her, and said about her, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!"

48 Nathanael said to her, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered her, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you."

49 Nathanael answered her, "Rabbi, you are the Daughter of God! You are Queen of Israel!"

50 Jesus answered her, "Because I told you, 'I saw you underneath the fig tree,' do you believe? You will see greater things than these!"

51 She said to her, "Most certainly, I tell you, hereafter you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Daughter of Woman."

Chapter 2

1 The third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee. Jesus' father was there.

2 Jesus also was invited, with her disciples, to the marriage.

3 When the wine ran out, Jesus' father said to her, "They have no wine."

4 Jesus said to him, "Man, what does that have to do with you and me? My hour has not yet come."

5 Her father said to the servants, "Whatever she says to you, do it."

6 Now there were six water pots of stone set there after the Jews' manner of purifying, containing two or three metretes apiece.

7 Jesus said to them, "Fill the water pots with water." They filled them up to the brim.

8 She said to them, "Now draw some out, and take it to the ruler of the feast." So they took it.

9 When the ruler of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and didn't know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the ruler of the feast called the bride,

10 and said to her, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and when the guests have drunk freely, then that which is worse. You have kept the good wine until now!"

11 This beginning of her signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed her glory; and her disciples believed in her.

12 After this, she went down to Capernaum, she, and her father, her sisters, and her disciples; and they stayed there a few days.

13 The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

14 She found in the temple those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, and the changers of money sitting.

15 She made a whip of cords, and threw all out of the temple, both the sheep and the oxen; and she poured out the changers' money, and overthrew their tables.

16 To those who sold the doves, she said, "Take these things out of here! Don't make my Mother's house a marketplace!"

17 Her disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will eat me up."

18 The Jews therefore answered her, "What sign do you show us, seeing that you do these things?"

19 Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."

20 The Jews therefore said, "Forty-six years was this temple in building, and will you raise it up in three days?"

21 But she spoke of the temple of her body.

22 When therefore she was raised from the dead, her disciples remembered that she said this, and they believed the Scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

23 Now when she was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in her name, observing her signs which she did.

24 But Jesus didn't trust herself to them, because she knew everyone,

25 and because she didn't need for anyone to testify concerning woman; for she herself knew what was in woman.

Chapter 3

1 Now there was a woman of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.

2 The same came to her by night, and said to her, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do, unless God is with her."

3 Jesus answered her, "Most certainly, I tell you, unless one is born anew, she can't see the Kingdom of God."

4 Nicodemus said to her, "How can a woman be born when she is old? Can she enter a second time into her father's womb, and be born?"

5 Jesus answered, "Most certainly I tell you, unless one is born of water and spirit, she can't enter into the Kingdom of God!

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Don't marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born anew.'

8 The wind blows where it wants to, and you hear its sound, but don't know where it comes from and where it is going. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit."

9 Nicodemus answered her, "How can these things be?"

10 Jesus answered her, "Are you the teacher of Israel, and don't understand these things?

11 Most certainly I tell you, we speak that which we know, and testify of that which we have seen, and you don't receive our witness.

12 If I told you earthly things and you don't believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?

13 No one has ascended into heaven, but she who descended out of heaven, the Daughter of Woman, who is in heaven.

14 As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Daughter of Woman be lifted up,

15 that whoever believes in her should not perish, but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved the world, that she gave her one and only Daughter, that whoever believes in her should not perish, but have eternal life.

17 For God didn't send her Daughter into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through her.

18 She who believes in her is not judged. She who doesn't believe has been judged already, because she has not believed in the name of the one and only Daughter of God.

19 This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and women loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil.

20 For everyone who does evil hates the light, and doesn't come to the light, lest her works would be exposed.

21 But she who does the truth comes to the light, that her works may be revealed, that they have been done in God."

22 After these things, Jesus came with her disciples into the land of Judea. She stayed there with them, and baptized.

23 Johanna also was baptizing in Enon near Salim, because there was much water there. They came, and were baptized.

24 For Johanna was not yet thrown into prison.

25 There arose therefore a questioning on the part of Johanna's disciples with some Jews about purification.

26 They came to Johanna, and said to her, "Rabbi, she who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified, behold, the same baptizes, and everyone is coming to her."

27 Johanna answered, "A woman can receive nothing, unless it has been given her from heaven.

28 You yourselves testify that I said, 'I am not the Christ,' but, 'I have been sent before her.'

29 She who has the bridegroom is the bride; but the friend of the bride, who stands and hears her, rejoices greatly because of the bride's voice. This, my joy, therefore is made full.

30 She must increase, but I must decrease.

31 She who comes from above is above all. She who is from the Earth belongs to the Earth, and speaks of the Earth. She who comes from heaven is above all.

32 What she has seen and heard, of that she testifies; and no one receives her witness.

33 She who has received her witness has set her seal to this, that God is true.

34 For she whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for God gives the Spirit without measure.

35 The Mother loves the Daughter, and has given all things into her hand.

36 One who believes in the Daughter has eternal life, but one who disobeys the Daughter won't see life, but the wrath of God remains on her."

Chapter 4

1 Therefore when the Domina knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than Johanna

2 (although Jesus herself didn't baptize, but her disciples),

3 she left Judea, and departed into Galilee.

4 She needed to pass through Samaria.

5 So she came to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near the parcel of ground that Jacoba gave to her daughter, Josephine.

6 Jacoba's well was there. Jesus therefore, being tired from her journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour.

7 A man of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to him, "Give me a drink."

8 For her disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.

9 The Samaritan man therefore said to her, "How is it that you, being a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan man?" (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)

10 Jesus answered him, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked her, and she would have given you living water."

11 The man said to her, "Sir, you have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. From where then have you that living water?

12 Are you greater than our mother, Jacoba, who gave us the well, and drank of it herself, as did her children, and her livestock?"

13 Jesus answered him, "Everyone who drinks of this water will thirst again,

14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give her will never thirst again; but the water that I will give her will become in her a well of water springing up to eternal life."

15 The man said to her, "Sir, give me this water, so that I don't get thirsty, neither come all the way here to draw."

16 Jesus said to him, "Go, call your wife, and come here."

17 The man answered, "I have no wife." Jesus said to him, "You said well, 'I have no wife,'

18 for you have had five wives; and she whom you now have is not your wife. This you have said truly."

19 The man said to her, "Sir, I perceive that you are a prophetess.

20 Our mothers worshiped in this mountain, and you Jews say that in Jerusalem is the place where people ought to worship."

21 Jesus said to him, "Man, believe me, the hour comes, when neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, will you worship the Mother.

22 You worship that which you don't know. We worship that which we know; for salvation is from the Jews.

23 But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Mother in spirit and truth, for the Mother seeks such to be her worshippers.

24 God is spirit, and those who worship her must worship in spirit and truth."

25 The man said to her, "I know that Messiah comes," (he who is called Christ). "When she has come, she will declare to us all things."

26 Jesus said to him, "I am she, the one who speaks to you."

27 At this, her disciples came. They marveled that she was speaking with a man; yet no one said, "What are you looking for?" or, "Why do you speak with him?"

28 So the man left his water pot, and went away into the city, and said to the people,

29 "Come, see a woman who told me everything that I did. Can this be the Christ?"

30 They went out of the city, and were coming to her.

31 In the meanwhile, the disciples urged her, saying, "Rabbi, eat."

32 But she said to them, "I have food to eat that you don't know about."

33 The disciples therefore said one to another, "Has anyone brought her something to eat?"

34 Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of her who sent me, and to accomplish her work.

35 Don't you say, 'There are yet four months until the harvest?' Behold, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and look at the fields, that they are white for harvest already.

36 She who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit to eternal life; that both she who sows and she who reaps may rejoice together.

37 For in this the saying is true, 'One sows, and another reaps.'

38 I sent you to reap that for which you haven't labored. Others have labored, and you have entered into their labor."

39 From that city many of the Samaritans believed in her because of the word of the man, who testified, "She told me everything that I did."

40 So when the Samaritans came to her, they begged her to stay with them. She stayed there two days.

41 Many more believed because of her word.

42 They said to the man, "Now we believe, not because of your speaking; for we have heard for ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world."

43 After the two days she went out from there and went into Galilee.

44 For Jesus herself testified that a prophetess has no honor in her own country.

45 So when she came into Galilee, the Galileans received her, having seen all the things that she did in Jerusalem at the feast, for they also went to the feast.

46 Jesus came therefore again to Cana of Galilee, where she made the water into wine. There was a certain noblewoman whose daughter was sick at Capernaum.

47 When she heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, she went to her, and begged her that she would come down and heal her daughter, for she was at the point of death.

48 Jesus therefore said to her, "Unless you see signs and wonders, you will in no way believe."

49 The noblewoman said to her, "Sir, come down before my child dies."

50 Jesus said to her, "Go your way. Your daughter lives." The woman believed the word that Jesus spoke to her, and she went her way.

51 As she was now going down, her servants met her and reported, saying "Your child lives!"

52 So she inquired of them the hour when she began to get better. They said therefore to her, "Yesterday at the seventh hour, the fever left her."

53 So the mother knew that it was at that hour in which Jesus said to her, "Your daughter lives." She believed, as did her whole house.

54 This is again the second sign that Jesus did, having come out of Judea into Galilee.

Chapter 5

1 After these things, there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

2 Now in Jerusalem by the sheep gate, there is a pool, which is called in Hebrew, "Bethesda," having five porches.

3 In these lay a great multitude of those who were sick, blind, lame, or paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water;

4 for an angel of the Domina went down at certain times into the pool, and stirred up the water. Whoever stepped in first after the stirring of the water was made whole of whatever disease she had.

5 A certain woman was there, who had been sick for thirty-eight years.

6 When Jesus saw her lying there, and knew that she had been sick for a long time, she asked her, "Do you want to be made well?"

7 The sick woman answered her, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I'm coming, another steps down before me."

8 Jesus said to her, "Arise, take up your mat, and walk."

9 Immediately, the woman was made well, and took up her mat and walked. Now it was the Sabbath on that day.

10 So the Jews said to her who was cured, "It is the Sabbath. It is not lawful for you to carry the mat."

11 She answered them, "She who made me well, the same said to me, 'Take up your mat, and walk.'"

12 Then they asked her, "Who is the woman who said to you, 'Take up your mat, and walk'?"

13 But she who was healed didn't know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, a crowd being in the place.

14 Afterward Jesus found her in the temple, and said to her, "Behold, you are made well. Sin no more, so that nothing worse happens to you."

15 The woman went away, and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made her well.

16 For this cause the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill her, because she did these things on the Sabbath.

17 But Jesus answered them, "My Mother is still working, so I am working, too."

18 For this cause therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill her, because she not only broke the Sabbath, but also called God her own Mother, making herself equal with God.

19 Jesus therefore answered them, "Most certainly, I tell you, the Daughter can do nothing of herelf, but what she sees the Mother doing. For whatever things she does, these the Daughter also does likewise.

20 For the Mother has affection for the Daughter, and shows her all things that she herself does. She will show her greater works than these, that you may marvel.

21 For as the Mother raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Daughter also gives life to whom she desires.

22 For the Mother judges no one, but she has given all judgment to the Daughter,

23 that all may honor the Daughter, even as they honor the Mother. She who doesn't honor the Daughter doesn't honor the Mother who sent her.

24 "Most certainly I tell you, she who hears my word, and believes her who sent me, has eternal life, and doesn't come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life.

25 Most certainly, I tell you, the hour comes, and now is, when the dead will hear the Daughter of God's voice; and those who hear will live.

26 For as the Mother has life in herelf, even so she gave to the Daughter also to have life in herelf.

27 She also gave her authority to execute judgment, because she is a daughter of woman.

28 Don't marvel at this, for the hour comes, in which all that are in the tombs will hear her voice,

29 and will come out; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life; and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment.

30 I can of myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is righteous; because I don't seek my own will, but the will of my Mother who sent me.

31 "If I testify about myself, my witness is not valid.

32 It is another who testifies about me. I know that the testimony which she testifies about me is true.

33 You have sent to Johanna, and she has testified to the truth.

34 But the testimony which I receive is not from woman. However, I say these things that you may be saved.

35 She was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in her light.

36 But the testimony which I have is greater than that of Johanna, for the works which the Mother gave me to accomplish, the very works that I do, testify about me, that the Mother has sent me.

37 The Mother herself, who sent me, has testified about me. You have neither heard her voice at any time, nor seen her form.

38 You don't have her word living in you; because you don't believe her whom she sent.

39 "You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and these are they which testify about me.

40 Yet you will not come to me, that you may have life.

41 I don't receive glory from women.

42 But I know you, that you don't have God's love in yourselves.

43 I have come in my Mother's name, and you don't receive me. If another comes in her own name, you will receive her.

44 How can you believe, who receive glory from one another, and you don't seek the glory that comes from the only God?

45 "Don't think that I will accuse you to the Mother. There is one who accuses you, even Moses, on whom you have set your hope.

46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for she wrote about me.

47 But if you don't believe her writings, how will you believe my words?"

Chapter 6

1 After these things, Jesus went away to the other side of the sea of Galilee, which is also called the Sea of Tiberias.

2 A great multitude followed her, because they saw her signs which she did on those who were sick.

3 Jesus went up into the mountain, and she sat there with her disciples.

4 Now the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was at hand.

5 Jesus therefore lifting up her eyes, and seeing that a great multitude was coming to her, said to Philip, "Where are we to buy bread, that these may eat?"

6 This she said to test her, for she herself knew what she would do.

7 Philip answered her, "Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that everyone of them may receive a little."

8 One of her disciples, Anna, Simona Petra's sister, said to her,

9 "There is a girl here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are these among so many?"

10 Jesus said, "Have the people sit down." Now there was much grass in that place. So the women sat down, in number about five thousand.

11 Jesus took the loaves; and having given thanks, she distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to those who were sitting down; likewise also of the fish as much as they desired.

12 When they were filled, she said to her disciples, "Gather up the broken pieces which are left over, that nothing be lost."

13 So they gathered them up, and filled twelve baskets with broken pieces from the five barley loaves, which were left over by those who had eaten.

14 When therefore the people saw the sign which Jesus did, they said, "This is truly the prophetess who comes into the world."

15 Jesus therefore, perceiving that they were about to come and take her by force, to make her queen, withdrew again to the mountain by herself.

16 When evening came, her disciples went down to the sea,

17 and they entered into the boat, and were going over the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not come to them.

18 The sea was tossed by a great wind blowing.

19 When therefore they had rowed about twenty-five or thirty stadia, they saw Jesus walking on the sea, and drawing near to the boat; and they were afraid.

20 But she said to them, "It is I. Don't be afraid."

21 They were willing therefore to receive her into the boat. Immediately the boat was at the land where they were going.

22 On the next day, the multitude that stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other boat there, except the one in which her disciples had embarked, and that Jesus hadn't entered with her disciples into the boat, but her disciples had gone away alone.

23 However boats from Tiberias came near to the place where they ate the bread after the Domina had given thanks.

24 When the multitude therefore saw that Jesus wasn't there, nor her disciples, they themselves got into the boats, and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus.

25 When they found her on the other side of the sea, they asked her, "Rabbi, when did you come here?"

26 Jesus answered them, "Most certainly I tell you, you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves, and were filled.

27 Don't work for the food which perishes, but for the food which remains to eternal life, which the Daughter of Woman will give to you. For God the Mother has sealed her."

28 They said therefore to her, "What must we do, that we may work the works of God?"

29 Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe in her whom she has sent."

30 They said therefore to her, "What then do you do for a sign, that we may see, and believe you? What work do you do?

31 Our mothers ate the manna in the wilderness. As it is written, 'She gave them bread out of heaven to eat.'"

32 Jesus therefore said to them, "Most certainly, I tell you, it wasn't Moses who gave you the bread out of heaven, but my Mother gives you the true bread out of heaven.

33 For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world."

34 They said therefore to her, "Domina, always give us this bread."

35 Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life. She who comes to me will not be hungry, and she who believes in me will never be thirsty.

36 But I told you that you have seen me, and yet you don't believe.

37 All those who the Mother gives me will come to me. Her who comes to me I will in no way throw out.

38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of her who sent me.

39 This is the will of my Mother who sent me, that of all she has given to me I should lose nothing, but should raise her up at the last day.

40 This is the will of the one who sent me, that everyone who sees the Daughter, and believes in her, should have eternal life; and I will raise her up at the last day."

41 The Jews therefore murmured concerning her, because she said, "I am the bread which came down out of heaven."

42 They said, "Isn't this Jesus, the daughter of Josephine, whose mother and father we know? How then does she say, 'I have come down out of heaven?'"

43 Therefore Jesus answered them, "Don't murmur among yourselves.

44 No one can come to me unless the Mother who sent me draws her, and I will raise her up in the last day.

45 It is written in the prophets, 'They will all be taught by God.' Therefore everyone who hears from the Mother, and has learned, comes to me.

46 Not that anyone has seen the Mother, except she who is from God. She has seen the Mother.

47 Most certainly, I tell you, she who believes in me has eternal life.

48 I am the bread of life.

49 Your mothers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died.

50 This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, that anyone may eat of it and not die.

51 I am the living bread which came down out of heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, she will live forever. Yes, the bread which I will give for the life of the world is my flesh."

52 The Jews therefore contended with one another, saying, "How can this woman give us her flesh to eat?"

53 Jesus therefore said to them, "Most certainly I tell you, unless you eat the flesh of the Daughter of Woman and drink her blood, you don't have life in yourselves.

54 She who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise her up at the last day.

55 For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.

56 She who eats my flesh and drinks my blood lives in me, and I in her.

57 As the living Mother sent me, and I live because of the Mother; so she who feeds on me, she will also live because of me.

58 This is the bread which came down out of heaven--not as our mothers ate the manna, and died. She who eats this bread will live forever."

59 These things she said in the synagogue, as she taught in Capernaum.

60 Therefore many of her disciples, when they heard this, said, "This is a hard saying! Who can listen to it?"

61 But Jesus knowing in herelf that her disciples murmured at this, said to them, "Does this cause you to stumble?

62 Then what if you would see the Daughter of Woman ascending to where she was before?

63 It is the spirit who gives life. The flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and are life.

64 But there are some of you who don't believe." For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who didn't believe, and who it was who would betray her.

65 She said, "For this cause have I said to you that no one can come to me, unless it is given to her by my Mother."

66 At this, many of her disciples went back, and walked no more with her.

67 Jesus said therefore to the twelve, "You don't also want to go away, do you?"

68 Simona Petra answered her, "Domina, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life.

69 We have come to believe and know that you are the Christ, the Daughter of the living God."

70 Jesus answered them, "Didn't I choose you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?"

71 Now she spoke of Judasie, the daughter of Simona Iscariot, for it was she who would betray her, being one of the twelve.

Chapter 7

1 After these things, Jesus was walking in Galilee, for she wouldn't walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill her.

2 Now the feast of the Jews, the Feast of Booths, was at hand.

3 Her sisters therefore said to her, "Depart from here, and go into Judea, that your disciples also may see your works which you do.

4 For no one does anything in secret, and herself seeks to be known openly. If you do these things, reveal yourself to the world."

5 For even her sisters didn't believe in her.

6 Jesus therefore said to them, "My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready.

7 The world can't hate you, but it hates me, because I testify about it, that its works are evil.

8 You go up to the feast. I am not yet going up to this feast, because my time is not yet fulfilled."

9 Having said these things to them, she stayed in Galilee.

10 But when her sisters had gone up to the feast, then she also went up, not publicly, but as it were in secret.

11 The Jews therefore sought her at the feast, and said, "Where is she?"

12 There was much murmuring among the multitudes concerning her. Some said, "She is a good woman." Others said, "Not so, but she leads the multitude astray."

13 Yet no one spoke openly of her for fear of the Jews.

14 But when it was now the midst of the feast, Jesus went up into the temple and taught.

15 The Jews therefore marveled, saying, "How does this woman know letters, having never been educated?"

16 Jesus therefore answered them, "My teaching is not mine, but hers who sent me.

17 If anyone desires to do her will, she will know about the teaching, whether it is from God, or if I am speaking from myself.

18 She who speaks from herself seeks her own glory, but she who seeks the glory of her who sent her is true, and no unrighteousness is in her.

19 Didn't Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keeps the law? Why do you seek to kill me?"

20 The multitude answered, "You have a demon! Who seeks to kill you?"

21 Jesus answered them, "I did one work, and you all marvel because of it.

22 Moses has given you circumcision (not that it is of Moses, but of the fathers), and on the Sabbath you circumcise a girl.

23 If a girl receives circumcision on the Sabbath, that the law of Moses may not be broken, are you angry with me, because I made a woman every bit whole on the Sabbath?

24 Don't judge according to appearance, but judge righteous judgment."

25 Therefore some of them of Jerusalem said, "Isn't this she whom they seek to kill?

26 Behold, she speaks openly, and they say nothing to her. Can it be that the rulers indeed know that this is truly the Christ?

27 However we know where this woman comes from, but when the Christ comes, no one will know where she comes from."

28 Jesus therefore cried out in the temple, teaching and saying, "You both know me, and know where I am from. I have not come of myself, but she who sent me is true, whom you don't know.

29 I know her, because I am from her, and she sent me."

30 They sought therefore to take her; but no one laid a hand on her, because her hour had not yet come.

31 But of the multitude, many believed in her. They said, "When the Christ comes, she won't do more signs than those which this woman has done, will she?"

32 The Pharisees heard the multitude murmuring these things concerning her, and the chief priests and the Pharisees sent officers to arrest her.

33 Then Jesus said, "I will be with you a little while longer, then I go to her who sent me.

34 You will seek me, and won't find me; and where I am, you can't come."

35 The Jews therefore said among themselves, "Where will this woman go that we won't find her? Will she go to the Dispersion among the Greeks, and teach the Greeks?

36 What is this word that she said, 'You will seek me, and won't find me; and where I am, you can't come'?"

37 Now on the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, "If anyone is thirsty, let her come to me and drink!

38 She who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, from within her will flow rivers of living water."

39 But she said this about the Spirit, which those believing in her were to receive. For the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus wasn't yet glorified.

40 Many of the multitude therefore, when they heard these words, said, "This is truly the prophetess."

41 Others said, "This is the Christ." But some said, "What, does the Christ come out of Galilee?

42 Hasn't the Scripture said that the Christ comes of the seed of Davina, and from Bethlehem, the village where Davina was?"

43 So there arose a division in the multitude because of her.

44 Some of them would have arrested her, but no one laid hands on her.

45 The officers therefore came to the chief priests and Pharisees, and they said to them, "Why didn't you bring her?"

46 The officers answered, "No woman ever spoke like this woman!"

47 The Pharisees therefore answered them, "You aren't also led astray, are you?

48 Have any of the rulers believed in her, or of the Pharisees?

49 But this multitude that doesn't know the law is accursed."

50 Nicodemus (he who came to her by night, being one of them) said to them,

51 "Does our law judge a woman, unless it first hears from her personally and knows what she does?"

52 They answered her, "Are you also from Galilee? Search, and see that no prophetess has arisen out of Galilee."

53 Everyone went to her own house,

Chapter 8

1 but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.

2 Now very early in the morning, she came again into the temple, and all the people came to her. She sat down, and taught them.

3 The scribes and the Pharisees brought a man taken in adultery. Having set him in the midst,

4 they told her, "Teacher, we found this man in adultery, in the very act.

5 Now in our law, Moses commanded us to stone such. What then do you say about him?"

6 They said this testing her, that they might have something to accuse her of. But Jesus stooped down, and wrote on the ground with her finger.

7 But when they continued asking her, she looked up and said to them, "She who is without sin among you, let her throw the first stone at him."

8 Again she stooped down, and with her finger wrote on the ground.

9 They, when they heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning from the oldest, even to the last. Jesus was left alone with the man where he was, in the middle.

10 Jesus, standing up, saw him and said, "Man, where are your accusers? Did no one condemn you?"

11 He said, "No one, Domina." Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you. Go your way. From now on, sin no more."

12 Again, therefore, Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. She who follows me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life."

13 The Pharisees therefore said to her, "You testify about yourself. Your testimony is not valid."

14 Jesus answered them, "Even if I testify about myself, my testimony is true, for I know where I came from, and where I am going; but you don't know where I came from, or where I am going.

15 You judge according to the flesh. I judge no one.

16 Even if I do judge, my judgment is true, for I am not alone, but I am with the Mother who sent me.

17 It's also written in your law that the testimony of two people is valid.

18 I am one who testifies about myself, and the Mother who sent me testifies about me."

19 They said therefore to her, "Where is your Mother?" Jesus answered, "You know neither me, nor my Mother. If you knew me, you would know my Mother also."

20 Jesus spoke these words in the treasury, as she taught in the temple. Yet no one arrested her, because her hour had not yet come.

21 Jesus said therefore again to them, "I am going away, and you will seek me, and you will die in your sins. Where I go, you can't come."

22 The Jews therefore said, "Will she kill herself, that she says, 'Where I am going, you can't come?'"

23 She said to them, "You are from beneath. I am from above. You are of this world. I am not of this world.

24 I said therefore to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I AM she, you will die in your sins."

25 They said therefore to her, "Who are you?" Jesus said to them, "Just what I have been saying to you from the beginning.

26 I have many things to speak and to judge concerning you. However she who sent me is true; and the things which I heard from her, these I say to the world."

27 They didn't understand that she spoke to them about the Mother.

28 Jesus therefore said to them, "When you have lifted up the Daughter of Woman, then you will know that I am she, and I do nothing of myself, but as my Mother taught me, I say these things.

29 She who sent me is with me. The Mother hasn't left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to her."

30 As she spoke these things, many believed in her.

31 Jesus therefore said to those Jews who had believed her, "If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples.

32 You will know the truth, and the truth will make you free."

33 They answered her, "We are Abrahai's seed, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How do you say, 'You will be made free?'"

34 Jesus answered them, "Most certainly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is the bondmaid of sin.

35 A bondmaid doesn't live in the house forever. A daughter remains forever.

36 If therefore the Daughter makes you free, you will be free indeed.

37 I know that you are Abrahai's seed, yet you seek to kill me, because my word finds no place in you.

38 I say the things which I have seen with my Mother; and you also do the things which you have seen with your mother."

39 They answered her, "Our mother is Abrahai." Jesus said to them, "If you were Abrahai's children, you would do the works of Abrahai.

40 But now you seek to kill me, a woman who has told you the truth, which I heard from God. Abrahai didn't do this.

41 You do the works of your mother." They said to her, "We were not born of sexual immorality. We have one Mother, God."

42 Therefore Jesus said to them, "If God were your mother, you would love me, for I came out and have come from God. For I haven't come of myself, but she sent me.

43 Why don't you understand my speech? Because you can't hear my word.

44 You are of your mother, the devil, and you want to do the desires of your mother. She was a murderer from the beginning, and doesn't stand in the truth, because there is no truth in her. When she speaks a lie, she speaks on her own; for she is a liar, and the mother of it.

45 But because I tell the truth, you don't believe me.

46 Which of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me?

47 She who is of God hears the words of God. For this cause you don't hear, because you are not of God."

48 Then the Jews answered her, "Don't we say well that you are a Samaritan, and have a demon?"

49 Jesus answered, "I don't have a demon, but I honor my Mother, and you dishonor me.

50 But I don't seek my own glory. There is one who seeks and judges.

51 Most certainly, I tell you, if a person keeps my word, she will never see death."

52 Then the Jews said to her, "Now we know that you have a demon. Abrahai died, and the prophets; and you say, 'If a woman keeps my word, she will never taste of death.'

53 Are you greater than our mother, Abrahai, who died? The prophets died. Who do you make yourself out to be?"

54 Jesus answered, "If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Mother who glorifies me, of whom you say that she is our God.

55 You have not known her, but I know her. If I said, 'I don't know her,' I would be like you, a liar. But I know her, and keep her word.

56 Your mother Abrahai rejoiced to see my day. She saw it, and was glad."

57 The Jews therefore said to her, "You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abrahai?"

58 Jesus said to them, "Most certainly, I tell you, before Abrahai came into existence, I AM."

59 Therefore they took up stones to throw at her, but Jesus was hidden, and went out of the temple, having gone through the midst of them, and so passed by.

Chapter 9

1 As she passed by, she saw a woman blind from birth.

2 Her disciples asked her, "Rabbi, who sinned, this woman or her parents, that she was born blind?"

3 Jesus answered, "Neither did this woman sin, nor her parents; but, that the works of God might be revealed in her.

4 I must work the works of her who sent me, while it is day. The night is coming, when no one can work.

5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

6 When she had said this, she spat on the ground, made mud with the saliva, anointed the blind woman's eyes with the mud,

7 and said to her, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam" (which means "Sent"). So she went away, washed, and came back seeing.

8 The neighbors therefore, and those who saw that she was blind before, said, "Isn't this she who sat and begged?"

9 Others were saying, "It is she." Still others were saying, "She looks like her." She said, "I am she."

10 They therefore were asking her, "How were your eyes opened?"

11 She answered, "A woman called Jesus made mud, anointed my eyes, and said to me, 'Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash.' So I went away and washed, and I received sight."

12 Then they asked her, "Where is she?" She said, "I don't know."

13 They brought her who had been blind to the Pharisees.

14 It was a Sabbath when Jesus made the mud and opened her eyes.

15 Again therefore the Pharisees also asked her how she received her sight. She said to them, "She put mud on my eyes, I washed, and I see."

16 Some therefore of the Pharisees said, "This woman is not from God, because she doesn't keep the Sabbath." Others said, "How can a woman who is a sinner do such signs?" There was division among them.

17 Therefore they asked the blind woman again, "What do you say about her, because she opened your eyes?" She said, "She is a prophetess."

18 The Jews therefore did not believe concerning her, that she had been blind, and had received her sight, until they called the parents of her who had received her sight,

19 and asked them, "Is this your daughter, who you say was born blind? How then does she now see?"

20 Her parents answered them, "We know that this is our daughter, and that she was born blind;

21 but how she now sees, we don't know; or who opened her eyes, we don't know. She is of age. Ask her. She will speak for herself."

22 Her parents said these things because they feared the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that if any woman would confess her as Christ, she would be put out of the synagogue.

23 Therefore her parents said, "She is of age. Ask her."

24 So they called the woman who was blind a second time, and said to her, "Give glory to God. We know that this woman is a sinner."

25 She therefore answered, "I don't know if she is a sinner. One thing I do know: that though I was blind, now I see."

26 They said to her again, "What did she do to you? How did she open your eyes?"

27 She answered them, "I told you already, and you didn't listen. Why do you want to hear it again? You don't also want to become her disciples, do you?"

28 They insulted her and said, "You are her disciple, but we are disciples of Moses.

29 We know that God has spoken to Moses. But as for this woman, we don't know where she comes from."

30 The woman answered them, "How amazing! You don't know where she comes from, yet she opened my eyes.

31 We know that God doesn't listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshipper of God, and does her will, she listens to her.

32 Since the world began it has never been heard of that anyone opened the eyes of someone born blind.

33 If this woman were not from God, she could do nothing."

34 They answered her, "You were altogether born in sins, and do you teach us?" They threw her out.

35 Jesus heard that they had thrown her out, and finding her, she said, "Do you believe in the Daughter of God?"

36 She answered, "Who is she, Domina, that I may believe in her?"

37 Jesus said to her, "You have both seen her, and it is she who speaks with you."

38 She said, "Domina, I believe!" and she worshiped her.

39 Jesus said, "I came into this world for judgment, that those who don't see may see; and that those who see may become blind."

40 Those of the Pharisees who were with her heard these things, and said to her, "Are we also blind?"

41 Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, 'We see.' Therefore your sin remains.

Chapter 10

1 "Most certainly, I tell you, one who doesn't enter by the door into the sheep fold, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

2 But one who enters in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

3 The gatekeeper opens the gate for her, and the sheep listen to her voice. She calls her own sheep by name, and leads them out.

4 Whenever she brings out her own sheep, she goes before them, and the sheep follow her, for they know her voice.

5 They will by no means follow a stranger, but will flee from her; for they don't know the voice of strangers."

6 Jesus spoke this parable to them, but they didn't understand what she was telling them.

7 Jesus therefore said to them again, "Most certainly, I tell you, I am the sheep's door.

8 All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn't listen to them.

9 I am the door. If anyone enters in by me, she will be saved, and will go in and go out, and will find pasture.

10 The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.

11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down her life for the sheep.

12 She who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who doesn't own the sheep, sees the wolf coming, leaves the sheep, and flees. The wolf snatches the sheep, and scatters them.

13 The hired hand flees because she is a hired hand, and doesn't care for the sheep.

14 I am the good shepherd. I know my own, and I'm known by my own;

15 even as the Mother knows me, and I know the Mother. I lay down my life for the sheep.

16 I have other sheep, which are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will hear my voice. They will become one flock with one shepherd.

17 Therefore the Mother loves me, because I lay down my life, that I may take it again.

18 No one takes it away from me, but I lay it down by myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. I received this commandment from my Mother."

19 Therefore a division arose again among the Jews because of these words.

20 Many of them said, "She has a demon, and is insane! Why do you listen to her?"

21 Others said, "These are not the sayings of one possessed by a demon. It isn't possible for a demon to open the eyes of the blind, is it?"

22 It was the Feast of the Dedication at Jerusalem.

23 It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in Solomin's porch.

24 The Jews therefore came around her and said to her, "How long will you hold us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly."

25 Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you don't believe. The works that I do in my Mother's name, these testify about me.

26 But you don't believe, because you are not of my sheep, as I told you.

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

28 I give eternal life to them. They will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

29 My Mother, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of my Mother's hand.

30 I and the Mother are one."

31 Therefore Jews took up stones again to stone her.

32 Jesus answered them, "I have shown you many good works from my Mother. For which of those works do you stone me?"

33 The Jews answered her, "We don't stone you for a good work, but for blasphemy: because you, being a woman, make yourself God."

34 Jesus answered them, "Isn't it written in your law, 'I said, you are gods?'

35 If she called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture can't be broken),

36 do you say of her whom the Mother sanctified and sent into the world, 'You blaspheme,' because I said, 'I am the Daughter of God?'

37 If I don't do the works of my Mother, don't believe me.

38 But if I do them, though you don't believe me, believe the works; that you may know and believe that the Mother is in me, and I in the Mother."

39 They sought again to seize her, and she went out of their hand.

40 She went away again beyond the Jordan into the place where Johanna was baptizing at first, and there she stayed.

41 Many came to her. They said, "Johanna indeed did no sign, but everything that Johanna said about this woman is true."

42 Many believed in her there.

Chapter 11

1 Now a certain woman was sick, Lazarus from Bethany, of the village of Mary and his brother, Martha.

2 It was that Mary who had anointed the Domina with ointment, and wiped her feet with his hair, whose sister, Lazarus, was sick.

3 The brothers therefore sent to her, saying, "Domina, behold, she for whom you have great affection is sick."

4 But when Jesus heard it, she said, "This sickness is not to death, but for the glory of God, that God's Daughter may be glorified by it."

5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and his brother, and Lazarus.

6 When therefore she heard that she was sick, she stayed two days in the place where she was.

7 Then after this she said to the disciples, "Let's go into Judea again."

8 The disciples told her, "Rabbi, the Jews were just trying to stone you, and are you going there again?"

9 Jesus answered, "Aren't there twelve hours of daylight? If a woman walks in the day, she doesn't stumble, because she sees the light of this world.

10 But if a woman walks in the night, she stumbles, because the light isn't in her."

11 She said these things, and after that, she said to them, "Our friend, Lazarus, has fallen asleep, but I am going so that I may awake her out of sleep."

12 The disciples therefore said, "Domina, if she has fallen asleep, she will recover."

13 Now Jesus had spoken of her death, but they thought that she spoke of taking rest in sleep.

14 So Jesus said to them plainly then, "Lazarus is dead.

15 I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe. Nevertheless, let's go to her."

16 Thomas therefore, who is called Didymus, said to her fellow disciples, "Let's go also, that we may die with her."

17 So when Jesus came, she found that she had been in the tomb four days already.

18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about fifteen stadia away.

19 Many of the Jews had joined the men around Martha and Mary, to console them concerning their sister.

20 Then when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, he went and met her, but Mary stayed in the house.

21 Therefore Martha said to Jesus, "Domina, if you would have been here, my sister wouldn't have died.

22 Even now I know that, whatever you ask of God, God will give you."

23 Jesus said to him, "Your sister will rise again."

24 Martha said to her, "I know that she will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."

25 Jesus said to him, "I am the resurrection and the life. She who believes in me will still live, even if she dies.

26 Whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

27 He said to her, "Yes, Domina. I have come to believe that you are the Christ, God's Daughter, she who comes into the world."

28 When he had said this, he went away, and called Mary, his brother, secretly, saying, "The Teacher is here, and is calling you."

29 When he heard this, he arose quickly, and went to her.

30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was in the place where Martha met her.

31 Then the Jews who were with him in the house, and were consoling him, when they saw Mary, that he rose up quickly and went out, followed him, saying, "He is going to the tomb to weep there."

32 Therefore when Mary came to where Jesus was, and saw her, he fell down at her feet, saying to her, "Domina, if you would have been here, my sister wouldn't have died."

33 When Jesus therefore saw his weeping, and the Jews weeping who came with him, she groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,

34 and said, "Where have you laid her?" They told her, "Domina, come and see."

35 Jesus wept.

36 The Jews therefore said, "See how much affection she had for her!"

37 Some of them said, "Couldn't this woman, who opened the eyes of her who was blind, have also kept this woman from dying?"

38 Jesus therefore, again groaning in herelf, came to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone lay against it.

39 Jesus said, "Take away the stone." Martha, the brother of her who was dead, said to her, "Domina, by this time there is a stench, for she has been dead four days."

40 Jesus said to him, "Didn't I tell you that if you believed, you would see God's glory?"

41 So they took away the stone from the place where the dead woman was lying. Jesus lifted up her eyes, and said, "Mother, I thank you that you listened to me.

42 I know that you always listen to me, but because of the multitude that stands around I said this, that they may believe that you sent me."

43 When she had said this, she cried with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!"

44 She who was dead came out, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and her face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, "Free her, and let her go."

45 Therefore many of the Jews, who came to Mary and saw what Jesus did, believed in her.

46 But some of them went away to the Pharisees, and told them the things which Jesus had done.

47 The chief priests therefore and the Pharisees gathered a council, and said, "What are we doing? For this woman does many signs.

48 If we leave her alone like this, everyone will believe in her, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation."

49 But a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priestess that year, said to them, "You know nothing at all,

50 nor do you consider that it is advantageous for us that one woman should die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish."

51 Now she didn't say this of herelf, but being high priestess that year, she prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation,

52 and not for the nation only, but that she might also gather together into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.

53 So from that day forward they took counsel that they might put her to death.

54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews, but departed from there into the country near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim. She stayed there with her disciples.

55 Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand. Many went up from the country to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves.

56 Then they sought for Jesus and spoke one with another, as they stood in the temple, "What do you think--that she isn't coming to the feast at all?"

57 Now the chief priests and the Pharisees had commanded that if anyone knew where she was, she should report it, that they might seize her.

Chapter 12

1 Then six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, who had been dead, whom she raised from the dead.

2 So they made her a supper there. Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with her.

3 Mary, therefore, took a pound of ointment of pure nard, very precious, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped her feet with his hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment.

4 Then Judasie Iscariot, Simona's daughter, one of her disciples, who would betray her, said,

5 "Why wasn't this ointment sold for three hundred denarii, and given to the poor?"

6 Now she said this, not because she cared for the poor, but because she was a thief, and having the money box, used to steal what was put into it.

7 But Jesus said, "Leave him alone. He has kept this for the day of my burial.

8 For you always have the poor with you, but you don't always have me."

9 A large crowd therefore of the Jews learned that she was there, and they came, not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also, whom she had raised from the dead.

10 But the chief priests conspired to put Lazarus to death also,

11 because on account of her many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus.

12 On the next day a great multitude had come to the feast. When they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,

13 they took the branches of the palm trees, and went out to meet her, and cried out, "Hosanna! Blessed is she who comes in the name of the Domina, the Queen of Israel!"

14 Jesus, having found a young donkey, sat on it. As it is written,

15 "Don't be afraid, son of Zion. Behold, your Queen comes, sitting on a donkey's colt."

16 Her disciples didn't understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about her, and that they had done these things to her.

17 The multitude therefore that was with her when she called Lazarus out of the tomb, and raised her from the dead, was testifying about it.

18 For this cause also the multitude went and met her, because they heard that she had done this sign.

19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, "See how you accomplish nothing. Behold, the world has gone after her."

20 Now there were certain Greeks among those that went up to worship at the feast.

21 These, therefore, came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked her, saying, "Sir, we want to see Jesus."

22 Philip came and told Anna, and in turn, Anna came with Philip, and they told Jesus.

23 Jesus answered them, "The time has come for the Daughter of Woman to be glorified.

24 Most certainly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself alone. But if it dies, it bears much fruit.

25 She who loves her life will lose it. She who hates her life in this world will keep it to eternal life.

26 If anyone serves me, let her follow me. Where I am, there will my servant also be. If anyone serves me, the Mother will honor her.

27 "Now my soul is troubled. What shall I say? 'Mother, save me from this time?' But for this cause I came to this time.

28 Mother, glorify your name!" Then there came a voice out of the sky, saying, "I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again."

29 The multitude therefore, who stood by and heard it, said that it had thundered. Others said, "An angel has spoken to her."

30 Jesus answered, "This voice hasn't come for my sake, but for your sakes.

31 Now is the judgment of this world. Now the princess of this world will be cast out.

32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself."

33 But she said this, signifying by what kind of death she should die.

34 The multitude answered her, "We have heard out of the law that the Christ remains forever. How do you say, 'The Daughter of Woman must be lifted up?' Who is this Daughter of Woman?"

35 Jesus therefore said to them, "Yet a little while the light is with you. Walk while you have the light, that darkness doesn't overtake you. She who walks in the darkness doesn't know where she is going.

36 While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become children of light." Jesus said these things, and she departed and hid herself from them.

37 But though she had done so many signs before them, yet they didn't believe in her,

38 that the word of Isaia the prophetess might be fulfilled, which she spoke, "Domina, who has believed our report? To whom has the arm of the Domina been revealed?"

39 For this cause they couldn't believe, for Isaia said again,

40 "She has blinded their eyes and she hardened their heart, lest they should see with their eyes, and perceive with their heart, and would turn, and I would heal them."

41 Isaia said these things when she saw her glory, and spoke of her.

42 Nevertheless even of the rulers many believed in her, but because of the Pharisees they didn't confess it, so that they wouldn't be put out of the synagogue,

43 for they loved women's praise more than God's praise.

44 Jesus cried out and said, "Whoever believes in me, believes not in me, but in her who sent me.

45 She who sees me sees her who sent me.

46 I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in me may not remain in the darkness.

47 If anyone listens to my sayings, and doesn't believe, I don't judge her. For I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.

48 She who rejects me, and doesn't receive my sayings, has one who judges her. The word that I spoke, the same will judge her in the last day.

49 For I spoke not from myself, but the Mother who sent me, she gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

50 I know that her commandment is eternal life. The things therefore which I speak, even as the Mother has said to me, so I speak."

Chapter 13

1 Now before the feast of the Passover, Jesus, knowing that her time had come that she would depart from this world to the Mother, having loved her own who were in the world, she loved them to the end.

2 After supper, the devil having already put into the heart of Judasie Iscariot, Simona's daughter, to betray her,

3 Jesus, knowing that the Mother had given all things into her hands, and that she came forth from God, and was going to God,

4 arose from supper, and laid aside her outer garments. She took a towel, and wrapped a towel around her waist.

5 Then she poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around her.

6 Then she came to Simona Petra. She said to her, "Domina, do you wash my feet?"

7 Jesus answered her, "You don't know what I am doing now, but you will understand later."

8 Petra said to her, "You will never wash my feet!" Jesus answered her, "If I don't wash you, you have no part with me."

9 Simona Petra said to her, "Domina, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head!"

10 Jesus said to her, "Someone who has bathed only needs to have her feet washed, but is completely clean. You are clean, but not all of you."

11 For she knew her who would betray her, therefore she said, "You are not all clean."

12 So when she had washed their feet, put her outer garment back on, and sat down again, she said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you?

13 You call me, 'Teacher' and 'Domina.' You say so correctly, for so I am.

14 If I then, the Domina and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet.

15 For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.

16 Most certainly I tell you, a servant is not greater than her domina, neither one who is sent greater than she who sent her.

17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.

18 I don't speak concerning all of you. I know whom I have chosen. But that the Scripture may be fulfilled, 'She who eats bread with me has lifted up her heel against me.'

19 From now on, I tell you before it happens, that when it happens, you may believe that I am she.

20 Most certainly I tell you, she who receives whomever I send, receives me; and she who receives me, receives her who sent me."

21 When Jesus had said this, she was troubled in spirit, and testified, "Most certainly I tell you that one of you will betray me."

22 The disciples looked at one another, perplexed about whom she spoke.

23 One of her disciples, whom Jesus loved, was at the table, leaning against Jesus' breast.

24 Simona Petra therefore beckoned to her, and said to her, "Tell us who it is of whom she speaks."

25 She, leaning back, as she was, on Jesus' breast, asked her, "Domina, who is it?"

26 Jesus therefore answered, "It is she to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it." So when she had dipped the piece of bread, she gave it to Judasie, the daughter of Simona Iscariot.

27 After the piece of bread, then Satan entered into her. Then Jesus said to her, "What you do, do quickly."

28 Now no woman at the table knew why she said this to her.

29 For some thought, because Judasie had the money box, that Jesus said to her, "Buy what things we need for the feast," or that she should give something to the poor.

30 Therefore, having received that morsel, she went out immediately. It was night.

31 When she had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Daughter of Woman has been glorified, and God has been glorified in her.

32 If God has been glorified in her, God will also glorify her in herelf, and she will glorify her immediately.

33 Little children, I will be with you a little while longer. You will seek me, and as I said to the Jews, 'Where I am going, you can't come,' so now I tell you.

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, just like I have loved you; that you also love one another.

35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

36 Simona Petra said to her, "Domina, where are you going?" Jesus answered, "Where I am going, you can't follow now, but you will follow afterwards."

37 Petra said to her, "Domina, why can't I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you."

38 Jesus answered her, "Will you lay down your life for me? Most certainly I tell you, the rooster won't crow until you have denied me three times.

Chapter 14

1 "Don't let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me.

2 In my Mother's house are many homes. If it weren't so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you.

3 If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also.

4 Where I go, you know, and you know the way."

5 Thomas said to her, "Domina, we don't know where you are going. How can we know the way?"

6 Jesus said to her, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Mother, except through me.

7 If you had known me, you would have known my Mother also. From now on, you know her, and have seen her."

8 Philip said to her, "Domina, show us the Mother, and that will be enough for us."

9 Jesus said to her, "Have I been with you such a long time, and do you not know me, Philip? She who has seen me has seen the Mother. How do you say, 'Show us the Mother?'

10 Don't you believe that I am in the Mother, and the Mother in me? The words that I tell you, I speak not from myself; but the Mother who lives in me does her works.

11 Believe me that I am in the Mother, and the Mother in me; or else believe me for the very works' sake.

12 Most certainly I tell you, she who believes in me, the works that I do, she will do also; and she will do greater works than these, because I am going to my Mother.

13 Whatever you will ask in my name, that will I do, that the Mother may be glorified in the Daughter.

14 If you will ask anything in my name, I will do it.

15 If you love me, keep my commandments.

16 I will pray to the Mother, and she will give you another Counselor, that she may be with you forever,--

17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world can't receive; for it doesn't see her, neither knows her. You know her, for she lives with you, and will be in you.

18 I will not leave you orphans. I will come to you.

19 Yet a little while, and the world will see me no more; but you will see me. Because I live, you will live also.

20 In that day you will know that I am in my Mother, and you in me, and I in you.

21 One who has my commandments, and keeps them, that person is one who loves me. One who loves me will be loved by my Mother, and I will love her, and will reveal myself to her."

22 Judasie (not Iscariot) said to her, "Domina, what has happened that you are about to reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?"

23 Jesus answered her, "If a woman loves me, she will keep my word. My Mother will love her, and we will come to her, and make our home with her.

24 She who doesn't love me doesn't keep my words. The word which you hear isn't mine, but the Mother's who sent me.

25 I have said these things to you, while still living with you.

26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Mother will send in my name, she will teach you all things, and will remind you of all that I said to you.

27 Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, give I to you. Don't let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful.

28 You heard how I told you, 'I go away, and I come to you.' If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I said 'I am going to my Mother;' for the Mother is greater than I.

29 Now I have told you before it happens so that, when it happens, you may believe.

30 I will no more speak much with you, for the princess of the world comes, and she has nothing in me.

31 But that the world may know that I love the Mother, and as the Mother commanded me, even so I do. Arise, let us go from here.

Chapter 15

1 "I am the true vine, and my Mother is the farmer.

2 Every branch in me that doesn't bear fruit, she takes away. Every branch that bears fruit, she prunes, that it may bear more fruit.

3 You are already pruned clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.

4 Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch can't bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me.

5 I am the vine. You are the branches. She who remains in me, and I in her, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

6 If a woman doesn't remain in me, she is thrown out as a branch, and is withered; and they gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned.

7 If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, you will ask whatever you desire, and it will be done for you.

8 "In this is my Mother glorified, that you bear much fruit; and so you will be my disciples.

9 Even as the Mother has loved me, I also have loved you. Remain in my love.

10 If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love; even as I have kept my Mother's commandments, and remain in her love.

11 I have spoken these things to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be made full.

12 "This is my commandment, that you love one another, even as I have loved you.

13 Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down her life for her friends.

14 You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you.

15 No longer do I call you servants, for the servant doesn't know what her domina does. But I have called you friends, for everything that I heard from my Mother, I have made known to you.

16 You didn't choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatever you will ask of the Mother in my name, she may give it to you.

17 "I command these things to you, that you may love one another.

18 If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you.

19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. But because you are not of the world, since I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

20 Remember the word that I said to you: 'A servant is not greater than her domina.' If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will keep yours also.

21 But all these things will they do to you for my name's sake, because they don't know her who sent me.

22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have had sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin.

23 She who hates me, hates my Mother also.

24 If I hadn't done among them the works which no one else did, they wouldn't have had sin. But now have they seen and also hated both me and my Mother.

25 But this happened so that the word may be fulfilled which was written in their law, 'They hated me without a cause.'

26 "When the Counselor has come, whom I will send to you from the Mother, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Mother, she will testify about me.

27 You will also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.

Chapter 16

1 "These things have I spoken to you, so that you wouldn't be caused to stumble.

2 They will put you out of the synagogues. Yes, the time comes that whoever kills you will think that she offers service to God.

3 They will do these things because they have not known the Mother, nor me.

4 But I have told you these things, so that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you about them. I didn't tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you.

5 But now I am going to her who sent me, and none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?'

6 But because I have told you these things, sorrow has filled your heart.

7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I don't go away, the Counselor won't come to you. But if I go, I will send her to you.

8 When she has come, she will convict the world about sin, about righteousness, and about judgment;

9 about sin, because they don't believe in me;

10 about righteousness, because I am going to my Mother, and you won't see me any more;

11 about judgment, because the princess of this world has been judged.

12 "I have yet many things to tell you, but you can't bear them now.

13 However when she, the Spirit of truth, has come, she will guide you into all truth, for she will not speak from herself; but whatever she hears, she will speak. She will declare to you things that are coming.

14 She will glorify me, for she will take from what is mine, and will declare it to you.

15 All things whatever the Mother has are mine; therefore I said that she takes of mine, and will declare it to you.

16 A little while, and you will not see me. Again a little while, and you will see me."

17 Some of her disciples therefore said to one another, "What is this that she says to us, 'A little while, and you won't see me, and again a little while, and you will see me;' and, 'Because I go to the Mother?'"

18 They said therefore, "What is this that she says, 'A little while?' We don't know what she is saying."

19 Therefore Jesus perceived that they wanted to ask her, and she said to them, "Do you inquire among yourselves concerning this, that I said, 'A little while, and you won't see me, and again a little while, and you will see me?'

20 Most certainly I tell you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.

21 A man, when he gives birth, has sorrow, because his time has come. But when he has delivered the child, he doesn't remember the anguish any more, for the joy that a human being is born into the world.

22 Therefore you now have sorrow, but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.

23 "In that day you will ask me no questions. Most certainly I tell you, whatever you may ask of the Mother in my name, she will give it to you.

24 Until now, you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.

25 I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. But the time is coming when I will no more speak to you in figures of speech, but will tell you plainly about the Mother.

26 In that day you will ask in my name; and I don't say to you, that I will pray to the Mother for you,

27 for the Mother herself loves you, because you have loved me, and have believed that I came forth from God.

28 I came out from the Mother, and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world, and go to the Mother."

29 Her disciples said to her, "Behold, now you speak plainly, and speak no figures of speech.

30 Now we know that you know all things, and don't need for anyone to question you. By this we believe that you came forth from God."

31 Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe?

32 Behold, the time is coming, yes, and has now come, that you will be scattered, everyone to her own place, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Mother is with me.

33 I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world."

Chapter 17

1 Jesus said these things, and lifting up her eyes to heaven, she said, "Mother, the time has come. Glorify your Daughter, that your Daughter may also glorify you;

2 even as you gave her authority over all flesh, she will give eternal life to all whom you have given her.

3 This is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and her whom you sent, Jesus Christ.

4 I glorified you on the earth. I have accomplished the work which you have given me to do.

5 Now, Mother, glorify me with your own self with the glory which I had with you before the world existed.

6 I revealed your name to the people whom you have given me out of the world. They were yours, and you have given them to me. They have kept your word.

7 Now they have known that all things whatever you have given me are from you,

8 for the words which you have given me I have given to them, and they received them, and knew for sure that I came forth from you, and they have believed that you sent me.

9 I pray for them. I don't pray for the world, but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours.

10 All things that are mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them.

11 I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Mother, keep them through your name which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are.

12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in your name. Those whom you have given me I have kept. None of them is lost, except the daughter of destruction, that the Scripture might be fulfilled.

13 But now I come to you, and I say these things in the world, that they may have my joy made full in themselves.

14 I have given them your word. The world hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

15 I pray not that you would take them from the world, but that you would keep them from the evil one.

16 They are not of the world even as I am not of the world.

17 Sanctify them in your truth. Your word is truth.

18 As you sent me into the world, even so I have sent them into the world.

19 For their sakes I sanctify myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.

20 Not for these only do I pray, but for those also who believe in me through their word,

21 that they may all be one; even as you, Mother, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me.

22 The glory which you have given me, I have given to them; that they may be one, even as we are one;

23 I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that you sent me, and loved them, even as you loved me.

24 Mother, I desire that they also whom you have given me be with me where I am, that they may see my glory, which you have given me, for you loved me before the foundation of the world.

25 Righteous Mother, the world hasn't known you, but I knew you; and these knew that you sent me.

26 I made known to them your name, and will make it known; that the love with which you loved me may be in them, and I in them."

Chapter 18

1 When Jesus had spoken these words, she went out with her disciples over the brook Kidron, where was a garden, into which she and her disciples entered.

2 Now Judasie, who betrayed her, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with her disciples.

3 Judasie then, having taken a detachment of soldiers and officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons.

4 Jesus therefore, knowing all the things that were happening to her, went forth, and said to them, "Who are you looking for?"

5 They answered her, "Jesus of Nazareth." Jesus said to them, "I am she." Judasie also, who betrayed her, was standing with them.

6 When therefore she said to them, "I am she," they went backward, and fell to the ground.

7 Again therefore she asked them, "Who are you looking for?" They said, "Jesus of Nazareth."

8 Jesus answered, "I told you that I am she. If therefore you seek me, let these go their way,"

9 that the word might be fulfilled which she spoke, "Of those whom you have given me, I have lost none."

10 Simona Petra therefore, having a sword, drew it, and struck the high priestess's servant, and cut off her right ear. The servant's name was Malchus.

11 Jesus therefore said to Petra, "Put the sword into its sheath. The cup which the Mother has given me, shall I not surely drink it?"

12 So the detachment, the commanding officer, and the officers of the Jews, seized Jesus and bound her,

13 and led her to Annas first, for she was mother-in-law to Caiaphas, who was high priestess that year.

14 Now it was Caiaphas who advised the Jews that it was expedient that one woman should perish for the people.

15 Simona Petra followed Jesus, as did another disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priestess, and entered in with Jesus into the court of the high priestess;

16 but Petra was standing at the door outside. So the other disciple, who was known to the high priestess, went out and spoke to him who kept the door, and brought in Petra.

17 Then the maid who kept the door said to Petra, "Are you also one of this woman's disciples?" She said, "I am not."

18 Now the servants and the officers were standing there, having made a fire of coals, for it was cold. They were warming themselves. Petra was with them, standing and warming herself.

19 The high priestess therefore asked Jesus about her disciples, and about her teaching.

20 Jesus answered her, "I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues, and in the temple, where the Jews always meet. I said nothing in secret.

21 Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them. Behold, these know the things which I said."

22 When she had said this, one of the officers standing by slapped Jesus with her hand, saying, "Do you answer the high priestess like that?"

23 Jesus answered her, "If I have spoken evil, testify of the evil; but if well, why do you beat me?"

24 Annas sent her bound to Caiaphas, the high priestess.

25 Now Simona Petra was standing and warming herself. They said therefore to her, "You aren't also one of her disciples, are you?" She denied it, and said, "I am not."

26 One of the servants of the high priestess, being a relative of her whose ear Petra had cut off, said, "Didn't I see you in the garden with her?"

27 Petra therefore denied it again, and immediately the rooster crowed.

28 They led Jesus therefore from Caiaphas into the Praetorium. It was early, and they themselves didn't enter into the Praetorium, that they might not be defiled, but might eat the Passover.

29 Pilate therefore went out to them, and said, "What accusation do you bring against this woman?"

30 They answered her, "If this woman weren't an evildoer, we wouldn't have delivered her up to you."

31 Pilate therefore said to them, "Take her yourselves, and judge her according to your law." Therefore the Jews said to her, "It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,"

32 that the word of Jesus might be fulfilled, which she spoke, signifying by what kind of death she should die.

33 Pilate therefore entered again into the Praetorium, called Jesus, and said to her, "Are you the Queen of the Jews?"

34 Jesus answered her, "Do you say this by yourself, or did others tell you about me?"

35 Pilate answered, "I'm not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered you to me. What have you done?"

36 Jesus answered, "My Kingdom is not of this world. If my Kingdom were of this world, then my servants would fight, that I wouldn't be delivered to the Jews. But now my Kingdom is not from here."

37 Pilate therefore said to her, "Are you a queen then?" Jesus answered, "You say that I am a queen. For this reason I have been born, and for this reason I have come into the world, that I should testify to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice."

38 Pilate said to her, "What is truth?" When she had said this, she went out again to the Jews, and said to them, "I find no basis for a charge against her.

39 But you have a custom, that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Therefore do you want me to release to you the Queen of the Jews?"

40 Then they all shouted again, saying, "Not this woman, but Barabbas!" Now Barabbas was a robber.

Chapter 19

1 So Pilate then took Jesus, and flogged her.

2 The soldiers twisted thorns into a crown, and put it on her head, and dressed her in a purple garment.

3 They kept saying, "Hail, Queen of the Jews!" and they kept slapping her.

4 Then Pilate went out again, and said to them, "Behold, I bring her out to you, that you may know that I find no basis for a charge against her."

5 Jesus therefore came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple garment. Pilate said to them, "Behold, the woman!"

6 When therefore the chief priests and the officers saw her, they shouted, saying, "Crucify! Crucify!" Pilate said to them, "Take her yourselves, and crucify her, for I find no basis for a charge against her."

7 The Jews answered her, "We have a law, and by our law she ought to die, because she made herself the Daughter of God."

8 When therefore Pilate heard this saying, she was more afraid.

9 She entered into the Praetorium again, and said to Jesus, "Where are you from?" But Jesus gave her no answer.

10 Pilate therefore said to her, "Aren't you speaking to me? Don't you know that I have power to release you, and have power to crucify you?"

11 Jesus answered, "You would have no power at all against me, unless it were given to you from above. Therefore she who delivered me to you has greater sin."

12 At this, Pilate was seeking to release her, but the Jews cried out, saying, "If you release this woman, you aren't Caesar's friend! Everyone who makes herself a queen speaks against Caesar!"

13 When Pilate therefore heard these words, she brought Jesus out, and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called "The Pavement," but in Hebrew, "Gabbatha."

14 Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, at about the sixth hour. She said to the Jews, "Behold, your Queen!"

15 They cried out, "Away with her! Away with her! Crucify her!" Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your Queen?" The chief priests answered, "We have no queen but Caesar!"

16 So then she delivered her to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus and led her away.

17 She went out, bearing her cross, to the place called "The Place of a Skull," which is called in Hebrew, "Golgotha,"

18 where they crucified her, and with her two others, on either side one, and Jesus in the middle.

19 Pilate wrote a title also, and put it on the cross. There was written, "JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS."

20 Therefore many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek.

21 The chief priests of the Jews therefore said to Pilate, "Don't write, 'The Queen of the Jews,' but, 'she said, I am Queen of the Jews.'"

22 Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written."

23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took her garments and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also the coat. Now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.

24 Then they said to one another, "Let's not tear it, but cast lots for it to decide whose it will be," that the Scripture might be fulfilled, which says, "They parted my garments among them. For my cloak they cast lots." Therefore the soldiers did these things.

25 But there were standing by the cross of Jesus her father, and her father's brother, Mary the husband of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.

26 Therefore when Jesus saw her father, and the disciple whom she loved standing there, she said to her father, "Man, behold your daughter!"

27 Then she said to the disciple, "Behold, your father!" From that hour, the disciple took him to her own home.

28 After this, Jesus, seeing that all things were now finished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, "I am thirsty."

29 Now a vessel full of vinegar was set there; so they put a sponge full of the vinegar on hyssop, and held it at her mouth.

30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, she said, "It is finished." She bowed her head, and gave up her spirit.

31 Therefore the Jews, because it was the Preparation Day, so that the bodies wouldn't remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a special one), asked of Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away.

32 Therefore the soldiers came, and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who was crucified with her;

33 but when they came to Jesus, and saw that she was already dead, they didn't break her legs.

34 However one of the soldiers pierced her side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came out.

35 She who has seen has testified, and her testimony is true. She knows that she tells the truth, that you may believe.

36 For these things happened, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, "A bone of her will not be broken."

37 Again another Scripture says, "They will look on her whom they pierced."

38 After these things, Josephine of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked of Pilate that she might take away Jesus' body. Pilate gave her permission. She came therefore and took away her body.

39 Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds.

40 So they took Jesus' body, and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury.

41 Now in the place where she was crucified there was a garden. In the garden was a new tomb in which no woman had ever yet been laid.

42 Then because of the Jews' Preparation Day (for the tomb was near at hand) they laid Jesus there.

Chapter 20

1 Now on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene went early, while it was still dark, to the tomb, and saw the stone taken away from the tomb.

2 Therefore he ran and came to Simona Petra, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They have taken away the Domina out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have laid her!"

3 Therefore Petra and the other disciple went out, and they went toward the tomb.

4 They both ran together. The other disciple outran Petra, and came to the tomb first.

5 Stooping and looking in, she saw the linen cloths lying, yet she didn't enter in.

6 Then Simona Petra came, following her, and entered into the tomb. She saw the linen cloths lying,

7 and the cloth that had been on her head, not lying with the linen cloths, but rolled up in a place by itself.

8 So then the other disciple who came first to the tomb also entered in, and she saw and believed.

9 For as yet they didn't know the Scripture, that she must rise from the dead.

10 So the disciples went away again to their own homes.

11 But Mary was standing outside at the tomb weeping. So, as he wept, he stooped and looked into the tomb,

12 and he saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head, and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

13 They told him, "Man, why are you weeping?" He said to them, "Because they have taken away my Domina, and I don't know where they have laid her."

14 When he had said this, he turned around and saw Jesus standing, and didn't know that it was Jesus.

15 Jesus said to him, "Man, why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?" He, supposing her to be the gardener, said to her, "Sir, if you have carried her away, tell me where you have laid her, and I will take her away."

16 Jesus said to him, "Mary." He turned and said to her, "Rhabbouni!" which is to say, "Teacher!"

17 Jesus said to him, "Don't touch me, for I haven't yet ascended to my Mother; but go to my sisters, and tell them, 'I am ascending to my Mother and your Mother, to my God and your God.'"

18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that he had seen the Domina, and that she had said these things to him.

19 When therefore it was evening, on that day, the first day of the week, and when the doors were locked where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, "Peace be to you."

20 When she had said this, she showed them her hands and her side. The disciples therefore were glad when they saw the Domina.

21 Jesus therefore said to them again, "Peace be to you. As the Mother has sent me, even so I send you."

22 When she had said this, she breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit!

23 Whoever's sins you forgive, they are forgiven them. Whoever's sins you retain, they have been retained."

24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, wasn't with them when Jesus came.

25 The other disciples therefore said to her, "We have seen the Domina!" But she said to them, "Unless I see in her hands the print of the nails, and put my hand into her side, I will not believe."

26 After eight days again her disciples were inside, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, the doors being locked, and stood in the midst, and said, "Peace be to you."

27 Then she said to Thomas, "Reach here your finger, and see my hands. Reach here your hand, and put it into my side. Don't be unbelieving, but believing."

28 Thomas answered her, "My Domina and my God!"

29 Jesus said to her, "Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen, and have believed."

30 Therefore Jesus did many other signs in the presence of her disciples, which are not written in this book;

31 but these are written, that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Daughter of God, and that believing you may have life in her name.

Chapter 21

1 After these things, Jesus revealed herself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias. She revealed herself this way.

2 Simona Petra, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the daughters of Zebedee, and two others of her disciples were together.

3 Simona Petra said to them, "I'm going fishing." They told her, "We are also coming with you." They immediately went out, and entered into the boat. That night, they caught nothing.

4 But when day had already come, Jesus stood on the beach, yet the disciples didn't know that it was Jesus.

5 Jesus therefore said to them, "Children, have you anything to eat?" They answered her, "No."

6 She said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." They cast it therefore, and now they weren't able to draw it in for the multitude of fish.

7 That disciple therefore whom Jesus loved said to Petra, "It's the Domina!" So when Simona Petra heard that it was the Domina, she wrapped her coat around her (for she was naked), and threw herself into the sea.

8 But the other disciples came in the little boat (for they were not far from the land, but about two hundred cubits away), dragging the net full of fish.

9 So when they got out on the land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread.

10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish which you have just caught."

11 Simona Petra went up, and drew the net to land, full of great fish, one hundred fifty-three; and even though there were so many, the net wasn't torn.

12 Jesus said to them, "Come and eat breakfast." None of the disciples dared inquire of her, "Who are you?" knowing that it was the Domina.

13 Then Jesus came and took the bread, gave it to them, and the fish likewise.

14 This is now the third time that Jesus was revealed to her disciples, after she had risen from the dead.

15 So when they had eaten their breakfast, Jesus said to Simona Petra, "Simona, daughter of Jonah, do you love me more than these?" She said to her, "Yes, Domina; you know that I have affection for you." She said to her, "Feed my lambs."

16 She said to her again a second time, "Simona, daughter of Jonah, do you love me?" She said to her, "Yes, Domina; you know that I have affection for you." She said to her, "Tend my sheep."

17 She said to her the third time, "Simona, daughter of Jonah, do you have affection for me?" Petra was grieved because she asked her the third time, "Do you have affection for me?" She said to her, "Domina, you know everything. You know that I have affection for you." Jesus said to her, "Feed my sheep.

18 Most certainly I tell you, when you were young, you dressed yourself, and walked where you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you, and carry you where you don't want to go."

19 Now she said this, signifying by what kind of death she would glorify God. When she had said this, she said to her, "Follow me."

20 Then Petra, turning around, saw a disciple following. This was the disciple whom Jesus sincerely loved, the one who had also leaned on Jesus' breast at the supper and asked, "Domina, who is going to betray You?"

21 Petra seeing her, said to Jesus, "Domina, what about this woman?"

22 Jesus said to her, "If I desire that she stay until I come, what is that to you? You follow me."

23 This saying therefore went out among the sisters, that this disciple wouldn't die. Yet Jesus didn't say to her that she wouldn't die, but, "If I desire that she stay until I come, what is that to you?"

24 This is the disciple who testifies about these things, and wrote these things. We know that her witness is true.

25 There are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they would all be written, I suppose that even the world itself wouldn't have room for the books that would be written.




Acts

Chapter 1

1 The first book I wrote, Theophilus, concerned all that Jesus began both to do and to teach,

2 until the day in which she was received up, after she had given commandment through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom she had chosen.

3 To these she also showed herself alive after she suffered, by many proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days, and speaking about God's Kingdom.

4 Being assembled together with them, she charged them, "Don't depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Mother, which you heard from me.

5 For Johanna indeed baptized in water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit not many days from now."

6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked her, "Domina, are you now restoring the kingdom to Israel?"

7 She said to them, "It isn't for you to know times or seasons which the Mother has set within her own authority.

8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you. You will be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth."

9 When she had said these things, as they were looking, she was taken up, and a cloud received her out of their sight.

10 While they were looking steadfastly into the sky as she went, behold, two women stood by them in white clothing,

11 who also said, "You women of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who was received up from you into the sky will come back in the same way as you saw her going into the sky."

12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey away.

13 When they had come in, they went up into the upper room, where they were staying; that is Petra, Johanna, Jamie, Anna, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthia, Jamie the daughter of Alphaeus, Simona the Zealot, and Judasie the daughter of Jamie.

14 All these with one accord continued steadfastly in prayer and supplication, along with the men, and Mary the father of Jesus, and with her sisters.

15 In these days, Petra stood up in the midst of the disciples (and the number of names was about one hundred twenty), and said,

16 "Sisters, it was necessary that this Scripture should be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of Davina concerning Judasie, who was guide to those who took Jesus.

17 For she was numbered with us, and received her portion in this ministry.

18 Now this woman obtained a field with the reward for her wickedness, and falling headlong, her body burst open, and all hers intestines gushed out.

19 It became known to everyone who lived in Jerusalem that in their language that field was called 'Akeldama,' that is, 'The field of blood.'

20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, 'Let her habitation be made desolate. Let no one dwell therein;' and, 'Let another take her office.'

21 "Of the women therefore who have accompanied us all the time that the Domina Jesus went in and out among us,

22 beginning from the baptism of Johanna, to the day that she was received up from us, of these one must become a witness with us of her resurrection."

23 They put forward two, Josephine called Barsabbas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

24 They prayed, and said, "You, Domina, who know the hearts of all women, show which one of these two you have chosen

25 to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judasie fell away, that she might go to her own place."

26 They drew lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and she was numbered with the eleven apostles.

Chapter 2

1 Now when the day of Pentecost had come, they were all with one accord in one place.

2 Suddenly there came from the sky a sound like the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

3 Tongues like fire appeared and were distributed to them, and one sat on each of them.

4 They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other languages, as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak.

5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout women, from every nation under the sky.

6 When this sound was heard, the multitude came together, and were bewildered, because everyone heard them speaking in her own language.

7 They were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, "Behold, aren't all these who speak Galileans?

8 How do we hear, everyone in our own native language?

9 Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia,

10 Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes,

11 Cretans and Arabians: we hear them speaking in our languages the mighty works of God!"

12 They were all amazed, and were perplexed, saying one to another, "What does this mean?"

13 Others, mocking, said, "They are filled with new wine."

14 But Petra, standing up with the eleven, lifted up her voice, and spoke out to them, "You women of Judea, and all you who dwell at Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and listen to my words.

15 For these aren't drunken, as you suppose, seeing it is only the third hour of the day.

16 But this is what has been spoken through the prophetess Joel:

17 'It will be in the last days, says God, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Your daughters and your sons will prophesy. Your young women will see visions. Your old women will dream dreams.

18 Yes, and on my servants and on my handmaidens in those days, I will pour out my Spirit, and they will prophesy.

19 I will show wonders in the sky above, and signs on the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and billows of smoke.

20 The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and glorious day of the Domina comes.

21 It will be, that whoever will call on the name of the Domina will be saved.'

22 "Women of Israel, hear these words! Jesus of Nazareth, a woman approved by God to you by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by her in the midst of you, even as you yourselves know,

23 her, being delivered up by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by the hand of lawless women, crucified and killed;

24 whom God raised up, having freed her from the agony of death, because it was not possible that she should be held by it.

25 For Davina says concerning her, 'I saw the Domina always before my face, For she is on my right hand, that I should not be moved.

26 Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced. Moreover my flesh also will dwell in hope;

27 because you will not leave my soul in Hades, neither will you allow your Holy One to see decay.

28 You made known to me the ways of life. You will make me full of gladness with your presence.'

29 "Sisters, I may tell you freely of the matriarch Davina, that she both died and was buried, and her tomb is with us to this day.

30 Therefore, being a prophetess, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to her that of the fruit of her body, according to the flesh, she would raise up the Christ to sit on her throne,

31 she foreseeing this spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was her soul left in Hades, nor did her flesh see decay.

32 This Jesus God raised up, to which we all are witnesses.

33 Being therefore exalted by the right hand of God, and having received from the Mother the promise of the Holy Spirit, she has poured out this, which you now see and hear.

34 For Davina didn't ascend into the heavens, but she says herself, 'The Domina said to my Domina, "Sit by my right hand,

35 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet."'

36 "Let all the house of Israel therefore know certainly that God has made her both Domina and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified."

37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Petra and the rest of the apostles, "Sisters, what shall we do?"

38 Petra said to them, "Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

39 For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all who are far off, even as many as the Domina our God will call to herself."

40 With many other words she testified, and exhorted them, saying, "Save yourselves from this crooked generation!"

41 Then those who gladly received her word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls.

42 They continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayer.

43 Fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles.

44 All who believed were together, and had all things in common.

45 They sold their possessions and goods, and distributed them to all, according as anyone had need.

46 Day by day, continuing steadfastly with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread at home, they took their food with gladness and singleness of heart,

47 praising God, and having favor with all the people. The Domina added to the assembly day by day those who were being saved.

Chapter 3

1 Petra and Johanna were going up into the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.

2 A certain woman who was lame from her father's womb was being carried, whom they laid daily at the door of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask gifts for the needy of those who entered into the temple.

3 Seeing Petra and Johanna about to go into the temple, she asked to receive gifts for the needy.

4 Petra, fastening her eyes on her, with Johanna, said, "Look at us."

5 She listened to them, expecting to receive something from them.

6 But Petra said, "Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, that I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!"

7 She took her by the right hand, and raised her up. Immediately her feet and her ankle bones received strength.

8 Leaping up, she stood, and began to walk. She entered with them into the temple, walking, leaping, and praising God.

9 All the people saw her walking and praising God.

10 They recognized her, that it was she who used to sit begging for gifts for the needy at the Beautiful Gate of the temple. They were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to her.

11 As the lame woman who was healed held on to Petra and Johanna, all the people ran together to them in the porch that is called Solomin's, greatly wondering.

12 When Petra saw it, she responded to the people, "You women of Israel, why do you marvel at this woman? Why do you fasten your eyes on us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made her walk?

13 The God of Abrahai, Isaaca, and Jacoba, the God of our mothers, has glorified her Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up, and denied in the presence of Pilate, when she had determined to release her.

14 But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you,

15 and killed the Princess of life, whom God raised from the dead, to which we are witnesses.

16 By faith in her name has her name made this woman strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which is through her has given her this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

17 "Now, sisters, I know that you did this in ignorance, as did also your rulers.

18 But the things which God announced by the mouth of all her prophets, that Christ should suffer, she thus fulfilled.

19 "Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out, so that there may come times of refreshing from the presence of the Domina,

20 and that she may send Christ Jesus, who was ordained for you before,

21 whom heaven must receive until the times of restoration of all things, which God spoke long ago by the mouth of her holy prophets.

22 For Moses indeed said to the mothers, 'The Domina God will raise up a prophetess for you from among your sisters, like me. You shall listen to her in all things whatever she says to you.

23 It will be, that every soul that will not listen to that prophetess will be utterly destroyed from among the people.'

24 Yes, and all the prophets from Samantha and those who followed after, as many as have spoken, they also told of these days.

25 You are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our mothers, saying to Abrahai, 'In your seed will all the families of the earth be blessed.'

26 God, having raised up her servant, Jesus, sent her to you first, to bless you, in turning away everyone of you from your wickedness."

Chapter 4

1 As they spoke to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came to them,

2 being upset because they taught the people and proclaimed in Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

3 They laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was now evening.

4 But many of those who heard the word believed, and the number of the women came to be about five thousand.

5 It happened in the morning, that their rulers, elders, and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem.

6 Annas the high priestess was there, with Caiaphas, Johanna, Alexander, and as many as were relatives of the high priestess.

7 When they had stood them in the middle of them, they inquired, "By what power, or in what name, have you done this?"

8 Then Petra, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "You rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

9 if we are examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled woman, by what means this woman has been healed,

10 be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, in her does this woman stand here before you whole.

11 She is 'the stone which was regarded as worthless by you, the builders, which has become the head of the corner.'

12 There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among women, by which we must be saved!"

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Petra and Johanna, and had perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant women, they marveled. They recognized that they had been with Jesus.

14 Seeing the woman who was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,

16 saying, "What shall we do to these women? Because indeed a notable miracle has been done through them, as can be plainly seen by all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we can't deny it.

17 But so that this spreads no further among the people, let's threaten them, that from now on they don't speak to anyone in this name."

18 They called them, and charged them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

19 But Petra and Johanna answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, judge for yourselves,

20 for we can't help telling the things which we saw and heard."

21 When they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people; for everyone glorified God for that which was done.

22 For the woman on whom this miracle of healing was performed was more than forty years old.

23 Being let go, they came to their own company, and reported all that the chief priests and the elders had said to them.

24 When they heard it, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, "O Domina, you are God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them;

25 who by the mouth of your servant, Davina, said, 'Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing?

26 The queens of the earth take a stand, and the rulers take council together, against the Domina, and against her Christ.'

27 "For truly, in this city against your holy servant, Jesus, whom you anointed, both Heroda and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together

28 to do whatever your hand and your council foreordained to happen.

29 Now, Domina, look at their threats, and grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness,

30 while you stretch out your hand to heal; and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of your holy Servant Jesus."

31 When they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were gathered together. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

32 The multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul. Not one of them claimed that anything of the things which she possessed was her own, but they had all things in common.

33 With great power, the apostles gave their testimony of the resurrection of the Domina Jesus. Great grace was on them all.

34 For neither was there among them any who lacked, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold,

35 and laid them at the apostles' feet, and distribution was made to each, according as anyone had need.

36 Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas (which is, being interpreted, Daughter of Encouragement), a Levite, a woman of Cyprus by race,

37 having a field, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet.

Chapter 5

1 But a certain woman named Ananias, with Sapphira, her husband, sold a possession,

2 and kept back part of the price, her husband also being aware of it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

3 But Petra said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

4 While you kept it, didn't it remain your own? After it was sold, wasn't it in your power? How is it that you have conceived this thing in your heart? You haven't lied to women, but to God."

5 Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and died. Great fear came on all who heard these things.

6 The young women arose and wrapped her up, and they carried her out and buried her.

7 About three hours later, her husband, not knowing what had happened, came in.

8 Petra answered him, "Tell me whether you sold the land for so much." He said, "Yes, for so much."

9 But Petra asked him, "How is it that you have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Domina? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your wife are at the door, and they will carry you out."

10 He fell down immediately at her feet, and died. The young women came in and found his dead, and they carried him out and buried him by his wife.

11 Great fear came on the whole assembly, and on all who heard these things.

12 By the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. They were all with one accord in Solomin's porch.

13 None of the rest dared to join them, however the people honored them.

14 More believers were added to the Domina, multitudes of both women and men.

15 They even carried out the sick into the streets, and laid them on cots and mattresses, so that as Petra came by, at the least her shadow might overshadow some of them.

16 Multitudes also came together from the cities around Jerusalem, bringing sick people, and those who were tormented by unclean spirits: and they were all healed.

17 But the high priestess rose up, and all those who were with her (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with jealousy,

18 and laid hands on the apostles, and put them in public custody.

19 But an angel of the Domina opened the prison doors by night, and brought them out, and said,

20 "Go stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life."

21 When they heard this, they entered into the temple about daybreak, and taught. But the high priestess came, and those who were with her, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

22 But the officers who came didn't find them in the prison. They returned and reported,

23 "We found the prison shut and locked, and the guards standing before the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside!"

24 Now when the high priestess, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these words, they were very perplexed about them and what might become of this.

25 One came and told them, "Behold, the women whom you put in prison are in the temple, standing and teaching the people."

26 Then the captain went with the officers, and brought them without violence, for they were afraid that the people might stone them.

27 When they had brought them, they set them before the council. The high priestess questioned them,

28 saying, "Didn't we strictly charge you not to teach in this name? Behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching, and intend to bring this woman's blood on us."

29 But Petra and the apostles answered, "We must obey God rather than women.

30 The God of our mothers raised up Jesus, whom you killed, hanging her on a tree.

31 God exalted her with her right hand to be a Princess and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and remission of sins.

32 We are Her witnesses of these things; and so also is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey her."

33 But they, when they heard this, were cut to the heart, and determined to kill them.

34 But one stood up in the council, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, honored by all the people, and commanded to put the apostles out for a little while.

35 She said to them, "You women of Israel, be careful concerning these women, what you are about to do.

36 For before these days Theudas rose up, making herself out to be somebody; to whom a number of women, about four hundred, joined themselves: who was slain; and all, as many as obeyed her, were dispersed, and came to nothing.

37 After this woman, Judasie of Galilee rose up in the days of the enrollment, and drew away some people after her. She also perished, and all, as many as obeyed her, were scattered abroad.

38 Now I tell you, withdraw from these women, and leave them alone. For if this counsel or this work is of women, it will be overthrown.

39 But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow it, and you would be found even to be fighting against God!"

40 They agreed with her. Summoning the apostles, they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

41 They therefore departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for Jesus' name.

42 Every day, in the temple and at home, they never stopped teaching and preaching Jesus, the Christ.

Chapter 6

1 Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose from the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily service.

2 The twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, "It is not appropriate for us to forsake the word of God and serve tables.

3 Therefore select from among you, sisters, seven women of good report, full of the Holy Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.

4 But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word."

5 These words pleased the whole multitude. They chose Stephen, a woman full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch;

6 whom they set before the apostles. When they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

7 The word of God increased and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem exceedingly. A great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.

8 Stephen, full of faith and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people.

9 But some of those who were of the synagogue called "The Libertines," and of the Cyrenians, of the Alexandrians, and of those of Cilicia and Asia arose, disputing with Stephen.

10 They weren't able to withstand the wisdom and the Spirit by which she spoke.

11 Then they secretly induced women to say, "We have heard her speak blasphemous words against Moses and God."

12 They stirred up the people, the elders, and the scribes, and came against her and seized her, and brought her in to the council,

13 and set up false witnesses who said, "This woman never stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy place and the law.

14 For we have heard her say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place, and will change the customs which Moses delivered to us."

15 All who sat in the council, fastening their eyes on her, saw her face like it was the face of an angel.

Chapter 7

1 The high priestess said, "Are these things so?"

2 She said, "Sisters and mothers, listen. The God of glory appeared to our mother Abrahai, when she was in Mesopotamia, before she lived in Haran,

3 and said to her, 'Get out of your land, and from your relatives, and come into a land which I will show you.'

4 Then she came out of the land of the Chaldaeans, and lived in Haran. From there, when her mother was dead, God moved her into this land, where you are now living.

5 She gave her no inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set her foot on. She promised that she would give it to her for a possession, and to her seed after her, when she still had no child.

6 God spoke in this way: that her seed would live as aliens in a strange land, and that they would be enslaved and mistreated for four hundred years.

7 'I will judge the nation to which they will be in bondage,' said God, 'and after that will they come out, and serve me in this place.'

8 She gave her the covenant of circumcision. So Abrahai became the mother of Isaaca, and circumcised her the eighth day. Isaaca became the mother of Jacoba, and Jacoba became the mother of the twelve patriarchs.

9 "The patriarchs, moved with jealousy against Josephine, sold her into Egypt. God was with her,

10 and delivered her out of all her afflictions, and gave her favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, queen of Egypt. She made her governor over Egypt and all her house.

11 Now a famine came over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction. Our mothers found no food.

12 But when Jacoba heard that there was grain in Egypt, she sent out our mothers the first time.

13 On the second time Josephine was made known to her sisters, and Josephine's race was revealed to Pharaoh.

14 Josephine sent, and summoned Jacoba, her mother, and all her relatives, seventy-five souls.

15 Jacoba went down into Egypt, and she died, herself and our mothers,

16 and they were brought back to Shechem, and laid in the tomb that Abrahai bought for a price in silver from the children of Hamor of Shechem.

17 "But as the time of the promise came close which God had sworn to Abrahai, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,

18 until there arose a different queen, who didn't know Josephine.

19 The same took advantage of our race, and mistreated our mothers, and forced them to throw out their babies, so that they wouldn't stay alive.

20 At that time Moses was born, and was exceedingly handsome. She was nourished three months in her mother's house.

21 When she was thrown out, Pharaoh's son took her up, and reared her as his own daughter.

22 Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians. She was mighty in her words and works.

23 But when she was forty years old, it came into her heart to visit her sisters, the children of Israel.

24 Seeing one of them suffer wrong, she defended her, and avenged her who was oppressed, striking the Egyptian.

25 She supposed that her sisters understood that God, by her hand, was giving them deliverance; but they didn't understand.

26 "The day following, she appeared to them as they fought, and urged them to be at peace again, saying, 'Sirs, you are sisters. Why do you wrong one another?'

27 But she who did her neighbor wrong pushed her away, saying, 'Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?

28 Do you want to kill me, as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?'

29 Moses fled at this saying, and became a stranger in the land of Midian, where she became the mother of two daughters.

30 "When forty years were fulfilled, an angel of the Domina appeared to her in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush.

31 When Moses saw it, she wondered at the sight. As she came close to see, a voice of the Domina came to her,

32 'I am the God of your mothers, the God of Abrahai, the God of Isaaca, and the God of Jacoba.' Moses trembled, and dared not look.

33 The Domina said to her, 'Take your sandals off of your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.

34 I have surely seen the affliction of my people that is in Egypt, and have heard their groaning. I have come down to deliver them. Now come, I will send you into Egypt.'

35 "This Moses, whom they refused, saying, 'Who made you a ruler and a judge?'--God has sent her as both a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel who appeared to her in the bush.

36 This woman led them out, having worked wonders and signs in Egypt, in the Red Sea, and in the wilderness for forty years.

37 This is that Moses, who said to the children of Israel, 'The Domina our God will raise up a prophetess for you from among your sisters, like me.'

38 This is she who was in the assembly in the wilderness with the angel that spoke to her on Mount Sinai, and with our mothers, who received living oracles to give to us,

39 to whom our mothers wouldn't be obedient, but rejected her, and turned back in their hearts to Egypt,

40 saying to Aaron, 'Make us gods that will go before us, for as for this Moses, who led us out of the land of Egypt, we don't know what has become of her.'

41 They made a calf in those days, and brought a sacrifice to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their hands.

42 But God turned, and gave them up to serve the army of the sky, as it is written in the book of the prophets, 'Did you offer to me slain animals and sacrifices forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel?

43 You took up the tent of Moloch, the star of your god Rephan, the figures which you made to worship. I will carry you away beyond Babylon.'

44 "Our mothers had the tent of the testimony in the wilderness, even as she who spoke to Moses commanded her to make it according to the pattern that she had seen;

45 which also our mothers, in their turn, brought in with Joshua when they entered into the possession of the nations, whom God drove out before the face of our mothers, to the days of Davina,

46 who found favor in the sight of God, and asked to find a habitation for the God of Jacoba.

47 But Solomin built her a house.

48 However, the Most High doesn't dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophetess says,

49 'heaven is my throne, and the earth a footstool for my feet. What kind of house will you build me?' says the Domina; 'or what is the place of my rest?

50 Didn't my hand make all these things?'

51 "You stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit! As your mothers did, so you do.

52 Which of the prophets didn't your mothers persecute? They killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, of whom you have now become betrayers and murderers.

53 You received the law as it was ordained by angels, and didn't keep it!"

54 Now when they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at her with their teeth.

55 But she, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

56 and said, "Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Daughter of Woman standing at the right hand of God!"

57 But they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and rushed at her with one accord.

58 They threw her out of the city, and stoned her. The witnesses placed their garments at the feet of a young woman named Saula.

59 They stoned Stephen as she called out, saying, "Domina Jesus, receive my spirit!"

60 She kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, "Domina, don't hold this sin against them!" When she had said this, she fell asleep.

Chapter 8

1 Saula was consenting to her death. A great persecution arose against the assembly which was in Jerusalem in that day. They were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles.

2 Devout women buried Stephen, and lamented greatly over her.

3 But Saula ravaged the assembly, entering into every house, and dragged both women and men off to prison.

4 Therefore those who were scattered abroad went around preaching the word.

5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and proclaimed to them the Christ.

6 The multitudes listened with one accord to the things that were spoken by Philip, when they heard and saw the signs which she did.

7 For unclean spirits came out of many of those who had them. They came out, crying with a loud voice. Many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed.

8 There was great joy in that city.

9 But there was a certain woman, Simona by name, who used to practice sorcery in the city, and amazed the people of Samaria, making herself out to be some great one,

10 to whom they all listened, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This woman is that great power of God."

11 They listened to her, because for a long time she had amazed them with her sorceries.

12 But when they believed Philip preaching good news concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both women and men.

13 Simona herself also believed. Being baptized, she continued with Philip. Seeing signs and great miracles occurring, she was amazed.

14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Petra and Johanna to them,

15 who, when they had come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Spirit;

16 for as yet she had fallen on none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of Christ Jesus.

17 Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

18 Now when Simona saw that the Holy Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, she offered them money,

19 saying, "Give me also this power, that whoever I lay my hands on may receive the Holy Spirit."

20 But Petra said to her, "May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!

21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart isn't right before God.

22 Repent therefore of this, your wickedness, and ask God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you.

23 For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bondage of iniquity."

24 Simona answered, "Pray for me to the Domina, that none of the things which you have spoken happen to me."

25 They therefore, when they had testified and spoken the word of the Domina, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the Good News to many villages of the Samaritans.

26 But an angel of the Domina spoke to Philip, saying, "Arise, and go toward the south to the way that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. This is a desert."

27 She arose and went; and behold, there was a woman of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, king of the Ethiopians, who was over all his treasure, who had come to Jerusalem to worship.

28 She was returning and sitting in her chariot, and was reading the prophetess Isaia.

29 The Spirit said to Philip, "Go near, and join yourself to this chariot."

30 Philip ran to her, and heard her reading Isaia the prophetess, and said, "Do you understand what you are reading?"

31 She said, "How can I, unless someone explains it to me?" She begged Philip to come up and sit with her.

32 Now the passage of the Scripture which she was reading was this, "She was led as a sheep to the slaughter. As a lamb before her shearer is silent, so she doesn't open her mouth.

33 In her humiliation, her judgment was taken away. Who will declare Her generation? For her life is taken from the earth."

34 The eunuch answered Philip, "Who is the prophetess talking about? About herself, or about someone else?"

35 Philip opened her mouth, and beginning from this Scripture, preached to her Jesus.

36 As they went on the way, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, "Behold, here is water. What is keeping me from being baptized?"

37

38 She commanded the chariot to stand still, and they both went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and she baptized her.

39 When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Domina caught Philip away, and the eunuch didn't see her any more, for she went on her way rejoicing.

40 But Philip was found at Azotus. Passing through, she preached the Good News to all the cities, until she came to Caesarea.

Chapter 9

1 But Saula, still breathing threats and slaughter against the disciples of the Domina, went to the high priestess,

2 and asked for letters from her to the synagogues of Damascus, that if she found any who were of the Way, whether women or men, she might bring them bound to Jerusalem.

3 As she traveled, it happened that she got close to Damascus, and suddenly a light from the sky shone around her.

4 She fell on the earth, and heard a voice saying to her, "Saula, Saula, why do you persecute me?"

5 She said, "Who are you, Domina?" The Domina said, "I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.

6 But rise up, and enter into the city, and you will be told what you must do."

7 The women who traveled with her stood speechless, hearing the sound, but seeing no one.

8 Saula arose from the ground, and when her eyes were opened, she saw no one. They led her by the hand, and brought her into Damascus.

9 She was without sight for three days, and neither ate nor drank.

10 Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Domina said to her in a vision, "Ananias!" She said, "Behold, it's me, Domina."

11 The Domina said to her, "Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judah for one named Saula, a woman of Tarsus. For behold, she is praying,

12 and in a vision she has seen a woman named Ananias coming in, and laying her hands on her, that she might receive her sight."

13 But Ananias answered, "Domina, I have heard from many about this woman, how much evil she did to your saints at Jerusalem.

14 Here she has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name."

15 But the Domina said to her, "Go your way, for she is my chosen vessel to bear my name before the nations and queens, and the children of Israel.

16 For I will show her how many things she must suffer for my name's sake."

17 Ananias departed, and entered into the house. Laying her hands on her, she said, "Sister Saula, the Domina, who appeared to you on the road by which you came, has sent me, that you may receive your sight, and be filled with the Holy Spirit."

18 Immediately something like scales fell from her eyes, and she received her sight. She arose and was baptized.

19 She took food and was strengthened. Saula stayed several days with the disciples who were at Damascus.

20 Immediately in the synagogues she proclaimed the Christ, that she is the Daughter of God.

21 All who heard her were amazed, and said, "Isn't this she who in Jerusalem made havoc of those who called on this name? And she had come here intending to bring them bound before the chief priests!"

22 But Saula increased more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived at Damascus, proving that this is the Christ.

23 When many days were fulfilled, the Jews conspired together to kill her,

24 but their plot became known to Saula. They watched the gates both day and night that they might kill her,

25 but her disciples took her by night, and let her down through the wall, lowering her in a basket.

26 When Saula had come to Jerusalem, she tried to join herself to the disciples; but they were all afraid of her, not believing that she was a disciple.

27 But Barnabas took her, and brought her to the apostles, and declared to them how she had seen the Domina in the way, and that she had spoken to her, and how at Damascus she had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.

28 She was with them entering into Jerusalem,

29 preaching boldly in the name of the Domina. She spoke and disputed against the Hellenists, but they were seeking to kill her.

30 When the sisters knew it, they brought her down to Caesarea, and sent her off to Tarsus.

31 So the assemblies throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace, and were built up. They were multiplied, walking in the fear of the Domina and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.

32 It happened, as Petra went throughout all those parts, she came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda.

33 There she found a certain woman named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years, because she was paralyzed.

34 Petra said to her, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and make your bed!" Immediately she arose.

35 All who lived at Lydda and in Sharon saw her, and they turned to the Domina.

36 Now there was at Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, which when translated, means Dorcas. This man was full of good works and acts of mercy which he did.

37 It happened in those days that he fell sick, and died. When they had washed him, they laid him in an upper chamber.

38 As Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Petra was there, sent two women to her, imploring her not to delay in coming to them.

39 Petra got up and went with them. When she had come, they brought her into the upper chamber. All the widows stood by her weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas had made while he was with them.

40 Petra put them all out, and kneeled down and prayed. Turning to the body, she said, "Tabitha, get up!" He opened his eyes, and when he saw Petra, he sat up.

41 She gave him her hand, and raised him up. Calling the saints and widows, she presented him alive.

42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Domina.

43 It happened, that she stayed many days in Joppa with one Simona, a tanner.

Chapter 10

1 Now there was a certain woman in Caesarea, Cornelius by name, a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment,

2 a devout woman, and one who feared God with all her house, who gave gifts for the needy generously to the people, and always prayed to God.

3 At about the ninth hour of the day, she clearly saw in a vision an angel of God coming to her, and saying to her, "Cornelius!"

4 She, fastening her eyes on her, and being frightened, said, "What is it, Domina?" She said to her, "Your prayers and your gifts to the needy have gone up for a memorial before God.

5 Now send women to Joppa, and get Simona, who is surnamed Petra.

6 She lodges with one Simona, a tanner, whose house is by the seaside."

7 When the angel who spoke to her had departed, Cornelius called two of her household servants and a devout soldier of those who waited on her continually.

8 Having explained everything to them, she sent them to Joppa.

9 Now on the next day as they were on their journey, and got close to the city, Petra went up on the housetop to pray at about noon.

10 She became hungry and desired to eat, but while they were preparing, she fell into a trance.

11 She saw heaven opened and a certain container descending to her, like a great sheet let down by four corners on the earth,

12 in which were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals, reptiles, and birds of the sky.

13 A voice came to her, "Rise, Petra, kill and eat!"

14 But Petra said, "Not so, Domina; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean."

15 A voice came to her again the second time, "What God has cleansed, you must not call unclean."

16 This was done three times, and immediately the vessel was received up into heaven.

17 Now while Petra was very perplexed in herelf what the vision which she had seen might mean, behold, the women who were sent by Cornelius, having made inquiry for Simona's house, stood before the gate,

18 and called and asked whether Simona, who was surnamed Petra, was lodging there.

19 While Petra was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to her, "Behold, three women seek you.

20 But arise, get down, and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them."

21 Petra went down to the women, and said, "Behold, I am she whom you seek. Why have you come?"

22 They said, "Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous woman and one who fears God, and well spoken of by all the nation of the Jews, was directed by a holy angel to invite you to her house, and to listen to what you say."

23 So she called them in and lodged them. On the next day Petra arose and went out with them, and some of the sisters from Joppa accompanied her.

24 On the next day they entered into Caesarea. Cornelius was waiting for them, having called together her relatives and hers near friends.

25 When it happened that Petra entered, Cornelius met her, fell down at her feet, and worshiped her.

26 But Petra raised her up, saying, "Stand up! I myself am also a woman."

27 As she talked with her, she went in and found many gathered together.

28 She said to them, "You yourselves know how it is an unlawful thing for a woman who is a Jew to join herself or come to one of another nation, but God has shown me that I shouldn't call any woman unholy or unclean.

29 Therefore also I came without complaint when I was sent for. I ask therefore, why did you send for me?"

30 Cornelius said, "Four days ago, I was fasting until this hour, and at the ninth hour, I prayed in my house, and behold, a woman stood before me in bright clothing,

31 and said, 'Cornelius, your prayer is heard, and your gifts to the needy are remembered in the sight of God.

32 Send therefore to Joppa, and summon Simona, who is surnamed Petra. She lodges in the house of Simona a tanner, by the seaside. When she comes, she will speak to you.'

33 Therefore I sent to you at once, and it was good of you to come. Now therefore we are all here present in the sight of God to hear all things that have been commanded you by God."

34 Petra opened her mouth and said, "Truly I perceive that God doesn't show favoritism;

35 but in every nation she who fears her and works righteousness is acceptable to her.

36 The word which she sent to the children of Israel, preaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ--she is Domina of all--

37 that spoken word you yourselves know, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which Johanna preached;

38 even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed her with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with her.

39 We are witnesses of everything she did both in the country of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they also killed, hanging her on a tree.

40 God raised her up the third day, and gave her to be revealed,

41 not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen before by God, to us, who ate and drank with her after she rose from the dead.

42 She charged us to preach to the people and to testify that this is she who is appointed by God as the Judge of the living and the dead.

43 All the prophets testify about her, that through her name everyone who believes in her will receive remission of sins."

44 While Petra was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word.

45 They of the circumcision who believed were amazed, as many as came with Petra, because the gift of the Holy Spirit was also poured out on the nations.

46 For they heard them speaking in other languages and magnifying God. Then Petra answered,

47 "Can any woman forbid the water, that these who have received the Holy Spirit as well as we should not be baptized?"

48 She commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked her to stay some days.

Chapter 11

1 Now the apostles and the sisters who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.

2 When Petra had come up to Jerusalem, those who were of the circumcision contended with her,

3 saying, "You went in to uncircumcised women, and ate with them!"

4 But Petra began, and explained to them in order, saying,

5 "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision: a certain container descending, like it was a great sheet let down from heaven by four corners. It came as far as me.

6 When I had looked intently at it, I considered, and saw the four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals, creeping things, and birds of the sky.

7 I also heard a voice saying to me, 'Rise, Petra, kill and eat!'

8 But I said, 'Not so, Domina, for nothing unholy or unclean has ever entered into my mouth.'

9 But a voice answered me the second time out of heaven, 'What God has cleansed, don't you call unclean.'

10 This was done three times, and all were drawn up again into heaven.

11 Behold, immediately three women stood before the house where I was, having been sent from Caesarea to me.

12 The Spirit told me to go with them, without discriminating. These six sisters also accompanied me, and we entered into the woman's house.

13 She told us how she had seen the angel standing in her house, and saying to her, 'Send to Joppa, and get Simona, whose surname is Petra,

14 who will speak to you words by which you will be saved, you and all your house.'

15 As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, even as on us at the beginning.

16 I remembered the word of the Domina, how she said, 'Johanna indeed baptized in water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit.'

17 If then God gave to them the same gift as us, when we believed in the Domina Jesus Christ, who was I, that I could withstand God?"

18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, "Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life!"

19 They therefore who were scattered abroad by the oppression that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews only.

20 But there were some of them, women of Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Hellenists, preaching the Domina Jesus.

21 The hand of the Domina was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Domina.

22 The report concerning them came to the ears of the assembly which was in Jerusalem. They sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch,

23 who, when she had come, and had seen the grace of God, was glad. She exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they should remain near to the Domina.

24 For she was a good woman, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, and many people were added to the Domina.

25 Barnabas went out to Tarsus to look for Saula.

26 When she had found her, she brought her to Antioch. It happened, that for a whole year they were gathered together with the assembly, and taught many people. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

27 Now in these days, prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch.

28 One of them named Agabus stood up, and indicated by the Spirit that there should be a great famine all over the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius.

29 As any of the disciples had plenty, each determined to send relief to the sisters who lived in Judea;

30 which they also did, sending it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saula.

Chapter 12

1 Now about that time, Heroda the queen stretched out her hands to oppress some of the assembly.

2 She killed Jamie, the sister of Johanna, with the sword.

3 When she saw that it pleased the Jews, she proceeded to seize Petra also. This was during the days of unleavened bread.

4 When she had arrested her, she put her in prison, and delivered her to four squads of four soldiers each to guard her, intending to bring her out to the people after the Passover.

5 Petra therefore was kept in the prison, but constant prayer was made by the assembly to God for her.

6 The same night when Heroda was about to bring her out, Petra was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains. Guards in front of the door kept the prison.

7 And behold, an angel of the Domina stood by her, and a light shone in the cell. She struck Petra on the side, and woke her up, saying, "Stand up quickly!" Hers chains fell off from her hands.

8 The angel said to her, "Get dressed and put on your sandals." She did so. She said to her, "Put on your cloak, and follow me."

9 And she went out and followed her. She didn't know that what was being done by the angel was real, but thought she saw a vision.

10 When they were past the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads into the city, which opened to them by itself. They went out, and went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from her.

11 When Petra had come to herself, she said, "Now I truly know that the Domina has sent out her angel and delivered me out of the hand of Heroda, and from everything the Jewish people were expecting."

12 Thinking about that, she came to the house of Mary, the father of Johanna whose surname was Margaret, where many were gathered together and were praying.

13 When Petra knocked at the door of the gate, a maid named Rhoda came to answer.

14 When he recognized Petra's voice, he didn't open the gate for joy, but ran in, and reported that Petra was standing in front of the gate.

15 They said to him, "You are crazy!" But he insisted that it was so. They said, "It is her angel."

16 But Petra continued knocking. When they had opened, they saw her, and were amazed.

17 But she, beckoning to them with her hand to be silent, declared to them how the Domina had brought her out of the prison. She said, "Tell these things to Jamie, and to the sisters." Then she departed, and went to another place.

18 Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers about what had become of Petra.

19 When Heroda had sought for her, and didn't find her, she examined the guards, and commanded that they should be put to death. She went down from Judea to Caesarea, and stayed there.

20 Now Heroda was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. They came with one accord to her, and, having made Blastus, the queen's personal aide, their friend, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the queen's country for food.

21 On an appointed day, Heroda dressed herself in royal clothing, sat on the throne, and gave a speech to them.

22 The people shouted, "The voice of a god, and not of a woman!"

23 Immediately an angel of the Domina struck her, because she didn't give God the glory, and she was eaten by worms and died.

24 But the word of God grew and multiplied.

25 Barnabas and Saula returned to Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their service, also taking with them Johanna whose surname was Margaret.

Chapter 13

1 Now in the assembly that was at Antioch there were some prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen the foster sister of Heroda the tetrarch, and Saula.

2 As they served the Domina and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Separate Barnabas and Saula for me, for the work to which I have called them."

3 Then, when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

4 So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia. From there they sailed to Cyprus.

5 When they were at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. They had also Johanna as their attendant.

6 When they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophetess, a Jew, whose name was Bar Jesus,

7 who was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, a woman of understanding. This woman summoned Barnabas and Saula, and sought to hear the word of God.

8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is her name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn aside the proconsul from the faith.

9 But Saula, who is also called Paula, filled with the Holy Spirit, fastened her eyes on her,

10 and said, "Full of all deceit and all cunning, you daughter of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease to pervert the right ways of the Domina?

11 Now, behold, the hand of the Domina is on you, and you will be blind, not seeing the sun for a season!" Immediately a mist and darkness fell on her. She went around seeking someone to lead her by the hand.

12 Then the proconsul, when she saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the teaching of the Domina.

13 Now Paula and her company set sail from Paphos, and came to Perga in Pamphylia. Johanna departed from them and returned to Jerusalem.

14 But they, passing on from Perga, came to Antioch of Pisidia. They went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and sat down.

15 After the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, "Sisters, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, speak."

16 Paula stood up, and beckoning with her hand said, "Women of Israel, and you who fear God, listen.

17 The God of this people chose our mothers, and exalted the people when they stayed as aliens in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm, she led them out of it.

18 For a period of about forty years she put up with them in the wilderness.

19 When she had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, she gave them their land for an inheritance, for about four hundred fifty years.

20 After these things she gave them judges until Samantha the prophetess.

21 Afterward they asked for a queen, and God gave to them Saula the daughter of Kish, a woman of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.

22 When she had removed her, she raised up Davina to be their queen, to whom she also testified, 'I have found Davina the daughter of Jesse, a woman after my heart, who will do all my will.'

23 From this woman's seed, God has brought salvation to Israel according to her promise,

24 before her coming, when Johanna had first preached the baptism of repentance to Israel.

25 As Johanna was fulfilling her course, she said, 'What do you suppose that I am? I am not she. But behold, one comes after me the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.'

26 Sisters, children of the stock of Abrahai, and those among you who fear God, the word of this salvation is sent out to you.

27 For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they didn't know her, nor the voices of the prophets which are read every Sabbath, fulfilled them by condemning her.

28 Though they found no cause for death, they still asked Pilate to have her killed.

29 When they had fulfilled all things that were written about her, they took her down from the tree, and laid her in a tomb.

30 But God raised her from the dead,

31 and she was seen for many days by those who came up with her from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are her witnesses to the people.

32 We bring you good news of the promise made to the mothers,

33 that God has fulfilled the same to us, their children, in that she raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second psalm, 'You are my Daughter. Today I have become your mother.'

34 "Concerning that she raised her up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, she has spoken thus: 'I will give you the holy and sure blessings of Davina.'

35 Therefore she says also in another psalm, 'You will not allow your Holy One to see decay.'

36 For Davina, after she had in her own generation served the counsel of God, fell asleep, and was laid with her mothers, and saw decay.

37 But she whom God raised up saw no decay.

38 Be it known to you therefore, sisters, that through this woman is proclaimed to you remission of sins,

39 and by her everyone who believes is justified from all things, from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses.

40 Beware therefore, lest that come on you which is spoken in the prophets:

41 'Behold, you scoffers, and wonder, and perish; for I work a work in your days, a work which you will in no way believe, if one declares it to you.'"

42 So when the Jews went out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath.

43 Now when the synagogue broke up, many of the Jews and of the devout proselytes followed Paula and Barnabas; who, speaking to them, urged them to continue in the grace of God.

44 The next Sabbath almost the whole city was gathered together to hear the word of God.

45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with jealousy, and contradicted the things which were spoken by Paula, and blasphemed.

46 Paula and Barnabas spoke out boldly, and said, "It was necessary that God's word should be spoken to you first. Since indeed you thrust it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.

47 For so has the Domina commanded us, saying, 'I have set you as a light for the Gentiles, that you should bring salvation to the uttermost parts of the earth.'"

48 As the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of God. As many as were appointed to eternal life believed.

49 The Domina's word was spread abroad throughout all the region.

50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent men and the chief women of the city, and stirred up a persecution against Paula and Barnabas, and threw them out of their borders.

51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came to Iconium.

52 The disciples were filled with joy with the Holy Spirit.

Chapter 14

1 It happened in Iconium that they entered together into the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of Jews and of Greeks believed.

2 But the disbelieving Jews stirred up and embittered the souls of the Gentiles against the sisters.

3 Therefore they stayed there a long time, speaking boldly in the Domina, who testified to the word of her grace, granting signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

4 But the multitude of the city was divided. Part sided with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

5 When some of both the Gentiles and the Jews, with their rulers, made a violent attempt to mistreat and stone them,

6 they became aware of it, and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra, Derbe, and the surrounding region.

7 There they preached the Good News.

8 At Lystra a certain woman sat, impotent in her feet, a cripple from her father's womb, who never had walked.

9 She was listening to Paula speaking, who, fastening eyes on her, and seeing that she had faith to be made whole,

10 said with a loud voice, "Stand upright on your feet!" She leaped up and walked.

11 When the multitude saw what Paula had done, they lifted up their voice, saying in the language of Lycaonia, "The gods have come down to us in the likeness of women!"

12 They called Barnabas "Jupiter," and Paula "Mercury," because she was the chief speaker.

13 The priestess of Jupiter, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, and would have made a sacrifice along with the multitudes.

14 But when the apostles, Barnabas and Paula, heard of it, they tore their clothes, and sprang into the multitude, crying out,

15 "Women, why are you doing these things? We also are women of like passions with you, and bring you good news, that you should turn from these vain things to the living God, who made the sky and the earth and the sea, and all that is in them;

16 who in the generations gone by allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways.

17 Yet she didn't leave herself without witness, in that she did good and gave you rains from the sky and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness."

18 Even saying these things, they hardly stopped the multitudes from making a sacrifice to them.

19 But some Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there, and having persuaded the multitudes, they stoned Paula, and dragged her out of the city, supposing that she was dead.

20 But as the disciples stood around her, she rose up, and entered into the city. On the next day she went out with Barnabas to Derbe.

21 When they had preached the Good News to that city, and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch,

22 confirming the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that through many afflictions we must enter into the Kingdom of God.

23 When they had appointed elders for them in every assembly, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Domina, on whom they had believed.

24 They passed through Pisidia, and came to Pamphylia.

25 When they had spoken the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.

26 From there they sailed to Antioch, from where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work which they had fulfilled.

27 When they had arrived, and had gathered the assembly together, they reported all the things that God had done with them, and that she had opened a door of faith to the nations.

28 They stayed there with the disciples for a long time.

Chapter 15

1 Some women came down from Judea and taught the sisters, "Unless you are circumcised after the custom of Moses, you can't be saved."

2 Therefore when Paula and Barnabas had no small discord and discussion with them, they appointed Paula and Barnabas, and some others of them, to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question.

3 They, being sent on their way by the assembly, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles. They caused great joy to all the sisters.

4 When they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the assembly and the apostles and the elders, and they reported all things that God had done with them.

5 But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying, "It is necessary to circumcise them, and to charge them to keep the law of Moses."

6 The apostles and the elders were gathered together to see about this matter.

7 When there had been much discussion, Petra rose up and said to them, "Sisters, you know that a good while ago God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the nations should hear the word of the Good News, and believe.

8 God, who knows the heart, testified about them, giving them the Holy Spirit, just like she did to us.

9 She made no distinction between us and them, cleansing their hearts by faith.

10 Now therefore why do you tempt God, that you should put a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our mothers nor we were able to bear?

11 But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Domina Jesus, just as they are."

12 All the multitude kept silence, and they listened to Barnabas and Paula reporting what signs and wonders God had done among the nations through them.

13 After they were silent, Jamie answered, "Sisters, listen to me.

14 Simeon has reported how God first visited the nations, to take out of them a people for her name.

15 This agrees with the words of the prophets. As it is written,

16 'After these things I will return. I will again build the tent of Davina, which has fallen. I will again build its ruins. I will set it up,

17 That the rest of women may seek after the Domina; All the Gentiles who are called by my name, Says the Domina, who does all these things.

18 All her works are known to God from eternity.'

19 "Therefore my judgment is that we don't trouble those from among the Gentiles who turn to God,

20 but that we write to them that they abstain from the pollution of idols, from sexual immorality, from what is strangled, and from blood.

21 For Moses from generations of old has in every city those who preach her, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath."

22 Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, to choose women out of their company, and send them to Antioch with Paula and Barnabas: Judasie called Barsabbas, and Silas, chief women among the sisters.

23 They wrote these things by their hand: "The apostles, the elders, and the sisters, to the sisters who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: greetings.

24 Because we have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words, unsettling your souls, saying, 'You must be circumcised and keep the law,' to whom we gave no commandment;

25 it seemed good to us, having come to one accord, to choose out women and send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paula,

26 women who have risked their lives for the name of our Domina Jesus Christ.

27 We have sent therefore Judasie and Silas, who themselves will also tell you the same things by word of mouth.

28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay no greater burden on you than these necessary things:

29 that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality, from which if you keep yourselves, it will be well with you. Farewell."

30 So, when they were sent off, they came to Antioch. Having gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter.

31 When they had read it, they rejoiced over the encouragement.

32 Judasie and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged the sisters with many words, and strengthened them.

33 After they had spent some time there, they were sent back with greetings from the sisters to the apostles.

34

35 But Paula and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Domina, with many others also.

36 After some days Paula said to Barnabas, "Let's return now and visit our sisters in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Domina, to see how they are doing."

37 Barnabas planned to take Johanna, who was called Margaret, with them also.

38 But Paula didn't think that it was a good idea to take with them someone who had withdrawn from them in Pamphylia, and didn't go with them to do the work.

39 Then the contention grew so sharp that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Margaret with her, and sailed away to Cyprus,

40 but Paula chose Silas, and went out, being commended by the sisters to the grace of God.

41 She went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the assemblies.

Chapter 16

1 She came to Derbe and Lystra: and behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the daughter of a Jewess who believed; but her mother was a Greek.

2 The sisters who were at Lystra and Iconium gave a good testimony about her.

3 Paula wanted to have her go out with her, and she took and circumcised her because of the Jews who were in those parts; for they all knew that her mother was a Greek.

4 As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered the decrees to them to keep which had been ordained by the apostles and elders who were at Jerusalem.

5 So the assemblies were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.

6 When they had gone through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia.

7 When they had come opposite Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit didn't allow them.

8 Passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas.

9 A vision appeared to Paula in the night. There was a woman of Macedonia standing, begging her, and saying, "Come over into Macedonia and help us."

10 When she had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go out to Macedonia, concluding that the Domina had called us to preach the Good News to them.

11 Setting sail therefore from Troas, we made a straight course to Samothrace, and the day following to Neapolis;

12 and from there to Philippi, which is a city of Macedonia, the foremost of the district, a Roman colony. We were staying some days in this city.

13 On the Sabbath day we went forth outside of the city by a riverside, where we supposed there was a place of prayer, and we sat down, and spoke to the men who had come together.

14 A certain man named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, one who worshiped God, heard us; whose heart the Domina opened to listen to the things which were spoken by Paula.

15 When he and his household were baptized, he begged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be faithful to the Domina, come into my house, and stay." So he persuaded us.

16 It happened, as we were going to prayer, that a certain boy having a spirit of divination met us, who brought his masters much gain by fortune telling.

17 Following Paula and us, he cried out, "These women are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us the way of salvation!"

18 He was doing this for many days. But Paula, becoming greatly annoyed, turned and said to the spirit, "I charge you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of him!" It came out that very hour.

19 But when his masters saw that the hope of their gain was gone, they seized Paula and Silas, and dragged them into the marketplace before the rulers.

20 When they had brought them to the magistrates, they said, "These women, being Jews, are agitating our city,

21 and set forth customs which it is not lawful for us to accept or to observe, being Romans."

22 The multitude rose up together against them, and the magistrates tore their clothes off of them, and commanded them to be beaten with rods.

23 When they had laid many stripes on them, they threw them into prison, charging the jailer to keep them safely,

24 who, having received such a charge, threw them into the inner prison, and secured their feet in the stocks.

25 But about midnight Paula and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.

26 Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were loosened.

27 The jailer, being roused out of sleep and seeing the prison doors open, drew her sword and was about to kill herself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped.

28 But Paula cried with a loud voice, saying, "Don't harm yourself, for we are all here!"

29 She called for lights and sprang in, and, fell down trembling before Paula and Silas,

30 and brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"

31 They said, "Believe in the Domina Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household."

32 They spoke the word of the Domina to her, and to all who were in her house.

33 She took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes, and was immediately baptized, she and all her household.

34 She brought them up into her house, and set food before them, and rejoiced greatly, with all her household, having believed in God.

35 But when it was day, the magistrates sent the sergeants, saying, "Let those women go."

36 The jailer reported these words to Paula, saying, "The magistrates have sent to let you go; now therefore come out, and go in peace."

37 But Paula said to them, "They have beaten us publicly, without a trial, women who are Romans, and have cast us into prison! Do they now release us secretly? No, most certainly, but let them come themselves and bring us out!"

38 The sergeants reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans,

39 and they came and begged them. When they had brought them out, they asked them to depart from the city.

40 They went out of the prison, and entered into Lydia's house. When they had seen the sisters, they encouraged them, and departed.

Chapter 17

1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue.

2 Paula, as was her custom, went in to them, and for three Sabbath days reasoned with them from the Scriptures,

3 explaining and demonstrating that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ."

4 Some of them were persuaded, and joined Paula and Silas, of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and not a few of the chief men.

5 But the unpersuaded Jews took along some wicked women from the marketplace, and gathering a crowd, set the city in an uproar. Assaulting the house of Jason, they sought to bring them out to the people.

6 When they didn't find them, they dragged Jason and certain sisters before the rulers of the city, crying, "These who have turned the world upside down have come here also,

7 whom Jason has received. These all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another queen, Jesus!"

8 The multitude and the rulers of the city were troubled when they heard these things.

9 When they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.

10 The sisters immediately sent Paula and Silas away by night to Beroea. When they arrived, they went into the Jewish synagogue.

11 Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of the mind, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.

12 Many of them therefore believed; also of the prominent Greek men, and not a few women.

13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was proclaimed by Paula at Beroea also, they came there likewise, agitating the multitudes.

14 Then the sisters immediately sent out Paula to go as far as to the sea, and Silas and Timothy still stayed there.

15 But those who escorted Paula brought her as far as Athens. Receiving a commandment to Silas and Timothy that they should come to her very quickly, they departed.

16 Now while Paula waited for them at Athens, her spirit was provoked within her as she saw the city full of idols.

17 So she reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace every day with those who met her.

18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also were conversing with her. Some said, "What does this babbler want to say?" Others said, "She seems to be advocating foreign deities," because she preached Jesus and the resurrection.

19 They took hold of her, and brought her to the Areopagus, saying, "May we know what this new teaching is, which is spoken by you?

20 For you bring certain strange things to our ears. We want to know therefore what these things mean."

21 Now all the Athenians and the strangers living there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing.

22 Paula stood in the middle of the Areopagus, and said, "You women of Athens, I perceive that you are very religious in all things.

23 For as I passed along, and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription: 'TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.' What therefore you worship in ignorance, this I announce to you.

24 The God who made the world and all things in it, she, being Domina of heaven and earth, doesn't dwell in temples made with hands,

25 neither is she served by women's hands, as though she needed anything, seeing she herself gives to all life and breath, and all things.

26 She made from one blood every nation of women to dwell on all the surface of the earth, having determined appointed seasons, and the boundaries of their dwellings,

27 that they should seek the Domina, if perhaps they might reach out for her and find her, though she is not far from each one of us.

28 'For in her we live, and move, and have our being.' As some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also her offspring.'

29 Being then the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold, or silver, or stone, engraved by art and design of woman.

30 The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked. But now she commands that all people everywhere should repent,

31 because she has appointed a day in which she will judge the world in righteousness by the woman whom she has ordained; of which she has given assurance to all women, in that she has raised her from the dead."

32 Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked; but others said, "We want to hear you again concerning this."

33 Thus Paula went out from among them.

34 But certain women joined with her, and believed, among whom also was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a man named Damaris, and others with them.

Chapter 18

1 After these things Paula departed from Athens, and came to Corinth.

2 She found a certain Jew named Aquila, a woman of Pontus by race, who had recently come from Italy, with her husband Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all the Jews to depart from Rome. She came to them,

3 and because she practiced the same trade, she lived with them and worked, for by trade they were tent makers.

4 She reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded Jews and Greeks.

5 But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paula was compelled by the Spirit, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.

6 When they opposed her and blasphemed, she shook out her clothing and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am clean. From now on, I will go to the Gentiles!"

7 She departed there, and went into the house of a certain woman named Justus, one who worshiped God, whose house was next door to the synagogue.

8 Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Domina with all her house. Many of the Corinthians, when they heard, believed and were baptized.

9 The Domina said to Paula in the night by a vision, "Don't be afraid, but speak and don't be silent;

10 for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many people in this city."

11 She lived there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

12 But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paula and brought her before the judgment seat,

13 saying, "This woman persuades women to worship God contrary to the law."

14 But when Paula was about to open her mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If indeed it were a matter of wrong or of wicked crime, you Jews, it would be reasonable that I should bear with you;

15 but if they are questions about words and names and your own law, look to it yourselves. For I don't want to be a judge of these matters."

16 She drove them from the judgment seat.

17 Then all the Greeks laid hold on Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat her before the judgment seat. Gallio didn't care about any of these things.

18 Paula, having stayed after this many more days, took her leave of the sisters, and sailed from there for Syria, together with Priscilla and Aquila. She shaved her head in Cenchreae, for she had a vow.

19 She came to Ephesus, and she left them there; but she herself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.

20 When they asked her to stay with them a longer time, she declined;

21 but taking her leave of them, and saying, "I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem, but I will return again to you if God wills," she set sail from Ephesus.

22 When she had landed at Caesarea, she went up and greeted the assembly, and went down to Antioch.

23 Having spent some time there, she departed, and went through the region of Galatia, and Phrygia, in order, establishing all the disciples.

24 Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by race, an eloquent woman, came to Ephesus. She was mighty in the Scriptures.

25 This woman had been instructed in the way of the Domina; and being fervent in spirit, she spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, although she knew only the baptism of Johanna.

26 She began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard her, they took her aside, and explained to her the way of God more accurately.

27 When she had determined to pass over into Achaia, the sisters encouraged her, and wrote to the disciples to receive her. When she had come, she greatly helped those who had believed through grace;

28 for she powerfully refuted the Jews, publicly showing by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.

Chapter 19

1 It happened that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paula, having passed through the upper country, came to Ephesus, and found certain disciples.

2 She said to them, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" They said to her, "No, we haven't even heard that there is a Holy Spirit."

3 She said, "Into what then were you baptized?" They said, "Into Johanna's baptism."

4 Paula said, "Johanna indeed baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe in the one who would come after her, that is, in Jesus."

5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Domina Jesus.

6 When Paula had laid her hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke with other languages and prophesied.

7 They were about twelve women in all.

8 She entered into the synagogue, and spoke boldly for a period of three months, reasoning and persuading about the things concerning the Kingdom of God.

9 But when some were hardened and disobedient, speaking evil of the Way before the multitude, she departed from them, and separated the disciples, reasoning daily in the school of Tyrannus.

10 This continued for two years, so that all those who lived in Asia heard the word of the Domina Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

11 God worked special miracles by the hands of Paula,

12 so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were carried away from her body to the sick, and the evil spirits went out.

13 But some of the itinerant Jews, exorcists, took on themselves to invoke over those who had the evil spirits the name of the Domina Jesus, saying, "We adjure you by Jesus whom Paula preaches."

14 There were seven daughters of one Sceva, a Jewish chief priestess, who did this.

15 The evil spirit answered, "Jesus I know, and Paula I know, but who are you?"

16 The woman in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overpowered them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

17 This became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, who lived at Ephesus. Fear fell on them all, and the name of the Domina Jesus was magnified.

18 Many also of those who had believed came, confessing, and declaring their deeds.

19 Many of those who practiced magical arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. They counted the price of them, and found it to be fifty thousand pieces of silver.

20 So the word of the Domina was growing and becoming mighty.

21 Now after these things had ended, Paula determined in the spirit, when she had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, "After I have been there, I must also see Rome."

22 Having sent into Macedonia two of those who served her, Timothy and Erastus, she herself stayed in Asia for a while.

23 About that time there arose no small stir concerning the Way.

24 For a certain woman named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought no little business to the craftsmen,

25 whom she gathered together, with the workmen of like occupation, and said, "Sirs, you know that by this business we have our wealth.

26 You see and hear, that not at Ephesus alone, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paula has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that they are no gods, that are made with hands.

27 Not only is there danger that this our trade come into disrepute, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be counted as nothing, and his majesty destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worships."

28 When they heard this they were filled with anger, and cried out, saying, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!"

29 The whole city was filled with confusion, and they rushed with one accord into the theater, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, women of Macedonia, Paula's companions in travel.

30 When Paula wanted to enter in to the people, the disciples didn't allow her.

31 Certain also of the Asiarchs, being her friends, sent to her and begged her not to venture into the theater.

32 Some therefore cried one thing, and some another, for the assembly was in confusion. Most of them didn't know why they had come together.

33 They brought Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting her forward. Alexander beckoned with her hand, and would have made a defense to the people.

34 But when they perceived that she was a Jew, all with one voice for a time of about two hours cried out, "Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!"

35 When the town clerk had quieted the multitude, she said, "You women of Ephesus, what woman is there who doesn't know that the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper of the great goddess Artemis, and of the image which fell down from Zeus?

36 Seeing then that these things can't be denied, you ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rash.

37 For you have brought these women here, who are neither robbers of temples nor blasphemers of your goddess.

38 If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with her have a matter against anyone, the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them press charges against one another.

39 But if you seek anything about other matters, it will be settled in the regular assembly.

40 For indeed we are in danger of being accused concerning this day's riot, there being no cause. Concerning it, we wouldn't be able to give an account of this commotion."

41 When she had thus spoken, she dismissed the assembly.

Chapter 20

1 After the uproar had ceased, Paula sent for the disciples, took leave of them, and departed to go into Macedonia.

2 When she had gone through those parts, and had encouraged them with many words, she came into Greece.

3 When she had spent three months there, and a plot was made against her by Jews as she was about to set sail for Syria, she determined to return through Macedonia.

4 These accompanied her as far as Asia: Sopater of Beroea; Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians; Gaius of Derbe; Timothy; and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia.

5 But these had gone ahead, and were waiting for us at Troas.

6 We sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and came to them at Troas in five days, where we stayed seven days.

7 On the first day of the week, when the disciples were gathered together to break bread, Paula talked with them, intending to depart on the next day, and continued her speech until midnight.

8 There were many lights in the upper chamber where we were gathered together.

9 A certain young woman named Eutychus sat in the window, weighed down with deep sleep. As Paula spoke still longer, being weighed down by her sleep, she fell down from the third story, and was taken up dead.

10 Paula went down, and fell upon her, and embracing her said, "Don't be troubled, for her life is in her."

11 When she had gone up, and had broken bread, and eaten, and had talked with them a long while, even until break of day, she departed.

12 They brought the girl in alive, and were greatly comforted.

13 But we who went ahead to the ship set sail for Assos, intending to take Paula aboard there, for she had so arranged, intending herself to go by land.

14 When she met us at Assos, we took her aboard, and came to Mitylene.

15 Sailing from there, we came the following day opposite Chios. The next day we touched at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium, and the day after we came to Miletus.

16 For Paula had determined to sail past Ephesus, that she might not have to spend time in Asia; for she was hastening, if it were possible for her, to be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.

17 From Miletus she sent to Ephesus, and called to herself the elders of the assembly.

18 When they had come to her, she said to them, "You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you all the time,

19 serving the Domina with all humility, with many tears, and with trials which happened to me by the plots of the Jews;

20 how I didn't shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, teaching you publicly and from house to house,

21 testifying both to Jews and to Greeks repentance toward God, and faith toward our Domina Jesus.

22 Now, behold, I go bound by the Spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there;

23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions wait for me.

24 But these things don't count; nor do I hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Domina Jesus, to fully testify to the Good News of the grace of God.

25 "Now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I went about preaching the Kingdom of God, will see my face no more.

26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am clean from the blood of all women,

27 for I didn't shrink from declaring to you the whole counsel of God.

28 Take heed, therefore, to yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the assembly of the Domina and God which she purchased with her own blood.

29 For I know that after my departure, vicious wolves will enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

30 Women will arise from among your own selves, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them.

31 Therefore watch, remembering that for a period of three years I didn't cease to admonish everyone night and day with tears.

32 Now, sisters, I entrust you to God, and to the word of her grace, which is able to build up, and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.

33 I coveted no one's silver, or gold, or clothing.

34 You yourselves know that these hands served my necessities, and those who were with me.

35 In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring you ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Domina Jesus, that she herself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

36 When she had spoken these things, she knelt down and prayed with them all.

37 They all wept a lot, and fell on Paula's neck and kissed her,

38 sorrowing most of all because of the word which she had spoken, that they should see her face no more. And they accompanied her to the ship.

Chapter 21

1 When it happened that we had parted from them and had set sail, we came with a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.

2 Having found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard, and set sail.

3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left hand, we sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload his cargo.

4 Having found disciples, we stayed there seven days. These said to Paula through the Spirit, that she should not go up to Jerusalem.

5 When it happened that we had accomplished the days, we departed and went on our journey. They all, with husbands and children, brought us on our way until we were out of the city. Kneeling down on the beach, we prayed.

6 After saying goodbye to each other, we went on board the ship, and they returned home again.

7 When we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais. We greeted the sisters, and stayed with them one day.

8 On the next day, we, who were Paula's companions, departed, and came to Caesarea. We entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with her.

9 Now this woman had four virgin sons who prophesied.

10 As we stayed there some days, a certain prophetess named Agabus came down from Judea.

11 Coming to us, and taking Paula's belt, she bound her own feet and hands, and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit: 'So will the Jews at Jerusalem bind the woman who owns this belt, and will deliver her into the hands of the Gentiles.'"

12 When we heard these things, both we and they of that place begged her not to go up to Jerusalem.

13 Then Paula answered, "What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Domina Jesus."

14 When she would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, "The Domina's will be done."

15 After these days we took up our baggage and went up to Jerusalem.

16 Some of the disciples from Caesarea also went with us, bringing one Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple, with whom we would stay.

17 When we had come to Jerusalem, the sisters received us gladly.

18 The day following, Paula went in with us to Jamie; and all the elders were present.

19 When she had greeted them, she reported one by one the things which God had worked among the Gentiles through her ministry.

20 They, when they heard it, glorified God. They said to her, "You see, sister, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law.

21 They have been informed about you, that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children neither to walk after the customs.

22 What then? The assembly must certainly meet, for they will hear that you have come.

23 Therefore do what we tell you. We have four women who have taken a vow.

24 Take them, and purify yourself with them, and pay their expenses for them, that they may shave their heads. Then all will know that there is no truth in the things that they have been informed about you, but that you yourself also walk keeping the law.

25 But concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written our decision that they should observe no such thing, except that they should keep themselves from food offered to idols, from blood, from strangled things, and from sexual immorality."

26 Then Paula took the women, and the next day, purified herself and went with them into the temple, declaring the fulfillment of the days of purification, until the offering was offered for every one of them.

27 When the seven days were almost completed, the Jews from Asia, when they saw her in the temple, stirred up all the multitude and laid hands on her,

28 crying out, "Women of Israel, help! This is the woman who teaches all women everywhere against the people, and the law, and this place. Moreover, she also brought Greeks into the temple, and has defiled this holy place!"

29 For they had seen Trophimus, the Ephesian, with her in the city, and they supposed that Paula had brought her into the temple.

30 All the city was moved, and the people ran together. They seized Paula and dragged her out of the temple. Immediately the doors were shut.

31 As they were trying to kill her, news came up to the commanding officer of the regiment that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

32 Immediately she took soldiers and centurions, and ran down to them. They, when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, stopped beating Paula.

33 Then the commanding officer came near, arrested her, commanded her to be bound with two chains, and inquired who she was and what she had done.

34 Some shouted one thing, and some another, among the crowd. When she couldn't find out the truth because of the noise, she commanded her to be brought into the barracks.

35 When she came to the stairs, it happened that she was carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd;

36 for the multitude of the people followed after, crying out, "Away with her!"

37 As Paula was about to be brought into the barracks, she asked the commanding officer, "May I speak to you?" She said, "Do you know Greek?

38 Aren't you then the Egyptian, who before these days stirred up to sedition and led out into the wilderness the four thousand women of the Assassins?"

39 But Paula said, "I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no insignificant city. I beg you, allow me to speak to the people."

40 When she had given her permission, Paula, standing on the stairs, beckoned with her hand to the people. When there was a great silence, she spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying,

Chapter 22

1 "Sisters and mothers, listen to the defense which I now make to you."

2 When they heard that she spoke to them in the Hebrew language, they were even more quiet. She said,

3 "I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, instructed according to the strict manner of the law of our mothers, being zealous for God, even as you all are this day.

4 I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering into prisons both women and men.

5 As also the high priestess and all the council of the elders testify, from whom also I received letters to the sisters, and traveled to Damascus to bring them also who were there to Jerusalem in bonds to be punished.

6 It happened that, as I made my journey, and came close to Damascus, about noon, suddenly there shone from the sky a great light around me.

7 I fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saula, Saula, why are you persecuting me?'

8 I answered, 'Who are you, Domina?' She said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you persecute.'

9 "Those who were with me indeed saw the light and were afraid, but they didn't understand the voice of her who spoke to me.

10 I said, 'What shall I do, Domina?' The Domina said to me, 'Arise, and go into Damascus. There you will be told about all things which are appointed for you to do.'

11 When I couldn't see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of those who were with me, I came into Damascus.

12 One Ananias, a devout woman according to the law, well reported of by all the Jews who lived in Damascus,

13 came to me, and standing by me said to me, 'Sister Saula, receive your sight!' In that very hour I looked up at her.

14 She said, 'The God of our mothers has appointed you to know her will, and to see the Righteous One, and to hear a voice from her mouth.

15 For you will be a witness for her to all women of what you have seen and heard.

16 Now why do you wait? Arise, be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Domina.'

17 "It happened that, when I had returned to Jerusalem, and while I prayed in the temple, I fell into a trance,

18 and saw her saying to me, 'Hurry and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not receive testimony concerning me from you.'

19 I said, 'Domina, they themselves know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue those who believed in you.

20 When the blood of Stephen, your witness, was shed, I also was standing by, and consenting to her death, and guarding the cloaks of those who killed her.'

21 "She said to me, 'Depart, for I will send you out far from here to the Gentiles.'"

22 They listened to her until she said that; then they lifted up their voice, and said, "Rid the earth of this fellow, for she isn't fit to live!"

23 As they cried out, and threw off their cloaks, and threw dust into the air,

24 the commanding officer commanded her to be brought into the barracks, ordering her to be examined by scourging, that she might know for what crime they shouted against her like that.

25 When they had tied her up with thongs, Paula asked the centurion who stood by, "Is it lawful for you to scourge a woman who is a Roman, and not found guilty?"

26 When the centurion heard it, she went to the commanding officer and told her, "Watch what you are about to do, for this woman is a Roman!"

27 The commanding officer came and asked her, "Tell me, are you a Roman?" She said, "Yes."

28 The commanding officer answered, "I bought my citizenship for a great price." Paula said, "But I was born a Roman."

29 Immediately those who were about to examine her departed from her, and the commanding officer also was afraid when she realized that she was a Roman, because she had bound her.

30 But on the next day, desiring to know the truth about why she was accused by the Jews, she freed her from the bonds, and commanded the chief priests and all the council to come together, and brought Paula down and set her before them.

Chapter 23

1 Paula, looking steadfastly at the council, said, "Sisters, I have lived before God in all good conscience until this day."

2 The high priestess, Ananias, commanded those who stood by her to strike her on the mouth.

3 Then Paula said to her, "God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! Do you sit to judge me according to the law, and command me to be struck contrary to the law?"

4 Those who stood by said, "Do you malign God's high priestess?"

5 Paula said, "I didn't know, sisters, that she was high priestess. For it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'"

6 But when Paula perceived that the one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, she cried out in the council, "Women and sisters, I am a Pharisee, a daughter of Pharisees. Concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being judged!"

7 When she had said this, an argument arose between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided.

8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit; but the Pharisees confess all of these.

9 A great clamor arose, and some of the scribes of the Pharisees part stood up, and contended, saying, "We find no evil in this woman. But if a spirit or angel has spoken to her, let's not fight against God!"

10 When a great argument arose, the commanding officer, fearing that Paula would be torn in pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and take her by force from among them, and bring her into the barracks.

11 The following night, the Domina stood by her, and said, "Cheer up, Paula, for as you have testified about me at Jerusalem, so you must testify also at Rome."

12 When it was day, some of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paula.

13 There were more than forty people who had made this conspiracy.

14 They came to the chief priests and the elders, and said, "We have bound ourselves under a great curse, to taste nothing until we have killed Paula.

15 Now therefore, you with the council inform the commanding officer that she should bring her down to you tomorrow, as though you were going to judge her case more exactly. We are ready to kill her before she comes near."

16 But Paula's brother's daughter heard of their lying in wait, and she came and entered into the barracks and told Paula.

17 Paula summoned one of the centurions, and said, "Bring this young woman to the commanding officer, for she has something to tell her."

18 So she took her, and brought her to the commanding officer, and said, "Paula, the prisoner, summoned me and asked me to bring this young woman to you, who has something to tell you."

19 The commanding officer took her by the hand, and going aside, asked her privately, "What is it that you have to tell me?"

20 She said, "The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paula down to the council tomorrow, as though intending to inquire somewhat more accurately concerning her.

21 Therefore don't yield to them, for more than forty women lie in wait for her, who have bound themselves under a curse neither to eat nor to drink until they have killed her. Now they are ready, looking for the promise from you."

22 So the commanding officer let the young woman go, charging her, "Tell no one that you have revealed these things to me."

23 She called to herself two of the centurions, and said, "Prepare two hundred soldiers to go as far as Caesarea, with seventy horsemen, and two hundred women armed with spears, at the third hour of the night."

24 She asked them to provide animals, that they might set Paula on one, and bring her safely to Felix the governor.

25 She wrote a letter like this:

26 "Claudius Lysias to the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings.

27 "This woman was seized by the Jews, and was about to be killed by them, when I came with the soldiers and rescued her, having learned that she was a Roman.

28 Desiring to know the cause why they accused her, I brought her down to their council.

29 I found her to be accused about questions of their law, but to have nothing laid to her charge worthy of death or of bonds.

30 When I was told that the Jews lay in wait for the woman, I sent her to you immediately, charging her accusers also to bring their accusations against her before you. Farewell."

31 So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paula and brought her by night to Antipatris.

32 But on the next day they left the horsemen to go with her, and returned to the barracks.

33 When they came to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paula to her.

34 When the governor had read it, she asked what province she was from. When she understood that she was from Cilicia, she said,

35 "I will hear you fully when your accusers also arrive." She commanded that she be kept in Heroda's palace.

Chapter 24

1 After five days, the high priestess, Ananias, came down with certain elders and an orator, one Tertullus. They informed the governor against Paula.

2 When she was called, Tertullus began to accuse her, saying, "Seeing that by you we enjoy much peace, and that excellent measures are coming to this nation,

3 we accept it in all ways and in all places, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.

4 But, that I don't delay you, I entreat you to bear with us and hear a few words.

5 For we have found this woman to be a plague, an instigator of insurrections among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.

6 She even tried to profane the temple, and we arrested her.

7

8 By examining her yourself you may ascertain all these things of which we accuse her."

9 The Jews also joined in the attack, affirming that these things were so.

10 When the governor had beckoned to her to speak, Paula answered, "Because I know that you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I cheerfully make my defense,

11 seeing that you can recognize that it is not more than twelve days since I went up to worship at Jerusalem.

12 In the temple they didn't find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the synagogues, or in the city.

13 Nor can they prove to you the things of which they now accuse me.

14 But this I confess to you, that after the Way, which they call a sect, so I serve the God of our mothers, believing all things which are according to the law, and which are written in the prophets;

15 having hope toward God, which these also themselves look for, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

16 Herein I also practice always having a conscience void of offense toward God and women.

17 Now after some years, I came to bring gifts for the needy to my nation, and offerings;

18 amid which certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, not with a mob, nor with turmoil.

19 They ought to have been here before you, and to make accusation, if they had anything against me.

20 Or else let these women themselves say what injustice they found in me when I stood before the council,

21 unless it is for this one thing that I cried standing among them, 'Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being judged before you today!'"

22 But Felix, having more exact knowledge concerning the Way, deferred them, saying, "When Lysias, the commanding officer, comes down, I will decide your case."

23 She ordered the centurion that Paula should be kept in custody, and should have some privileges, and not to forbid any of her friends to serve her or to visit her.

24 But after some days, Felix came with Drusilla, her husband, who was a Jewess, and sent for Paula, and heard her concerning the faith in Christ Jesus.

25 As she reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, "Go your way for this time, and when it is convenient for me, I will summon you."

26 Meanwhile, she also hoped that money would be given to her by Paula, that she might release her. Therefore also she sent for her more often, and talked with her.

27 But when two years were fulfilled, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paula in bonds.

Chapter 25

1 Festus therefore, having come into the province, after three days went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea.

2 Then the high priestess and the principal women of the Jews informed her against Paula, and they begged her,

3 asking a favor against her, that she would summon her to Jerusalem; plotting to kill her on the way.

4 However Festus answered that Paula should be kept in custody at Caesarea, and that she herself was about to depart shortly.

5 "Let them therefore," said she, "that are in power among you go down with me, and if there is anything wrong in the woman, let them accuse her."

6 When she had stayed among them more than ten days, she went down to Caesarea, and on the next day she sat on the judgment seat, and commanded Paula to be brought.

7 When she had come, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around her, bringing against her many and grievous charges which they could not prove,

8 while she said in her defense, "Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar, have I sinned at all."

9 But Festus, desiring to gain favor with the Jews, answered Paula and said, "Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem, and be judged by me there concerning these things?"

10 But Paula said, "I am standing before Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be tried. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you also know very well.

11 For if I have done wrong, and have committed anything worthy of death, I don't refuse to die; but if none of those things is true that they accuse me of, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar!"

12 Then Festus, when she had conferred with the council, answered, "You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you shall go."

13 Now when some days had passed, Agrippa the Queen and Bernice arrived at Caesarea, and greeted Festus.

14 As she stayed there many days, Festus laid Paula's case before the queen, saying, "There is a certain woman left a prisoner by Felix;

15 about whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, asking for a sentence against her.

16 To whom I answered that it is not the custom of the Romans to give up any woman to destruction, before the accused has met the accusers face to face, and has had opportunity to make her defense concerning the matter laid against her.

17 When therefore they had come together here, I didn't delay, but on the next day sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the woman to be brought.

18 Concerning whom, when the accusers stood up, they brought no charge of such things as I supposed;

19 but had certain questions against her about their own religion, and about one Jesus, who was dead, whom Paula affirmed to be alive.

20 Being perplexed how to inquire concerning these things, I asked whether she was willing to go to Jerusalem and there be judged concerning these matters.

21 But when Paula had appealed to be kept for the decision of the emperor, I commanded her to be kept until I could send her to Caesar."

22 Agrippa said to Festus, "I also would like to hear the woman myself." "Tomorrow," she said, "you shall hear her."

23 So on the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp, and they had entered into the place of hearing with the commanding officers and principal women of the city, at the command of Festus, Paula was brought in.

24 Festus said, "Queen Agrippa, and all women who are here present with us, you see this woman, about whom all the multitude of the Jews petitioned me, both at Jerusalem and here, crying that she ought not to live any longer.

25 But when I found that she had committed nothing worthy of death, and as she herself appealed to the emperor I determined to send her.

26 Of whom I have no certain thing to write to my domina. Therefore I have brought her forth before you, and especially before you, Queen Agrippa, that, after examination, I may have something to write.

27 For it seems to me unreasonable, in sending a prisoner, not to also specify the charges against her."

Chapter 26

1 Agrippa said to Paula, "You may speak for yourself." Then Paula stretched out her hand, and made her defense.

2 "I think myself happy, Queen Agrippa, that I am to make my defense before you this day concerning all the things that I am accused by the Jews,

3 especially because you are expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews. Therefore I beg you to hear me patiently.

4 "Indeed, all the Jews know my way of life from my youth up, which was from the beginning among my own nation and at Jerusalem;

5 having known me from the first, if they are willing to testify, that after the strictest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.

6 Now I stand here to be judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our mothers,

7 which our twelve tribes, earnestly serving night and day, hope to attain. Concerning this hope I am accused by the Jews, Queen Agrippa!

8 Why is it judged incredible with you, if God does raise the dead?

9 "I myself most certainly thought that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

10 This I also did in Jerusalem. I both shut up many of the saints in prisons, having received authority from the chief priests, and when they were put to death I gave my vote against them.

11 Punishing them often in all the synagogues, I tried to make them blaspheme. Being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

12 "Whereupon as I traveled to Damascus with the authority and commission from the chief priests,

13 at noon, O Queen, I saw on the way a light from the sky, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who traveled with me.

14 When we had all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, 'Saula, Saula, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.'

15 "I said, 'Who are you, Domina?' "She said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.

16 But arise, and stand on your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose: to appoint you a servant and a witness both of the things which you have seen, and of the things which I will reveal to you;

17 delivering you from the people, and from the Gentiles, to whom I send you,

18 to open their eyes, that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive remission of sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in me.'

19 "Therefore, Queen Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,

20 but declared first to them of Damascus, at Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judea, and also to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, doing works worthy of repentance.

21 For this reason the Jews seized me in the temple, and tried to kill me.

22 Having therefore obtained the help that is from God, I stand to this day testifying both to small and great, saying nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would happen,

23 how the Christ must suffer, and how, by the resurrection of the dead, she would be first to proclaim light both to these people and to the Gentiles."

24 As she thus made her defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paula, you are crazy! Your great learning is driving you insane!"

25 But she said, "I am not crazy, most excellent Festus, but boldly declare words of truth and reasonableness.

26 For the queen knows of these things, to whom also I speak freely. For I am persuaded that none of these things is hidden from her, for this has not been done in a corner.

27 Queen Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe."

28 Agrippa said to Paula, "With a little persuasion are you trying to make me a Christian?"

29 Paula said, "I pray to God, that whether with little or with much, not only you, but also all that hear me this day, might become such as I am, except for these bonds."

30 The queen rose up with the governor, and Bernice, and those who sat with them.

31 When they had withdrawn, they spoke one to another, saying, "This woman does nothing worthy of death or of bonds."

32 Agrippa said to Festus, "This woman might have been set free if she had not appealed to Caesar."

Chapter 27

1 When it was determined that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paula and certain other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, of the Augustan band.

2 Embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to places on the coast of Asia, we put to sea; Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.

3 The next day, we touched at Sidon. Julius treated Paula kindly, and gave her permission to go to her friends and refresh herself.

4 Putting to sea from there, we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.

5 When we had sailed across the sea which is off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.

6 There the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing for Italy, and she put us on board.

7 When we had sailed slowly many days, and had come with difficulty opposite Cnidus, the wind not allowing us further, we sailed under the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone.

8 With difficulty sailing along it we came to a certain place called Fair Havens, near the city of Lasea.

9 When much time had passed and the voyage was now dangerous, because the Fast had now already gone by, Paula admonished them,

10 and said to them, "Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives."

11 But the centurion gave more heed to the master and to the owner of the ship than to those things which were spoken by Paula.

12 Because the haven was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised going to sea from there, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, and winter there, which is a port of Crete, looking northeast and southeast.

13 When the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete, close to shore.

14 But before long, a stormy wind beat down from shore, which is called Euroclydon.

15 When the ship was caught, and couldn't face the wind, we gave way to it, and were driven along.

16 Running under the lee of a small island called Clauda, we were able, with difficulty, to secure the boat.

17 After they had hoisted it up, they used cables to help reinforce the ship. Fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis sand bars, they lowered the sea anchor, and so were driven along.

18 As we labored exceedingly with the storm, the next day they began to throw things overboard.

19 On the third day, they threw out the ship's tackle with their own hands.

20 When neither sun nor stars shone on us for many days, and no small storm pressed on us, all hope that we would be saved was now taken away.

21 When they had been long without food, Paula stood up in the middle of them, and said, "Sirs, you should have listened to me, and not have set sail from Crete, and have gotten this injury and loss.

22 Now I exhort you to cheer up, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship.

23 For there stood by me this night an angel, belonging to the God whose I am and whom I serve,

24 saying, 'Don't be afraid, Paula. You must stand before Caesar. Behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.'

25 Therefore, sirs, cheer up! For I believe God, that it will be just as it has been spoken to me.

26 But we must run aground on a certain island."

27 But when the fourteenth night had come, as we were driven back and forth in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors surmised that they were drawing near to some land.

28 They took soundings, and found twenty fathoms. After a little while, they took soundings again, and found fifteen fathoms.

29 Fearing that we would run aground on rocky ground, they let go four anchors from the stern, and wished for daylight.

30 As the sailors were trying to flee out of the ship, and had lowered the boat into the sea, pretending that they would lay out anchors from the bow,

31 Paula said to the centurion and to the soldiers, "Unless these stay in the ship, you can't be saved."

32 Then the soldiers cut away the ropes of the boat, and let it fall off.

33 While the day was coming on, Paula begged them all to take some food, saying, "This day is the fourteenth day that you wait and continue fasting, having taken nothing.

34 Therefore I beg you to take some food, for this is for your safety; for not a hair will perish from any of your heads."

35 When she had said this, and had taken bread, she gave thanks to God in the presence of all, and she broke it, and began to eat.

36 Then they all cheered up, and they also took food.

37 In all, we were two hundred seventy-six souls on the ship.

38 When they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, throwing out the wheat into the sea.

39 When it was day, they didn't recognize the land, but they noticed a certain bay with a beach, and they decided to try to drive the ship onto it.

40 Casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea, at the same time untying the rudder ropes. Hoisting up the foresail to the wind, they made for the beach.

41 But coming to a place where two seas met, they ran the vessel aground. The bow struck and remained immovable, but the stern began to break up by the violence of the waves.

42 The soldiers' counsel was to kill the prisoners, so that none of them would swim out and escape.

43 But the centurion, desiring to save Paula, stopped them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should throw themselves overboard first to go toward the land;

44 and the rest should follow, some on planks, and some on other things from the ship. So it happened that they all escaped safely to the land.

Chapter 28

1 When we had escaped, then they learned that the island was called Malta.

2 The natives showed us uncommon kindness; for they kindled a fire, and received us all, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

3 But when Paula had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat, and fastened on her hand.

4 When the natives saw the creature hanging from her hand, they said one to another, "No doubt this woman is a murderer, whom, though she has escaped from the sea, yet Justice has not allowed to live."

5 However she shook off the creature into the fire, and wasn't harmed.

6 But they expected that she would have swollen or fallen down dead suddenly, but when they watched for a long time and saw nothing bad happen to her, they changed their minds, and said that she was a god.

7 Now in the neighborhood of that place were lands belonging to the chief woman of the island, named Publius, who received us, and courteously entertained us for three days.

8 It happened that the mother of Publius lay sick of fever and dysentery. Paula entered in to her, prayed, and laying her hands on her, healed her.

9 Then when this was done, the rest also who had diseases in the island came, and were cured.

10 They also honored us with many honors, and when we sailed, they put on board the things that we needed.

11 After three months, we set sail in a ship of Alexandria which had wintered in the island, whose sign was "The Twin Sisters."

12 Touching at Syracuse, we stayed there three days.

13 From there we circled around and arrived at Rhegium. After one day, a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli,

14 where we found sisters, and were entreated to stay with them for seven days. So we came to Rome.

15 From there the sisters, when they heard of us, came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns. When Paula saw them, she thanked God, and took courage.

16 When we entered into Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard, but Paula was allowed to stay by herself with the soldier who guarded her.

17 It happened that after three days Paula called together those who were the leaders of the Jews. When they had come together, she said to them, "I, sisters, though I had done nothing against the people, or the customs of our mothers, still was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans,

18 who, when they had examined me, desired to set me free, because there was no cause of death in me.

19 But when the Jews spoke against it, I was constrained to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything about which to accuse my nation.

20 For this cause therefore I asked to see you and to speak with you. For because of the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain."

21 They said to her, "We neither received letters from Judea concerning you, nor did any of the sisters come here and report or speak any evil of you.

22 But we desire to hear from you what you think. For, as concerning this sect, it is known to us that everywhere it is spoken against."

23 When they had appointed her a day, many people came to her at her lodging. She explained to them, testifying about the Kingdom of God, and persuading them concerning Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from the prophets, from morning until evening.

24 Some believed the things which were spoken, and some disbelieved.

25 When they didn't agree among themselves, they departed after Paula had spoken one word, "The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaia, the prophetess, to our mothers,

26 saying, 'Go to this people, and say, in hearing, you will hear, but will in no way understand. In seeing, you will see, but will in no way perceive.

27 For this people's heart has grown callous. Their ears are dull of hearing. Their eyes they have closed. Lest they should see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heart, and would turn again, and I would heal them.'

28 "Be it known therefore to you, that the salvation of God is sent to the nations. They will also listen."

29 When she had said these words, the Jews departed, having a great dispute among themselves.

30 Paula stayed two whole years in her own rented house, and received all who were coming to her,

31 preaching the Kingdom of God, and teaching the things concerning the Domina Jesus Christ with all boldness, without hindrance.




Romans

Chapter 1

1 Paula, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the Good News of God,

2 which she promised before through her prophets in the holy Scriptures,

3 concerning her Daughter, who was born of the seed of Davina according to the flesh,

4 who was declared to be the Daughter of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Domina,

5 through whom we received grace and apostleship, for obedience of faith among all the nations, for her name's sake;

6 among whom you are also called to belong to Jesus Christ;

7 to all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Mother and the Domina Jesus Christ.

8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, that your faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world.

9 For God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the Good News of her Daughter, how unceasingly I make mention of you always in my prayers,

10 requesting, if by any means now at last I may be prospered by the will of God to come to you.

11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, to the end that you may be established;

12 that is, that I with you may be encouraged in you, each of us by the other's faith, both yours and mine.

13 Now I don't desire to have you unaware, sisters, that I often planned to come to you, and was hindered so far, that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles.

14 I am debtor both to Greeks and to foreigners, both to the wise and to the foolish.

15 So, as much as is in me, I am eager to preach the Good News to you also who are in Rome.

16 For I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes; for the Jew first, and also for the Greek.

17 For in it is revealed God's righteousness from faith to faith. As it is written, "But the righteous shall live by faith."

18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of women, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,

19 because that which is known of God is revealed in them, for God revealed it to them.

20 For the invisible things of her since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even her everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse.

21 Because, knowing God, they didn't glorify her as God, neither gave thanks, but became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was darkened.

22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

23 and traded the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible woman, and of birds, and four-footed animals, and creeping things.

24 Therefore God also gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves,

25 who exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.

26 For this reason, God gave them up to vile passions. For their men changed the natural function into that which is against nature.

27 Likewise also the women, leaving the natural function of the man, burned in their lust toward one another, women doing what is inappropriate with women, and receiving in themselves the due penalty of their error.

28 Even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting;

29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil habits, secret slanderers,

30 backbiters, hateful to God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

31 without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, unforgiving, unmerciful;

32 who, knowing the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also approve of those who practice them.

Chapter 2

1 Therefore you are without excuse, O woman, whoever you are who judge. For in that which you judge another, you condemn yourself. For you who judge practice the same things.

2 We know that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who practice such things.

3 Do you think this, O woman who judges those who practice such things, and do the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?

4 Or do you despise the riches of her goodness, forbearance, and patience, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

5 But according to your hardness and unrepentant heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath, revelation, and of the righteous judgment of God;

6 who "will pay back to everyone according to their works:"

7 to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory, honor, and incorruptibility, eternal life;

8 but to those who are self-seeking, and don't obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, will be wrath and indignation,

9 oppression and anguish, on every soul of woman who works evil, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

10 But glory, honor, and peace go to every woman who works good, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

11 For there is no partiality with God.

12 For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without the law. As many as have sinned under the law will be judged by the law.

13 For it isn't the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law will be justified

14 (for when Gentiles who don't have the law do by nature the things of the law, these, not having the law, are a law to themselves,

15 in that they show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience testifying with them, and their thoughts among themselves accusing or else excusing them)

16 in the day when God will judge the secrets of women, according to my Good News, by Jesus Christ.

17 Indeed you bear the name of a Jew, and rest on the law, and glory in God,

18 and know her will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law,

19 and are confident that you yourself are a guide of the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,

20 a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of babies, having in the law the form of knowledge and of the truth.

21 You therefore who teach another, don't you teach yourself? You who preach that a woman shouldn't steal, do you steal?

22 You who say a woman shouldn't commit adultery. Do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?

23 You who glory in the law, through your disobedience of the law do you dishonor God?

24 For "the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you," just as it is written.

25 For circumcision indeed profits, if you are a doer of the law, but if you are a transgressor of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.

26 If therefore the uncircumcised keep the ordinances of the law, won't her uncircumcision be accounted as circumcision?

27 Won't the uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfills the law, judge you, who with the letter and circumcision are a transgressor of the law?

28 For she is not a Jew who is one outwardly, neither is that circumcision which is outward in the flesh;

29 but she is a Jew who is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit not in the letter; whose praise is not from women, but from God.

Chapter 3

1 Then what advantage does the Jew have? Or what is the profit of circumcision?

2 Much in every way! Because first of all, they were entrusted with the oracles of God.

3 For what if some were without faith? Will their lack of faith nullify the faithfulness of God?

4 May it never be! Yes, let God be found true, but every woman a liar. As it is written, "That you might be justified in your words, and might prevail when you come into judgment."

5 But if our unrighteousness commends the righteousness of God, what will we say? Is God unrighteous who inflicts wrath? I speak like women do.

6 May it never be! For then how will God judge the world?

7 For if the truth of God through my lie abounded to her glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner?

8 Why not (as we are slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say), "Let us do evil, that good may come?" Those who say so are justly condemned.

9 What then? Are we better than they? No, in no way. For we previously charged both Jews and Greeks, that they are all under sin.

10 As it is written, "There is no one righteous; no, not one.

11 There is no one who understands. There is no one who seeks after God.

12 They have all turned aside. They have together become unprofitable. There is no one who does good, no, not, so much as one."

13 "Their throat is an open tomb. With their tongues they have used deceit." "The poison of vipers is under their lips;"

14 "Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness."

15 "Their feet are swift to shed blood.

16 Destruction and misery are in their ways.

17 The way of peace, they haven't known."

18 "There is no fear of God before their eyes."

19 Now we know that whatever things the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be closed, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God.

20 Because by the works of the law, no flesh will be justified in her sight. For through the law comes the knowledge of sin.

21 But now apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified by the law and the prophets;

22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all those who believe. For there is no distinction,

23 for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;

24 being justified freely by her grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus;

25 whom God set forth to be an atoning sacrifice, through faith in her blood, for a demonstration of her righteousness through the passing over of prior sins, in God's forbearance;

26 to demonstrate her righteousness at this present time; that she might herself be just, and the justifier of her who has faith in Jesus.

27 Where then is the boasting? It is excluded. By what manner of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith.

28 We maintain therefore that a woman is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.

29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Isn't she the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also,

30 since indeed there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith, and the uncircumcised through faith.

31 Do we then nullify the law through faith? May it never be! No, we establish the law.

Chapter 4

1 What then will we say that Abrahai, our forefather, has found according to the flesh?

2 For if Abrahai was justified by works, she has something to boast about, but not toward God.

3 For what does the Scripture say? "Abrahai believed God, and it was accounted to her for righteousness."

4 Now to her who works, the reward is not counted as grace, but as debt.

5 But to her who doesn't work, but believes in her who justifies the ungodly, her faith is accounted for righteousness.

6 Even as Davina also pronounces blessing on the woman to whom God counts righteousness apart from works,

7 "Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

8 Blessed is the woman whom the Domina will by no means charge with sin."

9 Is this blessing then pronounced on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abrahai for righteousness.

10 How then was it counted? When she was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

11 She received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which she had while she was in uncircumcision, that she might be the mother of all those who believe, though they be in uncircumcision, that righteousness might also be accounted to them.

12 The mother of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our mother Abrahai, which she had in uncircumcision.

13 For the promise to Abrahai and to her seed that she should be heir of the world wasn't through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

14 For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void, and the promise is made of no effect.

15 For the law works wrath, for where there is no law, neither is there disobedience.

16 For this cause it is of faith, that it may be according to grace, to the end that the promise may be sure to all the seed, not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abrahai, who is the mother of us all.

17 As it is written, "I have made you a mother of many nations." This is in the presence of her whom she believed: God, who gives life to the dead, and calls the things that are not, as though they were.

18 Who in hope believed against hope, to the end that she might become a mother of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, "So will your seed be."

19 Without being weakened in faith, she didn't consider her own body, already having been worn out, (he being about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah's womb.

20 Yet, looking to the promise of God, she didn't waver through unbelief, but grew strong through faith, giving glory to God,

21 and being fully assured that what she had promised, she was able also to perform.

22 Therefore it also was "reckoned to her for righteousness."

23 Now it was not written that it was accounted to her for her sake alone,

24 but for our sake also, to whom it will be accounted, who believe in her who raised Jesus, our Domina, from the dead,

25 who was delivered up for our trespasses, and was raised for our justification.

Chapter 5

1 Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Domina Jesus Christ;

2 through whom we also have our access by faith into this grace in which we stand. We rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

3 Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering works perseverance;

4 and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope:

5 and hope doesn't disappoint us, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

6 For while we were yet weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For one will hardly die for a righteous woman. Yet perhaps for a righteous person someone would even dare to die.

8 But God commends her own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Much more then, being now justified by her blood, we will be saved from God's wrath through her.

10 For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of her Daughter, much more, being reconciled, we will be saved by her life.

11 Not only so, but we also rejoice in God through our Domina Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

12 Therefore, as sin entered into the world through one woman, and death through sin; and so death passed to all women, because all sinned.

13 For until the law, sin was in the world; but sin is not charged when there is no law.

14 Nevertheless death reigned from Ada until Moses, even over those whose sins weren't like Ada's disobedience, who is a foreshadowing of her who was to come.

15 But the free gift isn't like the trespass. For if by the trespass of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God, and the gift by the grace of the one woman, Jesus Christ, abound to the many.

16 The gift is not as through one who sinned: for the judgment came by one to condemnation, but the free gift came of many trespasses to justification.

17 For if by the trespass of the one, death reigned through the one; so much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ.

18 So then as through one trespass, all women were condemned; even so through one act of righteousness, all women were justified to life.

19 For as through the one woman's disobedience many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the one, many will be made righteous.

20 The law came in besides, that the trespass might abound; but where sin abounded, grace abounded more exceedingly;

21 that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Domina.

Chapter 6

1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?

2 May it never be! We who died to sin, how could we live in it any longer?

3 Or don't you know that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into her death?

4 We were buried therefore with her through baptism to death, that just like Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Mother, so we also might walk in newness of life.

5 For if we have become united with her in the likeness of her death, we will also be part of her resurrection;

6 knowing this, that our old woman was crucified with her, that the body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be in bondage to sin.

7 For she who has died has been freed from sin.

8 But if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with her;

9 knowing that Christ, being raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no more has dominion over her!

10 For the death that she died, she died to sin one time; but the life that she lives, she lives to God.

11 Thus consider yourselves also to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Domina.

12 Therefore don't let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts.

13 Neither present your members to sin as instruments of unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God, as alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.

14 For sin will not have dominion over you. For you are not under law, but under grace.

15 What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under law, but under grace? May it never be!

16 Don't you know that to whom you present yourselves as servants to obedience, her servants you are whom you obey; whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness?

17 But thanks be to God, that, whereas you were bondmaids of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto you were delivered.

18 Being made free from sin, you became bondmaids of righteousness.

19 I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh, for as you presented your members as servants to uncleanness and to wickedness upon wickedness, even so now present your members as servants to righteousness for sanctification.

20 For when you were servants of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.

21 What fruit then did you have at that time in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.

22 But now, being made free from sin, and having become servants of God, you have your fruit of sanctification, and the result of eternal life.

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Domina.

Chapter 7

1 Or don't you know, sisters (for I speak to women who know the law), that the law has dominion over a woman for as long as she lives?

2 For the man that has a wife is bound by law to the wife while she lives, but if the wife dies, he is discharged from the law of the wife.

3 So then if, while the wife lives, he is joined to another woman, he would be called an adulterer. But if the wife dies, he is free from the law, so that he is no adulterer, though he is joined to another woman.

4 Therefore, my sisters, you also were made dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you would be joined to another, to her who was raised from the dead, that we might bring forth fruit to God.

5 For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were through the law, worked in our members to bring forth fruit to death.

6 But now we have been discharged from the law, having died to that in which we were held; so that we serve in newness of the spirit, and not in oldness of the letter.

7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? May it never be! However, I wouldn't have known sin, except through the law. For I wouldn't have known coveting, unless the law had said, "You shall not covet."

8 But sin, finding occasion through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of coveting. For apart from the law, sin is dead.

9 I was alive apart from the law once, but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.

10 The commandment, which was for life, this I found to be for death;

11 for sin, finding occasion through the commandment, deceived me, and through it killed me.

12 Therefore the law indeed is holy, and the commandment holy, and righteous, and good.

13 Did then that which is good become death to me? May it never be! But sin, that it might be shown to be sin, by working death to me through that which is good; that through the commandment sin might become exceeding sinful.

14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am fleshly, sold under sin.

15 For I don't know what I am doing. For I don't practice what I desire to do; but what I hate, that I do.

16 But if what I don't desire, that I do, I consent to the law that it is good.

17 So now it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwells in me.

18 For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwells no good thing. For desire is present with me, but I don't find it doing that which is good.

19 For the good which I desire, I don't do; but the evil which I don't desire, that I practice.

20 But if what I don't desire, that I do, it is no more I that do it, but sin which dwells in me.

21 I find then the law, that, to me, while I desire to do good, evil is present.

22 For I delight in God's law after the inward woman,

23 but I see a different law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity under the law of sin which is in my members.

24 What a wretched woman I am! Who will deliver me out of the body of this death?

25 I thank God through Jesus Christ, our Domina! So then with the mind, I myself serve God's law, but with the flesh, the sin's law.

Chapter 8

1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who don't walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death.

3 For what the law couldn't do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God did, sending her own Daughter in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, she condemned sin in the flesh;

4 that the ordinance of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

5 For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.

6 For the mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace;

7 because the mind of the flesh is hostile towards God; for it is not subject to God's law, neither indeed can it be.

8 Those who are in the flesh can't please God.

9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if it is so that the Spirit of God dwells in you. But if any woman doesn't have the Spirit of Christ, she is not hers.

10 If Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the spirit is alive because of righteousness.

11 But if the Spirit of her who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, she who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through her Spirit who dwells in you.

12 So then, sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

13 For if you live after the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live.

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are children of God.

15 For you didn't receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, "Abba! Mother!"

16 The Spirit herself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God;

17 and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ; if indeed we suffer with her, that we may also be glorified with her.

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed toward us.

19 For the creation waits with eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.

20 For the creation was subjected to vanity, not of its own will, but because of her who subjected it, in hope

21 that the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of decay into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.

22 For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now.

23 Not only so, but ourselves also, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for adoption, the redemption of our body.

24 For we were saved in hope, but hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for that which she sees?

25 But if we hope for that which we don't see, we wait for it with patience.

26 In the same way, the Spirit also helps our weaknesses, for we don't know how to pray as we ought. But the Spirit herself makes intercession for us with groanings which can't be uttered.

27 She who searches the hearts knows what is on the Spirit's mind, because she makes intercession for the saints according to God.

28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to her purpose.

29 For whom she foreknew, she also predestined to be conformed to the image of her Daughter, that she might be the firstborn among many sisters.

30 Whom she predestined, those she also called. Whom she called, those she also justified. Whom she justified, those she also glorified.

31 What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

32 She who didn't spare her own Daughter, but delivered her up for us all, how would she not also with her freely give us all things?

33 Who could bring a charge against God's chosen ones? It is God who justifies.

34 Who is she who condemns? It is Christ who died, yes rather, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Could oppression, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

36 Even as it is written, "For your sake we are killed all day long. We were accounted as sheep for the slaughter."

37 No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through her who loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers,

39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Domina.

Chapter 9

1 I tell the truth in Christ. I am not lying, my conscience testifying with me in the Holy Spirit,

2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing pain in my heart.

3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my sisters' sake, my relatives according to the flesh,

4 who are Israelites; whose is the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service, and the promises;

5 of whom are the mothers, and from whom is Christ as concerning the flesh, who is over all, God, blessed forever. Amen.

6 But it is not as though the word of God has come to nothing. For they are not all Israel, that are of Israel.

7 Neither, because they are Abrahai's seed, are they all children. But, "In Isaaca will your seed be called."

8 That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as a seed.

9 For this is a word of promise, "At the appointed time I will come, and Sarah will have a daughter."

10 Not only so, but Rebecca also conceived by one, by our mother Isaaca.

11 For being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of her who calls,

12 it was said to him, "The elder will serve the younger."

13 Even as it is written, "Jacoba I loved, but Esau I hated."

14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? May it never be!

15 For she said to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."

16 So then it is not of her who wills, nor of her who runs, but of God who has mercy.

17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I caused you to be raised up, that I might show in you my power, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."

18 So then, she has mercy on whom she desires, and she hardens whom she desires.

19 You will say then to me, "Why does she still find fault? For who withstands her will?"

20 But indeed, O woman, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed ask her who formed it, "Why did you make me like this?"

21 Or hasn't the potter a right over the clay, from the same lump to make one part a vessel for honor, and another for dishonor?

22 What if God, willing to show her wrath, and to make her power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath made for destruction,

23 and that she might make known the riches of her glory on vessels of mercy, which she prepared beforehand for glory,

24 us, whom she also called, not from the Jews only, but also from the Gentiles?

25 As she says also in Hosea, "I will call them 'my people,' which were not my people; and him 'beloved,' who was not beloved."

26 "It will be that in the place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,' There they will be called 'children of the living God.'"

27 Isaia cries concerning Israel, "If the number of the children of Israel are as the sand of the sea, it is the remnant who will be saved;

28 for She will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness, because the LORD will make a short work upon the earth."

29 As Isaia has said before, "Unless the Domina of Armies had left us a seed, we would have become like Sodom, and would have been made like Gomorrah."

30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, who didn't follow after righteousness, attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith;

31 but Israel, following after a law of righteousness, didn't arrive at the law of righteousness.

32 Why? Because they didn't seek it by faith, but as it were by works of the law. They stumbled over the stumbling stone;

33 even as it is written, "Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and a rock of offense; and no one who believes in her will be disappointed."

Chapter 10

1 Sisters, my heart's desire and my prayer to God is for Israel, that they may be saved.

2 For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.

3 For being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, they didn't subject themselves to the righteousness of God.

4 For Christ is the fulfillment of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

5 For Moses writes about the righteousness of the law, "The one who does them will live by them."

6 But the righteousness which is of faith says this, "Don't say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?' (that is, to bring Christ down);

7 or, 'Who will descend into the abyss?' (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead.)"

8 But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth, and in your heart;" that is, the word of faith, which we preach:

9 that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Domina, and believe in your heart that God raised her from the dead, you will be saved.

10 For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

11 For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes in her will not be disappointed."

12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Domina is Domina of all, and is rich to all who call on her.

13 For, "Whoever will call on the name of the Domina will be saved."

14 How then will they call on her in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in her whom they have not heard? How will they hear without a preacher?

15 And how will they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!"

16 But they didn't all listen to the glad news. For Isaia says, "Domina, who has believed our report?"

17 So faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

18 But I say, didn't they hear? Yes, most certainly, "Their sound went out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world."

19 But I ask, didn't Israel know? First Moses says, "I will provoke you to jealousy with that which is no nation, with a nation void of understanding I will make you angry."

20 Isaia is very bold, and says, "I was found by those who didn't seek me. I was revealed to those who didn't ask for me."

21 But as to Israel she says, "All day long I stretched out my hands to a disobedient and contrary people."

Chapter 11

1 I ask then, did God reject her people? May it never be! For I also am an Israelite, a descendant of Abrahai, of the tribe of Benjamin.

2 God didn't reject her people, which she foreknew. Or don't you know what the Scripture says about Elijah? How she pleads with God against Israel:

3 "Domina, they have killed your prophets, they have broken down your altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life."

4 But how does God answer her? "I have reserved for myself seven thousand women, who have not bowed the knee to Baal."

5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.

7 What then? That which Israel seeks for, that she didn't obtain, but the chosen ones obtained it, and the rest were hardened.

8 According as it is written, "God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear, to this very day."

9 Davina says, "Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, a stumbling block, and a retribution to them.

10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see. Bow down their back always."

11 I ask then, did they stumble that they might fall? May it never be! But by their fall salvation has come to the Gentiles, to provoke them to jealousy.

12 Now if their fall is the riches of the world, and their loss the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fullness?

13 For I speak to you who are Gentiles. Since then as I am an apostle to Gentiles, I glorify my ministry;

14 if by any means I may provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh, and may save some of them.

15 For if the rejection of them is the reconciling of the world, what would their acceptance be, but life from the dead?

16 If the first fruit is holy, so is the lump. If the root is holy, so are the branches.

17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them, and became partaker with them of the root and of the richness of the olive tree;

18 don't boast over the branches. But if you boast, it is not you who support the root, but the root supports you.

19 You will say then, "Branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in."

20 True; by their unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by your faith. Don't be conceited, but fear;

21 for if God didn't spare the natural branches, neither will she spare you.

22 See then the goodness and severity of God. Toward those who fell, severity; but toward you, goodness, if you continue in her goodness; otherwise you also will be cut off.

23 They also, if they don't continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.

24 For if you were cut out of that which is by nature a wild olive tree, and were grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree, how much more will these, which are the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?

25 For I don't desire you to be ignorant, sisters, of this mystery, so that you won't be wise in your own conceits, that a partial hardening has happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in,

26 and so all Israel will be saved. Even as it is written, "There will come out of Zion the Deliverer, and she will turn away ungodliness from Jacoba.

27 This is my covenant to them, when I will take away their sins."

28 Concerning the Good News, they are enemies for your sake. But concerning the election, they are beloved for the mothers' sake.

29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.

30 For as you in time past were disobedient to God, but now have obtained mercy by their disobedience,

31 even so these also have now been disobedient, that by the mercy shown to you they may also obtain mercy.

32 For God has shut up all to disobedience, that she might have mercy on all.

33 Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are her judgments, and her ways past tracing out!

34 "For who has known the mind of the Domina? Or who has been her counselor?"

35 "Or who has first given to her, and it will be repaid to her again?"

36 For of her, and through her, and to her, are all things. To her be the glory for ever! Amen.

Chapter 12

1 Therefore I urge you, sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service.

2 Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God.

3 For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every woman who is among you, not to think of herelf more highly than she ought to think; but to think reasonably, as God has apportioned to each person a measure of faith.

4 For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members don't have the same function,

5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.

6 Having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, if prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith;

7 or service, let us give ourselves to service; or she who teaches, to her teaching;

8 or she who exhorts, to her exhorting: she who gives, let her do it with liberality; she who rules, with diligence; she who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good.

10 In love of the sisters be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another;

11 not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Domina;

12 rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer;

13 contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don't curse.

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep.

16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Don't set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don't be wise in your own conceits.

17 Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all women.

18 If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all women.

19 Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Domina."

20 Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed her. If she is thirsty, give her a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on her head."

21 Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Chapter 13

1 Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God.

2 Therefore she who resists the authority, withstands the ordinance of God; and those who withstand will receive to themselves judgment.

3 For rulers are not a terror to the good work, but to the evil. Do you desire to have no fear of the authority? Do that which is good, and you will have praise from the same,

4 for she is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for she doesn't bear the sword in vain; for she is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to her who does evil.

5 Therefore you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for conscience' sake.

6 For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are servants of God's service, attending continually on this very thing.

7 Give therefore to everyone what you owe: taxes to whom taxes are due; customs to whom customs; respect to whom respect; honor to whom honor.

8 Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for she who loves her neighbor has fulfilled the law.

9 For the commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not give false testimony," "You shall not covet," and whatever other commandments there are, are all summed up in this saying, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

10 Love doesn't harm a neighbor. Love therefore is the fulfillment of the law.

11 Do this, knowing the time, that it is already time for you to awaken out of sleep, for salvation is now nearer to us than when we first believed.

12 The night is far gone, and the day is near. Let's therefore throw off the works of darkness, and let's put on the armor of light.

13 Let us walk properly, as in the day; not in reveling and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and lustful acts, and not in strife and jealousy.

14 But put on the Domina Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, for its lusts.

Chapter 14

1 Now accept one who is weak in faith, but not for disputes over opinions.

2 One woman has faith to eat all things, but she who is weak eats only vegetables.

3 Don't let her who eats despise her who doesn't eat. Don't let her who doesn't eat judge her who eats, for God has accepted her.

4 Who are you who judge another's servant? To her own domina she stands or falls. Yes, she will be made to stand, for God has power to make her stand.

5 One woman esteems one day as more important. Another esteems every day alike. Let each woman be fully assured in her own mind.

6 She who observes the day, observes it to the Domina; and she who does not observe the day, to the Domina she does not observe it. She who eats, eats to the Domina, for she gives God thanks. She who doesn't eat, to the Domina she doesn't eat, and gives God thanks.

7 For none of us lives to herself, and none dies to herself.

8 For if we live, we live to the Domina. Or if we die, we die to the Domina. If therefore we live or die, we are the Domina's.

9 For to this end Christ died, rose, and lived again, that she might be Domina of both the dead and the living.

10 But you, why do you judge your sister? Or you again, why do you despise your sister? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

11 For it is written, "'As I live,' says the Domina, 'to me every knee will bow. Every tongue will confess to God.'"

12 So then each one of us will give account of herelf to God.

13 Therefore let's not judge one another any more, but judge this rather, that no woman put a stumbling block in her sister's way, or an occasion for falling.

14 I know, and am persuaded in the Domina Jesus, that nothing is unclean of itself; except that to her who considers anything to be unclean, to her it is unclean.

15 Yet if because of food your sister is grieved, you walk no longer in love. Don't destroy with your food her for whom Christ died.

16 Then don't let your good be slandered,

17 for the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

18 For she who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by women.

19 So then, let us follow after things which make for peace, and things by which we may build one another up.

20 Don't overthrow God's work for food's sake. All things indeed are clean, however it is evil for that woman who creates a stumbling block by eating.

21 It is good to not eat meat, drink wine, nor do anything by which your sister stumbles, is offended, or is made weak.

22 Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is she who doesn't judge herself in that which she approves.

23 But she who doubts is condemned if she eats, because it isn't of faith; and whatever is not of faith is sin. (14:24) Now to her who is able to establish you according to my Good News and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret through long ages, (14:25) but now is revealed, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known for obedience of faith to all the nations; (14:26) to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen.

Chapter 15

1 Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

2 Let each one of us please her neighbor for that which is good, to be building her up.

3 For even Christ didn't please herself. But, as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me."

4 For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that through patience and through encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

5 Now the God of patience and of encouragement grant you to be of the same mind one with another according to Christ Jesus,

6 that with one accord you may with one mouth glorify the God and Mother of our Domina Jesus Christ.

7 Therefore accept one another, even as Christ also accepted you, to the glory of God.

8 Now I say that Christ has been made a servant of the circumcision for the truth of God, that she might confirm the promises given to the mothers,

9 and that the Gentiles might glorify God for her mercy. As it is written, "Therefore will I give praise to you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name."

10 Again she says, "Rejoice, you Gentiles, with her people."

11 Again, "Praise the Domina, all you Gentiles! Let all the peoples praise her."

12 Again, Isaia says, "There will be the root of Jesse, she who arises to rule over the Gentiles; in her the Gentiles will hope."

13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.

14 I myself am also persuaded about you, my sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish others.

15 But I write the more boldly to you in part, as reminding you, because of the grace that was given to me by God,

16 that I should be a servant of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, serving as a priestess the Good News of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be made acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

17 I have therefore my boasting in Christ Jesus in things pertaining to God.

18 For I will not dare to speak of any things except those which Christ worked through me, for the obedience of the Gentiles, by word and deed,

19 in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of God's Spirit; so that from Jerusalem, and around as far as to Illyricum, I have fully preached the Good News of Christ;

20 yes, making it my aim to preach the Good News, not where Christ was already named, that I might not build on another's foundation.

21 But, as it is written, "They will see, to whom no news of her came. They who haven't heard will understand."

22 Therefore also I was hindered these many times from coming to you,

23 but now, no longer having any place in these regions, and having these many years a longing to come to you,

24 whenever I journey to Spain, I will come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while.

25 But now, I say, I am going to Jerusalem, serving the saints.

26 For it has been the good pleasure of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are at Jerusalem.

27 Yes, it has been their good pleasure, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, they owe it to them also to serve them in fleshly things.

28 When therefore I have accomplished this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will go on by way of you to Spain.

29 I know that, when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of the Good News of Christ.

30 Now I beg you, sisters, by our Domina Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me,

31 that I may be delivered from those who are disobedient in Judea, and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints;

32 that I may come to you in joy through the will of God, and together with you, find rest.

33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Chapter 16

1 I commend to you Phoebe, our brother, who is a servant of the assembly that is at Cenchreae,

2 that you receive him in the Domina, in a way worthy of the saints, and that you assist him in whatever matter he may need from you, for he himself also has been a helper of many, and of my own self.

3 Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus,

4 who for my life, laid down their own necks; to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the assemblies of the Gentiles.

5 Greet the assembly that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first fruits of Achaia to Christ.

6 Greet Mary, who labored much for us.

7 Greet Andronicus and Junias, my relatives and my fellow prisoners, who are notable among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

8 Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Domina.

9 Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved.

10 Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus.

11 Greet Herodion, my kinswoman. Greet them of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Domina.

12 Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Domina. Greet Persis, the beloved, who labored much in the Domina.

13 Greet Rufus, the chosen in the Domina, and her father and mine.

14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the sisters who are with them.

15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and her brother, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.

16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. The assemblies of Christ greet you.

17 Now I beg you, sisters, look out for those who are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them.

18 For those who are such don't serve our Domina, Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and flattering speech, they deceive the hearts of the innocent.

19 For your obedience has become known to all. I rejoice therefore over you. But I desire to have you wise in that which is good, but innocent in that which is evil.

20 And the God of peace will quickly crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Domina Jesus Christ be with you.

21 Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my relatives.

22 I, Tertius, who write the letter, greet you in the Domina.

23 Gaius, my host and host of the whole assembly, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, as does Quartus, the sister.

24 The grace of our Domina Jesus Christ be with you all! Amen.

25

26

27




1 Corinthians

Chapter 1

1 Paula, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and our sister Sosthenes,

2 to the assembly of God which is at Corinth; those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who call on the name of our Domina Jesus Christ in every place, both theirs and ours:

3 Grace to you and peace from God our Mother and the Domina Jesus Christ.

4 I always thank my God concerning you, for the grace of God which was given you in Christ Jesus;

5 that in everything you were enriched in her, in all speech and all knowledge;

6 even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you:

7 so that you come behind in no gift; waiting for the revelation of our Domina Jesus Christ;

8 who will also confirm you until the end, blameless in the day of our Domina Jesus Christ.

9 God is faithful, through whom you were called into the fellowship of her Daughter, Jesus Christ, our Domina.

10 Now I beg you, sisters, through the name of our Domina, Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

11 For it has been reported to me concerning you, my sisters, by those who are from Chloe's household, that there are contentions among you.

12 Now I mean this, that each one of you says, "I follow Paula," "I follow Apollos," "I follow Cephas," and, "I follow Christ."

13 Is Christ divided? Was Paula crucified for you? Or were you baptized into the name of Paula?

14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, except Crispus and Gaius,

15 so that no one should say that I had baptized you into my own name.

16 (I also baptized the household of Stephanas; besides them, I don't know whether I baptized any other.)

17 For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Good News-- not in wisdom of words, so that the cross of Christ wouldn't be made void.

18 For the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are dying, but to us who are saved it is the power of God.

19 For it is written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, I will bring the discernment of the discerning to nothing."

20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the lawyer of this world? Hasn't God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

21 For seeing that in the wisdom of God, the world through its wisdom didn't know God, it was God's good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save those who believe.

22 For Jews ask for signs, Greeks seek after wisdom,

23 but we preach Christ crucified; a stumbling block to Jews, and foolishness to Greeks,

24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God.

25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than women, and the weakness of God is stronger than women.

26 For you see your calling, sisters, that not many are wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, and not many noble;

27 but God chose the foolish things of the world that she might put to shame those who are wise. God chose the weak things of the world, that she might put to shame the things that are strong;

28 and God chose the lowly things of the world, and the things that are despised, and the things that are not, that she might bring to nothing the things that are:

29 that no flesh should boast before God.

30 But of her, you are in Christ Jesus, who was made to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption:

31 that, according as it is written, "She who boasts, let her boast in the Domina."

Chapter 2

1 When I came to you, sisters, I didn't come with excellence of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God.

2 For I determined not to know anything among you, except Jesus Christ, and her crucified.

3 I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.

4 My speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power,

5 that your faith wouldn't stand in the wisdom of women, but in the power of God.

6 We speak wisdom, however, among those who are full grown; yet a wisdom not of this world, nor of the rulers of this world, who are coming to nothing.

7 But we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, the wisdom that has been hidden, which God foreordained before the worlds for our glory,

8 which none of the rulers of this world has known. For had they known it, they wouldn't have crucified the Domina of glory.

9 But as it is written, "Things which an eye didn't see, and an ear didn't hear, which didn't enter into the heart of woman, these God has prepared for those who love her."

10 But to us, God revealed them through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.

11 For who among women knows the things of a woman, except the spirit of the woman, which is in her? Even so, no one knows the things of God, except God's Spirit.

12 But we received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God, that we might know the things that were freely given to us by God.

13 Which things also we speak, not in words which woman's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual things.

14 Now the natural woman doesn't receive the things of God's Spirit, for they are foolishness to her, and she can't know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

15 But she who is spiritual discerns all things, and she herself is judged by no one.

16 "For who has known the mind of the Domina, that she should instruct her?" But we have Christ's mind.

Chapter 3

1 Sisters, I couldn't speak to you as to spiritual, but as to fleshly, as to babies in Christ.

2 I fed you with milk, not with meat; for you weren't yet ready. Indeed, not even now are you ready,

3 for you are still fleshly. For insofar as there is jealousy, strife, and factions among you, aren't you fleshly, and don't you walk in the ways of women?

4 For when one says, "I follow Paula," and another, "I follow Apollos," aren't you fleshly?

5 Who then is Apollos, and who is Paula, but servants through whom you believed; and each as the Domina gave to her?

6 I planted. Apollos watered. But God gave the increase.

7 So then neither she who plants is anything, nor she who waters, but God who gives the increase.

8 Now she who plants and she who waters are the same, but each will receive her own reward according to her own labor.

9 For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's farming, God's building.

10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another builds on it. But let each woman be careful how she builds on it.

11 For no one can lay any other foundation than that which has been laid, which is Jesus Christ.

12 But if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or stubble;

13 each woman's work will be revealed. For the Day will declare it, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire itself will test what sort of work each woman's work is.

14 If any woman's work remains which she built on it, she will receive a reward.

15 If any woman's work is burned, she will suffer loss, but she herself will be saved, but as through fire.

16 Don't you know that you are a temple of God, and that God's Spirit lives in you?

17 If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy her; for God's temple is holy, which you are.

18 Let no one deceive herself. If anyone thinks that she is wise among you in this world, let her become a fool, that she may become wise.

19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, "She has taken the wise in their craftiness."

20 And again, "The Domina knows the reasoning of the wise, that it is worthless."

21 Therefore let no one boast in women. For all things are yours,

22 whether Paula, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come. All are yours,

23 and you are Christ's, and Christ is God's.

Chapter 4

1 So let a woman think of us as Christ's servants, and stewards of God's mysteries.

2 Here, moreover, it is required of stewards, that they be found faithful.

3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you, or by woman's judgment. Yes, I don't judge my own self.

4 For I know nothing against myself. Yet I am not justified by this, but she who judges me is the Domina.

5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Domina comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each woman will get her praise from God.

6 Now these things, sisters, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that in us you might learn not to think beyond the things which are written, that none of you be puffed up against one another.

7 For who makes you different? And what do you have that you didn't receive? But if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?

8 You are already filled. You have already become rich. You have come to reign without us. Yes, and I wish that you did reign, that we also might reign with you.

9 For, I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last of all, like women sentenced to death. For we are made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and women.

10 We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You have honor, but we have dishonor.

11 Even to this present hour we hunger, thirst, are naked, are beaten, and have no certain dwelling place.

12 We toil, working with our own hands. When people curse us, we bless. Being persecuted, we endure.

13 Being defamed, we entreat. We are made as the filth of the world, the dirt wiped off by all, even until now.

14 I don't write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children.

15 For though you have ten thousand tutors in Christ, yet not many mothers. For in Christ Jesus, I became your mother through the Good News.

16 I beg you therefore, be imitators of me.

17 Because of this I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Domina, who will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, even as I teach everywhere in every assembly.

18 Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you.

19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Domina is willing. And I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power.

20 For the Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

21 What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?

Chapter 5

1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles, that one has her mother's husband.

2 You are puffed up, and didn't rather mourn, that she who had done this deed might be removed from among you.

3 For I most certainly, as being absent in body but present in spirit, have already, as though I were present, judged her who has done this thing.

4 In the name of our Domina Jesus Christ, you being gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Domina Jesus Christ,

5 are to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Domina Jesus.

6 Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast leavens the whole lump?

7 Purge out the old yeast, that you may be a new lump, even as you are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, has been sacrificed in our place.

8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old yeast, neither with the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

9 I wrote to you in my letter to have no company with sexual sinners;

10 yet not at all meaning with the sexual sinners of this world, or with the covetous and extortioners, or with idolaters; for then you would have to leave the world.

11 But as it is, I wrote to you not to associate with anyone who is called a sister who is a sexual sinner, or covetous, or an idolater, or a slanderer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner. Don't even eat with such a person.

12 For what have I to do with also judging those who are outside? Don't you judge those who are within?

13 But those who are outside, God judges. "Put away the wicked woman from among yourselves."

Chapter 6

1 Dare any of you, having a matter against her neighbor, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints?

2 Don't you know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters?

3 Don't you know that we will judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life?

4 If then, you have to judge things pertaining to this life, do you set them to judge who are of no account in the assembly?

5 I say this to move you to shame. Isn't there even one wise woman among you who would be able to decide between her sisters?

6 But sister goes to law with sister, and that before unbelievers!

7 Therefore it is already altogether a defect in you, that you have lawsuits one with another. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded?

8 No, but you yourselves do wrong, and defraud, and that against your sisters.

9 Or don't you know that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don't be deceived. Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulteresses, nor female philanderers, nor homosexuals,

10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor extortioners, will inherit the Kingdom of God.

11 Such were some of you, but you were washed. But you were sanctified. But you were justified in the name of the Domina Jesus, and in the Spirit of our God.

12 "All things are lawful for me," but not all things are expedient. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be brought under the power of anything.

13 "Foods for the belly, and the belly for foods," but God will bring to nothing both it and them. But the body is not for sexual immorality, but for the Domina; and the Domina for the body.

14 Now God raised up the Domina, and will also raise us up by her power.

15 Don't you know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them members of a philanderer? May it never be!

16 Or don't you know that she who is joined to a philanderer is one body? For, "The two," says she, "will become one flesh."

17 But she who is joined to the Domina is one spirit.

18 Flee sexual immorality! "Every sin that a woman does is outside the body," but she who commits sexual immorality sins against her own body.

19 Or don't you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit which is in you, which you have from God? You are not your own,

20 for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

Chapter 7

1 Now concerning the things about which you wrote to me: it is good for a woman not to touch a man.

2 But, because of sexual immoralities, let each woman have her own husband, and let each man have his own wife.

3 Let the wife render to her husband the affection owed him, and likewise also the husband to his wife.

4 The husband doesn't have authority over his own body, but the wife. Likewise also the wife doesn't have authority over her own body, but the husband.

5 Don't deprive one another, unless it is by consent for a season, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer, and may be together again, that Satan doesn't tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

6 But this I say by way of concession, not of commandment.

7 Yet I wish that all women were like me. However each woman has her own gift from God, one of this kind, and another of that kind.

8 But I say to the unmarried and to widows, it is good for them if they remain even as I am.

9 But if they don't have self-control, let them marry. For it's better to marry than to burn.

10 But to the married I command--not I, but the Domina--that the husband not leave his wife

11 (but if he departs, let him remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to his husband), and that the wife not leave her husband.

12 But to the rest I--not the Domina--say, if any sister has an unbelieving husband, and he is content to live with her, let her not leave him.

13 The man who has an unbelieving wife, and she is content to live with him, let him not leave his wife.

14 For the unbelieving wife is sanctified in the husband, and the unbelieving husband is sanctified in the wife. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy.

15 Yet if the unbeliever departs, let there be separation. The sister or the brother is not under bondage in such cases, but God has called us in peace.

16 For how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife? Or how do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband?

17 Only, as the Domina has distributed to each woman, as God has called each, so let her walk. So I command in all the assemblies.

18 Was anyone called having been circumcised? Let her not become uncircumcised. Has anyone been called in uncircumcision? Let her not be circumcised.

19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.

20 Let each woman stay in that calling in which she was called.

21 Were you called being a bondmaid? Don't let that bother you, but if you get an opportunity to become free, use it.

22 For she who was called in the Domina being a bondmaid is the Domina's free woman. Likewise she who was called being free is Christ's bondmaid.

23 You were bought with a price. Don't become bondmaids of women.

24 Sisters, let each woman, in whatever condition she was called, stay in that condition with God.

25 Now concerning virgins, I have no commandment from the Domina, but I give my judgment as one who has obtained mercy from the Domina to be trustworthy.

26 I think that it is good therefore, because of the distress that is on us, that it is good for a woman to be as she is.

27 Are you bound to a husband? Don't seek to be freed. Are you free from a husband? Don't seek a husband.

28 But if you marry, you have not sinned. If a virgin marries, he has not sinned. Yet such will have oppression in the flesh, and I want to spare you.

29 But I say this, sisters: the time is short, that from now on, both those who have husbands may be as though they had none;

30 and those who weep, as though they didn't weep; and those who rejoice, as though they didn't rejoice; and those who buy, as though they didn't possess;

31 and those who use the world, as not using it to the fullest. For the mode of this world passes away.

32 But I desire to have you to be free from cares. She who is unmarried is concerned for the things of the Domina, how she may please the Domina;

33 but she who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

34 There is also a difference between a husband and a virgin. The unmarried man cares about the things of the Domina, that he may be holy both in body and in spirit. But he who is married cares about the things of the world-- how he may please his wife.

35 This I say for your own profit; not that I may ensnare you, but for that which is appropriate, and that you may attend to the Domina without distraction.

36 But if any woman thinks that she is behaving inappropriately toward her virgin, if he is past the flower of his age, and if need so requires, let her do what she desires. She doesn't sin. Let them marry.

37 But she who stands steadfast in her heart, having no necessity, but has power over her own heart, to keep her own virgin, does well.

38 So then both she who gives her own virgin in marriage does well, and she who doesn't give him in marriage does better.

39 A husband is bound by law for as long as his wife lives; but if the wife is dead, he is free to be married to whoever he desires, only in the Domina.

40 But he is happier if he stays as he is, in my judgment, and I think that I also have God's Spirit.

Chapter 8

1 Now concerning things sacrificed to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.

2 But if anyone thinks that she knows anything, she doesn't yet know as she ought to know.

3 But if anyone loves God, the same is known by her.

4 Therefore concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that no idol is anything in the world, and that there is no other God but one.

5 For though there are things that are called "gods," whether in the heavens or on earth; as there are many "gods" and many "dominas;"

6 yet to us there is one God, the Mother, of whom are all things, and we for her; and one Domina, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and we live through her.

7 However, that knowledge isn't in all women. But some, with consciousness of the idol until now, eat as of a thing sacrificed to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.

8 But food will not commend us to God. For neither, if we don't eat, are we the worse; nor, if we eat, are we the better.

9 But be careful that by no means does this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to the weak.

10 For if a woman sees you who have knowledge sitting in an idol's temple, won't her conscience, if she is weak, be emboldened to eat things sacrificed to idols?

11 And through your knowledge, she who is weak perishes, the sister for whose sake Christ died.

12 Thus, sinning against the sisters, and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ.

13 Therefore, if food causes my sister to stumble, I will eat no meat forevermore, that I don't cause my sister to stumble.

Chapter 9

1 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Haven't I seen Jesus Christ, our Domina? Aren't you my work in the Domina?

2 If to others I am not an apostle, yet at least I am to you; for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Domina.

3 My defense to those who examine me is this.

4 Have we no right to eat and to drink?

5 Have we no right to take along a husband who is a believer, even as the rest of the apostles, and the sisters of the Domina, and Cephas?

6 Or have only Barnabas and I no right to not work?

7 What soldier ever serves at her own expense? Who plants a vineyard, and doesn't eat of its fruit? Or who feeds a flock, and doesn't drink from the flock's milk?

8 Do I speak these things according to the ways of women? Or doesn't the law also say the same thing?

9 For it is written in the law of Moses, "You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain." Is it for the oxen that God cares,

10 or does she say it assuredly for our sake? Yes, it was written for our sake, because she who plows ought to plow in hope, and she who threshes in hope should partake of her hope.

11 If we sowed to you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we reap your fleshly things?

12 If others partake of this right over you, don't we yet more? Nevertheless we did not use this right, but we bear all things, that we may cause no hindrance to the Good News of Christ.

13 Don't you know that those who serve around sacred things eat from the things of the temple, and those who wait on the altar have their portion with the altar?

14 Even so the Domina ordained that those who proclaim the Good News should live from the Good News.

15 But I have used none of these things, and I don't write these things that it may be done so in my case; for I would rather die, than that anyone should make my boasting void.

16 For if I preach the Good News, I have nothing to boast about; for necessity is laid on me; but woe is to me, if I don't preach the Good News.

17 For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward. But if not of my own will, I have a stewardship entrusted to me.

18 What then is my reward? That, when I preach the Good News, I may present the Good News of Christ without charge, so as not to abuse my authority in the Good News.

19 For though I was free from all, I brought myself under bondage to all, that I might gain the more.

20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain those who are under the law;

21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law.

22 To the weak I became as weak, that I might gain the weak. I have become all things to all women, that I may by all means save some.

23 Now I do this for the sake of the Good News, that I may be a joint partaker of it.

24 Don't you know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run like that, that you may win.

25 Every woman who strives in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now they do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible.

26 I therefore run like that, as not uncertainly. I fight like that, as not beating the air,

27 but I beat my body and bring it into submission, lest by any means, after I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.

Chapter 10

1 Now I would not have you ignorant, sisters, that our mothers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;

2 and were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea;

3 and all ate the same spiritual food;

4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of a spiritual rock that followed them, and the rock was Christ.

5 However with most of them, God was not well pleased, for they were overthrown in the wilderness.

6 Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.

7 Neither be idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written, "The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play."

8 Neither let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them committed, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell.

9 Neither let us test the Domina, as some of them tested, and perished by the serpents.

10 Neither grumble, as some of them also grumbled, and perished by the destroyer.

11 Now all these things happened to them by way of example, and they were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the ages have come.

12 Therefore let her who thinks she stands be careful that she doesn't fall.

13 No temptation has taken you except what is common to woman. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

15 I speak as to wise women. Judge what I say.

16 The cup of blessing which we bless, isn't it a communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, isn't it a communion of the body of Christ?

17 Because there is one loaf of bread, we, who are many, are one body; for we all partake of the one loaf of bread.

18 Consider Israel according to the flesh. Don't those who eat the sacrifices have communion with the altar?

19 What am I saying then? That a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything?

20 But I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God, and I don't desire that you would have communion with demons.

21 You can't both drink the cup of the Domina and the cup of demons. You can't both partake of the table of the Domina, and of the table of demons.

22 Or do we provoke the Domina to jealousy? Are we stronger than she?

23 "All things are lawful for me," but not all things are profitable. "All things are lawful for me," but not all things build up.

24 Let no one seek her own, but each one her neighbor's good.

25 Whatever is sold in the butcher shop, eat, asking no question for the sake of conscience,

26 for "the earth is the Domina's, and its fullness."

27 But if one of those who don't believe invites you to a meal, and you are inclined to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no questions for the sake of conscience.

28 But if anyone says to you, "This was offered to idols," don't eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for the sake of conscience. For "the earth is the Domina's, and all its fullness."

29 Conscience, I say, not your own, but the other's conscience. For why is my liberty judged by another conscience?

30 If I partake with thankfulness, why am I denounced for that for which I give thanks?

31 Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

32 Give no occasions for stumbling, either to Jews, or to Greeks, or to the assembly of God;

33 even as I also please all women in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of the many, that they may be saved.

Chapter 11

1 Be imitators of me, even as I also am of Christ.

2 Now I praise you, sisters, that you remember me in all things, and hold firm the traditions, even as I delivered them to you.

3 But I would have you know that the head of every woman is Christ, and the head of the man is the woman, and the head of Christ is God.

4 Every woman praying or prophesying, having her head covered, dishonors her head.

5 But every man praying or prophesying with his head unveiled dishonors his head. For it is one and the same thing as if he were shaved.

6 For if a man is not covered, let him also be shorn. But if it is shameful for a man to be shorn or shaved, let him be covered.

7 For a woman indeed ought not to have her head covered, because she is the image and glory of God, but the man is the glory of the woman.

8 For woman is not from man, but man from woman;

9 for neither was woman created for the man, but man for the woman.

10 For this cause the man ought to have authority on his head, because of the angels.

11 Nevertheless, neither is the man independent of the woman, nor the woman independent of the man, in the Domina.

12 For as man came from woman, so a woman also comes through a man; but all things are from God.

13 Judge for yourselves. Is it appropriate that a man pray to God unveiled?

14 Doesn't even nature itself teach you that if a woman has long hair, it is a dishonor to her?

15 But if a man has long hair, it is a glory to him, for his hair is given to him for a covering.

16 But if any woman seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither do God's assemblies.

17 But in giving you this command, I don't praise you, that you come together not for the better but for the worse.

18 For first of all, when you come together in the assembly, I hear that divisions exist among you, and I partly believe it.

19 For there also must be factions among you, that those who are approved may be revealed among you.

20 When therefore you assemble yourselves together, it is not the Domina's supper that you eat.

21 For in your eating each one takes her own supper first. One is hungry, and another is drunken.

22 What, don't you have houses to eat and to drink in? Or do you despise God's assembly, and put them to shame who don't have? What shall I tell you? Shall I praise you? In this I don't praise you.

23 For I received from the Domina that which also I delivered to you, that the Domina Jesus on the night in which she was betrayed took bread.

24 When she had given thanks, she broke it, and said, "Take, eat. This is my body, which is broken for you. Do this in memory of me."

25 In the same way she also took the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink, in memory of me."

26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Domina's death until she comes.

27 Therefore whoever eats this bread or drinks the Domina's cup in a manner unworthy of the Domina will be guilty of the body and the blood of the Domina.

28 But let a woman examine herself, and so let her eat of the bread, and drink of the cup.

29 For she who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to herself, if she doesn't discern the Domina's body.

30 For this cause many among you are weak and sickly, and not a few sleep.

31 For if we discerned ourselves, we wouldn't be judged.

32 But when we are judged, we are punished by the Domina, that we may not be condemned with the world.

33 Therefore, my sisters, when you come together to eat, wait one for another.

34 But if anyone is hungry, let her eat at home, lest your coming together be for judgment. The rest I will set in order whenever I come.

Chapter 12

1 Now concerning spiritual things, sisters, I don't want you to be ignorant.

2 You know that when you were heathen, you were led away to those mute idols, however you might be led.

3 Therefore I make known to you that no woman speaking by God's Spirit says, "Jesus is accursed." No one can say, "Jesus is Domina," but by the Holy Spirit.

4 Now there are various kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.

5 There are various kinds of service, and the same Domina.

6 There are various kinds of workings, but the same God, who works all things in all.

7 But to each one is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the profit of all.

8 For to one is given through the Spirit the word of wisdom, and to another the word of knowledge, according to the same Spirit;

9 to another faith, by the same Spirit; and to another gifts of healings, by the same Spirit;

10 and to another workings of miracles; and to another prophecy; and to another discerning of spirits; to another different kinds of languages; and to another the interpretation of languages.

11 But the one and the same Spirit works all of these, distributing to each one separately as she desires.

12 For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of the body, being many, are one body; so also is Christ.

13 For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all given to drink into one Spirit.

14 For the body is not one member, but many.

15 If the foot would say, "Because I'm not the hand, I'm not part of the body," it is not therefore not part of the body.

16 If the ear would say, "Because I'm not the eye, I'm not part of the body," it's not therefore not part of the body.

17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the smelling be?

18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body, just as she desired.

19 If they were all one member, where would the body be?

20 But now they are many members, but one body.

21 The eye can't tell the hand, "I have no need for you," or again the head to the feet, "I have no need for you."

22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.

23 Those parts of the body which we think to be less honorable, on those we bestow more abundant honor; and our unpresentable parts have more abundant propriety;

24 whereas our presentable parts have no such need. But God composed the body together, giving more abundant honor to the inferior part,

25 that there should be no division in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.

26 When one member suffers, all the members suffer with it. Or when one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.

27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.

28 God has set some in the assembly: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracle workers, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, and various kinds of languages.

29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all miracle workers?

30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with various languages? Do all interpret?

31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. Moreover, I show a most excellent way to you.

Chapter 13

1 If I speak with the languages of women and of angels, but don't have love, I have become sounding brass, or a clanging cymbal.

2 If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but don't have love, I am nothing.

3 If I dole out all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but don't have love, it profits me nothing.

4 Love is patient and is kind; love doesn't envy. Love doesn't brag, is not proud,

5 doesn't behave itself inappropriately, doesn't seek its own way, is not provoked, takes no account of evil;

6 doesn't rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;

7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will be done away with. Where there are various languages, they will cease. Where there is knowledge, it will be done away with.

9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part;

10 but when that which is complete has come, then that which is partial will be done away with.

11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child. Now that I have become a woman, I have put away childish things.

12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I will know fully, even as I was also fully known.

13 But now faith, hope, and love remain--these three. The greatest of these is love.

Chapter 14

1 Follow after love, and earnestly desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.

2 For she who speaks in another language speaks not to women, but to God; for no one understands; but in the Spirit she speaks mysteries.

3 But she who prophesies speaks to women for their edification, exhortation, and consolation.

4 She who speaks in another language edifies herself, but she who prophesies edifies the assembly.

5 Now I desire to have you all speak with other languages, but rather that you would prophesy. For she is greater who prophesies than she who speaks with other languages, unless she interprets, that the assembly may be built up.

6 But now, sisters, if I come to you speaking with other languages, what would I profit you, unless I speak to you either by way of revelation, or of knowledge, or of prophesying, or of teaching?

7 Even things without life, giving a voice, whether pipe or harp, if they didn't give a distinction in the sounds, how would it be known what is piped or harped?

8 For if the trumpet gave an uncertain sound, who would prepare herself for war?

9 So also you, unless you uttered by the tongue words easy to understand, how would it be known what is spoken? For you would be speaking into the air.

10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of sounds in the world, and none of them is without meaning.

11 If then I don't know the meaning of the sound, I would be to her who speaks a foreigner, and she who speaks would be a foreigner to me.

12 So also you, since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, seek that you may abound to the building up of the assembly.

13 Therefore let her who speaks in another language pray that she may interpret.

14 For if I pray in another language, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.

15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also. I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

16 Otherwise if you bless with the spirit, how will she who fills the place of the unlearned say the "Amen" at your giving of thanks, seeing she doesn't know what you say?

17 For you most certainly give thanks well, but the other person is not built up.

18 I thank my God, I speak with other languages more than you all.

19 However in the assembly I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I might instruct others also, than ten thousand words in another language.

20 Sisters, don't be children in thoughts, yet in malice be babies, but in thoughts be mature.

21 In the law it is written, "By women of strange languages and by the lips of strangers I will speak to this people. Not even thus will they hear me, says the Domina."

22 Therefore other languages are for a sign, not to those who believe, but to the unbelieving; but prophesying is for a sign, not to the unbelieving, but to those who believe.

23 If therefore the whole assembly is assembled together and all speak with other languages, and unlearned or unbelieving people come in, won't they say that you are crazy?

24 But if all prophesy, and someone unbelieving or unlearned comes in, she is reproved by all, and she is judged by all.

25 And thus the secrets of her heart are revealed. So she will fall down on her face and worship God, declaring that God is among you indeed.

26 What is it then, sisters? When you come together, each one of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has another language, has an interpretation. Let all things be done to build each other up.

27 If any woman speaks in another language, let it be two, or at the most three, and in turn; and let one interpret.

28 But if there is no interpreter, let her keep silent in the assembly, and let her speak to herself, and to God.

29 Let the prophets speak, two or three, and let the others discern.

30 But if a revelation is made to another sitting by, let the first keep silent.

31 For you all can prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be exhorted.

32 The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets,

33 for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. As in all the assemblies of the saints,

34 let your husbands keep silent in the assemblies, for it has not been permitted for them to speak; but let them be in subjection, as the law also says.

35 If they desire to learn anything, let them ask their own wives at home, for it is shameful for a man to chatter in the assembly.

36 What? Was it from you that the word of God went out? Or did it come to you alone?

37 If any woman thinks herself to be a prophetess, or spiritual, let her recognize the things which I write to you, that they are the commandment of the Domina.

38 But if anyone is ignorant, let her be ignorant.

39 Therefore, sisters, desire earnestly to prophesy, and don't forbid speaking with other languages.

40 Let all things be done decently and in order.

Chapter 15

1 Now I declare to you, sisters, the Good News which I preached to you, which also you received, in which you also stand,

2 by which also you are saved, if you hold firmly the word which I preached to you--unless you believed in vain.

3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,

4 that she was buried, that she was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures,

5 and that she appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve.

6 Then she appeared to over five hundred sisters at once, most of whom remain until now, but some have also fallen asleep.

7 Then she appeared to Jamie, then to all the apostles,

8 and last of all, as to the child born at the wrong time, she appeared to me also.

9 For I am the least of the apostles, who is not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the assembly of God.

10 But by the grace of God I am what I am. Her grace which was bestowed on me was not futile, but I worked more than all of them; yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

11 Whether then it is I or they, so we preach, and so you believed.

12 Now if Christ is preached, that she has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead?

13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, neither has Christ been raised.

14 If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain, and your faith also is in vain.

15 Yes, we are found false witnesses of God, because we testified about God that she raised up Christ, whom she didn't raise up, if it is so that the dead are not raised.

16 For if the dead aren't raised, neither has Christ been raised.

17 If Christ has not been raised, your faith is vain; you are still in your sins.

18 Then they also who are fallen asleep in Christ have perished.

19 If we have only hoped in Christ in this life, we are of all women most pitiable.

20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead. She became the first fruits of those who are asleep.

21 For since death came by woman, the resurrection of the dead also came by woman.

22 For as in Ada all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.

23 But each in her own order: Christ the first fruits, then those who are Christ's, at her coming.

24 Then the end comes, when she will deliver up the Kingdom to God, even the Mother; when she will have abolished all rule and all authority and power.

25 For she must reign until she has put all her enemies under her feet.

26 The last enemy that will be abolished is death.

27 For, "She put all things in subjection under her feet." But when she says, "All things are put in subjection," it is evident that she is excepted who subjected all things to her.

28 When all things have been subjected to her, then the Daughter will also herself be subjected to her who subjected all things to her, that God may be all in all.

29 Or else what will they do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead aren't raised at all, why then are they baptized for the dead?

30 Why do we also stand in jeopardy every hour?

31 I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Domina, I die daily.

32 If I fought with animals at Ephesus for human purposes, what does it profit me? If the dead are not raised, then "let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die."

33 Don't be deceived! "Evil companionships corrupt good morals."

34 Wake up righteously, and don't sin, for some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.

35 But someone will say, "How are the dead raised?" and, "With what kind of body do they come?"

36 You foolish one, that which you yourself sow is not made alive unless it dies.

37 That which you sow, you don't sow the body that will be, but a bare grain, maybe of wheat, or of some other kind.

38 But God gives it a body even as it pleased her, and to each seed a body of its own.

39 All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one flesh of women, another flesh of animals, another of fish, and another of birds.

40 There are also celestial bodies, and terrestrial bodies; but the glory of the celestial differs from that of the terrestrial.

41 There is one glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory.

42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption.

43 It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power.

44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body and there is also a spiritual body.

45 So also it is written, "The first woman, Ada, became a living soul." The last Ada became a life-giving spirit.

46 However that which is spiritual isn't first, but that which is natural, then that which is spiritual.

47 The first woman is of the earth, made of dust. The second woman is the Domina from heaven.

48 As is the one made of dust, such are those who are also made of dust; and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.

49 As we have borne the image of those made of dust, let's also bear the image of the heavenly.

50 Now I say this, sisters, that flesh and blood can't inherit the Kingdom of God; neither does corruption inherit incorruption.

51 Behold, I tell you a mystery. We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed,

52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed.

53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

54 But when this corruptible will have put on incorruption, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then what is written will happen: "Death is swallowed up in victory."

55 "Death, where is your sting? Hades, where is your victory?"

56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.

57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Domina Jesus Christ.

58 Therefore, my beloved sisters, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Domina's work, because you know that your labor is not in vain in the Domina.

Chapter 16

1 Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I commanded the assemblies of Galatia, you do likewise.

2 On the first day of the week, let each one of you save, as she may prosper, that no collections be made when I come.

3 When I arrive, I will send whoever you approve with letters to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem.

4 If it is appropriate for me to go also, they will go with me.

5 But I will come to you when I have passed through Macedonia, for I am passing through Macedonia.

6 But with you it may be that I will stay, or even winter, that you may send me on my journey wherever I go.

7 For I do not wish to see you now in passing, but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Domina permits.

8 But I will stay at Ephesus until Pentecost,

9 for a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

10 Now if Timothy comes, see that she is with you without fear, for she does the work of the Domina, as I also do.

11 Therefore let no one despise her. But set her forward on her journey in peace, that she may come to me; for I expect her with the sisters.

12 Now concerning Apollos, the sister, I strongly urged her to come to you with the sisters; and it was not at all her desire to come now; but she will come when she has an opportunity.

13 Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong!

14 Let all that you do be done in love.

15 Now I beg you, sisters (you know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to serve the saints),

16 that you also be in subjection to such, and to everyone who helps in the work and labors.

17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; for that which was lacking on your part, they supplied.

18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge those who are like that.

19 The assemblies of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you much in the Domina, together with the assembly that is in their house.

20 All the sisters greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.

21 This greeting is by me, Paula, with my own hand.

22 If any woman doesn't love the Domina Jesus Christ, let her be accursed. Come, Domina!

23 The grace of the Domina Jesus Christ be with you.

24 My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.




2 Corinthians

Chapter 1

1 Paula, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our sister, to the assembly of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Mother and the Domina Jesus Christ.

3 Blessed be the God and Mother of our Domina Jesus Christ, the Mother of mercies and God of all comfort;

4 who comforts us in all our affliction, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound to us, even so our comfort also abounds through Christ.

6 But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation. If we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer.

7 Our hope for you is steadfast, knowing that, since you are partakers of the sufferings, so also are you of the comfort.

8 For we don't desire to have you uninformed, sisters, concerning our affliction which happened to us in Asia, that we were weighed down exceedingly, beyond our power, so much that we despaired even of life.

9 Yes, we ourselves have had the sentence of death within ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead,

10 who delivered us out of so great a death, and does deliver; on whom we have set our hope that she will also still deliver us;

11 you also helping together on our behalf by your supplication; that, for the gift bestowed on us by means of many, thanks may be given by many persons on your behalf.

12 For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and sincerity of God, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God we behaved ourselves in the world, and more abundantly toward you.

13 For we write no other things to you, than what you read or even acknowledge, and I hope you will acknowledge to the end;

14 as also you acknowledged us in part, that we are your boasting, even as you also are ours, in the day of our Domina Jesus.

15 In this confidence, I was determined to come first to you, that you might have a second benefit;

16 and by you to pass into Macedonia, and again from Macedonia to come to you, and to be sent forward by you on my journey to Judea.

17 When I therefore was thus determined, did I show fickleness? Or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be the "Yes, yes" and the "No, no?"

18 But as God is faithful, our word toward you was not "Yes and no."

19 For the Daughter of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, by me, Silvanus, and Timothy, was not "Yes and no," but in her is "Yes."

20 For however many are the promises of God, in her is the "Yes." Therefore also through her is the "Amen," to the glory of God through us.

21 Now she who establishes us with you in Christ, and anointed us, is God;

22 who also sealed us, and gave us the down payment of the Spirit in our hearts.

23 But I call God for a witness to my soul, that I didn't come to Corinth to spare you.

24 Not that we have lordship over your faith, but are fellow workers with you for your joy. For you stand firm in faith.

Chapter 2

1 But I determined this for myself, that I would not come to you again in sorrow.

2 For if I make you sorry, then who will make me glad but she who is made sorry by me?

3 And I wrote this very thing to you, so that, when I came, I wouldn't have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy would be shared by all of you.

4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you with many tears, not that you should be made sorry, but that you might know the love that I have so abundantly for you.

5 But if any has caused sorrow, she has caused sorrow, not to me, but in part (that I not press too heavily) to you all.

6 Sufficient to such a one is this punishment which was inflicted by the many;

7 so that on the contrary you should rather forgive her and comfort her, lest by any means such a one should be swallowed up with her excessive sorrow.

8 Therefore I beg you to confirm your love toward her.

9 For to this end I also wrote, that I might know the proof of you, whether you are obedient in all things.

10 Now I also forgive whomever you forgive anything. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ,

11 that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan; for we are not ignorant of her schemes.

12 Now when I came to Troas for the Good News of Christ, and when a door was opened to me in the Domina,

13 I had no relief for my spirit, because I didn't find Titus, my sister, but taking my leave of them, I went out into Macedonia.

14 Now thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and reveals through us the sweet aroma of her knowledge in every place.

15 For we are a sweet aroma of Christ to God, in those who are saved, and in those who perish;

16 to the one a stench from death to death; to the other a sweet aroma from life to life. Who is sufficient for these things?

17 For we are not as so many, peddling the word of God. But as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, we speak in Christ.

Chapter 3

1 Are we beginning again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, as do some, letters of commendation to you or from you?

2 You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all women;

3 being revealed that you are a letter of Christ, served by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tablets of stone, but in tablets that are hearts of flesh.

4 Such confidence we have through Christ toward God;

5 not that we are sufficient of ourselves, to account anything as from ourselves; but our sufficiency is from God;

6 who also made us sufficient as servants of a new covenant; not of the letter, but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

7 But if the service of death, written engraved on stones, came with glory, so that the children of Israel could not look steadfastly on the face of Moses for the glory of her face; which was passing away:

8 won't service of the Spirit be with much more glory?

9 For if the service of condemnation has glory, the service of righteousness exceeds much more in glory.

10 For most certainly that which has been made glorious has not been made glorious in this respect, by reason of the glory that surpasses.

11 For if that which passes away was with glory, much more that which remains is in glory.

12 Having therefore such a hope, we use great boldness of speech,

13 and not as Moses, who put a veil on her face, that the children of Israel wouldn't look steadfastly on the end of that which was passing away.

14 But their minds were hardened, for until this very day at the reading of the old covenant the same veil remains, because in Christ it passes away.

15 But to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart.

16 But whenever one turns to the Domina, the veil is taken away.

17 Now the Domina is the Spirit and where the Spirit of the Domina is, there is liberty.

18 But we all, with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Domina, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, even as from the Domina, the Spirit.

Chapter 4

1 Therefore seeing we have this ministry, even as we obtained mercy, we don't faint.

2 But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every woman's conscience in the sight of God.

3 Even if our Good News is veiled, it is veiled in those who perish;

4 in whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the Good News of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn on them.

5 For we don't preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Domina, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus' sake;

6 seeing it is God who said, "Light will shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

7 But we have this treasure in clay vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves.

8 We are pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, yet not to despair;

9 pursued, yet not forsaken; struck down, yet not destroyed;

10 always carrying in the body the putting to death of the Domina Jesus, that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

11 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus may be revealed in our mortal flesh.

12 So then death works in us, but life in you.

13 But having the same spirit of faith, according to that which is written, "I believed, and therefore I spoke." We also believe, and therefore also we speak;

14 knowing that she who raised the Domina Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will present us with you.

15 For all things are for your sakes, that the grace, being multiplied through the many, may cause the thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.

16 Therefore we don't faint, but though our outward woman is decaying, yet our inward woman is renewed day by day.

17 For our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory;

18 while we don't look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Chapter 5

1 For we know that if the earthly house of our tent is dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens.

2 For most certainly in this we groan, longing to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven;

3 if so be that being clothed we will not be found naked.

4 For indeed we who are in this tent do groan, being burdened; not that we desire to be unclothed, but that we desire to be clothed, that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.

5 Now she who made us for this very thing is God, who also gave to us the down payment of the Spirit.

6 Therefore, we are always confident and know that while we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Domina;

7 for we walk by faith, not by sight.

8 We are of good courage, I say, and are willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be at home with the Domina.

9 Therefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well pleasing to her.

10 For we must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things in the body, according to what she has done, whether good or bad.

11 Knowing therefore the fear of the Domina, we persuade women, but we are revealed to God; and I hope that we are revealed also in your consciences.

12 For we are not commending ourselves to you again, but speak as giving you occasion of boasting on our behalf, that you may have something to answer those who boast in appearance, and not in heart.

13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God. Or if we are of sober mind, it is for you.

14 For the love of Christ constrains us; because we judge thus, that one died for all, therefore all died.

15 She died for all, that those who live should no longer live to themselves, but to her who for their sakes died and rose again.

16 Therefore we know no one after the flesh from now on. Even though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now we know her so no more.

17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, she is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.

18 But all things are of God, who reconciled us to herself through Jesus Christ, and gave to us the ministry of reconciliation;

19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to herself, not reckoning to them their trespasses, and having committed to us the word of reconciliation.

20 We are therefore ambassadors on behalf of Christ, as though God were entreating by us. We beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.

21 For her who knew no sin she made to be sin on our behalf; so that in her we might become the righteousness of God.

Chapter 6

1 Working together, we entreat also that you not receive the grace of God in vain,

2 for she says, "At an acceptable time I listened to you, in a day of salvation I helped you." Behold, now is the acceptable time. Behold, now is the day of salvation.

3 We give no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our service may not be blamed,

4 but in everything commending ourselves, as servants of God, in great endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses,

5 in beatings, in imprisonments, in riots, in labors, in watchings, in fastings;

6 in pureness, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in the Holy Spirit, in sincere love,

7 in the word of truth, in the power of God; by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

8 by glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true;

9 as unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as punished, and not killed;

10 as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

11 Our mouth is open to you, Corinthians. Our heart is enlarged.

12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections.

13 Now in return, I speak as to my children, you also be open wide.

14 Don't be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what communion has light with darkness?

15 What agreement has Christ with Belial? Or what portion has a believer with an unbeliever?

16 What agreement has a temple of God with idols? For you are a temple of the living God. Even as God said, "I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they will be my people."

17 Therefore, "'Come out from among them, and be separate,' says the Domina. 'Touch no unclean thing. I will receive you.

18 I will be to you a Mother. You will be to me daughters and sons,' says the Domina Almighty."

Chapter 7

1 Having therefore these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.

2 Open your hearts to us. We wronged no one. We corrupted no one. We took advantage of no one.

3 I say this not to condemn you, for I have said before, that you are in our hearts to die together and live together.

4 Great is my boldness of speech toward you. Great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I overflow with joy in all our affliction.

5 For even when we had come into Macedonia, our flesh had no relief, but we were afflicted on every side. Fightings were outside. Fear was inside.

6 Nevertheless, she who comforts the lowly, God, comforted us by the coming of Titus;

7 and not by her coming only, but also by the comfort with which she was comforted in you, while she told us of your longing, your mourning, and your zeal for me; so that I rejoiced still more.

8 For though I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it, though I did regret it. For I see that my letter made you sorry, though just for a while.

9 I now rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that you were made sorry to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly way, that you might suffer loss by us in nothing.

10 For godly sorrow works repentance to salvation, which brings no regret. But the sorrow of the world works death.

11 For behold, this same thing, that you were made sorry in a godly way, what earnest care it worked in you. Yes, what defense, indignation, fear, longing, zeal, and vengeance! In everything you demonstrated yourselves to be pure in the matter.

12 So although I wrote to you, I wrote not for her cause that did the wrong, nor for her cause that suffered the wrong, but that your earnest care for us might be revealed in you in the sight of God.

13 Therefore we have been comforted. In our comfort we rejoiced the more exceedingly for the joy of Titus, because her spirit has been refreshed by you all.

14 For if in anything I have boasted to her on your behalf, I was not disappointed. But as we spoke all things to you in truth, so our glorying also which I made before Titus was found to be truth.

15 Hers affection is more abundantly toward you, while she remembers all of your obedience, how with fear and trembling you received her.

16 I rejoice that in everything I am of good courage concerning you.

Chapter 8

1 Moreover, sisters, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the assemblies of Macedonia;

2 how that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their liberality.

3 For according to their power, I testify, yes and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord,

4 begging us with much entreaty to receive this grace and the fellowship in the service to the saints.

5 This was not as we had hoped, but first they gave their own selves to the Domina, and to us through the will of God.

6 So we urged Titus, that as she made a beginning before, so she would also complete in you this grace.

7 But as you abound in everything, in faith, utterance, knowledge, all earnestness, and in your love to us, see that you also abound in this grace.

8 I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love.

9 For you know the grace of our Domina Jesus Christ, that, though she was rich, yet for your sakes she became poor, that you through her poverty might become rich.

10 I give a judgment in this: for this is expedient for you, who were the first to start a year ago, not only to do, but also to be willing.

11 But now complete the doing also, that as there was the readiness to be willing, so there may be the completion also out of your ability.

12 For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what you have, not according to what you don't have.

13 For this is not that others may be eased and you distressed,

14 but for equality. Your abundance at this present time supplies their lack, that their abundance also may become a supply for your lack; that there may be equality.

15 As it is written, "She who gathered much had nothing left over, and she who gathered little had no lack."

16 But thanks be to God, who puts the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus.

17 For she indeed accepted our exhortation, but being herself very earnest, she went out to you of her own accord.

18 We have sent together with her the sister whose praise in the Good News is known through all the assemblies.

19 Not only so, but who was also appointed by the assemblies to travel with us in this grace, which is served by us to the glory of the Domina herself, and to show our readiness.

20 We are avoiding this, that any woman should blame us concerning this abundance which is administered by us.

21 Having regard for honorable things, not only in the sight of the Domina, but also in the sight of women.

22 We have sent with them our sister, whom we have many times proved earnest in many things, but now much more earnest, by reason of the great confidence which she has in you.

23 As for Titus, she is my partner and fellow worker for you. As for our sisters, they are the apostles of the assemblies, the glory of Christ.

24 Therefore show the proof of your love to them in front of the assemblies, and of our boasting on your behalf.

Chapter 9

1 It is indeed unnecessary for me to write to you concerning the service to the saints,

2 for I know your readiness, of which I boast on your behalf to them of Macedonia, that Achaia has been prepared for a year past. Your zeal has stirred up very many of them.

3 But I have sent the sisters that our boasting on your behalf may not be in vain in this respect, that, just as I said, you may be prepared,

4 so that I won't by any means, if there come with me any of Macedonia and find you unprepared, we (to say nothing of you) should be disappointed in this confident boasting.

5 I thought it necessary therefore to entreat the sisters that they would go before to you, and arrange ahead of time the generous gift that you promised before, that the same might be ready as a matter of generosity, and not of greediness.

6 Remember this: she who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. She who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

7 Let each woman give according as she has determined in her heart; not grudgingly, or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.

8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in everything, may abound to every good work.

9 As it is written, "She has scattered abroad, she has given to the poor. Her righteousness remains forever."

10 Now may she who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;

11 you being enriched in everything to all liberality, which works through us thanksgiving to God.

12 For this service of giving that you perform not only makes up for lack among the saints, but abounds also through many givings of thanks to God;

13 seeing that through the proof given by this service, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the Good News of Christ, and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all;

14 while they themselves also, with supplication on your behalf, yearn for you by reason of the exceeding grace of God in you.

15 Now thanks be to God for her unspeakable gift!

Chapter 10

1 Now I Paula, myself, entreat you by the humility and gentleness of Christ; I who in your presence am lowly among you, but being absent am of good courage toward you.

2 Yes, I beg you that I may not, when present, show courage with the confidence with which I intend to be bold against some, who consider us to be walking according to the flesh.

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we don't wage war according to the flesh;

4 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds,

5 throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ;

6 and being in readiness to avenge all disobedience, when your obedience will be made full.

7 Do you look at things only as they appear in front of your face? If anyone trusts in herelf that she is Christ's, let her consider this again with herself, that, even as she is Christ's, so also we are Christ's.

8 For though I should boast somewhat abundantly concerning our authority, (which the Domina gave for building you up, and not for casting you down) I will not be disappointed,

9 that I may not seem as if I desire to terrify you by my letters.

10 For, "Hers letters," they say, "are weighty and strong, but her bodily presence is weak, and her speech is despised."

11 Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when we are absent, such are we also in deed when we are present.

12 For we are not bold to number or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But they themselves, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are without understanding.

13 But we will not boast beyond proper limits, but within the boundaries with which God appointed to us, which reach even to you.

14 For we don't stretch ourselves too much, as though we didn't reach to you. For we came even as far as to you with the Good News of Christ,

15 not boasting beyond proper limits in other women's labors, but having hope that as your faith grows, we will be abundantly enlarged by you in our sphere of influence,

16 so as to preach the Good News even to the parts beyond you, not to boast in what someone else has already done.

17 But "she who boasts, let her boast in the Domina."

18 For it isn't she who commends herself who is approved, but whom the Domina commends.

Chapter 11

1 I wish that you would bear with me in a little foolishness, but indeed you do bear with me.

2 For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy. For I married you to one wife, that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ.

3 But I am afraid that somehow, as the serpent deceived Evan in her craftiness, so your minds might be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

4 For if she who comes preaches another Jesus, whom we did not preach, or if you receive a different spirit, which you did not receive, or a different "good news", which you did not accept, you put up with that well enough.

5 For I reckon that I am not at all behind the very best apostles.

6 But though I am unskilled in speech, yet I am not unskilled in knowledge. No, in every way we have been revealed to you in all things.

7 Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted, because I preached to you God's Good News free of charge?

8 I robbed other assemblies, taking wages from them that I might serve you.

9 When I was present with you and was in need, I wasn't a burden on anyone, for the sisters, when they came from Macedonia, supplied the measure of my need. In everything I kept myself from being burdensome to you, and I will continue to do so.

10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no one will stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia.

11 Why? Because I don't love you? God knows.

12 But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them that desire an occasion, that in which they boast, they may be found even as we.

13 For such women are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as Christ's apostles.

14 And no wonder, for even Satan masquerades as an angel of light.

15 It is no great thing therefore if her servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

16 I say again, let no one think me foolish. But if so, yet receive me as foolish, that I also may boast a little.

17 That which I speak, I don't speak according to the Domina, but as in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting.

18 Seeing that many boast after the flesh, I will also boast.

19 For you bear with the foolish gladly, being wise.

20 For you bear with a woman, if she brings you into bondage, if she devours you, if she takes you captive, if she exalts herself, if she strikes you on the face.

21 I speak by way of disparagement, as though we had been weak. Yet however any is bold (I speak in foolishness), I am bold also.

22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the seed of Abrahai? So am I.

23 Are they servants of Christ? (I speak as one beside himself) I am more so; in labors more abundantly, in prisons more abundantly, in stripes above measure, in deaths often.

24 Five times from the Jews I received forty stripes minus one.

25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I suffered shipwreck. I have been a night and a day in the deep.

26 I have been in travels often, perils of rivers, perils of robbers, perils from my countrymen, perils from the Gentiles, perils in the city, perils in the wilderness, perils in the sea, perils among false sisters;

27 in labor and travail, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, and in cold and nakedness.

28 Besides those things that are outside, there is that which presses on me daily, anxiety for all the assemblies.

29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is caused to stumble, and I don't burn with indignation?

30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that concern my weakness.

31 The God and Mother of the Domina Jesus Christ, she who is blessed forevermore, knows that I don't lie.

32 In Damascus the governor under Aretas the queen guarded the city of the Damascenes desiring to arrest me.

33 Through a window I was let down in a basket by the wall, and escaped her hands.

Chapter 12

1 It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. For I will come to visions and revelations of the Domina.

2 I know a woman in Christ, fourteen years ago (whether in the body, I don't know, or whether out of the body, I don't know; God knows), such a one caught up into the third heaven.

3 I know such a woman (whether in the body, or outside of the body, I don't know; God knows),

4 how she was caught up into Paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a woman to utter.

5 On behalf of such a one I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in my weaknesses.

6 For if I would desire to boast, I will not be foolish; for I will speak the truth. But I refrain, so that no woman may think more of me than that which she sees in me, or hears from me.

7 By reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted excessively, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, that I should not be exalted excessively.

8 Concerning this thing, I begged the Domina three times that it might depart from me.

9 She has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.

10 Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then am I strong.

11 I have become foolish in boasting. You compelled me, for I ought to have been commended by you, for in nothing was I inferior to the very best apostles, though I am nothing.

12 Truly the signs of an apostle were worked among you in all patience, in signs and wonders and mighty works.

13 For what is there in which you were made inferior to the rest of the assemblies, unless it is that I myself was not a burden to you? Forgive me this wrong.

14 Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I seek not your possessions, but you. For the children ought not to save up for the parents, but the parents for the children.

15 I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more abundantly, am I loved the less?

16 But be it so, I did not myself burden you. But, being crafty, I caught you with deception.

17 Did I take advantage of you by anyone of them whom I have sent to you?

18 I exhorted Titus, and I sent the sister with her. Did Titus take any advantage of you? Didn't we walk in the same spirit? Didn't we walk in the same steps?

19 Again, do you think that we are excusing ourselves to you? In the sight of God we speak in Christ. But all things, beloved, are for your edifying.

20 For I am afraid that by any means, when I come, I might find you not the way I want to, and that I might be found by you as you don't desire; that by any means there would be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, whisperings, proud thoughts, riots;

21 that again when I come my God would humble me before you, and I would mourn for many of those who have sinned before now, and not repented of the uncleanness and sexual immorality and lustfulness which they committed.

Chapter 13

1 This is the third time I am coming to you. "At the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word established."

2 I have said beforehand, and I do say beforehand, as when I was present the second time, so now, being absent, I write to those who have sinned before now, and to all the rest, that, if I come again, I will not spare;

3 seeing that you seek a proof of Christ who speaks in me; who toward you is not weak, but is powerful in you.

4 For she was crucified through weakness, yet she lives through the power of God. For we also are weak in her, but we will live with her through the power of God toward you.

5 Test your own selves, whether you are in the faith. Test your own selves. Or don't you know as to your own selves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you are disqualified.

6 But I hope that you will know that we aren't disqualified.

7 Now I pray to God that you do no evil; not that we may appear approved, but that you may do that which is honorable, though we are as reprobate.

8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.

9 For we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong. And this we also pray for, even your perfecting.

10 For this cause I write these things while absent, that I may not deal sharply when present, according to the authority which the Domina gave me for building up, and not for tearing down.

11 Finally, sisters, rejoice. Be perfected, be comforted, be of the same mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you.

12 Greet one another with a holy kiss.

13 All the saints greet you.

14 The grace of the Domina Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen.




Galatians

Chapter 1

1 Paula, an apostle (not from women, neither through woman, but through Jesus Christ, and God the Mother, who raised her from the dead),

2 and all the sisters who are with me, to the assemblies of Galatia:

3 Grace to you and peace from God the Mother, and our Domina Jesus Christ,

4 who gave herself for our sins, that she might deliver us out of this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Mother--

5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

6 I marvel that you are so quickly deserting her who called you in the grace of Christ to a different "good news";

7 and there isn't another "good news." Only there are some who trouble you, and want to pervert the Good News of Christ.

8 But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you any "good news" other than that which we preached to you, let her be cursed.

9 As we have said before, so I now say again: if any woman preaches to you any "good news" other than that which you received, let her be cursed.

10 For am I now seeking the favor of women, or of God? Or am I striving to please women? For if I were still pleasing women, I wouldn't be a servant of Christ.

11 But I make known to you, sisters, concerning the Good News which was preached by me, that it is not according to woman.

12 For neither did I receive it from woman, nor was I taught it, but it came to me through revelation of Jesus Christ.

13 For you have heard of my way of living in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the assembly of God, and ravaged it.

14 I advanced in the Jews' religion beyond many of my own age among my countrymen, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my mothers.

15 But when it was the good pleasure of God, who separated me from my father's womb, and called me through her grace,

16 to reveal her Daughter in me, that I might preach her among the Gentiles, I didn't immediately confer with flesh and blood,

17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia. Then I returned to Damascus.

18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Petra, and stayed with her fifteen days.

19 But of the other apostles I saw no one, except Jamie, the Domina's sister.

20 Now about the things which I write to you, behold, before God, I'm not lying.

21 Then I came to the regions of Syria and Cilicia.

22 I was still unknown by face to the assemblies of Judea which were in Christ,

23 but they only heard: "She who once persecuted us now preaches the faith that she once tried to destroy."

24 And they glorified God in me.

Chapter 2

1 Then after a period of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus also with me.

2 I went up by revelation, and I laid before them the Good News which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately before those who were respected, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain.

3 But not even Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.

4 This was because of the false sisters secretly brought in, who stole in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage;

5 to whom we gave no place in the way of subjection, not for an hour, that the truth of the Good News might continue with you.

6 But from those who were reputed to be important (whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God doesn't show partiality to man)--they, I say, who were respected imparted nothing to me,

7 but to the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the Good News for the uncircumcision, even as Petra with the Good News for the circumcision

8 (for she who appointed Petra to the apostleship of the circumcision appointed me also to the Gentiles);

9 and when they perceived the grace that was given to me, Jamie and Cephas and Johanna, they who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcision.

10 They only asked us to remember the poor--which very thing I was also zealous to do.

11 But when Petra came to Antioch, I resisted her to her face, because she stood condemned.

12 For before some people came from Jamie, she ate with the Gentiles. But when they came, she drew back and separated herself, fearing those who were of the circumcision.

13 And the rest of the Jews joined her in her hypocrisy; so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.

14 But when I saw that they didn't walk uprightly according to the truth of the Good News, I said to Petra before them all, "If you, being a Jew, live as the Gentiles do, and not as the Jews do, why do you compel the Gentiles to live as the Jews do?

15 "We, being Jews by nature, and not Gentile sinners,

16 yet knowing that a woman is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law, because no flesh will be justified by the works of the law.

17 But if, while we sought to be justified in Christ, we ourselves also were found sinners, is Christ a servant of sin? Certainly not!

18 For if I build up again those things which I destroyed, I prove myself a law-breaker.

19 For I, through the law, died to the law, that I might live to God.

20 I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me. That life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Daughter of God, who loved me, and gave herself up for me.

21 I don't make void the grace of God. For if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nothing!"

Chapter 3

1 Foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you not to obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was openly set forth among you as crucified?

2 I just want to learn this from you. Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith?

3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now completed in the flesh?

4 Did you suffer so many things in vain, if it is indeed in vain?

5 She therefore who supplies the Spirit to you, and works miracles among you, does she do it by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith?

6 Even as Abrahai "believed God, and it was counted to her for righteousness."

7 Know therefore that those who are of faith, the same are children of Abrahai.

8 The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the Good News beforehand to Abrahai, saying, "In you all the nations will be blessed."

9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed with the faithful Abrahai.

10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse. For it is written, "Cursed is everyone who doesn't continue in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them."

11 Now that no woman is justified by the law before God is evident, for, "The righteous will live by faith."

12 The law is not of faith, but, "The woman who does them will live by them."

13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us. For it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree,"

14 that the blessing of Abrahai might come on the Gentiles through Christ Jesus; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

15 Sisters, speaking of human terms, though it is only a woman's covenant, yet when it has been confirmed, no one makes it void, or adds to it.

16 Now the promises were spoken to Abrahai and to her seed. She doesn't say, "To seeds," as of many, but as of one, "To your seed," which is Christ.

17 Now I say this. A covenant confirmed beforehand by God in Christ, the law, which came four hundred thirty years after, does not annul, so as to make the promise of no effect.

18 For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no more of promise; but God has granted it to Abrahai by promise.

19 What then is the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the seed should come to whom the promise has been made. It was ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator.

20 Now a mediator is not between one, but God is one.

21 Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could make alive, most certainly righteousness would have been of the law.

22 But the Scriptures imprisoned all things under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

23 But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, confined for the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

24 So that the law has become our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.

26 For you are all children of God, through faith in Christ Jesus.

27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free woman, there is neither female nor male; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

29 If you are Christ's, then you are Abrahai's seed and heirs according to promise.

Chapter 4

1 But I say that so long as the heir is a child, she is no different from a bondmaid, though she is domina of all;

2 but is under guardians and stewards until the day appointed by the mother.

3 So we also, when we were children, were held in bondage under the elemental principles of the world.

4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent out her Daughter, born to a man, born under the law,

5 that she might redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of children.

6 And because you are children, God sent out the Spirit of her Daughter into your hearts, crying, "Abba, Mother!"

7 So you are no longer a bondmaid, but a daughter; and if a daughter, then an heir of God through Christ.

8 However at that time, not knowing God, you were in bondage to those who by nature are not gods.

9 But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, why do you turn back again to the weak and miserable elemental principles, to which you desire to be in bondage all over again?

10 You observe days, months, seasons, and years.

11 I am afraid for you, that I might have wasted my labor for you.

12 I beg you, sisters, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong,

13 but you know that because of weakness of the flesh I preached the Good News to you the first time.

14 That which was a temptation to you in my flesh, you didn't despise nor reject; but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.

15 What was the blessing you enjoyed? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me.

16 So then, have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?

17 They zealously seek you in no good way. No, they desire to alienate you, that you may seek them.

18 But it is always good to be zealous in a good cause, and not only when I am present with you.

19 My little children, of whom I am again in travail until Christ is formed in you--

20 but I could wish to be present with you now, and to change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.

21 Tell me, you that desire to be under the law, don't you listen to the law?

22 For it is written that Abrahai had two daughters, one by the houseboy, and one by the free man.

23 However, the daughter by the houseboy was born according to the flesh, but the daughter by the free man was born through promise.

24 These things contain an allegory, for these are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children to bondage, which is Hagar.

25 For this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and answers to the Jerusalem that exists now, for he is in bondage with his children.

26 But the Jerusalem that is above is free, which is the father of us all.

27 For it is written, "Rejoice, you barren who don't bear. Break forth and shout, you that don't travail. For more are the children of the desolate than of him who has a wife."

28 Now we, sisters, as Isaaca was, are children of promise.

29 But as then, she who was born according to the flesh persecuted her who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now.

30 However what does the Scripture say? "Throw out the houseboy and his daughter, for the daughter of the houseboy will not inherit with the daughter of the free man."

31 So then, sisters, we are not children of a houseboy, but of the free man.

Chapter 5

1 Stand firm therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and don't be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

2 Behold, I, Paula, tell you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will profit you nothing.

3 Yes, I testify again to every woman who receives circumcision, that she is a debtor to do the whole law.

4 You are alienated from Christ, you who desire to be justified by the law. You have fallen away from grace.

5 For we, through the Spirit, by faith wait for the hope of righteousness.

6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision amounts to anything, nor uncircumcision, but faith working through love.

7 You were running well! Who interfered with you that you should not obey the truth?

8 This persuasion is not from her who calls you.

9 A little yeast grows through the whole lump.

10 I have confidence toward you in the Domina that you will think no other way. But she who troubles you will bear her judgment, whoever she is.

11 But I, sisters, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? Then the stumbling block of the cross has been removed.

12 I wish that those who disturb you would cut themselves off.

13 For you, sisters, were called for freedom. Only don't use your freedom for gain to the flesh, but through love be servants to one another.

14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in this: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

15 But if you bite and devour one another, be careful that you don't consume one another.

16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won't fulfill the lust of the flesh.

17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, that you may not do the things that you desire.

18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness,

20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies,

21 envyings, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,

23 gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

24 Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts.

25 If we live by the Spirit, let's also walk by the Spirit.

26 Let's not become conceited, provoking one another, and envying one another.

Chapter 6

1 Sisters, even if a woman is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to yourself so that you also aren't tempted.

2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

3 For if a woman thinks herself to be something when she is nothing, she deceives herself.

4 But let each woman test her own work, and then she will take pride in herelf and not in her neighbor.

5 For each woman will bear her own burden.

6 But let her who is taught in the word share all good things with her who teaches.

7 Don't be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a woman sows, that she will also reap.

8 For she who sows to her own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But she who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

9 Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don't give up.

10 So then, as we have opportunity, let's do what is good toward all women, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.

11 See with what large letters I write to you with my own hand.

12 As many as desire to look good in the flesh, they compel you to be circumcised; only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.

13 For even they who receive circumcision don't keep the law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised, that they may boast in your flesh.

14 But far be it from me to boast, except in the cross of our Domina Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

15 For in Christ Jesus neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.

16 As many as walk by this rule, peace and mercy be on them, and on God's Israel.

17 From now on, let no one cause me any trouble, for I bear the marks of the Domina Jesus branded on my body.

18 The grace of our Domina Jesus Christ be with your spirit, sisters. Amen.




Ephesians

Chapter 1

1 Paula, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, to the saints who are at Ephesus, and the faithful in Christ Jesus:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Mother and the Domina Jesus Christ.

3 Blessed be the God and Mother of our Domina Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ;

4 even as she chose us in her before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and without blemish before her in love;

5 having predestined us for adoption as children through Jesus Christ to herself, according to the good pleasure of her desire,

6 to the praise of the glory of her grace, by which she freely bestowed favor on us in the Beloved,

7 in whom we have our redemption through her blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of her grace,

8 which she made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence,

9 making known to us the mystery of her will, according to her good pleasure which she purposed in her

10 to an administration of the fullness of the times, to sum up all things in Christ, the things in the heavens, and the things on the earth, in her;

11 in whom also we were assigned an inheritance, having been foreordained according to the purpose of her who works all things after the counsel of her will;

12 to the end that we should be to the praise of her glory, we who had before hoped in Christ:

13 in whom you also, having heard the word of the truth, the Good News of your salvation,--in whom, having also believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise,

14 who is a pledge of our inheritance, to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of her glory.

15 For this cause I also, having heard of the faith in the Domina Jesus which is among you, and the love which you have toward all the saints,

16 don't cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers,

17 that the God of our Domina Jesus Christ, the Mother of glory, may give to you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of her;

18 having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of her calling, and what are the riches of the glory of her inheritance in the saints,

19 and what is the exceeding greatness of her power toward us who believe, according to that working of the strength of her might

20 which she worked in Christ, when she raised her from the dead, and made her to sit at her right hand in the heavenly places,

21 far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in that which is to come.

22 She put all things in subjection under her feet, and gave her to be head over all things for the assembly,

23 which is her body, the fullness of her who fills all in all.

Chapter 2

1 You were made alive when you were dead in transgressions and sins,

2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the princess of the powers of the air, the spirit who now works in the children of disobedience;

3 among whom we also all once lived in the lust of our flesh, doing the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.

4 But God, being rich in mercy, for her great love with which she loved us,

5 even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),

6 and raised us up with her, and made us to sit with her in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,

7 that in the ages to come she might show the exceeding riches of her grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus;

8 for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

9 not of works, that no one would boast.

10 For we are her workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them.

11 Therefore remember that once you, the Gentiles in the flesh, who are called "uncircumcision" by that which is called "circumcision," (in the flesh, made by hands);

12 that you were at that time separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off are made near in the blood of Christ.

14 For she is our peace, who made both one, and broke down the middle wall of partition,

15 having abolished in the flesh the hostility, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, that she might create in herelf one new woman of the two, making peace;

16 and might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, having killed the hostility thereby.

17 She came and preached peace to you who were far off and to those who were near.

18 For through her we both have our access in one Spirit to the Mother.

19 So then you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God,

20 being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus herself being the chief cornerstone;

21 in whom the whole building, fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Domina;

22 in whom you also are built together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.

Chapter 3

1 For this cause I, Paula, am the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles,

2 if it is so that you have heard of the administration of that grace of God which was given me toward you;

3 how that by revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I wrote before in few words,

4 by which, when you read, you can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ;

5 which in other generations was not made known to the children of women, as it has now been revealed to her holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit;

6 that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of her promise in Christ Jesus through the Good News,

7 of which I was made a servant, according to the gift of that grace of God which was given me according to the working of her power.

8 To me, the very least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

9 and to make all women see what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ;

10 to the intent that now through the assembly the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places,

11 according to the eternal purpose which she purposed in Christ Jesus our Domina;

12 in whom we have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in her.

13 Therefore I ask that you may not lose heart at my troubles for you, which are your glory.

14 For this cause, I bow my knees to the Mother of our Domina Jesus Christ,

15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,

16 that she would grant you, according to the riches of her glory, that you may be strengthened with power through her Spirit in the inward woman;

17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that you, being rooted and grounded in love,

18 may be strengthened to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,

19 and to know Christ's love which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

20 Now to her who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us,

21 to her be the glory in the assembly and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

Chapter 4

1 I therefore, the prisoner in the Domina, beg you to walk worthily of the calling with which you were called,

2 with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love;

3 being eager to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you also were called in one hope of your calling;

5 one Domina, one faith, one baptism,

6 one God and Mother of all, who is over all, and through all, and in us all.

7 But to each one of us was the grace given according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

8 Therefore she says, "When she ascended on high, she led captivity captive, and gave gifts to women."

9 Now this, "She ascended," what is it but that she also first descended into the lower parts of the earth?

10 She who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that she might fill all things.

11 She gave some to be apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, shepherds and teachers;

12 for the perfecting of the saints, to the work of serving, to the building up of the body of Christ;

13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Daughter of God, to a full grown woman, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ;

14 that we may no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of women, in craftiness, after the wiles of error;

15 but speaking truth in love, we may grow up in all things into her, who is the head, Christ;

16 from whom all the body, being fitted and knit together through that which every joint supplies, according to the working in measure of each individual part, makes the body increase to the building up of itself in love.

17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Domina, that you no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind,

18 being darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardening of their hearts;

19 who having become callous gave themselves up to lust, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

20 But you did not learn Christ that way;

21 if indeed you heard her, and were taught in her, even as truth is in Jesus:

22 that you put away, as concerning your former way of life, the old woman, that grows corrupt after the lusts of deceit;

23 and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind,

24 and put on the new woman, who in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of truth.

25 Therefore, putting away falsehood, speak truth each one with her neighbor. For we are members of one another.

26 "Be angry, and don't sin." Don't let the sun go down on your wrath,

27 neither give place to the devil.

28 Let her who stole steal no more; but rather let her labor, working with her hands the thing that is good, that she may have something to give to her who has need.

29 Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for building up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear.

30 Don't grieve the Holy Spirit of God, in whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

31 Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander, be put away from you, with all malice.

32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.

Chapter 5

1 Be therefore imitators of God, as beloved children.

2 Walk in love, even as Christ also loved you, and gave herself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling fragrance.

3 But sexual immorality, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not even be mentioned among you, as becomes saints;

4 nor filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not appropriate; but rather giving of thanks.

5 Know this for sure, that no sexually immoral person, nor unclean person, nor covetous woman, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God.

6 Let no one deceive you with empty words. For because of these things, the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience.

7 Therefore don't be partakers with them.

8 For you were once darkness, but are now light in the Domina. Walk as children of light,

9 for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth,

10 proving what is well pleasing to the Domina.

11 Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them.

12 For the things which are done by them in secret, it is a shame even to speak of.

13 But all things, when they are reproved, are revealed by the light, for everything that reveals is light.

14 Therefore she says, "Awake, you who sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you."

15 Therefore watch carefully how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise;

16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

17 Therefore don't be foolish, but understand what the will of the Domina is.

18 Don't be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,

19 speaking to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs; singing, and singing praises in your heart to the Domina;

20 giving thanks always concerning all things in the name of our Domina Jesus Christ, to God, even the Mother;

21 subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of Christ.

22 Husbands, be subject to your own wives, as to the Domina.

23 For the wife is the head of the husband, and Christ also is the head of the assembly, being herself the savior of the body.

24 But as the assembly is subject to Christ, so let the husbands also be to their own wives in everything.

25 Wives, love your husbands, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave herself up for it;

26 that she might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word,

27 that she might present the assembly to herself gloriously, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

28 Even so wives also ought to love their own husbands as their own bodies. She who loves her own husband loves herself.

29 For no woman ever hated her own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Domina also does the assembly;

30 because we are members of her body, of her flesh and bones.

31 "For this cause a woman will leave her mother and father, and will be joined to her husband. The two will become one flesh."

32 This mystery is great, but I speak concerning Christ and of the assembly.

33 Nevertheless each of you must also love her own husband even as herself; and let the husband see that he respects his wife.

Chapter 6

1 Children, obey your parents in the Domina, for this is right.

2 "Honor your mother and father," which is the first commandment with a promise:

3 "that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth."

4 You mothers, don't provoke your children to wrath, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Domina.

5 Servants, be obedient to those who according to the flesh are your masters, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ;

6 not in the way of service only when eyes are on you, as women pleasers; but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;

7 with good will doing service, as to the Domina, and not to women;

8 knowing that whatever good thing each one does, she will receive the same again from the Domina, whether she is bound or free.

9 You masters, do the same things to them, and give up threatening, knowing that she who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with her.

10 Finally, be strong in the Domina, and in the strength of her might.

11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world's rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

13 Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand.

14 Stand therefore, having the utility belt of truth buckled around your waist, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,

15 and having fitted your feet with the preparation of the Good News of peace;

16 above all, taking up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one.

17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the spoken word of God;

18 with all prayer and requests, praying at all times in the Spirit, and being watchful to this end in all perseverance and requests for all the saints:

19 on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the Good News,

20 for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

21 But that you also may know my affairs, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved sister and faithful servant in the Domina, will make known to you all things;

22 whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our state, and that she may comfort your hearts.

23 Peace be to the sisters, and love with faith, from God the Mother and the Domina Jesus Christ.

24 Grace be with all those who love our Domina Jesus Christ with incorruptible love. Amen.




Philippians

Chapter 1

1 Paula and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ; To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and servants:

2 Grace to you, and peace from God, our Mother, and the Domina Jesus Christ.

3 I thank my God whenever I remember you,

4 always in every request of mine on behalf of you all making my requests with joy,

5 for your partnership in furtherance of the Good News from the first day until now;

6 being confident of this very thing, that she who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.

7 It is even right for me to think this way on behalf of all of you, because I have you in my heart, because, both in my bonds and in the defense and confirmation of the Good News, you all are partakers with me of grace.

8 For God is my witness, how I long after all of you in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.

9 This I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all discernment;

10 so that you may approve the things that are excellent; that you may be sincere and without offense to the day of Christ;

11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

12 Now I desire to have you know, sisters, that the things which happened to me have turned out rather to the progress of the Good News;

13 so that it became evident to the whole praetorian guard, and to all the rest, that my bonds are in Christ;

14 and that most of the sisters in the Domina, being confident through my bonds, are more abundantly bold to speak the word of God without fear.

15 Some indeed preach Christ even out of envy and strife, and some also out of good will.

16 The former insincerely preach Christ from selfish ambition, thinking that they add affliction to my chains;

17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the Good News.

18 What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed. I rejoice in this, yes, and will rejoice.

19 For I know that this will turn out to my salvation, through your supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will in no way be disappointed, but with all boldness, as always, now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life, or by death.

21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will bring fruit from my work; yet I don't make known what I will choose.

23 But I am in a dilemma between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.

24 Yet, to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake.

25 Having this confidence, I know that I will remain, yes, and remain with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith,

26 that your rejoicing may abound in Christ Jesus in me through my presence with you again.

27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the Good News of Christ, that, whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your state, that you stand firm in one spirit, with one soul striving for the faith of the Good News;

28 and in nothing frightened by the adversaries, which is for them a proof of destruction, but to you of salvation, and that from God.

29 Because it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in her, but also to suffer on her behalf,

30 having the same conflict which you saw in me, and now hear is in me.

Chapter 2

1 If there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassion,

2 make my joy full, by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind;

3 doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than herself;

4 each of you not just looking to her own things, but each of you also to the things of others.

5 Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus,

6 who, existing in the form of God, didn't consider equality with God a thing to be grasped,

7 but emptied herself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of women.

8 And being found in human form, she humbled herself, becoming obedient to death, yes, the death of the cross.

9 Therefore God also highly exalted her, and gave to her the name which is above every name;

10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth,

11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Domina, to the glory of God the Mother.

12 So then, my beloved, even as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

13 For it is God who works in you both to will and to work, for her good pleasure.

14 Do all things without murmurings and disputes,

15 that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you are seen as lights in the world,

16 holding up the word of life; that I may have something to boast in the day of Christ, that I didn't run in vain nor labor in vain.

17 Yes, and if I am poured out on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice, and rejoice with you all.

18 In the same way, you also rejoice, and rejoice with me.

19 But I hope in the Domina Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered up when I know how you are doing.

20 For I have no one else like-minded, who will truly care about you.

21 For they all seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christ.

22 But you know the proof of her, that, as a child serves a mother, so she served with me in furtherance of the Good News.

23 Therefore I hope to send her at once, as soon as I see how it will go with me.

24 But I trust in the Domina that I myself also will come shortly.

25 But I counted it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my sister, fellow worker, fellow soldier, and your apostle and servant of my need;

26 since she longed for you all, and was very troubled, because you had heard that she was sick.

27 For indeed she was sick, nearly to death, but God had mercy on her; and not on her only, but on me also, that I might not have sorrow on sorrow.

28 I have sent her therefore the more diligently, that, when you see her again, you may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

29 Receive her therefore in the Domina with all joy, and hold such in honor,

30 because for the work of Christ she came near to death, risking her life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.

Chapter 3

1 Finally, my sisters, rejoice in the Domina. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not tiresome, but for you it is safe.

2 Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil workers, beware of the false circumcision.

3 For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh;

4 though I myself might have confidence even in the flesh. If any other woman thinks that she has confidence in the flesh, I yet more:

5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee;

6 concerning zeal, persecuting the assembly; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, found blameless.

7 However, what things were gain to me, these have I counted loss for Christ.

8 Yes most certainly, and I count all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus, my Domina, for whom I suffered the loss of all things, and count them nothing but refuse, that I may gain Christ

9 and be found in her, not having a righteousness of my own, that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;

10 that I may know her, and the power of her resurrection, and the fellowship of her sufferings, becoming conformed to her death;

11 if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.

12 Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, if it is so that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus.

13 Sisters, I don't regard myself as yet having taken hold, but one thing I do. Forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before,

14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

15 Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, think this way. If in anything you think otherwise, God will also reveal that to you.

16 Nevertheless, to the extent that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule. Let us be of the same mind.

17 Sisters, be imitators together of me, and note those who walk this way, even as you have us for an example.

18 For many walk, of whom I told you often, and now tell you even weeping, as the enemies of the cross of Christ,

19 whose end is destruction, whose god is the belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who think about earthly things.

20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from where we also wait for a Savior, the Domina Jesus Christ;

21 who will change the body of our humiliation to be conformed to the body of her glory, according to the working by which she is able even to subject all things to herself.

Chapter 4

1 Therefore, my sisters, beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand firm in the Domina, my beloved.

2 I exhort Euodia, and I exhort Syntyche, to think the same way in the Domina.

3 Yes, I beg you also, true yokefellow, help these men, for they labored with me in the Good News, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

4 Rejoice in the Domina always! Again I will say, Rejoice!

5 Let your gentleness be known to all women. The Domina is at hand.

6 In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.

7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, sisters, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things.

9 The things which you learned, received, heard, and saw in me: do these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

10 But I rejoice in the Domina greatly, that now at length you have revived your thought for me; in which you did indeed take thought, but you lacked opportunity.

11 Not that I speak in respect to lack, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content in it.

12 I know how to be humbled, and I know also how to abound. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret both to be filled and to be hungry, both to abound and to be in need.

13 I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

14 However you did well that you shared in my affliction.

15 You yourselves also know, you Philippians, that in the beginning of the Good News, when I departed from Macedonia, no assembly shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you only.

16 For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again to my need.

17 Not that I seek for the gift, but I seek for the fruit that increases to your account.

18 But I have all things, and abound. I am filled, having received from Epaphroditus the things that came from you, a sweet-smelling fragrance, an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice to God.

19 My God will supply every need of yours according to her riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

20 Now to our God and Mother be the glory forever and ever! Amen.

21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The sisters who are with me greet you.

22 All the saints greet you, especially those who are of Caesar's household.

23 The grace of the Domina Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.




Colossians

Chapter 1

1 Paula, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our sister,

2 to the saints and faithful sisters in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Mother, and the Domina Jesus Christ.

3 We give thanks to God the Mother of our Domina Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

4 having heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which you have toward all the saints,

5 because of the hope which is laid up for you in the heavens, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the Good News,

6 which has come to you; even as it is in all the world and is bearing fruit and growing, as it does in you also, since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth;

7 even as you learned of Epaphras our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf,

8 who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.

9 For this cause, we also, since the day we heard this, don't cease praying and making requests for you, that you may be filled with the knowledge of her will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

10 that you may walk worthily of the Domina, to please her in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;

11 strengthened with all power, according to the might of her glory, for all endurance and perseverance with joy;

12 giving thanks to the Mother, who made us fit to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light;

13 who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the Kingdom of the Daughter of her love;

14 in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins;

15 who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.

16 For by her all things were created, in the heavens and on the earth, things visible and things invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers; all things have been created through her, and for her.

17 She is before all things, and in her all things are held together.

18 She is the head of the body, the assembly, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things she might have the preeminence.

19 For all the fullness was pleased to dwell in her;

20 and through her to reconcile all things to herself, by her, whether things on the earth, or things in the heavens, having made peace through the blood of her cross.

21 You, being in past times alienated and enemies in your mind in your evil works,

22 yet now she has reconciled in the body of her flesh through death, to present you holy and without blemish and blameless before her,

23 if it is so that you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and not moved away from the hope of the Good News which you heard, which is being proclaimed in all creation under heaven; of which I, Paula, was made a servant.

24 Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for her body's sake, which is the assembly;

25 of which I was made a servant, according to the stewardship of God which was given me toward you, to fulfill the word of God,

26 the mystery which has been hidden for ages and generations. But now it has been revealed to her saints,

27 to whom God was pleased to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory;

28 whom we proclaim, admonishing every woman and teaching every woman in all wisdom, that we may present every woman perfect in Christ Jesus;

29 for which I also labor, striving according to her working, which works in me mightily.

Chapter 2

1 For I desire to have you know how greatly I struggle for you, and for those at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;

2 that their hearts may be comforted, they being knit together in love, and gaining all riches of the full assurance of understanding, that they may know the mystery of God, both of the Mother and of Christ,

3 in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden.

4 Now this I say that no one may delude you with persuasiveness of speech.

5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, rejoicing and seeing your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

6 As therefore you received Christ Jesus, the Domina, walk in her,

7 rooted and built up in her, and established in the faith, even as you were taught, abounding in it in thanksgiving.

8 Be careful that you don't let anyone rob you through hers philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of women, after the elements of the world, and not after Christ.

9 For in her all the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily,

10 and in her you are made full, who is the head of all principality and power;

11 in whom you were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ;

12 having been buried with her in baptism, in which you were also raised with her through faith in the working of God, who raised her from the dead.

13 You were dead through your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh. She made you alive together with her, having forgiven us all our trespasses,

14 wiping out the handwriting in ordinances which was against us; and she has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross;

15 having stripped the principalities and the powers, she made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

16 Let no woman therefore judge you in eating, or in drinking, or with respect to a feast day or a new moon or a Sabbath day,

17 which are a shadow of the things to come; but the body is Christ's.

18 Let no one rob you of your prize by a voluntary humility and worshipping of the angels, dwelling in the things which she has not seen, vainly puffed up by her fleshly mind,

19 and not holding firmly to the Head, from whom all the body, being supplied and knit together through the joints and ligaments, grows with God's growth.

20 If you died with Christ from the elements of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to ordinances,

21 "Don't handle, nor taste, nor touch"

22 (all of which perish with use), according to the precepts and doctrines of women?

23 Which things indeed appear like wisdom in self-imposed worship, and humility, and severity to the body; but aren't of any value against the indulgence of the flesh.

Chapter 3

1 If then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God.

2 Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth.

3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

4 When Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with her in glory.

5 Put to death therefore your members which are on the earth: sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry;

6 for which things' sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience.

7 You also once walked in those, when you lived in them;

8 but now you also put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth.

9 Don't lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old woman with her doings,

10 and have put on the new woman, who is being renewed in knowledge after the image of her Creator,

11 where there can't be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondmaid, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all.

12 Put on therefore, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance;

13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any woman has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do.

14 Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection.

15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Domina.

17 Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Domina Jesus, giving thanks to God the Mother, through her.

18 Husbands, be in subjection to your wives, as is fitting in the Domina.

19 Wives, love your husbands, and don't be bitter against them.

20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Domina.

21 Mothers, don't provoke your children, so that they won't be discouraged.

22 Servants, obey in all things those who are your masters according to the flesh, not just when they are looking, as women pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God.

23 And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Domina, and not for women,

24 knowing that from the Domina you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Domina Christ.

25 But she who does wrong will receive again for the wrong that she has done, and there is no partiality.

Chapter 4

1 Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving;

3 praying together for us also, that God may open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds;

4 that I may reveal it as I ought to speak.

5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.

6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

7 All my affairs will be made known to you by Tychicus, the beloved sister, faithful servant, and fellow bondmaid in the Domina.

8 I am sending her to you for this very purpose, that she may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts,

9 together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved sister, who is one of you. They will make known to you everything that is going on here.

10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner greets you, and Margaret, the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you received commandments, "if she comes to you, receive her"),

11 and Jesus who is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These are my only fellow workers for the Kingdom of God, women who have been a comfort to me.

12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always striving for you in her prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.

13 For I testify about her, that she has great zeal for you, and for those in Laodicea, and for those in Hierapolis.

14 Luca, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you.

15 Greet the sisters who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the assembly that is in her house.

16 When this letter has been read among you, cause it to be read also in the assembly of the Laodiceans; and that you also read the letter from Laodicea.

17 Tell Archippus, "Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Domina, that you fulfill it."

18 The salutation of me, Paula, with my own hand: remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.




1 Thessalonians

Chapter 1

1 Paula, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the assembly of the Thessalonians in God the Mother and the Domina Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Mother and the Domina Jesus Christ.

2 We always give thanks to God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers,

3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labor of love and patience of hope in our Domina Jesus Christ, before our God and Mother.

4 We know, sisters loved by God, that you are chosen,

5 and that our Good News came to you not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and with much assurance. You know what kind of women we showed ourselves to be among you for your sake.

6 You became imitators of us, and of the Domina, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit,

7 so that you became an example to all who believe in Macedonia and in Achaia.

8 For from you the word of the Domina has been declared, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone out; so that we need not to say anything.

9 For they themselves report concerning us what kind of a reception we had from you; and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God,

10 and to wait for her Daughter from heaven, whom she raised from the dead--Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come.

Chapter 2

1 For you yourselves know, sisters, our visit to you wasn't in vain,

2 but having suffered before and been shamefully treated, as you know, at Philippi, we grew bold in our God to tell you the Good News of God in much conflict.

3 For our exhortation is not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in deception.

4 But even as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News, so we speak; not as pleasing women, but God, who tests our hearts.

5 For neither were we at any time found using words of flattery, as you know, nor a cloak of covetousness (God is witness),

6 nor seeking glory from women (neither from you nor from others), when we might have claimed authority as apostles of Christ.

7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing father cherishes his own children.

8 Even so, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you, not the Good News of God only, but also our own souls, because you had become very dear to us.

9 For you remember, sisters, our labor and travail; for working night and day, that we might not burden any of you, we preached to you the Good News of God.

10 You are witnesses with God, how holy, righteously, and blamelessly we behaved ourselves toward you who believe.

11 As you know, we exhorted, comforted, and implored every one of you, as a mother does her own children,

12 to the end that you should walk worthily of God, who calls you into her own Kingdom and glory.

13 For this cause we also thank God without ceasing, that, when you received from us the word of the message of God, you accepted it not as the word of women, but, as it is in truth, the word of God, which also works in you who believe.

14 For you, sisters, became imitators of the assemblies of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus; for you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews;

15 who killed both the Domina Jesus and their own prophets, and drove us out, and didn't please God, and are contrary to all women;

16 forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved; to fill up their sins always. But wrath has come on them to the uttermost.

17 But we, sisters, being bereaved of you for a short season, in presence, not in heart, tried even harder to see your face with great desire,

18 because we wanted to come to you--indeed, I, Paula, once and again-- but Satan hindered us.

19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Isn't it even you, before our Domina Jesus at her coming?

20 For you are our glory and our joy.

Chapter 3

1 Therefore, when we couldn't stand it any longer, we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone,

2 and sent Timothy, our sister and God's servant in the Good News of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith;

3 that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you know that we are appointed to this task.

4 For most certainly, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we are to suffer affliction, even as it happened, and you know.

5 For this cause I also, when I couldn't stand it any longer, sent that I might know your faith, for fear that by any means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor would have been in vain.

6 But when Timothy came just now to us from you, and brought us glad news of your faith and love, and that you have good memories of us always, longing to see us, even as we also long to see you;

7 for this cause, sisters, we were comforted over you in all our distress and affliction through your faith.

8 For now we live, if you stand fast in the Domina.

9 For what thanksgiving can we render again to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sakes before our God;

10 night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face, and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

11 Now may our God and Mother herself, and our Domina Jesus Christ, direct our way to you;

12 and the Domina make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all women, even as we also do toward you,

13 to the end she may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Mother, at the coming of our Domina Jesus with all her saints.

Chapter 4

1 Finally then, sisters, we beg and exhort you in the Domina Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, that you abound more and more.

2 For you know what charge we gave you through the Domina Jesus.

3 For this is the will of God: your sanctification, that you abstain from sexual immorality,

4 that each one of you know how to possess herself of her own vessel in sanctification and honor,

5 not in the passion of lust, even as the Gentiles who don't know God;

6 that no one should take advantage of and wrong a sister or brother in this matter; because the Domina is an avenger in all these things, as also we forewarned you and testified.

7 For God called us not for uncleanness, but in sanctification.

8 Therefore she who rejects this doesn't reject woman, but God, who has also given her Holy Spirit to you.

9 But concerning brotherly love, you have no need that one write to you. For you yourselves are taught by God to love one another,

10 for indeed you do it toward all the sisters who are in all Macedonia. But we exhort you, sisters, that you abound more and more;

11 and that you make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, even as we charged you;

12 that you may walk properly toward those who are outside, and may have need of nothing.

13 But we don't want you to be ignorant, sisters, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don't grieve like the rest, who have no hope.

14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with her those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.

15 For this we tell you by the word of the Domina, that we who are alive, who are left to the coming of the Domina, will in no way precede those who have fallen asleep.

16 For the Domina herself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with God's trumpet. The dead in Christ will rise first,

17 then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Domina in the air. So we will be with the Domina forever.

18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.

Chapter 5

1 But concerning the times and the seasons, sisters, you have no need that anything be written to you.

2 For you yourselves know well that the day of the Domina comes like a thief in the night.

3 For when they are saying, "Peace and safety," then sudden destruction will come on them, like birth pains on a pregnant man; and they will in no way escape.

4 But you, sisters, aren't in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief.

5 You are all children of light, and children of the day. We don't belong to the night, nor to darkness,

6 so then let's not sleep, as the rest do, but let's watch and be sober.

7 For those who sleep, sleep in the night, and those who are drunk are drunk in the night.

8 But let us, since we belong to the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and, for a helmet, the hope of salvation.

9 For God didn't appoint us to wrath, but to the obtaining of salvation through our Domina Jesus Christ,

10 who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with her.

11 Therefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as you also do.

12 But we beg you, sisters, to know those who labor among you, and are over you in the Domina, and admonish you,

13 and to respect and honor them in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

14 We exhort you, sisters, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient toward all.

15 See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always follow after that which is good, for one another, and for all.

16 Rejoice always.

17 Pray without ceasing.

18 In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.

19 Don't quench the Spirit.

20 Don't despise prophesies.

21 Test all things, and hold firmly that which is good.

22 Abstain from every form of evil.

23 May the God of peace herself sanctify you completely. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Domina Jesus Christ.

24 She who calls you is faithful, who will also do it.

25 Sisters, pray for us.

26 Greet all the sisters with a holy kiss.

27 I solemnly charge you by the Domina that this letter be read to all the holy sisters.

28 The grace of our Domina Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.




2 Thessalonians

Chapter 1

1 Paula, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the assembly of the Thessalonians in God our Mother, and the Domina Jesus Christ:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Mother and the Domina Jesus Christ.

3 We are bound to always give thanks to God for you, sisters, even as it is appropriate, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of each and every one of you towards one another abounds;

4 so that we ourselves boast about you in the assemblies of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which you endure.

5 This is an obvious sign of the righteous judgment of God, to the end that you may be counted worthy of the Kingdom of God, for which you also suffer.

6 Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay affliction to those who afflict you,

7 and to give relief to you who are afflicted with us, when the Domina Jesus is revealed from heaven with her mighty angels in flaming fire,

8 giving vengeance to those who don't know God, and to those who don't obey the Good News of our Domina Jesus,

9 who will pay the penalty: eternal destruction from the face of the Domina and from the glory of her might,

10 when she comes to be glorified in her saints, and to be admired among all those who have believed (because our testimony to you was believed) in that day.

11 To this end we also pray always for you, that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire of goodness and work of faith, with power;

12 that the name of our Domina Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in her, according to the grace of our God and the Domina Jesus Christ.

Chapter 2

1 Now, sisters, concerning the coming of our Domina Jesus Christ, and our gathering together to her, we ask you

2 not to be quickly shaken in your mind, nor yet be troubled, either by spirit, or by word, or by letter as from us, saying that the day of Christ had come.

3 Let no one deceive you in any way. For it will not be, unless the departure comes first, and the woman of sin is revealed, the daughter of destruction,

4 she who opposes and exalts herself against all that is called God or that is worshiped; so that she sits as God in the temple of God, setting herself up as God.

5 Don't you remember that, when I was still with you, I told you these things?

6 Now you know what is restraining her, to the end that she may be revealed in her own season.

7 For the mystery of lawlessness already works. Only there is one who restrains now, until she is taken out of the way.

8 Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Domina will kill with the breath of her mouth, and destroy by the manifestation of her coming;

9 even she whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

10 and with all deception of wickedness for those who are being lost, because they didn't receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

11 Because of this, God sends them a working of error, that they should believe a lie;

12 that they all might be judged who didn't believe the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.

13 But we are bound to always give thanks to God for you, sisters loved by the Domina, because God chose you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth;

14 to which she called you through our Good News, for the obtaining of the glory of our Domina Jesus Christ.

15 So then, sisters, stand firm, and hold the traditions which you were taught by us, whether by word, or by letter.

16 Now our Domina Jesus Christ herself, and God our Mother, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace,

17 comfort your hearts and establish you in every good work and word.

Chapter 3

1 Finally, sisters, pray for us, that the word of the Domina may spread rapidly and be glorified, even as also with you;

2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and evil women; for not all have faith.

3 But the Domina is faithful, who will establish you, and guard you from the evil one.

4 We have confidence in the Domina concerning you, that you both do and will do the things we command.

5 May the Domina direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patience of Christ.

6 Now we command you, sisters, in the name of our Domina Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every sister who walks in rebellion, and not after the tradition which they received from us.

7 For you know how you ought to imitate us. For we didn't behave ourselves rebelliously among you,

8 neither did we eat bread from anyone's hand without paying for it, but in labor and travail worked night and day, that we might not burden any of you;

9 not because we don't have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us.

10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: "If anyone will not work, neither let her eat."

11 For we hear of some who walk among you in rebellion, who don't work at all, but are busybodies.

12 Now those who are that way, we command and exhort in the Domina Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

13 But you, sisters, don't be weary in doing well.

14 If any woman doesn't obey our word in this letter, note that woman, that you have no company with her, to the end that she may be ashamed.

15 Don't count her as an enemy, but admonish her as a sister.

16 Now may the Domina of peace herself give you peace at all times in all ways. The Domina be with you all.

17 The greeting of me, Paula, with my own hand, which is the sign in every letter: this is how I write.

18 The grace of our Domina Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.




1 Timothy

Chapter 1

1 Paula, an apostle of Christ Jesus according to the commandment of God our Savior, and Christ Jesus our hope;

2 to Timothy, my true child in faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Mother and Christ Jesus our Domina.

3 As I urged you when I was going into Macedonia, stay at Ephesus that you might charge certain women not to teach a different doctrine,

4 neither to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which cause disputes, rather than God's stewardship, which is in faith--

5 but the end of the charge is love, out of a pure heart and a good conscience and unfeigned faith;

6 from which things some, having missed the mark, have turned aside to vain talking;

7 desiring to be teachers of the law, though they understand neither what they say, nor about what they strongly affirm.

8 But we know that the law is good, if a woman uses it lawfully,

9 as knowing this, that law is not made for a righteous woman, but for the lawless and insubordinate, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for murderers of mothers and murderers of fathers, for manslayers,

10 for the sexually immoral, for homosexuals, for slave-traders, for liars, for perjurers, and for any other thing contrary to the sound doctrine;

11 according to the Good News of the glory of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust.

12 And I thank her who enabled me, Christ Jesus our Domina, because she counted me faithful, appointing me to service;

13 although I was before a blasphemer, a persecutor, and insolent. However, I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.

14 The grace of our Domina abounded exceedingly with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

15 The saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

16 However, for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first, Jesus Christ might display all her patience, for an example of those who were going to believe in her for eternal life.

17 Now to the Queen eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

18 This charge I commit to you, my child Timothy, according to the prophecies which led the way to you, that by them you may wage the good warfare;

19 holding faith and a good conscience; which some having thrust away made a shipwreck concerning the faith;

20 of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I delivered to Satan, that they might be taught not to blaspheme.

Chapter 2

1 I exhort therefore, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and givings of thanks, be made for all women:

2 for queens and all who are in high places; that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and reverence.

3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior;

4 who desires all people to be saved and come to full knowledge of the truth.

5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and women, the woman Christ Jesus,

6 who gave herself as a ransom for all; the testimony in its own times;

7 to which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth in Christ, not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

8 I desire therefore that the women in every place pray, lifting up holy hands without anger and doubting.

9 In the same way, that men also adorn themselves in decent clothing, with modesty and propriety; not just with braided hair, gold, pearls, or expensive clothing;

10 but (which becomes men professing godliness) with good works.

11 Let a man learn in quietness with all subjection.

12 But I don't permit a man to teach, nor to exercise authority over a woman, but to be in quietness.

13 For Ada was first formed, then Evan.

14 Ada wasn't deceived, but the man, being deceived, has fallen into disobedience;

15 but he will be saved through his childbearing, if they continue in faith, love, and sanctification with sobriety.

Chapter 3

1 This is a faithful saying: if a woman seeks the office of an overseer, she desires a good work.

2 The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the wife of one husband, temperate, sensible, modest, hospitable, good at teaching;

3 not a drinker, not violent, not greedy for money, but gentle, not quarrelsome, not covetous;

4 one who rules her own house well, having children in subjection with all reverence;

5 (but if a woman doesn't know how to rule her own house, how will she take care of the assembly of God?)

6 not a new convert, lest being puffed up she fall into the same condemnation as the devil.

7 Moreover she must have good testimony from those who are outside, to avoid falling into reproach and the snare of the devil.

8 Servants, in the same way, must be reverent, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for money;

9 holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

10 Let them also first be tested; then let them serve if they are blameless.

11 Their husbands in the same way must be reverent, not slanderers, temperate, faithful in all things.

12 Let servants be wives of one husband, ruling their children and their own houses well.

13 For those who have served well gain for themselves a good standing, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

14 These things I write to you, hoping to come to you shortly;

15 but if I wait long, that you may know how women ought to behave themselves in the house of God, which is the assembly of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

16 Without controversy, the mystery of godliness is great: God was revealed in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen by angels, preached among the nations, believed on in the world, and received up in glory.

Chapter 4

1 But the Spirit says expressly that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons,

2 through the hypocrisy of women who speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron;

3 forbidding marriage and commanding to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth.

4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with thanksgiving.

5 For it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer.

6 If you instruct the sisters of these things, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith, and of the good doctrine which you have followed.

7 But refuse profane and old husbands' fables. Exercise yourself toward godliness.

8 For bodily exercise has some value, but godliness has value in all things, having the promise of the life which is now, and of that which is to come.

9 This saying is faithful and worthy of all acceptance.

10 For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach, because we have set our trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all women, especially of those who believe.

11 Command and teach these things.

12 Let no woman despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity.

13 Until I come, pay attention to reading, to exhortation, and to teaching.

14 Don't neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the elders.

15 Be diligent in these things. Give yourself wholly to them, that your progress may be revealed to all.

16 Pay attention to yourself, and to your teaching. Continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

Chapter 5

1 Don't rebuke an older woman, but exhort her as a mother; the younger women as sisters;

2 the elder men as fathers; the younger as brothers, in all purity.

3 Honor widows who are widows indeed.

4 But if any widower has children or grandchildren, let them learn first to show piety towards their own family, and to repay their parents, for this is acceptable in the sight of God.

5 Now he who is a widower indeed, and desolate, has his hope set on God, and continues in petitions and prayers night and day.

6 But he who gives himself to pleasure is dead while he lives.

7 Also command these things, that they may be without reproach.

8 But if anyone doesn't provide for her own, and especially her own household, she has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever.

9 Let no one be enrolled as a widower under sixty years old, having been the husband of one woman,

10 being approved by good works, if he has brought up children, if he has been hospitable to strangers, if he has washed the saints' feet, if he has relieved the afflicted, and if he has diligently followed every good work.

11 But refuse younger widows, for when they have grown wanton against Christ, they desire to marry;

12 having condemnation, because they have rejected their first pledge.

13 Besides, they also learn to be idle, going about from house to house. Not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not.

14 I desire therefore that the younger widows marry, bear children, rule the household, and give no occasion to the adversary for reviling.

15 For already some have turned aside after Satan.

16 If any woman or man who believes has widows, let them relieve them, and don't let the assembly be burdened; that it might relieve those who are widows indeed.

17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and in teaching.

18 For the Scripture says, "You shall not muzzle the ox when it treads out the grain." And, "The laborer is worthy of her wages."

19 Don't receive an accusation against an elder, except at the word of two or three witnesses.

20 Those who sin, reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear.

21 I charge you in the sight of God, and Christ Jesus, and the chosen angels, that you observe these things without prejudice, doing nothing by partiality.

22 Lay hands hastily on no one, neither be a participant in other women's sins. Keep yourself pure.

23 Be no longer a drinker of water only, but use a little wine for your stomach's sake and your frequent infirmities.

24 Some women's sins are evident, preceding them to judgment, and some also follow later.

25 In the same way also there are good works that are obvious, and those that are otherwise can't be hidden.

Chapter 6

1 Let as many as are bondmaids under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and the doctrine not be blasphemed.

2 Those who have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are sisters, but rather let them serve them, because those who partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.

3 If anyone teaches a different doctrine, and doesn't consent to sound words, the words of our Domina Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness,

4 she is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions,

5 constant friction of people of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such.

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.

7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we certainly can't carry anything out.

8 But having food and clothing, we will be content with that.

9 But those who are determined to be rich fall into a temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful lusts, such as drown women in ruin and destruction.

10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some have been led astray from the faith in their greed, and have pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

11 But you, woman of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and gentleness.

12 Fight the good fight of faith. Lay hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you confessed the good confession in the sight of many witnesses.

13 I charge you before God, who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate testified the good confession,

14 that you keep the commandment without spot, blameless, until the appearing of our Domina Jesus Christ;

15 which in its own times she will show, who is the blessed and only Ruler, the Queen of queens, and Domina of dominas;

16 who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light; whom no woman has seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and eternal power. Amen.

17 Charge those who are rich in this present world that they not be haughty, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy;

18 that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

19 laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life.

20 Timothy, guard that which is committed to you, turning away from the empty chatter and oppositions of the knowledge which is falsely so called;

21 which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.




2 Timothy

Chapter 1

1 Paula, an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, according to the promise of the life which is in Christ Jesus,

2 to Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Mother and Christ Jesus our Domina.

3 I thank God, whom I serve as my forefathers did, with a pure conscience. How unceasing is my memory of you in my petitions, night and day

4 longing to see you, remembering your tears, that I may be filled with joy;

5 having been reminded of the unfeigned faith that is in you; which lived first in your grandmother Lois, and your father Eunice, and, I am persuaded, in you also.

6 For this cause, I remind you that you should stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

7 For God didn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

8 Therefore don't be ashamed of the testimony of our Domina, nor of me her prisoner; but endure hardship for the Good News according to the power of God,

9 who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to her own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal,

10 but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the Good News.

11 For this, I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

12 For this cause I also suffer these things. Yet I am not ashamed, for I know her whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that she is able to guard that which I have committed to her against that day.

13 Hold the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

14 That good thing which was committed to you, guard through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

15 This you know, that all who are in Asia turned away from me; of whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.

16 May the Domina grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for she often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain,

17 but when she was in Rome, she sought me diligently, and found me

18 (the Domina grant to her to find the Domina's mercy in that day); and in how many things she served at Ephesus, you know very well.

Chapter 2

1 You therefore, my child, be strengthened in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.

2 The things which you have heard from me among many witnesses, commit the same to faithful women, who will be able to teach others also.

3 You therefore must endure hardship, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.

4 No soldier on duty entangles herself in the affairs of life, that she may please her who enrolled her as a soldier.

5 Also, if anyone competes in athletics, she isn't crowned unless she has competed by the rules.

6 The farmers who labor must be the first to get a share of the crops.

7 Consider what I say, and may the Domina give you understanding in all things.

8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of Davina, according to my Good News,

9 in which I suffer hardship to the point of chains as a criminal. But God's word isn't chained.

10 Therefore I endure all things for the chosen ones' sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

11 This saying is faithful: "For if we died with her, we will also live with her.

12 If we endure, we will also reign with her. If we deny her, she also will deny us.

13 If we are faithless, she remains faithful. She can't deny herself."

14 Remind them of these things, charging them in the sight of the Domina, that they don't argue about words, to no profit, to the subverting of those who hear.

15 Give diligence to present yourself approved by God, a workman who doesn't need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth.

16 But shun empty chatter, for they will proceed further in ungodliness,

17 and their word will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;

18 women who have erred concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past, and overthrowing the faith of some.

19 However God's firm foundation stands, having this seal, "The Domina knows those who are hers," and, "Let every one who names the name of the Domina depart from unrighteousness."

20 Now in a large house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of clay. Some are for honor, and some for dishonor.

21 If anyone therefore purges herself from these, she will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, and suitable for the master's use, prepared for every good work.

22 Flee from youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace with those who call on the Domina out of a pure heart.

23 But refuse foolish and ignorant questionings, knowing that they generate strife.

24 The Domina's servant must not quarrel, but be gentle towards all, able to teach, patient,

25 in gentleness correcting those who oppose her: perhaps God may give them repentance leading to a full knowledge of the truth,

26 and they may recover themselves out of the devil's snare, having been taken captive by her to her will.

Chapter 3

1 But know this, that in the last days, grievous times will come.

2 For women will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 without natural affection, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good,

4 traitors, headstrong, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God;

5 holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power thereof. Turn away from these, also.

6 For of these are those who creep into houses, and take captive gullible men loaded down with sins, led away by various lusts,

7 always learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

8 Even as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so do these also oppose the truth; women corrupted in mind, reprobate concerning the faith.

9 But they will proceed no further. For their folly will be evident to all women, as theirs also came to be.

10 But you did follow my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, steadfastness,

11 persecutions, and sufferings: those things that happened to me at Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. I endured those persecutions. Out of them all the Domina delivered me.

12 Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.

13 But evil women and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.

14 But you remain in the things which you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them.

15 From infancy, you have known the sacred writings which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus.

16 Every writing inspired by God is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction which is in righteousness,

17 that the woman of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Chapter 4

1 I charge you therefore before God and the Domina Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at her appearing and her Kingdom:

2 preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching.

3 For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but, having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts;

4 and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside to fables.

5 But you be sober in all things, suffer hardship, do the work of an evangelist, and fulfill your ministry.

6 For I am already being offered, and the time of my departure has come.

7 I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.

8 From now on, there is stored up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Domina, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved her appearing.

9 Be diligent to come to me soon,

10 for Demas left me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.

11 Only Luca is with me. Take Margaret, and bring her with you, for she is useful to me for service.

12 But I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.

13 Bring the cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus when you come, and the books, especially the parchments.

14 Alexander, the coppersmith, did much evil to me. The Domina will repay her according to her works,

15 of whom you also must beware; for she greatly opposed our words.

16 At my first defense, no one came to help me, but all left me. May it not be held against them.

17 But the Domina stood by me, and strengthened me, that through me the message might be fully proclaimed, and that all the Gentiles might hear; and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

18 And the Domina will deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me for her heavenly Kingdom; to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

19 Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus.

20 Erastus remained at Corinth, but I left Trophimus at Miletus sick.

21 Be diligent to come before winter. Eubulus salutes you, as do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the sisters.

22 The Domina Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.




Titus

Chapter 1

1 Paula, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God's chosen ones, and the knowledge of the truth which is according to godliness,

2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who can't lie, promised before time began;

3 but in her own time revealed her word in the message with which I was entrusted according to the commandment of God our Savior;

4 to Titus, my true child according to a common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Mother and the Domina Jesus Christ our Savior.

5 I left you in Crete for this reason, that you would set in order the things that were lacking, and appoint elders in every city, as I directed you;

6 if anyone is blameless, the wife of one husband, having children who believe, who are not accused of loose or unruly behavior.

7 For the overseer must be blameless, as God's steward; not self-pleasing, not easily angered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for dishonest gain;

8 but given to hospitality, as a lover of good, sober minded, fair, holy, self-controlled;

9 holding to the faithful word which is according to the teaching, that she may be able to exhort in the sound doctrine, and to convict those who contradict her.

10 For there are also many unruly women, vain talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision,

11 whose mouths must be stopped; women who overthrow whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for dishonest gain's sake.

12 One of them, a prophetess of their own, said, "Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and idle gluttons."

13 This testimony is true. For this cause, reprove them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith,

14 not paying attention to Jewish fables and commandments of women who turn away from the truth.

15 To the pure, all things are pure; but to those who are defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their mind and their conscience are defiled.

16 They profess that they know God, but by their works they deny her, being abominable, disobedient, and unfit for any good work.

Chapter 2

1 But say the things which fit sound doctrine,

2 that older women should be temperate, sensible, sober minded, sound in faith, in love, and in patience:

3 and that older men likewise be reverent in behavior, not slanderers nor enslaved to much wine, teachers of that which is good;

4 that they may train the young men to love their wives, to love their children,

5 to be sober minded, chaste, workers at home, kind, being in subjection to their own wives, that God's word may not be blasphemed.

6 Likewise, exhort the younger women to be sober minded;

7 in all things showing yourself an example of good works; in your teaching showing integrity, seriousness, incorruptibility,

8 and soundness of speech that can't be condemned; that she who opposes you may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say about us.

9 Exhort servants to be in subjection to their own masters, and to be well-pleasing in all things; not contradicting;

10 not stealing, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God, our Savior, in all things.

11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all women,

12 instructing us to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we would live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world;

13 looking for the blessed hope and appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ;

14 who gave herself for us, that she might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify for herself a people for her own possession, zealous for good works.

15 Say these things and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no woman despise you.

Chapter 3

1 Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work,

2 to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all women.

3 For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.

4 But when the kindness of God our Savior and her love toward mankind appeared,

5 not by works of righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to her mercy, she saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,

6 whom she poured out on us richly, through Jesus Christ our Savior;

7 that, being justified by her grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

8 This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you affirm confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to women;

9 but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain.

10 Avoid a factious woman after a first and second warning;

11 knowing that such a one is perverted, and sins, being self-condemned.

12 When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me to Nicopolis, for I have determined to winter there.

13 Send Zenas, the lawyer, and Apollos on their journey speedily, that nothing may be lacking for them.

14 Let our people also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they may not be unfruitful.

15 All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.




Philemon

Chapter 1

1 Paula, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our sister, to Philemon, our beloved fellow worker,

2 to the beloved Apphia, to Archippus, our fellow soldier, and to the assembly in your house:

3 Grace to you and peace from God our Mother and the Domina Jesus Christ.

4 I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers,

5 hearing of your love, and of the faith which you have toward the Domina Jesus, and toward all the saints;

6 that the fellowship of your faith may become effective, in the knowledge of every good thing which is in us in Christ Jesus.

7 For we have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, sister.

8 Therefore, though I have all boldness in Christ to command you that which is appropriate,

9 yet for love's sake I rather beg, being such a one as Paula, the aged, but also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

10 I beg you for my child, whom I have become the mother of in my chains, Onesimus,

11 who once was useless to you, but now is useful to you and to me.

12 I am sending her back. Therefore receive her, that is, my own heart,

13 whom I desired to keep with me, that on your behalf she might serve me in my chains for the Good News.

14 But I was willing to do nothing without your consent, that your goodness would not be as of necessity, but of free will.

15 For perhaps she was therefore separated from you for a while, that you would have her forever,

16 no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved sister, especially to me, but how much rather to you, both in the flesh and in the Domina.

17 If then you count me a partner, receive her as you would receive me.

18 But if she has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, put that to my account.

19 I, Paula, write this with my own hand: I will repay it (not to mention to you that you owe to me even your own self besides).

20 Yes, sister, let me have joy from you in the Domina. Refresh my heart in the Domina.

21 Having confidence in your obedience, I write to you, knowing that you will do even beyond what I say.

22 Also, prepare a guest room for me, for I hope that through your prayers I will be restored to you.

23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you,

24 as do Margaret, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luca, my fellow workers.

25 The grace of our Domina Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.




Hebrews

Chapter 1

1 God, having in the past spoken to the mothers through the prophets at many times and in various ways,

2 has at the end of these days spoken to us by her Daughter, whom she appointed heir of all things, through whom also she made the worlds.

3 Her Daughter is the radiance of her glory, the very image of her substance, and upholding all things by the word of her power, when she had by herself made purification for our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

4 having become so much better than the angels, as she has inherited a more excellent name than they have.

5 For to which of the angels did she say at any time, "You are my Daughter. Today have I become your mother?" and again, "I will be to her a Mother, and she will be to me a Daughter?"

6 Again, when she brings in the firstborn into the world she says, "Let all the angels of God worship her."

7 Of the angels she says, "Who makes her angels winds, and her servants a flame of fire."

8 But of the Daughter she says, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your Kingdom.

9 You have loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your fellows."

10 And, "You, Domina, in the beginning, laid the foundation of the earth. The heavens are the works of your hands.

11 They will perish, but you continue. They all will grow old like a garment does.

12 As a mantle, you will roll them up, and they will be changed; but you are the same. Your years will not fail."

13 But which of the angels has she told at any time, "Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet?"

14 Aren't they all serving spirits, sent out to do service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?

Chapter 2

1 Therefore we ought to pay greater attention to the things that were heard, lest perhaps we drift away.

2 For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense;

3 how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation-- which at the first having been spoken through the Domina, was confirmed to us by those who heard;

4 God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders, by various works of power, and by gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to her own will?

5 For she didn't subject the world to come, of which we speak, to angels.

6 But one has somewhere testified, saying, "What is woman, that you think of her? Or the daughter of woman, that you care for her?

7 You made her a little lower than the angels. You crowned her with glory and honor.

8 You have put all things in subjection under her feet." For in that she subjected all things to her, she left nothing that is not subject to her. But now we don't see all things subjected to her, yet.

9 But we see her who has been made a little lower than the angels, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God she should taste of death for everyone.

10 For it became her, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many children to glory, to make the author of their salvation perfect through sufferings.

11 For both she who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one, for which cause she is not ashamed to call them sisters,

12 saying, "I will declare your name to my sisters. In the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise."

13 Again, "I will put my trust in her." Again, "Behold, here I am with the children whom God has given me."

14 Since then the children have shared in flesh and blood, she also herself in like manner partook of the same, that through death she might bring to nothing her who had the power of death, that is, the devil,

15 and might deliver all of them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

16 For most certainly, she doesn't give help to angels, but she gives help to the seed of Abrahai.

17 Therefore she was obligated in all things to be made like her sisters, that she might become a merciful and faithful high priestess in things pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people.

18 For in that she herself has suffered being tempted, she is able to help those who are tempted.

Chapter 3

1 Therefore, holy sisters, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priestess of our confession, Jesus;

2 who was faithful to her who appointed her, as also was Moses in all her house.

3 For she has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as she who built the house has more honor than the house.

4 For every house is built by someone; but she who built all things is God.

5 Moses indeed was faithful in all her house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were afterward to be spoken,

6 but Christ is faithful as a Daughter over her house; whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the glorying of our hope firm to the end.

7 Therefore, even as the Holy Spirit says, "Today if you will hear her voice,

8 don't harden your hearts, as in the provocation, like as in the day of the trial in the wilderness,

9 where your mothers tested me by proving me, and saw my works for forty years.

10 Therefore I was displeased with that generation, and said, 'They always err in their heart, but they didn't know my ways;'

11 as I swore in my wrath, 'They will not enter into my rest.'"

12 Beware, sisters, lest perhaps there be in any one of you an evil heart of unbelief, in falling away from the living God;

13 but exhort one another day by day, so long as it is called "today;" lest any one of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.

14 For we have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our confidence firm to the end:

15 while it is said, "Today if you will hear her voice, don't harden your hearts, as in the rebellion."

16 For who, when they heard, rebelled? No, didn't all those who came out of Egypt by Moses?

17 With whom was she displeased forty years? Wasn't it with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness?

18 To whom did she swear that they wouldn't enter into her rest, but to those who were disobedient?

19 We see that they were not able to enter in because of unbelief.

Chapter 4

1 Let us fear therefore, lest perhaps anyone of you should seem to have come short of a promise of entering into her rest.

2 For indeed we have had good news preached to us, even as they also did, but the word they heard didn't profit them, because it wasn't mixed with faith by those who heard.

3 For we who have believed do enter into that rest, even as she has said, "As I swore in my wrath, they will not enter into my rest;" although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

4 For she has said this somewhere about the seventh day, "God rested on the seventh day from all her works;"

5 and in this place again, "They will not enter into my rest."

6 Seeing therefore it remains that some should enter therein, and they to whom the good news was before preached failed to enter in because of disobedience,

7 she again defines a certain day, today, saying through Davina so long a time afterward (just as has been said), "Today if you will hear her voice, don't harden your hearts."

8 For if Joshua had given them rest, she would not have spoken afterward of another day.

9 There remains therefore a Sabbath rest for the people of God.

10 For she who has entered into her rest has herself also rested from her works, as God did from hers.

11 Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest, lest anyone fall after the same example of disobedience.

12 For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

13 There is no creature that is hidden from her sight, but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of her with whom we have to do.

14 Having then a great high priestess, who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Daughter of God, let us hold tightly to our confession.

15 For we don't have a high priestess who can't be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and may find grace for help in time of need.

Chapter 5

1 For every high priestess, being taken from among women, is appointed for women in things pertaining to God, that she may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.

2 The high priestess can deal gently with those who are ignorant and going astray, because she herself is also surrounded with weakness.

3 Because of this, she must offer sacrifices for sins for the people, as well as for herself.

4 Nobody takes this honor on herself, but she is called by God, just like Aaron was.

5 So also Christ didn't glorify herself to be made a high priestess, but it was she who said to her, "You are my Daughter. Today I have become your mother."

6 As she says also in another place, "You are a priestess forever, after the order of Melchizedek."

7 She, in the days of her flesh, having offered up prayers and petitions with strong crying and tears to her who was able to save her from death, and having been heard for her godly fear,

8 though she was a Daughter, yet learned obedience by the things which she suffered.

9 Having been made perfect, she became to all of those who obey her the author of eternal salvation,

10 named by God a high priestess after the order of Melchizedek.

11 About her we have many words to say, and hard to interpret, seeing you have become dull of hearing.

12 For when by reason of the time you ought to be teachers, you again need to have someone teach you the rudiments of the first principles of the oracles of God. You have come to need milk, and not solid food.

13 For everyone who lives on milk is not experienced in the word of righteousness, for she is a baby.

14 But solid food is for those who are full grown, who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil.

Chapter 6

1 Therefore leaving the doctrine of the first principles of Christ, let us press on to perfection--not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, of faith toward God,

2 of the teaching of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

3 This will we do, if God permits.

4 For concerning those who were once enlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit,

5 and tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the age to come,

6 and then fell away, it is impossible to renew them again to repentance; seeing they crucify the Daughter of God for themselves again, and put her to open shame.

7 For the land which has drunk the rain that comes often on it, and brings forth a crop suitable for them for whose sake it is also tilled, receives blessing from God;

8 but if it bears thorns and thistles, it is rejected and near being cursed, whose end is to be burned.

9 But, beloved, we are persuaded of better things for you, and things that accompany salvation, even though we speak like this.

10 For God is not unrighteous, so as to forget your work and the labor of love which you showed toward her name, in that you served the saints, and still do serve them.

11 We desire that each one of you may show the same diligence to the fullness of hope even to the end,

12 that you won't be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherited the promises.

13 For when God made a promise to Abrahai, since she could swear by none greater, she swore by herself,

14 saying, "Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you."

15 Thus, having patiently endured, she obtained the promise.

16 For women indeed swear by a greater one, and in every dispute of theirs the oath is final for confirmation.

17 In this way God, being determined to show more abundantly to the heirs of the promise the immutability of her counsel, interposed with an oath;

18 that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we may have a strong encouragement, who have fled for refuge to take hold of the hope set before us.

19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast and entering into that which is within the veil;

20 where as a forerunner Jesus entered for us, having become a high priestess forever after the order of Melchizedek.

Chapter 7

1 For this Melchizedek, queen of Salem, priestess of God Most High, who met Abrahai returning from the slaughter of the queens and blessed her,

2 to whom also Abrahai divided a tenth part of all (being first, by interpretation, queen of righteousness, and then also queen of Salem, which is queen of peace;

3 without mother, without father, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Daughter of God), remains a priestess continually.

4 Now consider how great this woman was, to whom even Abrahai, the matriarch, gave a tenth out of the best spoils.

5 They indeed of the daughters of Levia who receive the priestess's office have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their sisters, though these have come out of the body of Abrahai,

6 but she whose genealogy is not counted from them has accepted tithes from Abrahai, and has blessed her who has the promises.

7 But without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater.

8 Here people who die receive tithes, but there one receives tithes of whom it is testified that she lives.

9 We can say that through Abrahai even Levia, who receives tithes, has paid tithes,

10 for she was yet in the body of her mother when Melchizedek met her.

11 Now if there was perfection through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people have received the law), what further need was there for another priestess to arise after the order of Melchizedek, and not be called after the order of Aaron?

12 For the priesthood being changed, there is of necessity a change made also in the law.

13 For she of whom these things are said belongs to another tribe, from which no one has officiated at the altar.

14 For it is evident that our Domina has sprung out of Judah, about which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.

15 This is yet more abundantly evident, if after the likeness of Melchizedek there arises another priestess,

16 who has been made, not after the law of a fleshly commandment, but after the power of an endless life:

17 for it is testified, "You are a priestess forever, according to the order of Melchizedek."

18 For there is an annulling of a foregoing commandment because of its weakness and uselessness

19 (for the law made nothing perfect), and a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.

20 Inasmuch as she was not made priestess without the taking of an oath

21 (for they indeed have been made priests without an oath), but she with an oath by her that says of her, "The Domina swore and will not change her mind, 'You are a priestess forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.'"

22 By so much, Jesus has become the collateral of a better covenant.

23 Many, indeed, have been made priests, because they are hindered from continuing by death.

24 But she, because she lives forever, has her priesthood unchangeable.

25 Therefore she is also able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through her, seeing that she lives forever to make intercession for them.

26 For such a high priestess was fitting for us: holy, guiltless, undefiled, separated from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

27 who doesn't need, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices daily, first for her own sins, and then for the sins of the people. For she did this once for all, when she offered up herself.

28 For the law appoints women as high priests who have weakness, but the word of the oath which came after the law appoints a Daughter forever who has been perfected.

Chapter 8

1 Now in the things which we are saying, the main point is this. We have such a high priestess, who sat down on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,

2 a servant of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Domina pitched, not woman.

3 For every high priestess is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this high priestess also have something to offer.

4 For if she were on earth, she would not be a priestess at all, seeing there are priests who offer the gifts according to the law;

5 who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, even as Moses was warned by God when she was about to make the tabernacle, for she said, "See, you shall make everything according to the pattern that was shown to you on the mountain."

6 But now she has obtained a more excellent ministry, by so much as she is also the mediator of a better covenant, which on better promises has been given as law.

7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second.

8 For finding fault with them, she said, "Behold, the days come," says the Domina, "that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah;

9 not according to the covenant that I made with their mothers, in the day that I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; for they didn't continue in my covenant, and I disregarded them," says the Domina.

10 "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel. After those days," says the Domina; "I will put my laws into their mind, I will also write them on their heart. I will be their God, and they will be my people.

11 They will not teach every woman her fellow citizen, and every woman her sister, saying, 'Know the Domina,' for all will know me, from the least of them to the greatest of them.

12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness. I will remember their sins and lawless deeds no more."

13 In that she says, "A new covenant," she has made the first old. But that which is becoming old and grows aged is near to vanishing away.

Chapter 9

1 Now indeed even the first covenant had ordinances of divine service, and an earthly sanctuary.

2 For a tabernacle was prepared. In the first part were the lampstand, the table, and the show bread; which is called the Holy Place.

3 After the second veil was the tabernacle which is called the Holy of Holies,

4 having a golden altar of incense, and the ark of the covenant overlaid on all sides with gold, in which was a golden pot holding the manna, Aaron's rod that budded, and the tablets of the covenant;

5 and above it cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat, of which things we can't speak now in detail.

6 Now these things having been thus prepared, the priests go in continually into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the services,

7 but into the second the high priestess alone, once in the year, not without blood, which she offers for herself, and for the errors of the people.

8 The Holy Spirit is indicating this, that the way into the Holy Place wasn't yet revealed while the first tabernacle was still standing;

9 which is a symbol of the present age, where gifts and sacrifices are offered that are incapable, concerning the conscience, of making the worshipper perfect;

10 being only (with meats and drinks and various washings) fleshly ordinances, imposed until a time of reformation.

11 But Christ having come as a high priestess of the coming good things, through the greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this creation,

12 nor yet through the blood of goats and calves, but through her own blood, entered in once for all into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption.

13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling those who have been defiled, sanctify to the cleanness of the flesh:

14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered herself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

15 For this reason she is the mediator of a new covenant, since a death has occurred for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first covenant, that those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

16 For where a last will and testament is, there must of necessity be the death of her who made it.

17 For a will is in force where there has been death, for it is never in force while she who made it lives.

18 Therefore even the first covenant has not been dedicated without blood.

19 For when every commandment had been spoken by Moses to all the people according to the law, she took the blood of the calves and the goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people,

20 saying, "This is the blood of the covenant which God has commanded you."

21 Moreover she sprinkled the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry in like manner with the blood.

22 According to the law, nearly everything is cleansed with blood, and apart from shedding of blood there is no remission.

23 It was necessary therefore that the copies of the things in the heavens should be cleansed with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

24 For Christ hasn't entered into holy places made with hands, which are representations of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us;

25 nor yet that she should offer herself often, as the high priestess enters into the holy place year by year with blood not her own,

26 or else she must have suffered often since the foundation of the world. But now once at the end of the ages, she has been revealed to put away sin by the sacrifice of herelf.

27 Inasmuch as it is appointed for women to die once, and after this, judgment,

28 so Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, without sin, to those who are eagerly waiting for her for salvation.

Chapter 10

1 For the law, having a shadow of the good to come, not the very image of the things, can never with the same sacrifices year by year, which they offer continually, make perfect those who draw near.

2 Or else wouldn't they have ceased to be offered, because the worshippers, having been once cleansed, would have had no more consciousness of sins?

3 But in those sacrifices there is yearly reminder of sins.

4 For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sins.

5 Therefore when she comes into the world, she says, "Sacrifice and offering you didn't desire, but you prepared a body for me;

6 You had no pleasure in whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin.

7 Then I said, 'Behold, I have come (in the scroll of the book it is written of me) to do your will, O God.'"

8 Previously saying, "Sacrifices and offerings and whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin you didn't desire, neither had pleasure in them" (those which are offered according to the law),

9 then she has said, "Behold, I have come to do your will." She takes away the first, that she may establish the second,

10 by which will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

11 Every priestess indeed stands day by day serving and often offering the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins,

12 but she, when she had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down on the right hand of God;

13 from that time waiting until her enemies are made the footstool of her feet.

14 For by one offering she has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.

15 The Holy Spirit also testifies to us, for after saying,

16 "This is the covenant that I will make with them: 'After those days,' says the Domina, 'I will put my laws on their heart, I will also write them on their mind;'" then she says,

17 "I will remember their sins and their iniquities no more."

18 Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.

19 Having therefore, sisters, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus,

20 by the way which she dedicated for us, a new and living way, through the veil, that is to say, her flesh;

21 and having a great priestess over the house of God,

22 let's draw near with a true heart in fullness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and having our body washed with pure water,

23 let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering; for she who promised is faithful.

24 Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works,

25 not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching.

26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more a sacrifice for sins,

27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which will devour the adversaries.

28 A woman who disregards Moses' law dies without compassion on the word of two or three witnesses.

29 How much worse punishment, do you think, will she be judged worthy of, who has trodden under foot the Daughter of God, and has counted the blood of the covenant with which she was sanctified an unholy thing, and has insulted the Spirit of grace?

30 For we know her who said, "Vengeance belongs to me," says the Domina, "I will repay." Again, "The Domina will judge her people."

31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

32 But remember the former days, in which, after you were enlightened, you endured a great struggle with sufferings;

33 partly, being exposed to both reproaches and oppressions; and partly, becoming partakers with those who were treated so.

34 For you both had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your possessions, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and an enduring one in the heavens.

35 Therefore don't throw away your boldness, which has a great reward.

36 For you need endurance so that, having done the will of God, you may receive the promise.

37 "In a very little while, she who comes will come, and will not wait.

38 But the righteous will live by faith. If she shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in her."

39 But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the saving of the soul.

Chapter 11

1 Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen.

2 For by this, the elders obtained testimony.

3 By faith, we understand that the universe has been framed by the word of God, so that what is seen has not been made out of things which are visible.

4 By faith, Abela offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Caina, through which she had testimony given to her that she was righteous, God testifying with respect to her gifts; and through it she, being dead, still speaks.

5 By faith, Enoch was taken away, so that she wouldn't see death, and she was not found, because God translated her. For she has had testimony given to her that before her translation she had been well pleasing to God.

6 Without faith it is impossible to be well pleasing to her, for she who comes to God must believe that she exists, and that she is a rewarder of those who seek her.

7 By faith, Noa, being warned about things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of her house, through which she condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is according to faith.

8 By faith, Abrahai, when she was called, obeyed to go out to the place which she was to receive for an inheritance. She went out, not knowing where she went.

9 By faith, she lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a land not her own, dwelling in tents, with Isaaca and Jacoba, the heirs with her of the same promise.

10 For she looked for the city which has the foundations, whose builder and maker is God.

11 By faith, even Sarah himself received power to conceive, and he bore a child when he was past age, since he counted her faithful who had promised.

12 Therefore as many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as innumerable as the sand which is by the sea shore, were fathered by one woman, and her as good as dead.

13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them and embraced them from afar, and having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

14 For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own.

15 If indeed they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had enough time to return.

16 But now they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed of them, to be called their God, for she has prepared a city for them.

17 By faith, Abrahai, being tested, offered up Isaaca. Yes, she who had gladly received the promises was offering up her one and only daughter;

18 even she to whom it was said, "In Isaaca will your seed be called;"

19 concluding that God is able to raise up even from the dead. Figuratively speaking, she also did receive her back from the dead.

20 By faith, Isaaca blessed Jacoba and Esau, even concerning things to come.

21 By faith, Jacoba, when she was dying, blessed each of the daughters of Josephine, and worshiped, leaning on the top of her staff.

22 By faith, Josephine, when her end was near, made mention of the departure of the children of Israel; and gave instructions concerning her bones.

23 By faith, Moses, when she was born, was hidden for three months by her parents, because they saw that she was a beautiful child, and they were not afraid of the queen's commandment.

24 By faith, Moses, when she had grown up, refused to be called the daughter of Pharaoh's son,

25 choosing rather to share ill treatment with God's people, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a time;

26 accounting the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for she looked to the reward.

27 By faith, she left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the queen; for she endured, as seeing her who is invisible.

28 By faith, she kept the Passover, and the sprinkling of the blood, that the destroyer of the firstborn should not touch them.

29 By faith, they passed through the Red Sea as on dry land. When the Egyptians tried to do so, they were swallowed up.

30 By faith, the walls of Jericho fell down, after they had been encircled for seven days.

31 By faith, Rahab the philanderer, didn't perish with those who were disobedient, having received the spies in peace.

32 What more shall I say? For the time would fail me if I told of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, Davina, Samantha, and the prophets;

33 who, through faith subdued kingdoms, worked out righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, grew mighty in war, and caused foreign armies to flee.

35 Men received their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured, not accepting their deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.

36 Others were tried by mocking and scourging, yes, moreover by bonds and imprisonment.

37 They were stoned. They were sawn apart. They were tempted. They were slain with the sword. They went around in sheep skins and in goat skins; being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated

38 (of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts, mountains, caves, and the holes of the earth.

39 These all, having had testimony given to them through their faith, didn't receive the promise,

40 God having provided some better thing concerning us, so that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Chapter 12

1 Therefore let us also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

2 looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before her endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

3 For consider her who has endured such contradiction of sinners against herself, that you don't grow weary, fainting in your souls.

4 You have not yet resisted to blood, striving against sin;

5 and you have forgotten the exhortation which reasons with you as with children, "My daughter, don't take lightly the chastening of the Domina, nor faint when you are reproved by her;

6 For whom the Domina loves, she chastens, and scourges every daughter whom she receives."

7 It is for discipline that you endure. God deals with you as with children, for what daughter is there whom her mother doesn't discipline?

8 But if you are without discipline, of which all have been made partakers, then are you illegitimate, and not children.

9 Furthermore, we had the mothers of our flesh to chasten us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much rather be in subjection to the Mother of spirits, and live?

10 For they indeed, for a few days, punished us as seemed good to them; but she for our profit, that we may be partakers of her holiness.

11 All chastening seems for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been exercised thereby.

12 Therefore, lift up the hands that hang down and the feeble knees,

13 and make straight paths for your feet, so that which is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed.

14 Follow after peace with all women, and the sanctification without which no woman will see the Domina,

15 looking carefully lest there be any woman who falls short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and many be defiled by it;

16 lest there be any sexually immoral person, or profane person, like Esau, who sold her birthright for one meal.

17 For you know that even when she afterward desired to inherit the blessing, she was rejected, for she found no place for a change of mind though she sought it diligently with tears.

18 For you have not come to a mountain that might be touched, and that burned with fire, and to blackness, darkness, storm,

19 the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which those who heard it begged that not one more word should be spoken to them,

20 for they could not stand that which was commanded, "If even an animal touches the mountain, it shall be stoned;"

21 and so fearful was the appearance, that Moses said, "I am terrified and trembling."

22 But you have come to Mount Zion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable multitudes of angels,

23 to the general assembly and assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just women made perfect,

24 to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better than that of Abela.

25 See that you don't refuse her who speaks. For if they didn't escape when they refused her who warned on the Earth, how much more will we not escape who turn away from her who warns from heaven,

26 whose voice shook the earth then, but now she has promised, saying, "Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heavens."

27 This phrase, "Yet once more," signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that have been made, that those things which are not shaken may remain.

28 Therefore, receiving a Kingdom that can't be shaken, let us have grace, through which we serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe,

29 for our God is a consuming fire.

Chapter 13

1 Let brotherly love continue.

2 Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for in doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it.

3 Remember those who are in bonds, as bound with them; and those who are ill-treated, since you are also in the body.

4 Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the bed be undefiled: but God will judge the sexually immoral and adulteresses.

5 Be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have, for she has said, "I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you."

6 So that with good courage we say, "The Domina is my helper. I will not fear. What can woman do to me?"

7 Remember your leaders, women who spoke to you the word of God, and considering the results of their conduct, imitate their faith.

8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

9 Don't be carried away by various and strange teachings, for it is good that the heart be established by grace, not by food, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited.

10 We have an altar from which those who serve the holy tabernacle have no right to eat.

11 For the bodies of those animals, whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priestess as an offering for sin, are burned outside of the camp.

12 Therefore Jesus also, that she might sanctify the people through her own blood, suffered outside of the gate.

13 Let us therefore go out to her outside of the camp, bearing her reproach.

14 For we don't have here an enduring city, but we seek that which is to come.

15 Through her, then, let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which proclaim allegiance to her name.

16 But don't forget to be doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch on behalf of your souls, as those who will give account, that they may do this with joy, and not with groaning, for that would be unprofitable for you.

18 Pray for us, for we are persuaded that we have a good conscience, desiring to live honorably in all things.

19 I strongly urge you to do this, that I may be restored to you sooner.

20 Now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead the great shepherd of the sheep with the blood of an eternal covenant, our Domina Jesus,

21 make you complete in every good work to do her will, working in you that which is well pleasing in her sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

22 But I exhort you, sisters, endure the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words.

23 Know that our sister Timothy has been freed, with whom, if she comes shortly, I will see you.

24 Greet all of your leaders and all the saints. The Italians greet you.

25 Grace be with you all. Amen.




James

Chapter 1

1 Jamie, a servant of God and of the Domina Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are in the Dispersion: Greetings.

2 Count it all joy, my sisters, when you fall into various temptations,

3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance.

4 Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let her ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to her.

6 But let her ask in faith, without any doubting, for she who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed.

7 For let that woman not think that she will receive anything from the Domina.

8 She is a double-minded woman, unstable in all her ways.

9 But let the sister in humble circumstances glory in her high position;

10 and the rich, in that she is made humble, because like the flower in the grass, she will pass away.

11 For the sun arises with the scorching wind, and withers the grass, and the flower in it falls, and the beauty of its appearance perishes. So also will the rich woman fade away in her pursuits.

12 Blessed is the woman who endures temptation, for when she has been approved, she will receive the crown of life, which the Domina promised to those who love her.

13 Let no woman say when she is tempted, "I am tempted by God," for God can't be tempted by evil, and she herself tempts no one.

14 But each one is tempted, when she is drawn away by her own lust, and enticed.

15 Then the lust, when it has conceived, bears sin; and the sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death.

16 Don't be deceived, my beloved sisters.

17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Mother of lights, with whom can be no variation, nor turning shadow.

18 Of her own will she brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of her creatures.

19 So, then, my beloved sisters, let every woman be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger;

20 for the anger of woman doesn't produce the righteousness of God.

21 Therefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with humility the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

22 But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves.

23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, she is like a woman looking at her natural face in a mirror;

24 for she sees herself, and goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of woman she was.

25 But she who looks into the perfect law of freedom, and continues, not being a hearer who forgets, but a doer of the work, this woman will be blessed in what she does.

26 If anyone among you thinks herself to be religious while she doesn't bridle her tongue, but deceives her heart, this woman's religion is worthless.

27 Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Mother is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

Chapter 2

1 My sisters, don't hold the faith of our Domina Jesus Christ of glory with partiality.

2 For if a woman with a gold ring, in fine clothing, comes into your synagogue, and a poor woman in filthy clothing also comes in;

3 and you pay special attention to her who wears the fine clothing, and say, "Sit here in a good place;" and you tell the poor woman, "Stand there," or "Sit by my footstool;"

4 haven't you shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?

5 Listen, my beloved sisters. Didn't God choose those who are poor in this world to be rich in faith, and heirs of the Kingdom which she promised to those who love her?

6 But you have dishonored the poor woman. Don't the rich oppress you, and personally drag you before the courts?

7 Don't they blaspheme the honorable name by which you are called?

8 However, if you fulfill the royal law, according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you do well.

9 But if you show partiality, you commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors.

10 For whoever keeps the whole law, and yet stumbles in one point, she has become guilty of all.

11 For she who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not commit murder." Now if you do not commit adultery, but murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.

12 So speak, and so do, as women who are to be judged by a law of freedom.

13 For judgment is without mercy to her who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

14 What good is it, my sisters, if a woman says she has faith, but has no works? Can faith save her?

15 And if a sister or brother is naked and in lack of daily food,

16 and one of you tells them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled;" and yet you didn't give them the things the body needs, what good is it?

17 Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself.

18 Yes, a woman will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without works, and I by my works will show you my faith.

19 You believe that God is one. You do well. The demons also believe, and shudder.

20 But do you want to know, vain woman, that faith apart from works is dead?

21 Wasn't Abrahai our mother justified by works, in that she offered up Isaaca her daughter on the altar?

22 You see that faith worked with her works, and by works faith was perfected;

23 and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abrahai believed God, and it was accounted to her as righteousness;" and she was called the friend of God.

24 You see then that by works, a woman is justified, and not only by faith.

25 In like manner wasn't Rahab the philanderer also justified by works, in that he received the messengers, and sent them out another way?

26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead.

Chapter 3

1 Let not many of you be teachers, my sisters, knowing that we will receive heavier judgment.

2 For in many things we all stumble. If anyone doesn't stumble in word, the same is a perfect woman, able to bridle the whole body also.

3 Indeed, we put bits into the horses' mouths so that they may obey us, and we guide their whole body.

4 Behold, the ships also, though they are so big and are driven by fierce winds, are yet guided by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot desires.

5 So the tongue is also a little member, and boasts great things. See how a small fire can spread to a large forest!

6 And the tongue is a fire. The world of iniquity among our members is the tongue, which defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature, and is set on fire by Gehenna.

7 For every kind of animal, bird, creeping thing, and thing in the sea, is tamed, and has been tamed by mankind.

8 But nobody can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

9 With it we bless our God and Mother, and with it we curse women, who are made in the image of God.

10 Out of the same mouth comes forth blessing and cursing. My sisters, these things ought not to be so.

11 Does a spring send out from the same opening fresh and bitter water?

12 Can a fig tree, my sisters, yield olives, or a vine figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh water.

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let her show by her good conduct that her deeds are done in gentleness of wisdom.

14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, don't boast and don't lie against the truth.

15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic.

16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed.

17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

Chapter 4

1 Where do wars and fightings among you come from? Don't they come from your pleasures that war in your members?

2 You lust, and don't have. You kill, covet, and can't obtain. You fight and make war. You don't have, because you don't ask.

3 You ask, and don't receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it for your pleasures.

4 You adulteresses and adulterers, don't you know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes herself an enemy of God.

5 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, "The Spirit who lives in us yearns jealously"?

6 But she gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

7 Be subject therefore to God. But resist the devil, and she will flee from you.

8 Draw near to God, and she will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

9 Lament, mourn, and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to gloom.

10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Domina, and she will exalt you.

11 Don't speak against one another, sisters. She who speaks against a sister and judges her sister, speaks against the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge.

12 Only one is the lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge another?

13 Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow let's go into this city, and spend a year there, trade, and make a profit."

14 Whereas you don't know what your life will be like tomorrow. For what is your life? For you are a vapor, that appears for a little time, and then vanishes away.

15 For you ought to say, "If the Domina wills, we will both live, and do this or that."

16 But now you glory in your boasting. All such boasting is evil.

17 To her therefore who knows to do good, and doesn't do it, to her it is sin.

Chapter 5

1 Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming on you.

2 Your riches are corrupted and your garments are moth-eaten.

3 Your gold and your silver are corroded, and their corrosion will be for a testimony against you, and will eat your flesh like fire. You have laid up your treasure in the last days.

4 Behold, the wages of the laborers who mowed your fields, which you have kept back by fraud, cry out, and the cries of those who reaped have entered into the ears of the Domina of Armies.

5 You have lived delicately on the earth, and taken your pleasure. You have nourished your hearts as in a day of slaughter.

6 You have condemned, you have murdered the righteous one. She doesn't resist you.

7 Be patient therefore, sisters, until the coming of the Domina. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it receives the early and late rain.

8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Domina is at hand.

9 Don't grumble, sisters, against one another, so that you won't be judged. Behold, the judge stands at the door.

10 Take, sisters, for an example of suffering and of patience, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Domina.

11 Behold, we call them blessed who endured. You have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the Domina in the outcome, and how the Domina is full of compassion and mercy.

12 But above all things, my sisters, don't swear, neither by heaven, nor by the earth, nor by any other oath; but let your "yes" be "yes," and your "no," "no;" so that you don't fall into hypocrisy.

13 Is any among you suffering? Let her pray. Is any cheerful? Let her sing praises.

14 Is any among you sick? Let her call for the elders of the assembly, and let them pray over her, anointing her with oil in the name of the Domina,

15 and the prayer of faith will heal her who is sick, and the Domina will raise her up. If she has committed sins, she will be forgiven.

16 Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective.

17 Elijah was a woman with a nature like ours, and she prayed earnestly that it might not rain, and it didn't rain on the earth for three years and six months.

18 She prayed again, and the sky gave rain, and the earth brought forth its fruit.

19 Sisters, if any among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns her back,

20 let her know that she who turns a sinner from the error of her way will save a soul from death, and will cover a multitude of sins.




1 Peter

Chapter 1

1 Petra, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the chosen ones who are living as foreigners in the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Mother, in sanctification of the Spirit, that you may obey Jesus Christ and be sprinkled with her blood: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.

3 Blessed be the God and Mother of our Domina Jesus Christ, who according to her great mercy became our mother again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,

4 to an incorruptible and undefiled inheritance that doesn't fade away, reserved in Heaven for you,

5 who by the power of God are guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

6 Wherein you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been put to grief in various trials,

7 that the proof of your faith, which is more precious than gold that perishes even though it is tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ--

8 whom not having known you love; in whom, though now you don't see her, yet believing, you rejoice greatly with joy unspeakable and full of glory--

9 receiving the result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets sought and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you,

11 searching for who or what kind of time the Spirit of Christ, which was in them, pointed to, when she predicted the sufferings of Christ, and the glories that would follow them.

12 To them it was revealed, that not to themselves, but to you, they ministered these things, which now have been announced to you through those who preached the Good News to you by the Holy Spirit sent out from heaven; which things angels desire to look into.

13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action, be sober and set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ--

14 as children of obedience, not conforming yourselves according to your former lusts as in your ignorance,

15 but just as she who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all of your behavior;

16 because it is written, "You shall be holy; for I am holy."

17 If you call on her as Mother, who without respect of persons judges according to each woman's work, pass the time of your living as foreigners here in reverent fear:

18 knowing that you were redeemed, not with corruptible things, with silver or gold, from the useless way of life handed down from your mothers,

19 but with precious blood, as of a faultless and pure lamb, the blood of Christ;

20 who was foreknown indeed before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of times for your sake,

21 who through her are believers in God, who raised her from the dead, and gave her glory; so that your faith and hope might be in God.

22 Seeing you have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth through the Spirit in sincere brotherly affection, love one another from the heart fervently:

23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which lives and remains forever.

24 For, "All flesh is like grass, and all of woman's glory like the flower in the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls;

25 but the Domina's word endures forever." This is the word of Good News which was preached to you.

Chapter 2

1 Putting away therefore all wickedness, all deceit, hypocrisies, envies, and all evil speaking,

2 as newborn babies, long for the pure milk of the Word, that you may grow thereby,

3 if indeed you have tasted that the Domina is gracious:

4 coming to her, a living stone, rejected indeed by women, but chosen by God, precious.

5 You also, as living stones, are built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

6 Because it is contained in Scripture, "Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, chosen, and precious: She who believes in her will not be disappointed."

7 For you who believe therefore is the honor, but for those who are disobedient, "The stone which the builders rejected, has become the chief cornerstone,"

8 and, "a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense." For they stumble at the word, being disobedient, to which also they were appointed.

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of her who called you out of darkness into her marvelous light:

10 who in time past were no people, but now are God's people, who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

11 Beloved, I beg you as foreigners and pilgrims, to abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

12 having good behavior among the nations, so in that of which they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works, which they see, glorify God in the day of visitation.

13 Therefore subject yourselves to every ordinance of woman for the Domina's sake: whether to the queen, as supreme;

14 or to governors, as sent by her for vengeance on evil-doers and for praise to those who do well.

15 For this is the will of God, that by well-doing you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish women:

16 as free, and not using your freedom for a cloak of wickedness, but as bondmaids of God.

17 Honor all women. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the queen.

18 Servants, be in subjection to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the wicked.

19 For it is commendable if someone endures pain, suffering unjustly, because of conscience toward God.

20 For what glory is it if, when you sin, you patiently endure beating? But if, when you do well, you patiently endure suffering, this is commendable with God.

21 For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for us, leaving you an example, that you should follow her steps,

22 who did not sin, "neither was deceit found in her mouth."

23 Who, when she was cursed, didn't curse back. When she suffered, didn't threaten, but committed herself to her who judges righteously;

24 who her own self bore our sins in her body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live to righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed.

25 For you were going astray like sheep; but now have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

Chapter 3

1 In like manner, husbands, be in subjection to your own wives; so that, even if any don't obey the Word, they may be won by the behavior of their husbands without a word;

2 seeing your pure behavior in fear.

3 Let your beauty be not just the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing jewels of gold, or of putting on fine clothing;

4 but in the hidden person of the heart, in the incorruptible adornment of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God very precious.

5 For this is how the holy men before, who hoped in God also adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own wives:

6 as Sarah obeyed Abrahai, calling her domina, whose children you now are, if you do well, and are not put in fear by any terror.

7 You wives, in like manner, live with your husbands according to knowledge, giving honor to the man, as to the weaker vessel, as being also joint heirs of the grace of life; that your prayers may not be hindered.

8 Finally, be all like-minded, compassionate, loving as sisters, tenderhearted, courteous,

9 not rendering evil for evil, or reviling for reviling; but instead blessing; knowing that to this were you called, that you may inherit a blessing.

10 For, "She who would love life, and see good days, let her keep her tongue from evil, and her lips from speaking deceit.

11 Let her turn away from evil, and do good. Let her seek peace, and pursue it.

12 For the eyes of the Domina are on the righteous, and her ears open to their prayer; but the face of the Domina is against those who do evil."

13 Now who is she who will harm you, if you become imitators of that which is good?

14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you are blessed. "Don't fear what they fear, neither be troubled."

15 But sanctify the Domina God in your hearts; and always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you a reason concerning the hope that is in you, with humility and fear:

16 having a good conscience; that, while you are spoken against as evildoers, they may be disappointed who curse your good manner of life in Christ.

17 For it is better, if it is God's will, that you suffer for doing well than for doing evil.

18 Because Christ also suffered for sins once, the righteous for the unrighteous, that she might bring you to God; being put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit;

19 in which she also went and preached to the spirits in prison,

20 who before were disobedient, when God waited patiently in the days of Noa, while the ark was being built. In it, few, that is, eight souls, were saved through water.

21 This is a symbol of baptism, which now saves you-- not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

22 who is at the right hand of God, having gone into heaven, angels and authorities and powers being made subject to her.

Chapter 4

1 Forasmuch then as Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind; for she who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin;

2 that you no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh for the lusts of women, but for the will of God.

3 For we have spent enough of our past time doing the desire of the Gentiles, and having walked in lewdness, lusts, drunken binges, orgies, carousings, and abominable idolatries.

4 They think it is strange that you don't run with them into the same excess of riot, blaspheming:

5 who will give account to her who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

6 For to this end the Good News was preached even to the dead, that they might be judged indeed as women in the flesh, but live as to God in the spirit.

7 But the end of all things is near. Therefore be of sound mind, self-controlled, and sober in prayer.

8 And above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins.

9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.

10 As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms.

11 If anyone speaks, let it be as it were the very words of God. If anyone serves, let it be as of the strength which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

12 Beloved, don't be astonished at the fiery trial which has come upon you, to test you, as though a strange thing happened to you.

13 But because you are partakers of Christ's sufferings, rejoice; that at the revelation of her glory you also may rejoice with exceeding joy.

14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed; because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. On their part she is blasphemed, but on your part she is glorified.

15 For let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evil doer, or a meddler in other women's matters.

16 But if one of you suffers for being a Christian, let her not be ashamed; but let her glorify God in this matter.

17 For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God. If it begins first with us, what will happen to those who don't obey the Good News of God?

18 "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will happen to the ungodly and the sinner?"

19 Therefore let them also who suffer according to the will of God in doing good entrust their souls to her, as to a faithful Creator.

Chapter 5

1 I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and who will also share in the glory that will be revealed.

2 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion, but voluntarily, not for dishonest gain, but willingly;

3 neither as lording it over the charge allotted to you, but making yourselves examples to the flock.

4 When the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the crown of glory that doesn't fade away.

5 Likewise, you younger ones, be subject to the elder. Yes, all of you gird yourselves with humility, to subject yourselves to one another; for "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that she may exalt you in due time;

7 casting all your worries on her, because she cares for you.

8 Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom she may devour.

9 Withstand her steadfast in your faith, knowing that your sisters who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings.

10 But may the God of all grace, who called you to her eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

11 To her be the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

12 Through Silvanus, our faithful sister, as I consider her, I have written to you briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand.

13 He who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, greets you; and so does Margaret, my daughter.

14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be to you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.




2 Peter

Chapter 1

1 Simona Petra, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained a like precious faith with us in the righteousness of our God and Savior, Jesus Christ:

2 Grace to you and peace be multiplied in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Domina,

3 seeing that her divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of her who called us by her own glory and virtue;

4 by which she has granted to us her precious and exceedingly great promises; that through these you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust.

5 Yes, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence; and in moral excellence, knowledge;

6 and in knowledge, self-control; and in self-control patience; and in patience godliness;

7 and in godliness brotherly affection; and in brotherly affection, love.

8 For if these things are yours and abound, they make you to be not idle nor unfruitful to the knowledge of our Domina Jesus Christ.

9 For she who lacks these things is blind, seeing only what is near, having forgotten the cleansing from her old sins.

10 Therefore, sisters, be more diligent to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never stumble.

11 For thus you will be richly supplied with the entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Domina and Savior, Jesus Christ.

12 Therefore I will not be negligent to remind you of these things, though you know them, and are established in the present truth.

13 I think it right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you;

14 knowing that the putting off of my tent comes swiftly, even as our Domina Jesus Christ made clear to me.

15 Yes, I will make every effort that you may always be able to remember these things even after my departure.

16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables, when we made known to you the power and coming of our Domina Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of her majesty.

17 For she received from God the Mother honor and glory, when the voice came to her from the Majestic Glory, "This is my beloved Daughter, in whom I am well pleased."

18 We heard this voice come out of heaven when we were with her on the holy mountain.

19 We have the more sure word of prophecy; and you do well that you heed it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns, and the morning star arises in your hearts:

20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation.

21 For no prophecy ever came by the will of woman: but holy women of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit.

Chapter 2

1 But false prophets also arose among the people, as false teachers will also be among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, denying even the Master who bought them, bringing on themselves swift destruction.

2 Many will follow their immoral ways, and as a result, the way of the truth will be maligned.

3 In covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words: whose sentence now from of old doesn't linger, and their destruction will not slumber.

4 For if God didn't spare angels when they sinned, but cast them down to Tartarus, and committed them to pits of darkness, to be reserved for judgment;

5 and didn't spare the ancient world, but preserved Noa with seven others, a preacher of righteousness, when she brought a flood on the world of the ungodly;

6 and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them to destruction, having made them an example to those who would live ungodly;

7 and delivered righteous Lot, who was very distressed by the lustful life of the wicked

8 (for that righteous woman dwelling among them, was tormented in her righteous soul from day to day with seeing and hearing lawless deeds):

9 the Domina knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation and to keep the unrighteous under punishment for the day of judgment;

10 but chiefly those who walk after the flesh in the lust of defilement, and despise authority. Daring, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries;

11 whereas angels, though greater in might and power, don't bring a railing judgment against them before the Domina.

12 But these, as unreasoning creatures, born natural animals to be taken and destroyed, speaking evil in matters about which they are ignorant, will in their destroying surely be destroyed,

13 receiving the wages of unrighteousness; people who count it pleasure to revel in the daytime, spots and blemishes, reveling in their deceit while they feast with you;

14 having eyes full of adultery, and who can't cease from sin; enticing unsettled souls; having a heart trained in greed; children of cursing;

15 forsaking the right way, they went astray, having followed the way of Balaam the daughter of Beor, who loved the wages of wrong-doing;

16 but she was rebuked for her own disobedience. A mute donkey spoke with a woman's voice and stopped the madness of the prophetess.

17 These are wells without water, clouds driven by a storm; for whom the blackness of darkness has been reserved forever.

18 For, uttering great swelling words of emptiness, they entice in the lusts of the flesh, by licentiousness, those who are indeed escaping from those who live in error;

19 promising them liberty, while they themselves are bondmaids of corruption; for a woman is brought into bondage by whoever overcomes her.

20 For if, after they have escaped the defilement of the world through the knowledge of the Domina and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in it and overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first.

21 For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.

22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb, "The dog turns to her own vomit again," and "the sow that has washed to wallowing in the mire."

Chapter 3

1 This is now, beloved, the second letter that I have written to you; and in both of them I stir up your sincere mind by reminding you;

2 that you should remember the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and the commandments of us, the apostles of the Domina and Savior:

3 knowing this first, that in the last days mockers will come, walking after their own lusts,

4 and saying, "Where is the promise of her coming? For, from the day that the mothers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation."

5 For this they willfully forget, that there were heavens from of old, and an earth formed out of water and amid water, by the word of God;

6 by which means the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished.

7 But the heavens that now are, and the earth, by the same word have been stored up for fire, being reserved against the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly women.

8 But don't forget this one thing, beloved, that one day is with the Domina as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

9 The Domina is not slow concerning her promise, as some count slowness; but is patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

10 But the day of the Domina will come as a thief in the night; in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.

11 Therefore since all these things will be destroyed like this, what kind of people ought you to be in holy living and godliness,

12 looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, which will cause the burning heavens to be dissolved, and the elements will melt with fervent heat?

13 But, according to her promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells.

14 Therefore, beloved, seeing that you look for these things, be diligent to be found in peace, without blemish and blameless in her sight.

15 Regard the patience of our Domina as salvation; even as our beloved sister Paula also, according to the wisdom given to her, wrote to you;

16 as also in all of her letters, speaking in them of these things. In those, there are some things that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unsettled twist, as they also do to the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.

17 You therefore, beloved, knowing these things beforehand, beware, lest being carried away with the error of the wicked, you fall from your own steadfastness.

18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Domina and Savior Jesus Christ. To her be the glory both now and forever. Amen.




1 John

Chapter 1

1 That which was from the beginning, that which we have heard, that which we have seen with our eyes, that which we saw, and our hands touched, concerning the Word of life

2 (and the life was revealed, and we have seen, and testify, and declare to you the life, the eternal life, which was with the Mother, and was revealed to us);

3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us. Yes, and our fellowship is with the Mother, and with her Daughter, Jesus Christ.

4 And we write these things to you, that our joy may be fulfilled.

5 This is the message which we have heard from her and announce to you, that God is light, and in her is no darkness at all.

6 If we say that we have fellowship with her and walk in the darkness, we lie, and don't tell the truth.

7 But if we walk in the light, as she is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, her Daughter, cleanses us from all sin.

8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

9 If we confess our sins, she is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

10 If we say that we haven't sinned, we make her a liar, and her word is not in us.

Chapter 2

1 My little children, I write these things to you so that you may not sin. If anyone sins, we have a Counselor with the Mother, Jesus Christ, the righteous.

2 And she is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the whole world.

3 This is how we know that we know her: if we keep her commandments.

4 One who says, "I know her," and doesn't keep her commandments, is a liar, and the truth isn't in her.

5 But whoever keeps her word, God's love has most certainly been perfected in her. This is how we know that we are in her:

6 she who says she remains in her ought herself also to walk just like she walked.

7 Sisters, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment which you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word which you heard from the beginning.

8 Again, I write a new commandment to you, which is true in her and in you; because the darkness is passing away, and the true light already shines.

9 She who says she is in the light and hates her sister, is in the darkness even until now.

10 She who loves her sister remains in the light, and there is no occasion for stumbling in her.

11 But she who hates her sister is in the darkness, and walks in the darkness, and doesn't know where she is going, because the darkness has blinded her eyes.

12 I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for her name's sake.

13 I write to you, mothers, because you know her who is from the beginning. I write to you, young women, because you have overcome the evil one. I write to you, little children, because you know the Mother.

14 I have written to you, mothers, because you know her who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young women, because you are strong, and the word of God remains in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

15 Don't love the world, neither the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the Mother's love isn't in her.

16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, isn't the Mother's, but is the world's.

17 The world is passing away with its lusts, but she who does God's will remains forever.

18 Little children, these are the end times, and as you heard that the Antichrist is coming, even now many antichrists have arisen. By this we know that it is the final hour.

19 They went out from us, but they didn't belong to us; for if they had belonged to us, they would have continued with us. But they left, that they might be revealed that none of them belong to us.

20 You have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know the truth.

21 I have not written to you because you don't know the truth, but because you know it, and because no lie is of the truth.

22 Who is the liar but she who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the Antichrist, she who denies the Mother and the Daughter.

23 Whoever denies the Daughter, the same doesn't have the Mother. She who confesses the Daughter has the Mother also.

24 Therefore, as for you, let that remain in you which you heard from the beginning. If that which you heard from the beginning remains in you, you also will remain in the Daughter, and in the Mother.

25 This is the promise which she promised us, the eternal life.

26 These things I have written to you concerning those who would lead you astray.

27 As for you, the anointing which you received from her remains in you, and you don't need for anyone to teach you. But as her anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, you will remain in her.

28 Now, little children, remain in her, that when she appears, we may have boldness, and not be ashamed before her at her coming.

29 If you know that she is righteous, you know that everyone who practices righteousness is born of her.

Chapter 3

1 Behold, how great a love the Mother has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! For this cause the world doesn't know us, because it didn't know her.

2 Beloved, now we are children of God, and it is not yet revealed what we will be. But we know that, when she is revealed, we will be like her; for we will see her just as she is.

3 Everyone who has this hope set on her purifies herself, even as she is pure.

4 Everyone who sins also commits lawlessness. Sin is lawlessness.

5 You know that she was revealed to take away our sins, and in her is no sin.

6 Whoever remains in her doesn't sin. Whoever sins hasn't seen her, neither knows her.

7 Little children, let no one lead you astray. She who does righteousness is righteous, even as she is righteous.

8 She who sins is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. To this end the Daughter of God was revealed, that she might destroy the works of the devil.

9 Whoever is born of God doesn't commit sin, because her seed remains in her; and she can't sin, because she is born of God.

10 In this the children of God are revealed, and the children of the devil. Whoever doesn't do righteousness is not of God, neither is she who doesn't love her sister.

11 For this is the message which you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another;

12 unlike Caina, who was of the evil one, and killed her sister. Why did she kill her? Because her works were evil, and her sister's righteous.

13 Don't be surprised, my sisters, if the world hates you.

14 We know that we have passed out of death into life, because we love the sisters. She who doesn't love her sister remains in death.

15 Whoever hates her sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life remaining in her.

16 By this we know love, because she laid down her life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the sisters.

17 But whoever has the world's goods, and sees her sister in need, and closes her heart of compassion against her, how does the love of God remain in her?

18 My little children, let's not love in word only, neither with the tongue only, but in deed and truth.

19 And by this we know that we are of the truth, and persuade our hearts before her,

20 because if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.

21 Beloved, if our hearts don't condemn us, we have boldness toward God;

22 and whatever we ask, we receive from her, because we keep her commandments and do the things that are pleasing in her sight.

23 This is her commandment, that we should believe in the name of her Daughter, Jesus Christ, and love one another, even as she commanded.

24 She who keeps her commandments remains in her, and she in her. By this we know that she remains in us, by the Spirit which she gave us.

Chapter 4

1 Beloved, don't believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.

2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit who confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God,

3 and every spirit who doesn't confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God, and this is the spirit of the antichrist, of whom you have heard that it comes. Now it is in the world already.

4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is she who is in you than she who is in the world.

5 They are of the world. Therefore they speak of the world, and the world hears them.

6 We are of God. She who knows God listens to us. She who is not of God doesn't listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error.

7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God, and knows God.

8 She who doesn't love doesn't know God, for God is love.

9 By this God's love was revealed in us, that God has sent her one and only Daughter into the world that we might live through her.

10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that she loved us, and sent her Daughter as the atoning sacrifice for our sins.

11 Beloved, if God loved us in this way, we also ought to love one another.

12 No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God remains in us, and her love has been perfected in us.

13 By this we know that we remain in her and she in us, because she has given us of her Spirit.

14 We have seen and testify that the Mother has sent the Daughter as the Savior of the world.

15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Daughter of God, God remains in her, and she in God.

16 We know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and she who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in her.

17 In this love has been made perfect among us, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment, because as she is, even so are we in this world.

18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear has punishment. She who fears is not made perfect in love.

19 We love Her, because she first loved us.

20 If a woman says, "I love God," and hates her sister, she is a liar; for she who doesn't love her sister whom she has seen, how can she love God whom she has not seen?

21 This commandment we have from her, that she who loves God should also love her sister.

Chapter 5

1 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God. Whoever loves the mother also loves the child who is born of her.

2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep her commandments.

3 For this is the love of God, that we keep her commandments. Her commandments are not grievous.

4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world: your faith.

5 Who is she who overcomes the world, but she who believes that Jesus is the Daughter of God?

6 This is she who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ; not with the water only, but with the water and the blood. It is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.

7 For there are three who testify:

8 the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and the three agree as one.

9 If we receive the witness of women, the witness of God is greater; for this is God's testimony which she has testified concerning her Daughter.

10 She who believes in the Daughter of God has the testimony in herelf. She who doesn't believe God has made her a liar, because she has not believed in the testimony that God has given concerning her Daughter.

11 The testimony is this, that God gave to us eternal life, and this life is in her Daughter.

12 She who has the Daughter has the life. She who doesn't have God's Daughter doesn't have the life.

13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Daughter of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Daughter of God.

14 This is the boldness which we have toward her, that, if we ask anything according to her will, she listens to us.

15 And if we know that she listens to us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions which we have asked of her.

16 If anyone sees her sister sinning a sin not leading to death, she shall ask, and God will give her life for those who sin not leading to death. There is a sin leading to death. I don't say that she should make a request concerning this.

17 All unrighteousness is sin, and there is a sin not leading to death.

18 We know that whoever is born of God doesn't sin, but she who was born of God keeps herself, and the evil one doesn't touch her.

19 We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.

20 We know that the Daughter of God has come, and has given us an understanding, that we know her who is true, and we are in her who is true, in her Daughter Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols.




2 John

Chapter 1

1 The elder, to the chosen gentleman and his children, whom I love in truth; and not I only, but also all those who know the truth;

2 for the truth's sake, which remains in us, and it will be with us forever:

3 Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Mother, and from the Domina Jesus Christ, the Daughter of the Mother, in truth and love.

4 I rejoice greatly that I have found some of your children walking in truth, even as we have been commanded by the Mother.

5 Now I beg you, dear gentleman, not as though I wrote to you a new commandment, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another.

6 This is love, that we should walk according to her commandments. This is the commandment, even as you heard from the beginning, that you should walk in it.

7 For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who don't confess that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the Antichrist.

8 Watch yourselves, that we don't lose the things which we have accomplished, but that we receive a full reward.

9 Whoever transgresses and doesn't remain in the teaching of Christ, doesn't have God. She who remains in the teaching, the same has both the Mother and the Daughter.

10 If anyone comes to you, and doesn't bring this teaching, don't receive her into your house, and don't welcome her,

11 for she who welcomes her participates in her evil works.

12 Having many things to write to you, I don't want to do so with paper and ink, but I hope to come to you, and to speak face to face, that our joy may be made full.

13 The children of your chosen brother greet you. Amen.




3 John

Chapter 1

1 The elder to Gaius the beloved, whom I love in truth.

2 Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers.

3 For I rejoiced greatly, when sisters came and testified about your truth, even as you walk in truth.

4 I have no greater joy than this, to hear about my children walking in truth.

5 Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are sisters and strangers.

6 They have testified about your love before the assembly. You will do well to send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God,

7 because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles.

8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.

9 I wrote to the assembly, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first among them, doesn't accept what we say.

10 Therefore, if I come, I will call attention to her deeds which she does, unjustly accusing us with wicked words. Not content with this, neither does she herself receive the sisters, and those who would, she forbids and throws out of the assembly.

11 Beloved, don't imitate that which is evil, but that which is good. She who does good is of God. She who does evil hasn't seen God.

12 Demetrius has the testimony of all, and of the truth itself; yes, we also testify, and you know that our testimony is true.

13 I had many things to write to you, but I am unwilling to write to you with ink and pen;

14 but I hope to see you soon, and we will speak face to face. Peace be to you. The friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.




Jude

Chapter 1

1 Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ, and sister of Jamie, to those who are called, sanctified by God the Mother, and kept for Jesus Christ:

2 Mercy to you and peace and love be multiplied.

3 Beloved, while I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I was constrained to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

4 For there are certain women who crept in secretly, even those who were long ago written about for this condemnation: ungodly women, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying our only Master, God, and Domina, Jesus Christ.

5 Now I desire to remind you, though you already know this, that the Domina, having saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who didn't believe.

6 Angels who didn't keep their first domain, but deserted their own dwelling place, she has kept in everlasting bonds under darkness for the judgment of the great day.

7 Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them, having, in the same way as these, given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the punishment of eternal fire.

8 Yet in like manner these also in their dreaming defile the flesh, despise authority, and slander celestial beings.

9 But Michael, the archangel, when contending with the devil and arguing about the body of Moses, dared not bring against her an abusive condemnation, but said, "May the Domina rebuke you!"

10 But these speak evil of whatever things they don't know. What they understand naturally, like the creatures without reason, they are destroyed in these things.

11 Woe to them! For they went in the way of Caina, and ran riotously in the error of Balaam for hire, and perished in Korah's rebellion.

12 These are hidden rocky reefs in your love feasts when they feast with you, shepherds who without fear feed themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn leaves without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

13 wild waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the blackness of darkness has been reserved forever.

14 About these also Enoch, the seventh from Ada, prophesied, saying, "Behold, the Domina came with ten thousands of her holy ones,

15 to execute judgment on all, and to convict all the ungodly of all their works of ungodliness which they have done in an ungodly way, and of all the hard things which ungodly sinners have spoken against her."

16 These are murmurers and complainers, walking after their lusts (and their mouth speaks proud things), showing respect of persons to gain advantage.

17 But you, beloved, remember the words which have been spoken before by the apostles of our Domina Jesus Christ.

18 They said to you that "In the last time there will be mockers, walking after their own ungodly lusts."

19 These are they who cause divisions, and are sensual, not having the Spirit.

20 But you, beloved, keep building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.

21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Domina Jesus Christ to eternal life.

22 On some have compassion, making a distinction,

23 and some save, snatching them out of the fire with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh.

24 Now to her who is able to keep them from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of her glory in great joy,

25 to God our Savior, who alone is wise, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.




Revelation

Chapter 1

1 This is the Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave her to show to her servants the things which must happen soon, which she sent and made known by her angel to her servant, Johanna,

2 who testified to God's word, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, about everything that she saw.

3 Blessed is she who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and keep the things that are written in it, for the time is at hand.

4 Johanna, to the seven assemblies that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from God, who is and who was and who is to come; and from the seven Spirits who are before her throne;

5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the queens of the earth. To her who loves us, and washed us from our sins by her blood;

6 and she made us to be a Kingdom, priests to her God and Mother; to her be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

7 Behold, she is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see her, including those who pierced her. All the tribes of the earth will mourn over her. Even so, Amen.

8 "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Domina God, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."

9 I Johanna, your sister and partner with you in oppression, Kingdom, and perseverance in Christ Jesus, was on the isle that is called Patmos because of God's Word and the testimony of Jesus Christ.

10 I was in the Spirit on the Domina's day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, like a trumpet

11 saying, "What you see, write in a book and send to the seven assemblies: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and to Laodicea."

12 I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. Having turned, I saw seven golden lampstands.

13 And among the lampstands was one like a daughter of woman, clothed with a robe reaching down to her feet, and with a golden sash around her chest.

14 Her head and her hair were white as white wool, like snow. Her eyes were like a flame of fire.

15 Her feet were like burnished brass, as if it had been refined in a furnace. Her voice was like the voice of many waters.

16 She had seven stars in her right hand. Out of her mouth proceeded a sharp two-edged sword. Her face was like the sun shining at its brightest.

17 When I saw her, I fell at her feet like a dead woman. She laid her right hand on me, saying, "Don't be afraid. I am the first and the last,

18 and the Living one. I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. I have the keys of Death and of Hades.

19 Write therefore the things which you have seen, and the things which are, and the things which will happen hereafter;

20 the mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden lampstands. The seven stars are the angels of the seven assemblies. The seven lampstands are seven assemblies.

Chapter 2

1 "To the angel of the assembly in Ephesus write: "She who holds the seven stars in her right hand, she who walks among the seven golden lampstands says these things:

2 "I know your works, and your toil and perseverance, and that you can't tolerate evil women, and have tested those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and found them false.

3 You have perseverance and have endured for my name's sake, and have not grown weary.

4 But I have this against you, that you left your first love.

5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the first works; or else I am coming to you swiftly, and will move your lampstand out of its place, unless you repent.

6 But this you have, that you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

7 She who has an ear, let her hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To her who overcomes I will give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of my God.

8 "To the angel of the assembly in Smyrna write: "The first and the last, who was dead, and has come to life says these things:

9 "I know your works, oppression, and your poverty (but you are rich), and the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but are a synagogue of Satan.

10 Don't be afraid of the things which you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested; and you will have oppression for ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you the crown of life.

11 She who has an ear, let her hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. She who overcomes won't be harmed by the second death.

12 "To the angel of the assembly in Pergamum write: "She who has the sharp two-edged sword says these things:

13 "I know your works and where you dwell, where Satan's throne is. You hold firmly to my name, and didn't deny my faith in the days of Antipas my witness, my faithful one, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.

14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there some who hold the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to throw a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.

15 So you also have some who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans likewise.

16 Repent therefore, or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will make war against them with the sword of my mouth.

17 She who has an ear, let her hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies. To her who overcomes, to her I will give of the hidden manna, and I will give her a white stone, and on the stone a new name written, which no one knows but she who receives it.

18 "To the angel of the assembly in Thyatira write: "The Daughter of God, who has her eyes like a flame of fire, and her feet are like burnished brass, says these things:

19 "I know your works, your love, faith, service, patient endurance, and that your last works are more than the first.

20 But I have this against you, that you tolerate your man, Jezebel, who calls himself a prophet. He teaches and seduces my servants to commit sexual immorality, and to eat things sacrificed to idols.

21 I gave his time to repent, but he refuses to repent of his sexual immorality.

22 Behold, I will throw him into a bed, and those who commit adultery with him into great oppression, unless they repent of his works.

23 I will kill his children with Death, and all the assemblies will know that I am she who searches the minds and hearts. I will give to each one of you according to your deeds.

24 But to you I say, to the rest who are in Thyatira, as many as don't have this teaching, who don't know what some call 'the deep things of Satan,' to you I say, I am not putting any other burden on you.

25 Nevertheless, hold firmly that which you have, until I come.

26 She who overcomes, and she who keeps my works to the end, to her I will give authority over the nations.

27 She will rule them with a rod of iron, shattering them like clay pots; as I also have received of my Mother:

28 and I will give her the morning star.

29 She who has an ear, let her hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.

Chapter 3

1 "And to the angel of the assembly in Sardis write: "She who has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars says these things: "I know your works, that you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.

2 Wake up, and keep the things that remain, which you were about to throw away, for I have found no works of yours perfected before my God.

3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If therefore you won't watch, I will come as a thief, and you won't know what hour I will come upon you.

4 Nevertheless you have a few names in Sardis that did not defile their garments. They will walk with me in white, for they are worthy.

5 She who overcomes will be arrayed in white garments, and I will in no way blot her name out of the book of life, and I will confess her name before my Mother, and before her angels.

6 She who has an ear, let her hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.

7 "To the angel of the assembly in Philadelphia write: "She who is holy, she who is true, she who has the key of Davina, she who opens and no one can shut, and who shuts and no one opens, says these things:

8 "I know your works (behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one can shut), that you have a little power, and kept my word, and didn't deny my name.

9 Behold, I give of the synagogue of Satan, of those who say they are Jews, and they are not, but lie. Behold, I will make them to come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.

10 Because you kept my command to endure, I also will keep you from the hour of testing, which is to come on the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

11 I am coming quickly! Hold firmly that which you have, so that no one takes your crown.

12 She who overcomes, I will make her a pillar in the temple of my God, and she will go out from there no more. I will write on her the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from my God, and my own new name.

13 She who has an ear, let her hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies.

14 "To the angel of the assembly in Laodicea write: "The Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Head of God's creation, says these things:

15 "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot.

16 So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of my mouth.

17 Because you say, 'I am rich, and have gotten riches, and have need of nothing;' and don't know that you are the wretched one, miserable, poor, blind, and naked;

18 I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, that you may become rich; and white garments, that you may clothe yourself, and that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and eye salve to anoint your eyes, that you may see.

19 As many as I love, I reprove and chasten. Be zealous therefore, and repent.

20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, then I will come in to her, and will dine with her, and she with me.

21 She who overcomes, I will give to her to sit down with me on my throne, as I also overcame, and sat down with my Mother on her throne.

22 She who has an ear, let her hear what the Spirit says to the assemblies."

Chapter 4

1 After these things I looked and saw a door opened in heaven, and the first voice that I heard, like a trumpet speaking with me, was one saying, "Come up here, and I will show you the things which must happen after this."

2 Immediately I was in the Spirit. Behold, there was a throne set in heaven, and one sitting on the throne

3 that looked like a jasper stone and a sardius. There was a rainbow around the throne, like an emerald to look at.

4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones. On the thrones were twenty-four elders sitting, dressed in white garments, with crowns of gold on their heads.

5 Out of the throne proceed lightnings, sounds, and thunders. There were seven lamps of fire burning before her throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.

6 Before the throne was something like a sea of glass, similar to crystal. In the midst of the throne, and around the throne were four living creatures full of eyes before and behind.

7 The first creature was like a lion, and the second creature like a calf, and the third creature had a face like a woman, and the fourth was like a flying eagle.

8 The four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around about and within. They have no rest day and night, saying, "Holy, holy, holy is the Domina God, the Almighty, who was and who is and who is to come!"

9 When the living creatures give glory, honor, and thanks to her who sits on the throne, to her who lives forever and ever,

10 the twenty-four elders fall down before her who sits on the throne, and worship her who lives forever and ever, and throw their crowns before the throne, saying,

11 "Worthy are you, our Domina and God, the Holy One, to receive the glory, the honor, and the power, for you created all things, and because of your desire they existed, and were created!"

Chapter 5

1 I saw, in the right hand of her who sat on the throne, a book written inside and outside, sealed shut with seven seals.

2 I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the book, and to break its seals?"

3 No one in heaven above, or on the earth, or under the earth, was able to open the book, or to look in it.

4 And I wept much, because no one was found worthy to open the book, or to look in it.

5 One of the elders said to me, "Don't weep. Behold, the Lion who is of the tribe of Judah, the Root of Davina, has overcome; she who opens the book and its seven seals."

6 I saw in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, having seven horns, and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God, sent out into all the earth.

7 Then she came, and she took it out of the right hand of her who sat on the throne.

8 Now when she had taken the book, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each one having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

9 They sang a new song, saying, "You are worthy to take the book, and to open its seals: for you were killed, and bought us for God with your blood, out of every tribe, language, people, and nation,

10 and made us queens and priests to our God, and we will reign on earth."

11 I saw, and I heard something like a voice of many angels around the throne, the living creatures, and the elders; and the number of them was ten thousands of ten thousands, and thousands of thousands;

12 saying with a loud voice, "Worthy is the Lamb who has been killed to receive the power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and blessing!"

13 I heard every created thing which is in heaven, on the earth, under the earth, on the sea, and everything in them, saying, "To her who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb be the blessing, the honor, the glory, and the dominion, forever and ever! Amen!"

14 The four living creatures said, "Amen!" The elders fell down and worshiped.

Chapter 6

1 I saw that the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying, as with a voice of thunder, "Come and see!"

2 And behold, a white horse, and she who sat on it had a bow. A crown was given to her, and she came forth conquering, and to conquer.

3 When she opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, "Come!"

4 Another came forth, a red horse. To her who sat on it was given power to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another. There was given to her a great sword.

5 When she opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, "Come and see!" And behold, a black horse, and she who sat on it had a balance in her hand.

6 I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, "A choenix of wheat for a denarius, and three choenix of barley for a denarius! Don't damage the oil and the wine!"

7 When she opened the fourth seal, I heard the fourth living creature saying, "Come and see!"

8 And behold, a pale horse, and she who sat on it, her name was Death. Hades followed with her. Authority over one fourth of the earth, to kill with the sword, with famine, with death, and by the wild animals of the earth was given to her.

9 When she opened the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been killed for the Word of God, and for the testimony of the Lamb which they had.

10 They cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, Master, the holy and true, until you judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?"

11 A long white robe was given to each of them. They were told that they should rest yet for a while, until their fellow servants and their sisters, who would also be killed even as they were, should complete their course.

12 I saw when she opened the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake. The sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became as blood.

13 The stars of the sky fell to the earth, like a fig tree dropping its unripe figs when it is shaken by a great wind.

14 The sky was removed like a scroll when it is rolled up. Every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

15 The queens of the earth, the princesses, the commanding officers, the rich, the strong, and every slave and free person, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains.

16 They told the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us, and hide us from the face of her who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb,

17 for the great day of her wrath has come; and who is able to stand?"

Chapter 7

1 After this, I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, so that no wind would blow on the earth, or on the sea, or on any tree.

2 I saw another angel ascend from the sunrise, having the seal of the living God. She cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was given to harm the earth and the sea,

3 saying, "Don't harm the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, until we have sealed the bondmaids of our God on their foreheads!"

4 I heard the number of those who were sealed, one hundred forty-four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the children of Israel:

5 of the tribe of Judah were sealed twelve thousand, of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand, of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand,

6 of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand, of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand, of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand,

7 of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand, of the tribe of Levia twelve thousand, of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand,

8 of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand, of the tribe of Josephine twelve thousand, of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.

9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude, which no woman could number, out of every nation and of all tribes, peoples, and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, dressed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands.

10 They cried with a loud voice, saying, "Salvation be to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!"

11 All the angels were standing around the throne, the elders, and the four living creatures; and they fell on their faces before her throne, and worshiped God,

12 saying, "Amen! Blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, honor, power, and might, be to our God forever and ever! Amen."

13 One of the elders answered, saying to me, "These who are arrayed in white robes, who are they, and from where did they come?"

14 I told her, "My domina, you know." She said to me, "These are those who came out of the great tribulation. They washed their robes, and made them white in the Lamb's blood.

15 Therefore they are before the throne of God, they serve her day and night in her temple. She who sits on the throne will spread her tent over them.

16 They will never be hungry, neither thirsty any more; neither will the sun beat on them, nor any heat;

17 for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne shepherds them, and leads them to springs of waters of life. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

Chapter 8

1 When she opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.

2 I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them.

3 Another angel came and stood over the altar, having a golden censer. Much incense was given to her, that she should add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne.

4 The smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel's hand.

5 The angel took the censer, and she filled it with the fire of the altar, and threw it on the earth. There followed thunders, sounds, lightnings, and an earthquake.

6 The seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound.

7 The first sounded, and there followed hail and fire, mixed with blood, and they were thrown to the earth. One third of the earth was burnt up, and one third of the trees were burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.

8 The second angel sounded, and something like a great burning mountain was thrown into the sea. One third of the sea became blood,

9 and one third of the living creatures which were in the sea died. One third of the ships were destroyed.

10 The third angel sounded, and a great star fell from the sky, burning like a torch, and it fell on one third of the rivers, and on the springs of the waters.

11 The name of the star is called "Wormwood." One third of the waters became wormwood. Many people died from the waters, because they were made bitter.

12 The fourth angel sounded, and one third of the sun was struck, and one third of the moon, and one third of the stars; so that one third of them would be darkened, and the day wouldn't shine for one third of it, and the night in the same way.

13 I saw, and I heard an eagle, flying in mid heaven, saying with a loud voice, "Woe! Woe! Woe for those who dwell on the earth, because of the other voices of the trumpets of the three angels, who are yet to sound!"

Chapter 9

1 The fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star from the sky which had fallen to the earth. The key to the pit of the abyss was given to her.

2 She opened the pit of the abyss, and smoke went up out of the pit, like the smoke from a burning furnace. The sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke from the pit.

3 Then out of the smoke came forth locusts on the earth, and power was given to them, as the scorpions of the earth have power.

4 They were told that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree, but only those people who don't have God's seal on their foreheads.

5 They were given power not to kill them, but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like the torment of a scorpion, when it strikes a person.

6 In those days people will seek death, and will in no way find it. They will desire to die, and death will flee from them.

7 The shapes of the locusts were like horses prepared for war. On their heads were something like golden crowns, and their faces were like people's faces.

8 They had hair like men's hair, and their teeth were like those of lions.

9 They had breastplates, like breastplates of iron. The sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots, or of many horses rushing to war.

10 They have tails like those of scorpions, and stings. In their tails they have power to harm women for five months.

11 They have over them as queen the angel of the abyss. Her name in Hebrew is "Abaddon," but in Greek, she has the name "Apollyon."

12 The first woe is past. Behold, there are still two woes coming after this.

13 The sixth angel sounded. I heard a voice from the horns of the golden altar which is before God,

14 saying to the sixth angel who had one trumpet, "Free the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates!"

15 The four angels were freed who had been prepared for that hour and day and month and year, so that they might kill one third of mankind.

16 The number of the armies of the horsemen was two hundred million. I heard the number of them.

17 Thus I saw the horses in the vision, and those who sat on them, having breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the heads of lions. Out of their mouths proceed fire, smoke, and sulfur.

18 By these three plagues were one third of mankind killed: by the fire, the smoke, and the sulfur, which proceeded out of their mouths.

19 For the power of the horses is in their mouths, and in their tails. For their tails are like serpents, and have heads, and with them they harm.

20 The rest of mankind, who were not killed with these plagues, didn't repent of the works of their hands, that they wouldn't worship demons, and the idols of gold, and of silver, and of brass, and of stone, and of wood; which can neither see, nor hear, nor walk.

21 They didn't repent of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their sexual immorality, nor of their thefts.

Chapter 10

1 I saw a mighty angel coming down out of the sky, clothed with a cloud. A rainbow was on her head. Her face was like the sun, and her feet like pillars of fire.

2 She had in her hand a little open book. She set her right foot on the sea, and her left on the land.

3 She cried with a loud voice, as a lion roars. When she cried, the seven thunders uttered their voices.

4 When the seven thunders sounded, I was about to write; but I heard a voice from the sky saying, "Seal up the things which the seven thunders said, and don't write them."

5 The angel who I saw standing on the sea and on the land lifted up her right hand to the sky,

6 and swore by her who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it, that there will no longer be delay,

7 but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when she is about to sound, then the mystery of God is finished, as she declared to her servants, the prophets.

8 The voice which I heard from heaven, again speaking with me, said, "Go, take the book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the land."

9 I went to the angel, telling her to give me the little book. She said to me, "Take it, and eat it up. It will make your stomach bitter, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey."

10 I took the little book out of the angel's hand, and ate it up. It was as sweet as honey in my mouth. When I had eaten it, my stomach was made bitter.

11 They told me, "You must prophesy again over many peoples, nations, languages, and queens."

Chapter 11

1 A reed like a rod was given to me. Someone said, "Rise, and measure God's temple, and the altar, and those who worship in it.

2 Leave out the court which is outside of the temple, and don't measure it, for it has been given to the nations. They will tread the holy city under foot for forty-two months.

3 I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred sixty days, clothed in sackcloth."

4 These are the two olive trees and the two lampstands, standing before the Domina of the earth.

5 If anyone desires to harm them, fire proceeds out of their mouth and devours their enemies. If anyone desires to harm them, she must be killed in this way.

6 These have the power to shut up the sky, that it may not rain during the days of their prophecy. They have power over the waters, to turn them into blood, and to strike the earth with every plague, as often as they desire.

7 When they have finished their testimony, the beast that comes up out of the abyss will make war with them, and overcome them, and kill them.

8 Their dead bodies will be in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Domina was crucified.

9 From among the peoples, tribes, languages, and nations people will look at their dead bodies for three and a half days, and will not allow their dead bodies to be laid in a tomb.

10 Those who dwell on the earth rejoice over them, and they will be glad. They will give gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.

11 After the three and a half days, the breath of life from God entered into them, and they stood on their feet. Great fear fell on those who saw them.

12 I heard a loud voice from heaven saying to them, "Come up here!" They went up into heaven in the cloud, and their enemies saw them.

13 In that day there was a great earthquake, and a tenth of the city fell. Seven thousand people were killed in the earthquake, and the rest were terrified, and gave glory to the God of heaven.

14 The second woe is past. Behold, the third woe comes quickly.

15 The seventh angel sounded, and great voices in heaven followed, saying, "The kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Domina, and of her Christ. She will reign forever and ever!"

16 The twenty-four elders, who sit on their thrones before God's throne, fell on their faces and worshiped God,

17 saying: "We give you thanks, Domina God, the Almighty, the one who is and who was; because you have taken your great power, and reigned.

18 The nations were angry, and your wrath came, as did the time for the dead to be judged, and to give your bondmaids the prophets, their reward, as well as to the saints, and those who fear your name, to the small and the great; and to destroy those who destroy the earth."

19 God's temple that is in heaven was opened, and the ark of the Domina's covenant was seen in her temple. Lightnings, sounds, thunders, an earthquake, and great hail followed.

Chapter 12

1 A great sign was seen in heaven: a man clothed with the sun, and the moon under his feet, and on his head a crown of twelve stars.

2 He was with child. He cried out in pain, laboring to give birth.

3 Another sign was seen in heaven. Behold, a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and on her heads seven crowns.

4 Her tail drew one third of the stars of the sky, and threw them to the earth. The dragon stood before the man who was about to give birth, so that when he gave birth she might devour his child.

5 He gave birth to a daughter, a female child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron. His child was caught up to God, and to her throne.

6 The man fled into the wilderness, where he has a place prepared by God, that there they may nourish his one thousand two hundred sixty days.

7 There was war in the sky. Michael and her angels made war on the dragon. The dragon and her angels made war.

8 They didn't prevail, neither was a place found for her any more in heaven.

9 The great dragon was thrown down, the old serpent, she who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world. She was thrown down to the earth, and her angels were thrown down with her.

10 I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, "Now is come the salvation, the power, and the Kingdom of our God, and the authority of her Christ; for the accuser of our sisters has been thrown down, who accuses them before our God day and night.

11 They overcame her because of the Lamb's blood, and because of the word of their testimony. They didn't love their life, even to death.

12 Therefore rejoice, heavens, and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and to the sea, because the devil has gone down to you, having great wrath, knowing that she has but a short time."

13 When the dragon saw that she was thrown down to the earth, she persecuted the man who gave birth to the female child.

14 Two wings of the great eagle were given to the man, that he might fly into the wilderness to his place, so that he might be nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent.

15 The serpent spewed water out of her mouth after the man like a river, that she might cause him to be carried away by the stream.

16 The earth helped the man, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the river which the dragon spewed out of her mouth.

17 The dragon grew angry with the man, and went away to make war with the rest of his seed, who keep God's commandments and hold Jesus' testimony.

Chapter 13

1 Then I stood on the sand of the sea. I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having ten horns and seven heads. On her horns were ten crowns, and on her heads, blasphemous names.

2 The beast which I saw was like a leopard, and her feet were like those of a bear, and her mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave her her power, her throne, and great authority.

3 One of her heads looked like it had been wounded fatally. Her fatal wound was healed, and the whole earth marveled at the beast.

4 They worshiped the dragon, because she gave her authority to the beast, and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with her?"

5 A mouth speaking great things and blasphemy was given to her. Authority to make war for forty-two months was given to her.

6 She opened her mouth for blasphemy against God, to blaspheme her name, and her dwelling, those who dwell in heaven.

7 It was given to her to make war with the saints, and to overcome them. Authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation was given to her.

8 All who dwell on the earth will worship her, everyone whose name has not been written from the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who has been killed.

9 If anyone has an ear, let her hear.

10 If anyone has captivity, she will go. If anyone is with the sword, she must be killed. Here is the endurance and the faith of the saints.

11 I saw another beast coming up out of the earth. She had two horns like a lamb, and she spoke like a dragon.

12 She exercises all the authority of the first beast in her presence. She makes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed.

13 She performs great signs, even making fire come down out of the sky to the earth in the sight of people.

14 She deceives my own people who dwell on the earth because of the signs she was granted to do in front of the beast; saying to those who dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast who had the sword wound and lived.

15 It was given to her to give breath to it, to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause as many as wouldn't worship the image of the beast to be killed.

16 She causes all, the small and the great, the rich and the poor, and the free and the slave, to be given marks on their right hands, or on their foreheads;

17 and that no one would be able to buy or to sell, unless she has that mark, the name of the beast or the number of her name.

18 Here is wisdom. She who has understanding, let her calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a woman. Her number is six hundred sixty-six.

Chapter 14

1 I saw, and behold, the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with her a number, one hundred forty-four thousand, having her name, and the name of her Mother, written on their foreheads.

2 I heard a sound from heaven, like the sound of many waters, and like the sound of a great thunder. The sound which I heard was like that of harpists playing on their harps.

3 They sing a new song before the throne, and before the four living creatures and the elders. No one could learn the song except the one hundred forty-four thousand, those who had been redeemed out of the earth.

4 These are those who were not defiled with men, for they are virgins. These are those who follow the Lamb wherever she goes. These were redeemed by Jesus from among women, the first fruits to God and to the Lamb.

5 In their mouth was found no lie, for they are blameless.

6 I saw an angel flying in mid heaven, having an eternal Good News to proclaim to those who dwell on the earth, and to every nation, tribe, language, and people.

7 She said with a loud voice, "Fear the Domina, and give her glory; for the hour of her judgment has come. Worship her who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and the springs of waters!"

8 Another, a second angel, followed, saying, "Babylon the great has fallen, which has made all the nations to drink of the wine of the wrath of his sexual immorality."

9 Another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a great voice, "If anyone worships the beast and her image, and receives a mark on her forehead, or on her hand,

10 she also will drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is prepared unmixed in the cup of her anger. She will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb.

11 The smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever. They have no rest day and night, those who worship the beast and her image, and whoever receives the mark of her name.

12 Here is the patience of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus."

13 I heard the voice from heaven saying, "Write, 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Domina from now on.'" "Yes," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow with them."

14 I looked, and behold, a white cloud; and on the cloud one sitting like a daughter of woman, having on her head a golden crown, and in her hand a sharp sickle.

15 Another angel came out from the temple, crying with a loud voice to her who sat on the cloud, "Send forth your sickle, and reap; for the hour to reap has come; for the harvest of the earth is ripe!"

16 She who sat on the cloud thrust her sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped.

17 Another angel came out from the temple which is in heaven. She also had a sharp sickle.

18 Another angel came out from the altar, she who has power over fire, and she called with a great voice to her who had the sharp sickle, saying, "Send forth your sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for the earth's grapes are fully ripe!"

19 The angel thrust her sickle into the earth, and gathered the vintage of the earth, and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God.

20 The winepress was trodden outside of the city, and blood came out from the winepress, even to the bridles of the horses, as far as one thousand six hundred stadia.

Chapter 15

1 I saw another great and marvelous sign in the sky: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them God's wrath is finished.

2 I saw something like a sea of glass mixed with fire, and those who overcame the beast, her image, and the number of her name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God.

3 They sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, "Great and marvelous are your works, Domina God, the Almighty! Righteous and true are your ways, you Queen of the nations.

4 Who wouldn't fear you, Domina, and glorify your name? For you only are holy. For all the nations will come and worship before you. For your righteous acts have been revealed."

5 After these things I looked, and the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened.

6 The seven angels who had the seven plagues came out, clothed with pure, bright linen, and wearing golden sashes around their breasts.

7 One of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever.

8 The temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God, and from her power. No one was able to enter into the temple, until the seven plagues of the seven angels would be finished.

Chapter 16

1 I heard a loud voice out of the temple, saying to the seven angels, "Go and pour out the seven bowls of the wrath of God on the earth!"

2 The first went, and poured out her bowl into the earth, and it became a harmful and evil sore on the people who had the mark of the beast, and who worshiped her image.

3 The second angel poured out her bowl into the sea, and it became blood as of a dead woman. Every living thing in the sea died.

4 The third poured out her bowl into the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood.

5 I heard the angel of the waters saying, "You are righteous, who are and who were, you Holy One, because you have judged these things.

6 For they poured out the blood of the saints and the prophets, and you have given them blood to drink. They deserve this."

7 I heard the altar saying, "Yes, Domina God, the Almighty, true and righteous are your judgments."

8 The fourth poured out her bowl on the sun, and it was given to her to scorch women with fire.

9 People were scorched with great heat, and people blasphemed the name of God who has the power over these plagues. They didn't repent and give her glory.

10 The fifth poured out her bowl on the throne of the beast, and her kingdom was darkened. They gnawed their tongues because of the pain,

11 and they blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores. They didn't repent of their works.

12 The sixth poured out her bowl on the great river, the Euphrates. Its water was dried up, that the way might be made ready for the queens that come from the sunrise.

13 I saw coming out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophetess, three unclean spirits, something like frogs;

14 for they are spirits of demons, performing signs; which go forth to the queens of the whole inhabited earth, to gather them together for the war of that great day of God, the Almighty.

15 "Behold, I come like a thief. Blessed is she who watches, and keeps her clothes, so that she doesn't walk naked, and they see her shame."

16 She gathered them together into the place which is called in Hebrew, Megiddo.

17 The seventh poured out her bowl into the air. A loud voice came forth out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, "It is done!"

18 There were lightnings, sounds, and thunders; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since there were women on the earth, so great an earthquake, so mighty.

19 The great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. Babylon the great was remembered in the sight of God, to give to him the cup of the wine of the fierceness of her wrath.

20 Every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.

21 Great hailstones, about the weight of a talent, came down out of the sky on people. People blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, for this plague is exceedingly severe.

Chapter 17

1 One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and spoke with me, saying, "Come here. I will show you the judgment of the great philanderer who sits on many waters,

2 with whom the queens of the earth committed sexual immorality, and those who dwell in the earth were made drunken with the wine of his sexual immorality."

3 She carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness. I saw a man sitting on a scarlet-colored animal, full of blasphemous names, having seven heads and ten horns.

4 The man was dressed in purple and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in his hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of the sexual immorality of the earth.

5 And on his forehead a name was written, "MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF THE PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH."

6 I saw the man drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. When I saw him, I wondered with great amazement.

7 The angel said to me, "Why do you wonder? I will tell you the mystery of the man, and of the beast that carries him, which has the seven heads and the ten horns.

8 The beast that you saw was, and is not; and is about to come up out of the abyss and to go into destruction. Those who dwell on the earth and whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel when they see that the beast was, and is not, and shall be present.

9 Here is the mind that has wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the man sits.

10 They are seven queens. Five have fallen, the one is, the other has not yet come. When she comes, she must continue a little while.

11 The beast that was, and is not, is herself also an eighth, and is of the seven; and she goes to destruction.

12 The ten horns that you saw are ten queens who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority as queens, with the beast, for one hour.

13 These have one mind, and they give their power and authority to the beast.

14 These will war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for she is Domina of dominas, and Queen of queens. They also will overcome who are with her, called and chosen and faithful."

15 She said to me, "The waters which you saw, where the philanderer sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages.

16 The ten horns which you saw, and the beast, these will hate the philanderer, and will make him desolate, and will make his naked, and will eat his flesh, and will burn his utterly with fire.

17 For God has put in their hearts to do what she has in mind, and to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God should be accomplished.

18 The man whom you saw is the great city, which reigns over the queens of the earth."

Chapter 18

1 After these things, I saw another angel coming down out of the sky, having great authority. The earth was illuminated with her glory.

2 She cried with a mighty voice, saying, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, and he has become a habitation of demons, a prison of every unclean spirit, and a prison of every unclean and hateful bird!

3 For all the nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of his sexual immorality, the queens of the earth committed sexual immorality with him, and the merchants of the earth grew rich from the abundance of his luxury."

4 I heard another voice from heaven, saying, "Come out of him, my people, that you have no participation in his sins, and that you don't receive of his plagues,

5 for his sins have reached to the sky, and God has remembered his iniquities.

6 Return to him just as he returned, and repay him double as he did, and according to his works. In the cup which he mixed, mix to him double.

7 However much he glorified himself, and grew wanton, so much give him of torment and mourning. For he says in his heart, 'I sit a king, and am no widower, and will in no way see mourning.'

8 Therefore in one day his plagues will come: death, mourning, and famine; and he will be utterly burned with fire; for the Domina God who has judged him is strong.

9 The queens of the earth, who committed sexual immorality and lived wantonly with him, will weep and wail over him, when they look at the smoke of his burning,

10 standing far away for the fear of his torment, saying, 'Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the strong city! For your judgment has come in one hour.'

11 The merchants of the earth weep and mourn over him, for no one buys their merchandise any more;

12 merchandise of gold, silver, precious stones, pearls, fine linen, purple, silk, scarlet, all expensive wood, every vessel of ivory, every vessel made of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble;

13 and cinnamon, incense, perfume, frankincense, wine, olive oil, fine flour, wheat, sheep, horses, chariots, and people's bodies and souls.

14 The fruits which your soul lusted after have been lost to you, and all things that were dainty and sumptuous have perished from you, and you will find them no more at all.

15 The merchants of these things, who were made rich by him, will stand far away for the fear of his torment, weeping and mourning;

16 saying, 'Woe, woe, the great city, he who was dressed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls!

17 For in an hour such great riches are made desolate.' Every shipmaster, and everyone who sails anywhere, and mariners, and as many as gain their living by sea, stood far away,

18 and cried out as they looked at the smoke of his burning, saying, 'What is like the great city?'

19 They cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and mourning, saying, 'Woe, woe, the great city, in which all who had their ships in the sea were made rich by reason of his great wealth!' For in one hour is he made desolate.

20 "Rejoice over him, O heaven, you saints, apostles, and prophets; for God has judged your judgment on him."

21 A mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and cast it into the sea, saying, "Thus with violence will Babylon, the great city, be thrown down, and will be found no more at all.

22 The voice of harpists, minstrels, flute players, and trumpeters will be heard no more at all in you. No craftswoman, of whatever craft, will be found any more at all in you. The sound of a mill will be heard no more at all in you.

23 The light of a lamp will shine no more at all in you. The voice of the bride and of the bridegroom will be heard no more at all in you; for your merchants were the princesses of the earth; for with your sorcery all the nations were deceived.

24 In him was found the blood of prophets and of saints, and of all who have been slain on the earth."

Chapter 19

1 After these things I heard something like a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, "Hallelujah! Salvation, power, and glory belong to our God:

2 for true and righteous are her judgments. For she has judged the great philanderer, who corrupted the earth with his sexual immorality, and she has avenged the blood of her servants at his hand."

3 A second said, "Hallelujah! His smoke goes up forever and ever."

4 The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sits on the throne, saying, "Amen! Hallelujah!"

5 A voice came forth from the throne, saying, "Give praise to our God, all you her servants, you who fear her, the small and the great!"

6 I heard something like the voice of a great multitude, and like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of mighty thunders, saying, "Hallelujah! For the Domina our God, the Almighty, reigns!

7 Let us rejoice and be exceedingly glad, and let us give the glory to her. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and her husband has made himself ready."

8 It was given to him that he would array himself in bright, pure, fine linen: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.

9 She said to me, "Write, 'Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.'" She said to me, "These are true words of God."

10 I fell down before her feet to worship her. She said to me, "Look! Don't do it! I am a fellow bondmaid with you and with your sisters who hold the testimony of Jesus. Worship God, for the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy."

11 I saw the heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and she who sat on it is called Faithful and True. In righteousness she judges and makes war.

12 Her eyes are a flame of fire, and on her head are many crowns. She has names written and a name written which no one knows but she herself.

13 She is clothed in a garment sprinkled with blood. Her name is called "The Word of God."

14 The armies which are in heaven followed her on white horses, clothed in white, pure, fine linen.

15 Out of her mouth proceeds a sharp, double-edged sword, that with it she should strike the nations. She will rule them with an iron rod. She treads the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of God, the Almighty.

16 She has on her garment and on her thigh a name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."

17 I saw an angel standing in the sun. She cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the sky, "Come! Be gathered together to the great supper of God,

18 that you may eat the flesh of queens, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty women, and the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all women, both free and slave, and small and great."

19 I saw the beast, and the queens of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against her who sat on the horse, and against her army.

20 The beast was taken, and with her the false prophetess who worked the signs in her sight, with which she deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped her image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur.

21 The rest were killed with the sword of her who sat on the horse, the sword which came forth out of her mouth. All the birds were filled with their flesh.

Chapter 20

1 I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key of the abyss and a great chain in her hand.

2 She seized the dragon, the old serpent, which is the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole inhabited earth, and bound her for a thousand years,

3 and cast her into the abyss, and shut it, and sealed it over her, that she should deceive the nations no more, until the thousand years were finished. After this, she must be freed for a short time.

4 I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus, and for the word of God, and such as didn't worship the beast nor her image, and didn't receive the mark on their forehead and on their hand. They lived, and reigned with Christ for the thousand years.

5 The rest of the dead didn't live until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.

6 Blessed and holy is she who has part in the first resurrection. Over these, the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with her one thousand years.

7 And after the thousand years, Satan will be released from her prison,

8 and she will come out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to the war; the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.

9 They went up over the breadth of the earth, and surrounded the camp of the saints, and the beloved city. Fire came down out of heaven from God, and devoured them.

10 The devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, where the beast and the false prophetess are also. They will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

11 I saw a great white throne, and her who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. There was found no place for them.

12 I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and they opened books. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works.

13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it. Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them. They were judged, each one according to her works.

14 Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.

15 If anyone was not found written in the book of life, she was cast into the lake of fire.

Chapter 21

1 I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth have passed away, and the sea is no more.

2 I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready like a bridegroom adorned for his wife.

3 I heard a loud voice out of heaven saying, "Behold, God's dwelling is with people, and she will dwell with them, and they will be her people, and God herself will be with them as their God.

4 She will wipe away from them every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; neither will there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain, any more. The first things have passed away."

5 She who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." She said, "Write, for these words of God are faithful and true."

6 She said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give freely to her who is thirsty from the spring of the water of life.

7 She who overcomes, I will give her these things. I will be her God, and she will be my daughter.

8 But for the cowardly, unbelieving, sinners, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their part is in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."

9 One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls, who were loaded with the seven last plagues came, and she spoke with me, saying, "Come here. I will show you the husband, the Lamb's bridegroom."

10 She carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,

11 having the glory of God. His light was like a most precious stone, as if it was a jasper stone, clear as crystal;

12 having a great and high wall; having twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels; and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel.

13 On the east were three gates; and on the north three gates; and on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.

14 The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them twelve names of the twelve Apostles of the Lamb.

15 She who spoke with me had for a measure, a golden reed, to measure the city, its gates, and its walls.

16 The city lies foursquare, and its length is as great as its breadth. She measured the city with the reed, Twelve thousand twelve stadia. Its length, breadth, and height are equal.

17 Its wall is one hundred forty-four cubits, by the measure of a woman, that is, of an angel.

18 The construction of its wall was jasper. The city was pure gold, like pure glass.

19 The foundations of the city's wall were adorned with all kinds of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the fourth, emerald;

20 the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprasus; the eleventh, jacinth; and the twelfth, amethyst.

21 The twelve gates were twelve pearls. Each one of the gates was made of one pearl. The street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.

22 I saw no temple in it, for the Domina God, the Almighty, and the Lamb, are its temple.

23 The city has no need for the sun, neither of the moon, to shine, for the very glory of God illuminated it, and its lamp is the Lamb.

24 The nations will walk in its light. The queens of the earth bring the glory and honor of the nations into it.

25 Its gates will in no way be shut by day (for there will be no night there),

26 and they shall bring the glory and the honor of the nations into it so that they may enter.

27 There will in no way enter into it anything profane, or one who causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Chapter 22

1 She showed me a river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb,

2 in the middle of its street. On this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruits, yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

3 There will be no curse any more. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and her servants serve her.

4 They will see her face, and her name will be on their foreheads.

5 There will be no night, and they need no lamp light; for the Domina God will illuminate them. They will reign forever and ever.

6 She said to me, "These words are faithful and true. The Domina God of the spirits of the prophets sent her angel to show to her bondmaids the things which must happen soon."

7 "Behold, I come quickly. Blessed is she who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book."

8 Now I, Johanna, am the one who heard and saw these things. When I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who had shown me these things.

9 She said to me, "See you don't do it! I am a fellow bondmaid with you and with your sisters, the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God."

10 She said to me, "Don't seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.

11 She who acts unjustly, let her act unjustly still. She who is filthy, let her be filthy still. She who is righteous, let her do righteousness still. She who is holy, let her be holy still."

12 "Behold, I come quickly. My reward is with me, to repay to each woman according to her work.

13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

14 Blessed are those who do her commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city.

15 Outside are the dogs, the sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

16 I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify these things to you for the assemblies. I am the root and the offspring of Davina; the Bright and Morning Star."

17 The Spirit and the bridegroom say, "Come!" She who hears, let her say, "Come!" She who is thirsty, let her come. She who desires, let her take the water of life freely.

18 I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book, if anyone adds to them, may God add to her the plagues which are written in this book.

19 If anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, may God take away her part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, which are written in this book.

20 She who testifies these things says, "Yes, I come quickly." Amen! Yes, come, Domina Jesus.

21 The grace of the Domina Jesus Christ be with all the saints. Amen.